hey im just geting into trad and i just bought a new martin stick longbow 40lbs @28 i draw the full 28 in. i was wondering if it is enough to kill whitail at 15-20 yards.

ps.is the martin stick a very good bow i got it
$100 cheaper than the usual price on martins website.brand new never been fired im still waiting on it to come.

yes and yes

Yep.

Been there done that.

Yes!!! With a nice sharp 2 blade broadhead.

Bill

No problem.

O Yeah!!! what Jwilliam said

I killed my first deer, a doe, in 1967, with a 40# Pearson Hunter.  Complete penetration with a cedar shaft and Hi-Precision three blade head.  The shot was around 30 or so yards.

Yup, and use a sharp two blade.

-Charlie

Sí!

yes two blade is a must

The only reservation that I would have is to check on your local game laws. Some states have a minimium draw wieght for big game hunting. As long as you're legal, have a blast!

Suggestion
DO NOT GO FOR ELK with the same set up
Welcome to Traditional you will find its much more rewarding.

The poundage is fine for whitetails as long as you put the arrow in the right spot, your arrows are well tuned and you use a two blade head or something like the Wensel Woodsman. JMHO

what about taking a 20 yard cortering away shot
would it still have enough power to get a clean kill

Most likely yes, but now your starting to push it.

I wouldn't want you shooting at ME with a 40# bow and a sharp 2 blade head, but for a clean kill, I would suggest you hunt from the ground, and wait for a nice, close, broadside shot. Make sure your broadheads are FRIGHTENINGLY sharp.

Quotei was wondering if it is enough to kill whitail at 15-20 yards.
 

It will kill a deer as far as it will shoot with the right weight arrow and a well placed hit.  I'd suggest building up to 50#'s though just because you can very easily unless you have a physical disability.  Good luck....Van

No problem with the 40# . I would shoot a heavy arrow with a lot of weight up front. I shoot a 31" 2216 with 150gr up front. ( WW & Magnus 2 ) 4 fletch with a 45# Red wing Hunter.  It will punch hole in deer. Make your shot count.

You hear about archers that killed  a deer with alot less #,but you never hear about the ones that didn't,so I guess there really is no bottom limit only state laws as mentioned above. Seems a bit light to me.