I wanted to check to see what draw weights my fellow 60+ archers are using for recreational shooting an trad 3D.

I am not talking about bows for hunting but for something you might want to take to the range or club and shoot all afternoon.

Personally, I am strongly considering going to something around 30# to no more than 35#, at my draw length.

I am not as tough as I used to be (who am I kidding, I was never tough), when I was in my 20's, I could shoot a 60# Red Wing Hunter but those days are done.

Genetics and lifestyle etc all deal us different cards, for example, I knew a commercial diver that worked into his late 60's; so I expect if I get some replies, there will be a variety.

My 3d set up is about 45#, and I'm 69.

69.5# for everything, and I'll soon be 62.

Rick

I am 59 and I shoot 2 bows right now. My Satori with SF limbs 44# and a Hoyt Excel with Satori limbs 33#. The Excel with Satori limbs and carbon arrows is a great shooting bow. I know I get a full 28 inch draw with that setup and less with the 44#. I hope this helps.

66 yrs young, and the bows I shoot for 3D are all between 55 and 60lbs.

MP

I'm 76 and have shot 65lbs all my life. This year I had to drop down to 55lbs. I use this weight for all my shooting, 3D and hunting.

42# - 52#ish. (hard to keep track, draw 30", bows not marked there). 45# - 47# consistent sweet spots. 72 yrs.

61 years old - 46# at 28. I draw 26.5-27 for everything.

I'm 74 and my bows are in the 40 - 45# class. Used to shoot much heavier, not any more!

72, and shoot 40 to 45#.

I think it depends on the person, lifestyle and whether they are/ were able to shoot regularly. I think some of the new super bows provide the same performance at a much lower draw weight. That being said, I can’t tolerate over 40# these days.

I think it depends on the person, lifestyle and whether they are/ were able to shoot regularly. I think some of the new super bows provide the same performance at a much lower draw weight. That being said, I can’t tolerate over 40# these days.

66 n shoot 55-60# and 55 plus arrows 3-4 times a week

67 and don't shoot 3D but can shoot 60 for a couple hours. I'm trying to ease back into my old 73 at 28 longbow just for old times sake. Only able to draw 27 though.

going to be 62 in may, i'm down to 50-55 for 3d and hunting.

I'm 65 and shoot 45 @27" for 3d and some hunting. I also shoot 55 and 60 lbs often. Truth is I can dominate the 45 lbs, not so much the higher weights. Especially at a shoot where we fatigue as the day goes on. It took me way too long to except that. Male ego I guess

I have a 55# longbow I can still shoot well, but not for a lot of arrows. I found out many decades ago that those weights are not needed, so at age 73 my bows are under fifty pounds, most in the 40 to 45#.

I hope these guys that are shooting the bows over 60# can do it for as long as they like, but age normally slows you down. 60 ain't near as old as 70 and each year is an event, so enjoy those big bows while you can. Frankly I don't even want to try again and I can't think of the slightest reason to do so. Be careful guys.

I’m 71 and shoot two bows for target and hunting...55# Dreamcatcher and 47# Bear Kodiak Hunter

# weeks away from 71, bad shoulders, I shoot 30#. No longer hunt, 3D only now.

I don't care to shoot over 40 @ 28 but my draw is pushing 30" I can shoot heavier & often do testing bows but it takes the fun out of it. Arthritis in my hands bad. I am 77.

67, From April through September I average five days a week shooting from one hour to 3 hours, from only 150 arrows to hundreds of arrows a day. My go to bows range from 50 to 60 pounds. My wife was shooting 38 and 40 pounds, I am afraid that her bow hunting days maybe over. She has been put on a zero weight tolerance for the foreseeable future. That means no canoe tripping and for sure no bow shooting for the next6 months to a year.

Im 70 and hunt with 45-50#s and usually shoot around 40#s for 3-d. Ive never shot bows over 55# in my eariler days.

fn, I shot up to 65# recurves for just a few years until I figured that I neither needed them nor enjoyed shooting them.

I'm 60 years old and I hunt and target shoot with the same weight bows. All the bows I shoot now are 60#@28" except for one of my 1972 Bear Super Kodiaks that's 55#@28". My draw is 28 1/2" so I shoot around 61# to 62# with most of my bows, and around 56# to 57# on my one 1972 Bear Super Kodiak. I have no problems shooting them for hours. I shoot every day. I've been shooting 60+ pound bows since 1974. When I hunted elk and muledeer out west I shot 68# recurves.

