I read in a bowhunting magazine that 35 ft/lbs of kinetic energy was about the minimum to shoot through a whitetail under average conditions.
If I figure this right, a 450 gr. arrow out of my 45# bow traveling at 176f.p.s.is about 31`ft/lb. am I being risky or unethical in my approach or am I being a worrywart for nothing.
As I am just getting back into trad shooting again after several years and have yet to harvest a big game animal with this bow.

Don't believe everything you read, especially in a wheelbow/crossbow mag.

IMO, kinetic energy isn't a good predictor of penetration.  Momentum is.  Different formula. See Dr. Ed Ashby's study reports published on this site.  Sharp broadheads and a well placed arrow and your bow is enough for deer.

I shot a deer with a 615gr arrow going 160fps. with a simmons land shark 4 blade.At about 15yds the arrow went through the deer right behind the shoulder, went 10 more yds and stuck in a maple tree. With i think 34.97 of kinetic energy.I also shot a deer with a 485gr arrow going 178fps with 34.14 of KE. with a 2 blade grizzle at 12yds. the head went through but not the hole arrow (also behind the shoulder).You should be fine. Like Orion said Momentum is what you want and a sharp broadhead.

QuoteOriginally posted by iowa mike:
I read in a bowhunting magazine that 35 ft/lbs of kinetic energy was about the minimum to shoot through a whitetail under average conditions.
If I figure this right, a 450 gr. arrow out of my 45# bow traveling at 176f.p.s.is about 31`ft/lb. am I being risky or unethical in my approach or am I being a worrywart for nothing.
As I am just getting back into trad shooting again after several years and have yet to harvest a big game animal with this bow.

I think 35 is a little on the high side, unless they're factoring in types of broadheads that require increased levels of energy. With a good cut on impact head, 35 foot-pounds of Ke should let you blow through deer like they're wet paper bags.

THanks guys,I killed my first bow deer in 1972 with a 40# Ben Pearson Rogue with wooden arrows and Bear Razorheads, I got complete penetration, but not a pass through, I just don't want to get on the light side of todays "political correctness" Thanks Again.

I read in a bowhunting magazine that 35 ft/lbs of kinetic energy was about the minimum to shoot through a whitetail under average conditions.

At what distance.  Sharp broadhead...      

Maybe a good minimum for elk.   With trad equiptment 25 ke is plenty for deer.  Shannon Kusik on peteward.com got complete penetration on a bull moose with only 23.  500 grains at 145 fps.