whats a safe draw weight??

Hello all,
I'm new to the forum and I've got a few questions.First i would like to ask opinions on a sufficient draw weight for killing whitetail. I am currently using an old Black Bear bow that has about a 55# draw,Is this enough for an ethical kill?? Hopefully by next year i will have a new bow (2010 Bear Charge),but at the moment i'm still using this old one. This is going to be my first year actually bow hunting,so maybe next year i can get the new bow. Oh and if anyone has a bow that theyre planning on selling, i may be interested.

thanks in advance,
Mike

 

yes that's enough. just remember as always shot placemeant is key!

 

Each state has different laws about the minumum draw weight required. Ask a Department of Conservation agent for your local regulations. Usually its in the 30's or 40's for the minumum so I think 55# is clearly enough.

 

thanks for the replies.....last weekend i was hitting a tomato from 25 yards so i feel pretty comfortable with shot placement,as longs as i dont get too excited lol

 

pick a spot and keep concentrated on that spot...the shot will follow.

 

In the 80s I killed. My first black bear with a hoyt Rambo Jr, I was shooting 25 lbs draw weight. With a Howard Hill head at 25 yards, I had a complete pass through on a 6 foot bore. You will be fine with a 50lb bow with almost any critter. Just know your limits.

 

35-48

 

55 is more than enough. When you get your new bow theres no reason to crank it up to 70# plus unless your comfortable holding at full draw for extended periods. A common mistake I've seen by quite a few rookies is hunting at a heavy draw weight just because they can pull it back. Yes i can draw an 80# bow but i hunt with mine @ 62#.

 

Aim small miss small!55# is plenty,location, location,location. Go get em and good luck.