Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
08-03-2006, 09:36 AM
#11
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: North Lima Ohio & Clarion Pa
Posts: 6,453
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
legal minimum in Ohio is 40#.
I know it may go against your grain, but until he can pull the 40 or more have you considered a crossbow (if legal in your state)?
I know it may go against your grain, but until he can pull the 40 or more have you considered a crossbow (if legal in your state)?
08-03-2006, 11:20 AM
#12
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Finksburg, MD
Posts: 23
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
Thanks for all of the replies. The opinions are mixed, slightly moreopposition. Unfortunately, the bow adjusts draw length and poundage simultaneously. The length is perfect, so we need to wait till he grows before wecanmake adjustments. Regarding crossbows, he saved up for this bow on hisownand thinks highly ofit. Also, crossbows are seasonal in MD.
I sure hope someone chimes in who has first hand experience with low poundage. But thanks just the same for all of the responses.
I sure hope someone chimes in who has first hand experience with low poundage. But thanks just the same for all of the responses.
08-03-2006, 12:00 PM
#13
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: harford county maryland
Posts: 198
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
i live in maryland too and although the minimum is 30 i would say try to increase the draw weight as high as you can until the season starts. in april i started out with a draw weight of 38# and i'm already up to a weight of about 45#.
08-03-2006, 12:15 PM
#15
Fork Horn
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Woodstock, MD
Posts: 192
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
Please don't wound any of the deer in my parents back yard... They live in Finksburg as well. I hunt there sometimes.
Keep the deer at 20 yards and that would probably keep the kid out of trouble.
Keep the deer at 20 yards and that would probably keep the kid out of trouble.
08-03-2006, 09:23 PM
#18
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wilmington NC
Posts: 4,919
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
i wouldnt trust it take him rabbit huntn with it right now and explain to him that the low poundage could wound the deer and you would not be able to find it and could die wait until next year or i started out a 50 lbs last year i am pullin 70 right now (FOOTBALL 
) but get him to do some simple exercises and he will be at a good poundage in no time 
) but get him to do some simple exercises and he will be at a good poundage in no time
08-03-2006, 09:32 PM
#19
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 2,141
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
i would let him but only out to 20 yards, but he may get stronger by the summers end as well. i have heard of kids shooting and yes killing deer with 25 pound bows, u just gotta place the arrow in the right place and keep the heads sharp
08-04-2006, 05:40 AM
#20
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Harford Co Maryland USA
Posts: 4,966
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
I'm also in MD. My son was right over the 30lb minimum when he first started bowhunting. It's pretty impressive how quickly the strngth of the young-un's increases. Even with just a pound or two a week, he'd be ready by the start of the season. But I see you would need a bow that allows for a seperate draw weight adjustment.
I would keep the shot distance limited to 20 and under and , even then, only when everything is perfect -- i.e.--shot angle, etc.
I would keep the shot distance limited to 20 and under and , even then, only when everything is perfect -- i.e.--shot angle, etc.