I’m 63 and shoot 53 # @ 28”. I have 5 bows at that weight and it’s comfortable for me unless I take several months off without shooting at all

Be 68 in a few months. Shoot 40lb for 3D. Hunting with 45lb the last two years.

Specific adaptation to imposed demand...the SAID principle. Archery is an exercise that you need to work into. Your body will tell you what you can do. I like #40-#55 bows. I don’t like #35 or #60 bows??

Don’t hunt any more. 74 next month. Have a 42# Bob Lee and 43# Black Widow. But I want to shoot a 900 round. That’s 90 arrows so I have a 34# ILF.

RonL

Oh several years ago I got a smoking deal on my old man bow. 32# Bacate PSA BW.

I'll be 80 in August. Shoot 42-44 # every day. That's my limit.

Just turned 80 at the end of February. I shoot any where from 40# to 46# with the bows I have. Mostly use the 40 for 3D shoots but hunt with one in the 45# range.

45 to 51

66yo May shooting 47-50# for everything -just feels right (right now)

I’m 68,will be 69 in May and shoot 47-52 pounds daily. I can handle up to 58# but choose not to very often. Lance

I'm 72 and shoot 63#@28", lost about 1" of draw length over the past 3 years it seems, or gettin' weaker! But shoot 51 to 65# regularly for both hunting and 3D. Practice a lot w/ the heavier bows to keep in shape.

I'm 62 and my primary target, 3d and hunting bow is 55 pounds. Fifteen years ago it was 70 pounds. Already bought the next lesser bow:( (hate giving into arthitis)

used to shoot 65# till I hi 60 then started going down, now at 40 @ 45# & i'm 72 now.

Target bows?...30-36#. for hunting I'm down to 45-52,and prefer the 45#. I used to shoot 70-80# longbows! Too many injuries and old age!

I'll soon be 73. Generally shoot 45-50# now for both hunting and 3D. That's down from 60-65 in my younger days. I'm working on building back up to heavier bows by shooting somewhat heavier bows. Don't know if I'll make it, but seem to be staving off further decline.

I am almost 68. I shoot 40 to 42 pound bows. I do have a 35 # that I may start shooting. I prefer small game hunting and enjoy target and field archery. Don't really have a use for anything over 45.

Age 70 ,have found my comfort zone is 30-35#

I am 72 shoot 45 and 50.... drag out a 65 pounder once in a while...

I can't comment till August then I'll be 60 and can tell you then I'm shooting same 51# Boe for ever thing but bow fishing and that will be a 50# bow.

Really meaningless other than getting an Idea of what some others can do

but really have to honestly address yourself -so much individual variability

I think that was what he was asking. Just seeing what others were handling past 60.

"Really meaningless other than getting an Idea of what some others can do but really have to honestly address yourself -so much individual variability"

Yes, that's true, in retrospect, I think I would not have started the thread.

I have been considering a new bow, mostly because new toys are fun and was pondering the draw weight that I would look for; and also, it was a bit of a slow day, here.

My current two favourites for target use are 40# at my 30" draw. I can handle them and will likely stick with that weight range.

I'll be 77 in Sept. I now shoot target with a 35#-38# Barebow Recurve and for the past 4-5 years I've hunted with a 60# compound (previously was 55# recurve until 72 y/o).

I began shooting Olympic Recurve (with clicker) at 60 y/o and heavily participated in events of 90 to 140 shots per day. From age 60 - 70 I shot 48# Olympic Recurve and 55# Hunting Recurve From age 70 - 75 I shot 42# Olympic Recurve From age 75 - 76 I shoot 35#-38# Barebow Recurve

The number of arrows I shoot per event remains the same but over the years my draw-weight has gotten lighter. - John

I just turned 65 and my every day preference is now 40-45#. I still shoot 50-55#, but it's not as comfortable. It's funny, since I reached my 60's, bourbon proof increased and bow poundage decreased...if nothing else, archery is more fun! :>)

I'm 82 years old and shoot recurve bows rated between 37# and 57#. ( Have been doing this for at least 70 years. LOL.)

I am 64 and I shoot a 51# recurve and a 47# longbow. Both are 60" bows. Both are also 3-piece takedowns just in case I need to move down in poundage as I get older as I don't want to quit shooting these bows.

fiddlebow

"It's funny, since I reached my 60's, bourbon proof increased and bow poundage decreased."

