How do you decide on what is the correct draw weight? I'm used to compounds, so I don't know how the trad set up is done. I mean do you go by how long you hold at full draw, or if your shaking, etc???

Wondering the same thing myself.  I'm thinking 45 lbs is plenty for Whitetail out to 20 yards.

I shoot 45#. I used to shoot 50# for a long time. I only changed draw weight because I like the bow. I'm looking to get a new bow around 50-55# . You have to go out and try a few bows. You want to be able to shoot a bit with out being tired. And you want a bow that you feel you have control of, not struggling.

if your'e just starting out with trad gear then go as light as available to get used to this style of archey,,,with 60%LO i can hold most any compound ALL day,,,not so with trad bows. go slow and take it easy to build yourself up. 45# from what i've been reading (i read a lot) is enuff for deer.