If it will kill a hog, deer should be no problem Bill.  I have another Hill on order and can't wait.

45 is plenty of mojo for a deer, it was the most common weight all thru the 60's and 70's for deer hunters.
I would have no problem going after an elk with a good shooting 45 pound longbow and heavy arrows with razor sharp two bladers on it.

Thanks for all the iformation and pictures. What length do you like best for a 27" draw?

I would ask your bowyer about that, because it depends on which design you are interested in, and it depends on the feel you want out of a bow. If you came into my shop when I had it and were looking for a smooth fast bow for your draw in a Hill style traditional bow I would recommend to you a 66" bow.

The length of a Hill is determined by what you are comfortable with and how you want the bow to perform.

I have a 60" Big 5, short for a Hill but it flat out rips an arrow and it's short length is a plus in the woods. I also have a 68" Cheetah, Smooth is an understatement. I can shoot this bow all day long and never get tired of it. Since I a hunt with my two feet on the ground I am less likely to bring the Cheetah with me in the woods.

Craig at Howard Hill would tell you that at your draw length a 64" would be just fine. A 64" with the same draw weight as a 66" set up the same way should be a little faster. The 66" will be a little smoother with everything else being equal. Neither should produce the often discussed thump which I have never experienced with a Hill. Highly recommend the Hill bows. Can't beat Craig for knowledge and customer service.

Hey David Mitchell,

I like that old Tembo, sweet! Just ordered a new one myself.

Osage1, I shot a very big wild sow with a Wesley Special that I get 48# out of at 28"draw.  No trouble with penetration at all--had about 12"of arrow sticking out the off side.  I would not be at all afraid to hunt deer, hogs, or bears with it--maybe even an elk.....Dave

I don't hunt with Hills, though I have a number of them.  I started building my own Hill styles and wanted to try them on hunting.   I took a javelina last year, pass through shot, with a 42#, though to be honest I'm lousy at hitting anchor and probably only pulled about 38#.  I have no doubt that a Hill of 40# would handle deer size game.