I guess that kinda stuff happens.

I shot trap competitively from 1970 up to a couple years ago, still do a little bit of it but archery, which I also started back then is my main activity now.

In the 1970's, my cut off temperature for trapshooting was -10F, 15 years ago, it was 10F, now its higher than that ;)

YamahaYG68

nothing wrong with the thread

good to get a base or Idea what others can do but have to really decide for yourself what You are good with

was amazed at how strong some of the old Farts are kicking along

Just turned 60 in January. My 3D bows are 50-55 pounds. I have two heavier bows,60 and 65 pounds,that I can still shoot but too much weight for 3D.

I'm young at 66 compared to some of the guys and amazing how tough some are

I'm 81 and right now at our Thursday night shoots I'm shooting my White Birch 50# Blair longbow. - - Marc

69 here and as my age goes up my bow weight goes down :-). I'm in the low 40s.

Andy Man

I retired Nov. 16, 2018 from a 42 year career in the petroleum exploration/production business, I was in engineering, used to do a lot of field supervision but was more sedentary in the past 15 years.

Throw in arthritis and a bad knee and it is what is, but I have tried to be more active in retirement.

"was amazed at how strong some of the old Farts are kicking along"

Thats for sure.

We had offshore operations and one of our divers was 68 and still working as a diver, when the guys weren't diving, they worked as deck hands, and he out did most of the young guys.

We have a guy at the gun club who is in his 70's, he is a wiry little guy, also very tough and capable when it comes to getting things done.

I am proud to still be around and able to shoot...sometimes. I have lost several seasons in the past few years to injuries. Most recently, could not shoot from November until last Saturday due to cancer surgery on my bow arm. Funniest was at lunch one day in September 2012 or so, I mistakenly grabbed a hot cast iron fajita plate and burned my thumb and first two fingers on my string hand. Missed the next month or so. The next year I strained muscles and shoulder and could not shoot for about 5 months.

I am 72 years old and shoot my longbows 60#s, 56#s, and 41#. I am hoping to have my 60# reduced to 56 or 54 pounds. I do stretching and some weight work outs that help.

I am 73. Last week put up my 60# limbs I think forever. I find my 55# bows easier to shoot. Last week end I used my 45# limbs for an 80 target 3D we shot over two days. I must say I wasn’t tired from shooting at all. So... I am tossing around the idea of a 45# LB.

65 years old and use 45-50 pounds bows for the most part. On a good day I'm pulling 30" so low to mid fifties is where the weight falls. I'm good for about thirty shots on a fifty five pound bow if it has some length to it. For some reason, a longer bow feels lighter to me.

Im 37- after reading the plus 60 age draw weights i have one thing to say. DANG you old guys are strong. Very impressed

Here's to a long active life

I am 69, and I shoot 66 at 28 for everything. I have been shooting this bow for over 20 years. Bob Lee builds a smooth bow.

Murray

70 this month and my 53 lb. longbows feel a lot better now than my heavier hunting bows of 57-58 lbs. I use the same bow to shoot everything from recreation, stumps, range targets, milk jugs, and small and big game.

Last august the young fellows that i gave my 89 pound Big 5 and my heavier bow to, came by. I need to watch how much right hand shooting I do, but I couldn't resist it. I shot 40, maybe 60 arrows with the old heavy bows. That night I was soaking my right hand in hot water and mineral slats to loosen up my hand to play guitar. The next day, I couldn't even pick my nose with my right hand. If they come by with those bows this year, I am going to tell them about the advantages of ripping the belly glass off and retillering.

I will be 60 in about 8 weeks. I shoot a lot of arrows every week. About 500 to 700 arrows per week. I also have a 30 inch draw. All my bows for recreational and 3d shooting are rated at 40-45 lbs @ 28". So I am shooting 45-50 lbs for this type of shooting. It is plenty for me. My friend I shoot with, is 75 years old and he shoots a 35 lb. bow at his draw length. At 35 lbs, he has no problem hitting targets.

I shoot mostly 55-59#. I use a wimpy bow for warmup drawing. I am 62.

