How Many Pounds Draw Weight Does it Take to Kill a Deer?

Discussion in 'Bowhunting Talk' started by TexasOutdoorsman, Oct 12, 2011.

  1. maxpetros

    maxpetros Grizzled Veteran

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    Modern compounds put out weigh more energy than long bows. This video proves that deer can be killed with quite low poundage if put i the right place
    http://youtu.be/LsqrlaIef2o
    However out of my compound I shoot 62 so I can get a pass through on a whitetail with a mechanical.


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  2. tfox

    tfox Grizzled Veteran

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    The draw weight doesn't kill the deer so the question itself is flawed.

    My son got a complete passthrough on a doe at 38# and 24"draw.


    The projectile is the end all. A well tuned, well placed arrow tipped with a cut on contact broadhead will kill a deer out of a very low energy source.

    Remember that draw length is also a very important part of the energy equation so putting a number on it is impossible. :)

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  3. tfox

    tfox Grizzled Veteran

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    Ke does not kill out of a bow. Massive hemerroraging does. It may give you some kind of idea of the penetration POTENTIAL but even then, too many factors.


    It's all about a well tuned, well placed arrow tipped with a cut on contact head. All the arrow has to do is make into the vitals area and it doesn't take much energy to do that with the previously stated criteria.

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  4. tfox

    tfox Grizzled Veteran

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    Dammit:D

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  5. tfox

    tfox Grizzled Veteran

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    For the ke guys, my son has had passthroughs in the 25 ft/lb ke range ;)




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    Last edited: Aug 28, 2013
  6. AUbowhunter

    AUbowhunter Weekend Warrior

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    Thought I was shooting 65, but went to the shop today and got it tested just to see and I'm shooting 71. Who knew?
     
  7. Chago

    Chago Die Hard Bowhunter

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    70lbs is required.



    Oh sorry I thought you asked how much to pass thru a deer and bury entire arrow in the dirt lol
     
  8. JamesxCreedx

    JamesxCreedx Weekend Warrior

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    string stretch?

    I think its 35 in indiana, but with a good shot a deer would come down with much less.
     
  9. muzzyman88

    muzzyman88 Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Arrow weight and KE is the key. Added draw weight certainly can't hurt so long as you can pull and hold it, but its not the deciding factor. Most states put a minimum draw weight to cover for most who don't bother concerning themselves with how much KE they are shooting. If you shoot a decent weight arrow out of a 40lb bow, you're fine.

    It always amuses me to see the statements about how this bow or that bow produces 68-75lbs of KE, etc. For whitetails, on a well placed shot, all you're doing is killing the deer, arrow and the ground on the other side. Its overkill.

    I do however feel that more KE is better, regardless. I like as much as I can reasonably get for those less than perfect shots and added insurance. I know that if I do make a less than perfect shot and hit forward and hit bone, I have enough KE to plow through it.
     

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