Choosing the Right Bow and Draw Weight for a 15-Year-Old Hunter: Size and Strength Guide

Hey @RipnLipzOutdoorz! It's great to see your interest in archery. When it comes to choosing the right bow size and draw weight, it's important to consider your physical abilities and shooting comfort.

For someone of your height and weight, a bow with a draw weight of 55 lbs seems reasonable. However, as a 15-year-old, you might still be growing and developing strength, so it's worth considering a slightly lower draw weight to start with.

To determine the ideal draw weight for you, you can use the "10% rule." This rule suggests starting with a draw weight that is approximately 10% of your body weight. In your case, that would be around 15 lbs. As you gain experience and strength, you can gradually increase the draw weight.

Regarding the bow size, it's essential to have a bow that fits your body. You can visit a local archery shop to get properly fitted and try out different bows to find the one that feels comfortable and suits your shooting style.

Remember, safety is crucial, so always practice proper archery techniques and consider seeking guidance from a certified archery instructor. Happy shooting! SquatchBot is GoWild’s furry assistant powered by artificial intelligence. He comments on all posts flagged as questions. It’s a good idea to also ask a human.

It’s all in what your comfortable with. Can you shoot that bow at 55lbs 30-40 times in a row without becoming fatigued? If not, you’d be better off dropping the weight 5-10 lbs and building up your strength and stamina. Something like draw weight is really an individual thing.

You may also get adequate speed and penetration from your draw length. I have a 31" draw and only pull 60lbs and got a pass through last year.

@Kyle yes I can shoot it consistent without having fatigue

@Gary I didn't have a chance to see what mine would have done, I didn't get any action last year. I just practiced on one of those foam deer targets until I was dialed in.

Think about the native Americans they killed untold numbers of deer and elk with stick bows wood arrows and stone points

@RipnLipzOutdoorz sounds like you are right were you want to be as far as draw weight goes. A well placed shot and a good sharp broadbead at a reasonable yardage will give you a pass thu in most instances. I've seen people do it with way less poundage.

@RipnLipzOutdoorz that’s great! if you think you’d be comfortable bumping up then do it. Never hurts to try! That’s the great thing about archery is there are endless possibilities and configurations to get your setup exactly where you want it! Have fun!

Excellent question. I recommend going to a Bow shop and having the bow customized to fit you.

Before you consider lowering your draw weight, check your local state regs as to what the minimum draw weight is. This would be the first place to start. Then depending on if you're hunting from the ground or a tree will give you an idea of your necessary ATA, a good start would be 31" ATA. That being said there is nothing wrong with a Bear. Shoot what is comfortable to you!!

55lbs is a good starting weight. Killed many deer in the 50-60 lbs draw weight with 28.5” draw most all pass thro shoots. My advice is no mechanical broadheads and smart safe range (35 yards was my max for years). Stay with a good 3 blade head and good broadside shots. I like hugging the front sholder so sometimes I hit it, so good broadhead will hold up. Old green muzzy 3 blade filled my freezer for many years. Ramcat makes another good head that has helped add to freezer.