I'm mid sixties. Used to shoot 60 to 70lbs, dropped back to fifty a few years ago. A couple of years ago I tore the outer half of my right bicep off the bone- it's now a weird looking lump further down my arm- ruined my favourite tattoo as well:) Before that I didn't even know the bicep was in two pieces. I've ordered a new longbow from a bowyer mate of mine- I told him anywhere from 42 to 47 would be fine with me. Trouble is I deliver mail on a motorbike for several hours every day, then when I get home I'm back to being a farmer. If the other half of my bicep lets go from the increased demand of drawing the bow I use now, I'm outa business. JayInOz

20 years ago I was comfortable shooting in the mid-50's and could shoot 'a few' at 60-65 pounds. Now I'm 65 and comfortable shooting bows in the 38-48 pound range, 50 is about max. I'm more interested now in 'control through the shot' than 'how much can you tear off'?

As I've gotten older I'm more aware of joint stress and how easily you can injure your self. Also how the healing process takes longer!

I will be 60 in another week. I can still shoot 50 to 55 but sure am enjoying the mid to upper 40 pounders. Hope to do this for a lot longer.Really do not see a need to shoot heavy any more. Accuracy is much more important than trying to pull to much weight.

Dana I can do a full day of heavy farm work, no problem, then hurt my back and pull a muscle trying to get my sweaty socks off to take a shower:) JayInOz

Jay, take the hot shower first to warm up the muscles ;-)

going on 62, this year shooting 56.

In 2010 I dropped from 83# to 67#, Lately I have been shooting 59# due to a sore finger on my string hand but I have no intention of that being permanent. I'll be 62 in 2 months.

I'm 70 y/o and shoot 45-50#. Jawge

Not old yet (just 71), but my bows range in draw weight from 30 to 45 lb @ 28-inches. Five of those eight are old Bear '59 to '62 rosewood recurves. The draw weights I shoot most, range between 38lb to 43lb@28-inches.

Have a 2013 30lb@28-inch Kodiak which is very comfortable to shoot and it's good looking too. It might be my next 3-D bow for what few events I will attend this year. That 60-inch, skinny, 30lb bow shoots an arrow with good authority.

I am 71 and I just sent my HH Redman back to Craig Ekin for a weight reduction. Hoping to bring the bow weight closer to 40# . I used to shoot upper forties and now find that 35 -40 is just more enjoyable. As I don’t have much opportunity to Hunt there really isn’t any reason to go heavy. Thanks.

I am 70 years old, and shoot 50#s left handed. No where near as many arrows as I used to. Right handed is something else. I top out at 45#s, with 40 being more the norm.

This is the heaviest bow I ever owned. I owned it in the early 1990s. It's a Martin Mountaineer ML-14 longbow at 80#@28". I was shooting it a little over 80# at my draw length. Bows at this draw weight are long gone now that I'm 60 years old.

monkeyball

"Shoot a bow that you can draw without pain, concentrate on what you want to hit, and thank God that your'e out there doing it!"

Great comment, IMHO :)

its been my observation most don't lose much poundage as they age if they shot comfortable bows to begin with.

I'm 67 & my heaviest bow is an old Darton recurve that pulls around 47# at my draw of 27 in. I shoot it once in a while & still enjoy it for any (reasonable) number of arrows without any pain or problems. I have never owned a heavier bow & the heaviest I've ever shot was 60# some years back. I think I can still shoot a 60 pounder today but not for very long.

70 to 78#@26 I am 62

60 years old, 45 to 55.

55 - 58 pounds.....I'm 64.

The more you decrease bow weight as you age, the less likely you'll ever gain that weight back (barring any injuries), so as I've aged, I've actually increased bow weight with zero physical problems.

Bow weight about equls my age...63 yrs

I'm 72, 40 - 50 lbs. @ 30".

I,m 76 and shooting low 40s.

I am 68 and shoot 60 in the yard a couple times a month to stay in shape but hunt with 45-48.

Ya heard the joke about the tour guide showing a group of tourists through an old English castle, telling them that this is the place where Robin Hood spent much of his time. He took them to an upstairs bedroom and told the tourists that Robin Hood died in this room. Poisoned by a jealous woman. He knew he was dying. His Merry Men were gathered around the bed, not being merry. Robin beckoned Little John to his bedside, and in a feeble whisper asked him to bring him his favourite longbow and one arrow. His voice barely audible, he said "I will loose this final shaft- wherever it falls, let my body rest forever- promise it" Little John gave his word. Robin grasped his bow in his shaking hands, drew back as far as his remaining strength would allow and released. He died almost in the same instant. And that, said the tour guide, is why to this very day you will find the body of Robin Hood in the corner over there- on top of that wardrobe. :) JayInOz

I'm 75. 3-D bow 43#, indoor and field archery bow - 36#, hunting bow - 47#.

