Just got the new game and fish book and on page 4 is the new this year page. About a third of the way down is says. Minimum archery draw weight has decreased to 35 pounds. What do you all think. I know location is the key for success but is this too low.
It's 35# here in Indiana. Has been for a long time.
Yeah, I think that is sufficient with the right draw length and correct arrows, broadheads shot placement etc.. Lets face it, they could make it fifty pounds and without proper education, equipment and ethics it wouldn't be enough! It's 35# here in Colorado too!
35 in Alabama too. Hit them in the lungs and they go down.
30# in Wisconsin
Be glad you have one. Kansas only requires a broadhead on an arrow that will not pass through a 3/4 inch ring.
I think it's fine. Shot placement is most important and in reality the vast majority of shooters are compound. At 35lbs, traditional shooters will be very limited to ethical hunting ranges for deer but a 35lb compound could easily hunt out to 35 yards or so with sharp heads and shot placement. I see this as a good thing though.
It is just fine with the right setup and a well educated bowhunter.
Im sure its based on a compound with a lot more energy than a 35lb selfbow, I agree I also think its too low and question why it was dropped from the previous 40 lb. if a young hunter cant draw a 40 lb compound or trad bow, maybe they are to a little too young to be big game hunting
I prefer 50# or more, even though my first deer was taken with a 45# bow. Just a bit of an edge in case shot placement is not as good as might be hoped for. Prior to an injury, I shot 65# minimum.