I talked to a well-known bowyer a few years back who told me that back in the 50's and 60's a 45# to 50# bow was the most common weight used for deer (some of that probably had to do with the fact that many also preferred to use a lighter bow for target shooting). Even though in our day most bowhunters prefer heavier bows, the deer certainly haven't changed in the past 60 years.If a 45# bow was sufficient to take deer in the 1950's then it's also sufficient today - perhaps even more so since many moderm bow designs and materials are more efficient than they were in that earlier era.

QuoteOriginally posted by ArrowAtomik:
I've taken many deer with 43# and never a problem.  If you have a true 30" draw, I'd say you'd be good down to 35#.  A long draw adds a lot of energy.  I'd still stick with cut on contact 2-blades myself.

Shoot Yeah!!! I have a shorter draw 27" and over the past 3 yrears have I have put down 4 with a 42# longbow... If you shot a 35#@28 it'd probably be higher # than I am plus that longer stroke would put you even to me shooting close to 50#...

Fire away brother, just put it through both lungs.... and you'll be rewarded with short blood trails

Thanks guys, I picked up some Magnus 125gr a little while ago, so I'll likely use those and find a nice heavy arrow setup once I buy the bow.  I'm glad to hear 45lbs should be fine for hunting, and now I just have to save a couple more pennies.  I'm hoping to be ready to go by the late bow season here in December.  I'm good to go with my longbow, but only out to about 12yds at this point.

My Daddy shoots a 44# selfbow and does fine with it.

I used 42# at 26" and have no problem with mature Iowa whitetails bucks.

This should answer your question.  Used a self bow that was 40 pounds

Ive shot two big Ohio does with my daughters 40# recurve. 2016 arrows and 160 snuffers, passthroughs on both of them. 45 is plenty for deer.