All of my career I've shot 50# bows for hunting but this Wes Wallace I've been shooting for 5 years at 47# hits harder and is faster than most any my old 50 #ers.

I shot heavy as a young man. About 15 years ago I had neck surgery that had some issues. I ended up having to sell my bows and get lighter ones, all under 50#. The heaviest I have now is 42# and I am shooting so much better. A 40-43 feels real good at full draw.

For 3D and Field/Hunter I prefer bows in the mid to hi 30s. My hunting bow this year will be 44#. I just turned 76 today.

Happy Birthday Floxter!

I’m 69 and shoot my 55# bow for hunting and 3D.

64 and shoot bows 40 to 45 lbs. The first deer that I shot over 40 years ago was with a 45# recurve. For some reason I thought that I needed more weight and kept going up until I got to 65#. Then I began to realize that the deer shot with the 45# were just as dead as the ones shot with 65#.

76...shoot 55ish for 3d, just got 40# Samick limbs for indoor. Age isn't relevant...I'm in OK shape, screw around at gym once a week. That's not similar to heavy labor.

I'm 71. What a great post! I've gained confidence from those at my age or older. I thought I was done but learned I am far from it. Looking into selling several 55# bows and ordering a 40#. A dream is better than a regret.

I’m 68. I currently shoot 70, 72, and 74#. I’m still working on holding my 80# at full draw, and I’m almost there, but not quite.

Careful with that eighty pounder Mr Styles. You'll bust your foofer valve:) JayInOz

M - please be careful. I would use my front end loader to shoot that bow.

Last summer, I saw a guy at the range try to shoot a bow. It was 85# and he was 70 years old. After one excruciating full draw, the arrow fell off the rest and he walked strangely the rest of the summer. Just kidding!

I'm 72 and I shoot my 44# BW for 3d and hunting.

Turn 65 next week and shoot 57 pound for everything but would like to drop down about 5 when I can justify the $.

70 years old. My bows range from 47# to 52#. 49# feels real good to me.

76 years young! Indoor 30, 3D 35, hunting 40-45.

My 3d is the same bow as my hunting. 40# Regards

Same bows for both play and serious. LB - 64#, 68#, 71#. Recurve 66#. All 60" except the 71# which is 62. Try to shoot or draw bows every day. I'm 60.5 yrs old.

Same bows for both play and serious. LB - 64#, 68#, 71#. Recurve 66#. All 60" except the 71# which is 62. Try to shoot or draw bows every day. I'm 60.5 yrs old.

After 2 shoulder surgeries, I'm down to about 32#. That's too light to hunt with, so I've had to quit hunting with a traditional bow.

TMBB

You could be hell on rabbits and squirrels with 32#

At 75 I find my preference is 38-40 for most shooting. Hunting weight now is 46-48# max. I generally warm up a bit before pulling to full draw. I went through a bad episode of frozen shoulder a few years ago and am very careful to take care of my shoulders. Funny thing is at my age I recently had a friend work with me on my shot sequence, draw, etc. I increased my draw length about 2 1/2" and now have my back muscles much more into the draw and anchor. BUT, I also have some bows that are now too heavy and some arrows that are too short. So like someone else mentioned, I will be selling some nice lefty bows, hopefully at KyTradFest next month. Big Jim says he is bringing a half ton of bows--mostly used bows. :o)

The "really meaningless" comment was ridiculous and juvenile. Of course Glen is interested in what others are doing or he wouldn't have asked !!! I found Glen's post enlightening !!! I just turned 68 and all my bows are between 48-52, the same weight range I've used for the last 50 years....Starting when I was a young whippersnapper....Oh wait...I'm still a young whippersnapper !!!!!!Thanks for a fine post Glen!!!

Desperado, did you read on down the thread where Andy Man revisited that statement? He was saying that what other people shoot is meaningless for you or me. We have to do what works for us. Neither ridiculous or juvenile. What you may be able to handle has absolutely nothing to do with what I should shoot.

66 years. I shoot a BW @ 45 lbs. and a Silvertip at 50. Considering a 40 pounder for winter shooting. Seems we only have 2 seasons up here - 2 weeks of summer and the rest is winter.

63 in May, 40 to 45# deer, 50 to 55# elk.

