I really wanted to put away the compound for a while and get into traditional style bowhunting and for Christmas I recieved an o

[Thechief57]

I really wanted to put away the compound for a while and get into traditional style bowhunting and for Christmas I recieved an older Ben Pearson Javelina recurve. I think it'll work fine as just a starter, but my only concern is that it only has 40lb limbs. I dont know much about recurves so i'm not sure if that would be enough weight where i could cleanly take an animal. I know for compounds that would be enough but i'm just not sure about recurves. Can anyone clarify?

[JM]

-A 40# recurve with carbon arrow shafts and a sharp 2 blade fixed broadhead will kill a deer, but effective range will be the biggest problem for you. Since you are new to instinctive shooting do not attempt a shot on a deer beyond 20 yards; ideally under 15.
-A 40# bow will be a good way to build up the muscles before moving up to a heavier bow. During target practice try to hold it for a few extra seconds before shooting each arrow.
-Another thing is that some people just aren't very good at instinctive shooting(example: being able to judge distance in the woods and adjust their aim for it without sights), so this will give you the chance to see whether or not you can shoot instinctively.

[Tyler Freel]

I agree with what JM said...plenty of bow to kill a deer, or even elk, but shot placement is critical, and range will be much more limited than with a compound. First thing is to do a lot of blind bale shooting (eyes closed) at point blank just to develop a good muscle memory for your form..and yea..hold your draw for as long as you can and still shoot accurately to build strength..after your form is down it just takes a LOT of practice to develop instinctive shooting skills, but they will come around.

[huntfishtrap]

I agree with JM, 40# is enough to take a deer cleanly, as long as you use a razor-sharp cut-on-contact broadhead, and keep your shot selection very conservative.
I don't know where you live, but if it's in a state that allows bowfishing for carp and other "rough" fish, that makes for very good instinctive shooting practice, and it's a heck of a lot of fun besides.

[DSMbirddog]

40# is a good starting point and you have some good advice from these folks. If you like it you can always get a heavier bow later. Most people with enough practice cab be good instinctive shooters. It just takes lots of practice.

[Thechief57]

Thanks guys

[jcarlin]

Chief,
I think this was a great question, I'm looking to go the same route and just bougth a light long-bow for my 9 year old daughter.
I would still check your regulations. In PA our regs specify that archery equipment for deer or bear must have a 35lb minimum draw weight. Your state may or may not have a requirement and it might be heavier.

[jhjimbo]

The bow should be fine out to 30yds or so. Only take high percentage shots. My Bear recurve i started shooting instinctively and missed some deer then finally put on a simple one pin sight. Taped it on so i did not have to drill the bow. After that i started to connect.

[bowhunter75richard]

Thanks guys

A 40# recurve is on the border line for an effective hunting bow. I imagine it to be a
good option to start you in traditional archery, however, I would prefer to see you going up
to 50# if you can manage it. There are several good custum bow makers that produce very
fine bows and their performance is much better than the older bows of yester years. They are
not cheap, but worth the money if you intend to stay in traditional archery. The lighter the bow
weight, the more proficent must the shooter be. Traditional archery requires much practice and
you will need to have the bow in your hands as much as possible to gain the confidence in order
to shoot it well enough to be fair to the game you are hunting!!! Instinctive shooting is difficult for
some to master, but there are many good instinctive shooters so it is not impossible, but you must
be determined to put in the practice time. Anyone can learn to shoot a compound with sights in a
matter of an our or so, but don't expect that to happen with the recurve. However, shooting a bow
instinctivly is very much more rewarding. Having been a traditional shooter for over 20 years, I very
much welcome you into this form of archery, I am sure you will find it a pleasure.