What are the different types of hunting bows? Longbow - Recurve bow - Compound bow
The longbow, recurve bow, and compound bow are three major bow types, each offering distinct advantages for different archery styles.
Longbow
The longbow, recurve bow, and compound bow are three major bow types, each offering distinct advantages for different archery styles.
The longbow is the most traditional: a single, relatively straight limb made from wood or laminated materials and typically as tall as the archer. It emphasizes simplicity, smooth draw, and reliance on the shooter’s form and strength. Longbows deliver a clear, classic feel and demand consistent technique; they are favored by traditionalists and for historical reenactment or instinctive shooting.
Recurve Bow
A recurve bow has tips that curve away from the archer when unstrung. Those recurved tips store more energy and release it efficiently, producing greater arrow speed from a shorter bow. Recurves remain popular in target archery and Olympic competition because they balance modern materials and traditional shooting style. Contemporary recurves often have modular risers, advanced limb materials, and accessories like stabilizers and sights, allowing fine tuning without losing direct feedback through the string.
Compound Bow
The compound bow is a modern mechanical design utilizing cams or wheels, cables, and pulleys. This system provides a mechanical advantage and lets the archer hold a reduced portion of peak draw weight—the let-off—while at full draw, improving aim stability and reducing fatigue. Compound bows offer precise adjustability for draw length and weight, high arrow speeds, and consistent performance, making them ideal for hunting and some competitive formats. While mechanically efficient, compounds require maintenance and periodic tuning, and regular maintenance required.
What is bow draw weight?
In archery, “lb” stands for pound, which measures the draw weight of a bow — the amount of force required to pull the string back to full draw. For example, a bow marked 40 lb means it takes 40 pounds of force to draw the string to the specified draw length (usually 28 inches for most adult bows).
Draw weight directly affects arrow speed, penetration, and ease of use. A higher draw weight (e.g., 60–70 lb) produces faster, more powerful shots suited for hunting larger game but demands more strength and control. Lower draw weights (e.g., 20–35 lb) are ideal for beginners, target shooting, or younger archers, offering smoother handling and reduced fatigue.
Compound bows have adjustable draw weights, while traditional longbows and recurves are fixed. Choosing the right draw weight ensures comfort, accuracy, and safety. Archers should start light, focusing on form and consistency before increasing poundage as their muscles develop.
What draw weight of a bow is lethal?
The lethality of a bow depends on its draw weight, arrow type, and target, but in general terms:
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Small game (rabbits, birds, etc.) – A draw weight of 25–35 lb can be lethal with proper broadheads and close-range accuracy.
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Medium game (deer, antelope, wild boar) – Most hunters use 40–55 lb draw weights. At this level, a well-placed arrow can cleanly penetrate vital organs, making it lethal and ethical.
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Large game (elk, moose, bear) – Typically requires 60–70 lb or more to ensure deep penetration through thick hide and bone.
For compound bows, even 40 lb can be lethal on deer because of their mechanical efficiency and high arrow speed. Recurve and longbows generally need heavier draw weights (45–55 lb minimum for deer) since they rely purely on limb energy.
