Draw weight for deer hunting

What is the minimum draw weight for bow hunting deer?

Isn’t it 30lbs?

I would have to double check, but MN is either 30 or 35.
DT

30 pounds is the state requirement. They recommend 40 though.

I would not hunt deer if I was not drawing at least 45 lbs.

In order to have a ethical and fast kill to an animal, I owe it the respect to have the fastest death possible without suffering. A bow with a draw weight below that leaves too much chance of a non fatal shot. IMHO

I agree with Farmboy and you are limited to about 20 yards max.

I shot my first deer when I was 12 with a 40lb max bow, but like kooty said 25 yards was my maximum distance. It was a very clean and ethical kill. Bows have come a long way since then though. I’m sure a 35lb draw bow today has as much speed and energy as a 45lb bow back then.

farmboy1 wrote:

I would not hunt deer if I was not drawing at least 45 lbs.

In order to have a ethical and fast kill to an animal, I owe it the respect to have the fastest death possible without suffering. A bow with a draw weight below that leaves too much chance of a non fatal shot. IMHO

I agree! well said

Interesting. In Ontario they require 50# for moose and recommend 60#. But if you look at the KE a guy could shoot lower and be OK. Same for deer.

It’s never as simple than just saying XXXX is required to make it “ethical”.

A 60# bow of today is about the same as an 80# bow of 10 years ago. I wonder what a 30# bow of today is comparable to?

Your broadhead design will play a factor in shooting light poundage. Shoot something that is a fixed blade cut on contact and has longer blades. This style will use less of your precious KE to get deep enough to punch through to the lungs for a kill.