This might be a dumb question but I think I know the answer. I'm looking for confirmation. Ive read that the minimum recommeded draw weight for hunting big game is 40#. Is that recomendation based on bow rating or actual draw weight? Is a 35# bow drawn to 30" equal to a 40# bow drawn to 28" equal to a 45# bow drawn to 26" ? (plus or minus a pound or two)
I wouldn't even think of expandables from traditional equipment. Will be single bevel two blade heads for me. If I ever get that far.
Most traditional bows are weighted at a 28" draw. All bows will "stack" differently, when pulling less or more than 28", but it's usually 3 to 5lb difference per inch. Whatever weight you decide on, remember it's much different than a compound. I shoot a 70lb, 30" compound, but only a 50lb, 28" recurve, and while the draw cycles are different, it takes less muscle to shoot my compound.
Quick answer, yes...you are correct. As JDouin stated above, each bow is a little different but 3-5lbs per inch is about right.
What you need to hunt is very much determined by state law. FL for example requires at least a 35 lb draw and the warden will only know what is written on the bow.....what is far more important than draw weight for hunting is arrow placement, if the arrows go where you want them then it doesn't require a monster bow. I shoot a custom recurve that is about 65 LBS at my 31 inch draw, no stacking....
You don't need to be Hercules to bow hunt and a properly tipped arrow fired from 40-45# recurve will shoot through an elk at ranges around 20 yards and even further if you don't hit any bone. Learn to shoot, work on accuracy out to around 20 yards, pass on 'iffy' shots and you'll be fine.
