For all you experienced selfbow guru's. How much bow is needed to plow through 100-200# broadside deer? Talkin slight stringfollow, dacron string, 475-500g arrows. 145-155fps... is it enough? or is 175-180 needed to reliably plow on through?
Good shot placement and a sharp broadhead are more important than worrying whether a selfbow can kill a deer. In Colorado their draw weight limit is 35# and they don't mention selfbow, glass lam bow or wheel bow...just 35#! ...and that includes elk, bear and maybe moose.
If 175 to 180fps was needed there are commercial glass lambows that wouldn't qualify.
175-180 not reaching that? I wouldn't say that, not necessarily. Looking in to hunting with a selfbow, just don't want to get in to trouble with "not enough bow." 475g @150fps, or should we pushem harder?
Not many hunters out there who shoot heavy arrows[600 gr+] are getting 175-180 fps....and they kill a lot of deer. If your shooting a self bow well with a heavy arrow and keep your shots around 15-20 yards, you will not have a problem killing a deer or pig. Sharp broadhead and shot placement is the key! 140-160 fps is plenty!!
You are going to hear a lot of opinions. I'm not going to give any stories or specs. Just tune your bow ....self or otherwise. shoot a heavy arrow and place the shot. Don't worry about the FPS , our ancestors didn't. Just concentrate on how awesome it is that you will kill a deer with a stick (2 sticks) and a string !! The numbers are details...you'll be fine.
QuoteOriginally posted by kuch:
You are going to hear a lot of opinions. I'm not going to give any stories or specs. Just tune your bow ....self or otherwise. shoot a heavy arrow and place the shot. Don't worry about the FPS , our ancestors didn't. Just concentrate on how awesome it is that you will kill a deer with a stick (2 sticks) and a string !! The numbers are details...you'll be fine.
Couldn't have said it better myself!
Have killed deer and bear with a selfbow.Do not know how mane fps,53 pounds and 550 grain arrows go thru em like gas thru a funnel.
I shoot plenty of selfbows that work fine. Plus or minus 500 grain arrows, sharp heads, right spot and it'll work. I'd say your 475 arrows should be okay.
The insides are up! Think I'll name her.
"Muskellunge"
Good arrow flight and sharp broadhead on a good hunting weight arrow, and putting the arrow in the right spot is more important than speed IMO.
I think Jeff(Tippit) shot clean through a blackbear with a 45 lb selfbow and a stone point 2 years back.
Here are a few links to discussions/pics about animals killed with selfbows and stone points or selfbows at the least...
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=105275
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=069376;p=7
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=105357;p=2
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=093061;p=2
Get your broadheads shaving sharp, get good arrow flight, practice your shooting -- and go hunting. You will be fine.
Complete penetration on a bull moose in Idaho w/ a 64 lb selfbow, 750 grain ash arrow and 4 blade Eskimo - 10 yard shot. Doubt you will have problems with a deer.
Here goes nothing....