Selfbow for deer.

[swampthing]

For all you experienced selfbow guru's. How much bow is needed to plow through 100-200# broadside deer? Talkin slight stringfollow, dacron string, 475-500g arrows. 145-155fps... is it enough? or is 175-180 needed to reliably plow on through?

[Pat B]

Good shot placement and a sharp broadhead are more important than worrying whether a selfbow can kill a deer. In Colorado their draw weight limit is 35# and they don't mention selfbow, glass lam bow or wheel bow...just 35#! ...and that includes elk, bear and maybe moose.
If 175 to 180fps was needed there are commercial glass lambows that wouldn't qualify.

[swampthing]

175-180 not reaching that? I wouldn't say that, not necessarily. Looking in to hunting with a selfbow, just don't want to get in to trouble with "not enough bow." 475g @150fps, or should we pushem harder?

[ron w]

Not many hunters out there who shoot heavy arrows[600 gr+] are getting 175-180 fps....and they kill a lot of deer. If your shooting a self bow well with a heavy arrow and keep your shots around 15-20 yards, you will not have a problem killing a deer or pig. Sharp broadhead and shot placement is the key! 140-160 fps is plenty!!

[kuch]

You are going to hear a lot of opinions. I'm not going to give any stories or specs. Just tune your bow ....self or otherwise. shoot a heavy arrow and place the shot. Don't worry  about the FPS  , our ancestors didn't. Just concentrate on how awesome it is that you will kill a deer with a stick (2 sticks) and a string !!  The numbers are details...you'll be fine.

[frassettor]

Originally posted by kuch:
You are going to hear a lot of opinions. I'm not going to give any stories or specs. Just tune your bow ....self or otherwise. shoot a heavy arrow and place the shot. Don't worry  about the FPS  , our ancestors didn't. Just concentrate on how awesome it is that you will kill a deer with a stick (2 sticks) and a string !!  The numbers are details...you'll be fine.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[Terry Lightle]

Have killed deer and bear with a selfbow.Do not know how mane fps,53 pounds and 550 grain arrows go thru em like gas thru a funnel.

[sweeney3]

I shoot plenty of selfbows that work fine.  Plus or minus 500 grain arrows, sharp heads, right spot and it'll work.  I'd say your 475 arrows should be okay.

[swampthing]

The insides are up! Think I'll name her.
   "Muskellunge"

[oldtimerbow]

Good arrow flight and sharp broadhead on a good hunting weight arrow, and putting the arrow in the right spot is more important than speed IMO.

[buckeye_hunter]

I think Jeff(Tippit) shot clean through a blackbear with a 45 lb selfbow and a stone point 2 years back.

Here are a few links to discussions/pics about animals killed with selfbows and stone points or selfbows at the least...

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=105275

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=069376;p=7

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=105357;p=2

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=093061;p=2

[smokin joe]

Get your broadheads shaving sharp, get good arrow flight, practice your shooting -- and go hunting. You will be fine.

[Mike Schlegel]

Complete penetration on a bull moose in Idaho w/ a 64 lb selfbow, 750 grain ash arrow and 4 blade Eskimo - 10 yard shot. Doubt you will have problems with a deer.

[swampthing]

Here goes nothing....