[tradesylver]

Seems to me that the older I get the less I like rifle recoil and high poundage bows. Anyone else notice that?
Happy Thanksgiving

 

[Tolbnd]

Depends on the day. Sometimes I pull out the 22, others I grab the big guy.
Draw weight is proportional to ability and desire. There are some that have enough damage or lack of desire to ever draw beyond 40 or 50lbs, and that can start from the day one picks up a bow. Then there are those that think 80lbs is representative of your manhood and if you aren't drawing 80 at 80 yrs old, then you're lazy. Then there are the reasonable middle that have decided to shoot what's comfortable to them at whatever condition their shoulders are in at the time, and accept that draw weight has nothing to do with who you are. All 3 categories are fine for the individual. I just do me and enjoy shooting bows and guns.

 

[thirdhandman]

Yup, the older one gets the smarter they get. They quickly figure out that one doesn’t need the mule kick of a 30:06 to kill a deer. Ya also don’t need 80 lb. Draw weight to kill a deer. A 50 lb draw is more than enough.😉

 

[kballer1]

Years ago shot 85# & now at 77 hunting with 64# & target is 55#.

 

[SHPoet]

Seems to me that the older I get the less I like rifle recoil and high poundage bows. Anyone else notice that?
Happy Thanksgiving

Of course. Plus, I have realized that I can do everything with 60# that I used to do with 70#.

 

[RH1]

Yep, I'm getting it done with my 50# setup as good as I was with 60s and 70s

 

[Alaska at heart]

In my 20's I shot upwards of 70# in early compounds and low 60's with my recurves. Back in 2010 my draw shoulder abruptly decided it had enough of hunting weight stickbows, so after a few Dr visits and PT, I switched back to compounds and recouped in the mid-50's. I built back up to 60-62# and have remained there the past decade. That weight doesn"t strain my shoulders on cold mornings and in the summer I can shoot as many shots as I care to without fatigue. On the deer and turkeys I typically hunt, penetration is not an issue and most often a pass-through with both fixed and Spitfire mechs.

In regards to firearms recoil.....I very much agree. When straight wall cartridges were approved, a bunch of my friends jumped on the 450 Bushmaster bandwagon and I eventually got a Ruger American bolt in that caliber. However I never cared for the feel of the shot....to me it is like pulling the trigger on a Mossburg 12ga with 3.5" turkey loads. Not unmanageable, but not fun either. A couple years ago my buddy got a 350 Legend for his grandson and I shot it several times. Last fall I put the Bushmaster up for sale and used the funds to purchase a new Winchester XPR bolt action in the 350 Legend caliber. Point being....if your approach to recreation isn't fun......whether it be rifles or saddles or mobile setups or bow draw weight.....change it so it is.

 

[quinnjalan]

I just ordered a new bow with 50# limbs. I’m 58 and only got into archery 2.5 years ago. It’s a safe bet that I’ll never go over whatever the max draw on my new bow ends up at.

 

[ahunter55]

In 2010 at age 68 I bought myself a new, bargain, on sale Darton for hunting & peak weight of 60#s. I had been using 70#s the prior 10 years. I also started shooting tournaments again that same year with another Darton of 60#s. I soon replaced it with a newer Maverick Darton set on 45#s. I currently have 3 Dartons & each dedicated to one job. Hunter is 60#s & I have no problems pulling 70#s with ease. All outdoor targets get 45#s & indoor is 50#s.. I also have a Longbow of 50#s that I use for both with fingers.. I just turned 81. See anyone ya know Kballer?

 

[mortre]

I just ordered a new bow with 50# limbs. I’m 58 and only got into archery 2.5 years ago. It’s a safe bet that I’ll never go over whatever the max draw on my new bow ends up at.

50'ish# compounds are unreasonably fun to shoot.

 

[Mr. Ken]

At 60.5 years of age, I am shooting 46 pounds for indoor spots, 52 pounds for outdoor target and my hunting bow is set at 60 pounds. That is just what is comfortable for me to shoot. I am pretty sure that the big trucks, chains and binders, and heavy equipment have not helped my shoulders. I don't need or want any more draw weight.

 

[tradesylver]

My last bow I had made was 35# since that was the min to hunt with in Indiana. I'm about to order another bow, same 35# and might even go a set of limbs at 25# for practice and warm up.

 

[Trevi]

60 and 70 lbs. still not a problem. Have a 60 lb bow ready though.

 

[jjjefferson]

It comes down to conditioning, what your body can take and the need for speed. If you only draw during season and don't shoot regularly then you will slowly need to ease back on draw weight because you will experience a decline in strength and ability. Joints, tendons and ligaments can loose flexibility and strength over time, I knew it was time to back off the draw weight when on a hunt....my shoulder made a loud POP when I drew my bow on deer. Loud enough for the deer below me to become very wary and eventually walk off. Yes, snap, crackle and pop....that is me now getting out of bed! LOL. As for need....its like a rifle....shot placement is key...if the shot is good.... it won't matter much whether it is 50lbs or 70lbs. More draw weight gives you more speed. More speed means less drop. Less drop means you can get out there further. Now lets talk about eyes as you get older...LOL. Those longer shots get harder to make when its brown, on brown, on shadow.

I run my 70lb at 62lb. I just got my hands on a 40lb bow that I planned on swapping limbs to 70.....now....I am thinking of swapping cams to the 40lb. I'm joking....but then again...

There is one truism.... Getting old sucks....but it beats the alternative. As long as you can draw and hit your target.....it's all good.

JJ

 

[SonnyThomas]

73 and still enjoy a 12 ga with heavy loads (not magnums), .30/06, and my magnum handguns (.41 and .44). My bows have gone down some (52 and 53 o 54 pounds), but due to them being faster and hit 280 fps (my ASA speed limit) pretty easy. I do have a couple 60 pound compounds I take a few shots with.

 

[lunghit]

44 years old and shoot mostly 60 pound bows and have for the past 10 years. My new Mach 34 has 70 pound limbs that I backed down to 65 and find the draw nice and smooth. The reason I ordered 70 is because the Evolve cams are so easy on my shoulders so I figured why not get some extra performance.

 

[CANDRUS]

Honestly in my state a deer hunters age has no effect on bow poundage or powder capacity of their guns.

The great white hunter syndrome runs too the bone with the morons in this state.

 

[Trevi]

Crossbows have negated the need for worry about draw weight. You just have to convince yourself to shoot one

 

[GrainofPain]

I'd say age is a factor, but physical condition is a bigger factor (including past injuries).

 

[ColoradoNick]

Yup, the older one gets the smarter they get. They quickly figure out that one doesn’t need the mule kick of a 30:06 to kill a deer. Ya also don’t need 80 lb. Draw weight to kill a deer. A 50 lb draw is more than enough.😉

This is what the old guys tell themselves that don't keep themselves in shape. You're only lying to yourself buddy!