55# r/d longbow with a 620 grain arrow.

46-50 depending on my mood and what I intend to shoot at..

Don't get me wrong, higher poundage,faster bows definetly shoot flatter. The main thing is shoot whatever setup you're comfortable with and have confidence in, as long as it meets the minimum legal poundage requirement in the state you're hunting in. I also agree with ESP, watching the arrow's flight is part of the fun.

Good luck
Rod

I've always shot bows in the low to mid 50's, I've shot 40-45 bows before but don't seem to shoot them well. I also try to always shoot arrows 10-12 GPI for my pull weight. Currently I have 54# bow and a 56# on order.

48-52 lbs. Used to shoot more, but I don't know why.

45# to 50# Its what I am comfortable with and has always been enough to close the deal.

2011 Hunting Draw Wt from 629 TG Members Poll Results

Under 40.................1% (8)
40-44......................5% (30)
45-49....................25% (157)
50-54....................32% (204)
55-59.....................21% (132)
60-64.......................9% (59)
Over 70....................3% (18)


2010 Hunting GPP's from 526 TG Members Poll Results

Less than 8 ggp........1% (6)
8 - 9 ggp...................9% (48)
9 - 10 ggp..............29% (150)
10 - 11 ggp............35% (182)
11 - 12 ggp............16% (86)
12 - 13 ggp.............7% (36)
more than 13 ggp...3% (18)

My bows spreads from 43-66@31

What I will use this year is around 55# and arrows around 560-600gn!

Anywhere from 45 to 52#

49 to 53@28

50lbs this year...500gr Goldtips..original Bear Razorheads without the bleeder

In NV our regs call for a big game bow to be capable of casting a certain weight arrow for a certain distance. Any that can do that is legal.  This is a fair way to do that

what Oxnam said. 67#'s is my prefered wt.

I guess I fit into the average.  I normally stick with bows in the 50 to 55lb. range.  I WOULD shoot heavier...if I could do so.  But my accuracy is best...even after not shooting for awhile...if I stick in the 50 to 55lb. range.  I shot an Eland in Africa with a 55lb. bow and watched it go down in sight.  Never seen much reason to shoot a heavier bow after that experience.

You ask is it wrong to try to get flat arrow flight out to 35-40 yards.  Nothing wrong with trying to get a flatter flight, as long as other things aren't overly impacted (overbowing, too light an arrow). If you are wanting to kill at 40 yards, a stickbow may not be the best choice (not that people can't do it).  

I'm new like you and only feel confident shooting in the 20 yard range, but hoping to get up around 25 (with the right conditions).  I'm shooting 51 # at my dl and about 10 gpi.

In answer to your second question, some trad shooters use a point of reference (placing the arrow tip) and others use instinctive shooting (which sometimes includes a subconscious reference to the arrow).

The goal with instinctive is when you see it you shoot it!  Easier said then done and takes practice.  Sometimes it happens and other times I scratch my head.

Good luck!

53@28 down to 50@28 for all of my bows.

60lb longbow, shots are always 20yd or less but I do shoot at longer distances just to see the arrow fly.

46-49@27 20 yards or less,try to stay in this weight range.

60-63# longbows.. 600-650gr wood arrows. I practice from 10-50 yards.. I like shots on animals to be 10-25yds.. Although the gobbler and both deer i killed last year were under 13 yards.. I love gettin close...

48-55 with 29" draw.