I'm 52 I shpot 45# 4 shoulder surgeries and a broken neck have taken care of the 70# I used to shoot

65 this year, 42" is currently my everything bow weight. Can go up to about 45 comfortably; if I had a "hunting weight" it would be 47-48ish. For the record, I started shooting at around 41 yrs old, and was shooting the same weights.

Weight is what you make of it.. if you can handle what you are shooting acurately, dropping weight will be what you get used to and you will then have more difficulty handling heavier weights... if that is what you want to do.

Your body will atrophy to the most amount of effort you put in to it.

I am only 51, but still enjoy shooting 60 plus lbs even with a broken wrist and limited shooting time.

I would settle in at something lower, but I am hoping to shoot water buff or equivalent some day.. it will be easier to go from 60lbs to 70lbs the from 50lbs to 70lbs. Besides, pain don't hurt.

BigjIm

I'm 61 this month and all my bows range in weights of 61-67#s with most at 64#s....other than my latest acquisition, a 57#er that I really wished I would of ordered heavier. Didn't really need to go down in weight just yet but it'll be there for when and if I do.

64 years at it on march 27. Bows are 45-Red Wing Hunter-48-53-RWH's Two long bows-Great Plains 68" and 53lb and Gary Sentman-68" and 53 lbs. I do not think I can shoot through a 50 target 3-D rt now.That is many arrows- and even though they always say " one arrow" us boys like to shoot. I gave my 40 lb RWH to brother after his shoulder surgery. Do not know if it is valid but light draw equals less back tension and is sloppier off the string. I could go light , but then I would have to make many arrows and strings etc. I like to look for good old bows and there is many rt around 50 lbs to be had for little coin.

All my bows are between 40 and 46# at my draw length. I’m 67

Hawkwing - thanks for mentioning my bow. It is a real compliment to me. In many years past I could shoot 75+ lbs. pull with controlled relaxation. Today at the age of 76 I have a tendency to half draw, creep release and snap shoot shooting the heavy longbows. My grandkids have gown up and are avid bow hunters. They asked me to make a short hunting bow that was fast and would take a bow quiver. I got busy on the drawing board and soon made a form for a semi-recurve bow 62” length. I have a couple friends that shoot them, my wife shoots one and she wouldn’t consider going back to the longbow for competition. I have a 55# that I am shooting off and on. I have found my performance level with the semi- recurve more like the way I used to shoot. Simply put I have more hits on the bullseye than I do with the longbow. I think the longbow, as Howard Hill said, “it takes more of a man to shoot one”. Again thanks for mentioning my bow. Moosejaw Gary Sentman.

You are welcome ,Gary,for the credit due a craftsman. You invest yourself into what you do.

Bow is a Elite Classic ser # GS-8 8-14-13 I can shoot a bit heavier draw weight with a longbow vs a recurve. 68" longbow has no finger pinch like a 58" recurve. Nice amount of mass in the riser gives a better grip and makes the bow smooth and not kick like a longbow with less mass in the riser.

When i go snorkeling in the river for steel head lures; that water gets colder every year. I have learned to handle controlled hypothermia. Makes it easier to get to sleep on hot summer nights. Here in Oregon we have to shoot 40 lbs for big game. Have a fun day tomorrow. Jim

...another plug for Gary Sentman. I shoot one of his 66" longbows, 60#... Got whupped too much in 3Ds by guys with Hoyt recurves, so now I shoot a 50# Hoyt recurve with short limbs for 3D...

Jim thanks for your reply. Marian and I are going to the Rock Shoot, a Traditional Archery Shoot in Moses Lake Washington April 25th. Will you be there? We also plan on spending some time in eastern Oregon this summer. We love camping on the river fishing and swimming. Where do you live. We could get together and shoot some arrows. Moosejaw Gary Sentman

Jim thanks for your reply. Marian and I are going to the Rock Shoot, a Traditional Archery Shoot in Moses Lake Washington April 25th. Will you be there? We also plan on spending some time in eastern Oregon this summer. We love camping on the river fishing and swimming. Where do you live. We could get together and shoot some arrows. Moosejaw Gary Sentman

I'm 66 now and although I haven't been able to shoot for more than a year I can pull back the weight again I was shooting where I left off at 51 target and 57 hunting.

Surprising enough on the days I can pull that weight but then there's other days I can't pull back 40 pounds. When I start shooting again it will be in the low 40's then hopefully build back up.

