What is the draw weight needed to kill a deer with a crossbow?

Answer 1

Most Crossbows have Prods (Bows) that have 125LB and up draw weight...These will easily kill a Deer. The problem is to determine if it is legal in your state to use one and if there are any additional restrictions.Currently 43 states allow Crossbow use under certain circumstances for Deer Hunting. Most of these states have restrictions limiting the use of Crossbows for hunting purposes to handicapped individuals or those unable to use a conventional Bow and Arrow. There are states with Crossbow seasons or states where a portion of the archery/bowhunting season allows the use of Crossbows.

You need to check with your State Department of Game & Fish Commission or State DNR, to find out if you are allowed to use one in your state and if so what restrictions/regulations are in place or apply.

Answer 2

What JD said is pretty much spot-on. But to kill a deer with any type bow - including a crossbow - you only need 35 pounds of draw-weight ("officially", anyway); it's just that the design of the crossbow makes it possible to have a 90+ pound draw-weight bow that almost anyone can use. It's the arrow that really does the killing - the heavier the arrow, the deeper it goes, generally - and even crossbow bolts (an "arrow" for the crossbow) made for hunting are fairly heavy.

Yes, I know..."lighter arrows are more accurate" - but if your accuracy is good to start with, and the vast majority of archery hunting is done at distances of 20-30 yards, that lighter arrow will not penetrate as deeply as a heavier arrow shot from the same bow. It's all about kinetics and momentum.

Now, go check with your local authorities - the DNR, or whatever name it goes by where you live - to find out if you can even use a crossbow to hunt.