Its so true about the atrophy business its not a laughing matter. All through fighting this GBS / CIPD disease I been trying to pull my bows back. I been fighting this for the past 15 months now.

I tip my hat to hose who can still pull heavy that are aged.

Stay strong no matter what state we find ourselves in and don't give up the ship.

You shoot a heavy bow and shoot 40 targets or more you are going to feel it big time no matter who you are and how strong you think you are.

So why not shoot a lighter bow that isn't going to kill us.

Some of us are forced down while dealing with conditions whether physical or mental. Mental I mean by what we tell ourselves I can't do it?

Some guys on here don't count they are like Thor and are Vikings. LOL

Ryman.. 3d around here is 40-50 animals, serious terrain, always serious humping. 60# longbow is fine for me, but I'm switching to 50# recurve so I can whip more 65yr old formerly ciggi-smoking children. Prayer won't fix that.

I'll soon be 84 and shoot in the low 40's and my Morrison Max 5 will definitely keep me in the game a few years more. Joel

I'm 67 and have several bows I shoot, they range from 53# to 63# I shoot them depending on the day.

I turned 65 in February had an arm injury in January of 2017. I'm using 45 lb recurve and switched back to shooting right handed for now.

well boys , i'm 77 and if i can get somebody to hold my cain i can still shoot my 60# widow. but for shooting a lot of arrows i go to my 45# sa2. oh and it is really nice to have a good wife to go get my arrows for me. it's also really great to have some good strong grandsons that help me track and haul my deer out of the woods!

Mr. Sentman I've always dreamed of one of your Moosejaw bows. Currently, at 60 yrs old; shooting a MOAB, Big River 21st clone, and Kota LB's. 64-71# range, lower weights make for sloppy release for me. Also have one of John's 50's style recurves at 66#.

Now we know who is over 60....Ha!Ha!

I use a 45lb longbow but wanting to go up to a 50 to 55lb self- bow for recreation, definitely a 60+ bow for hunting.

I'm soon to be 73

71, heading for 72 soon, and shooting 68# -70# for both 3d and hunting.

64 yoa here. All my bows till last week have been between 40 and 49 lbs. I shoot 45 at 3D and 46 for hunting. Last week I got a new to me 55 lb Howatt Hunter. Seems easy enough to shoot although I can only shoot 30-40 arrows with it until I tire.

Way to go Dennis in Virginia that is Awesome my friend keep it up buddy

I am 67 years old and got a 3D bow made a couple of years ago that was about 50 pounds at my draw length. Since it was such a great bow I did something I often do, and have done, I gave it to someone who would appreciate it. Now I am back to shooting bows for 3D that are about 55 to 58 pounds, the same weight I tend to hunt with. I have absolutely no reason to shoot less weight. For me 3D is a social event that helps me hone my hunting archery skills.

DDave

I am 65 and was out shooting a 60# and 62# recurve for an hour yesterday. I can shoot 65# with no issue.

Guess I am fortunate.

I'm 67 and I shoot #55 about 90% of the time. I will use a #45 in my basement to work on form with. I like using the same bow for 3D as I use for hunting, there's less thinking to do that way.

45lb and 40lb for me. I am a couple months shy of 66. Pulling more poundage isn't an issue, but I don't need more.

A am 70 and I have two artificial shoulder joints. I shoot 43# to 45# and sometimes practice with a bow that is 49#. That's about all I can handle without damaging the fake shoulder joints, because I am on doctor's restrictions to never press anything heavier than 50# per arm. I must mention that I workout at the gym 3 times a week to keep the muscles around my fake shoulders as strong as possible within those restrictions. Getting old is not for the faint of heart.

Will be 66 this year and still shooting the same weight as I have been for close to 40 years which is 65#-67# lbs at 28" which is around 70# at my draw length. Have always believed in shooting the heaviest Bow I can comfortably handle.

I hope you guys who continue to pull big weights can actually do it 'comfortably'. I've seen guys struggle with heavy weight bows, barely getting them to past 25 or so inches. More power to you if you can and I hope another five years down the road you aren't looking for a good surgeon. When I see my 45 pound bows blowing through whitetail deer like they aren't there, common sense tells me that is all I need. Your mileage may vary, of course.

George, I have shot the weights that I shoot for 45 years or so. I use to draw 30", now I draw 29-29 1/2". The reason I draw less these days is due to working out with 45# dumbells doing bench flies. I had orthoscoptic surgery, and was released from therapy in June, and was back to shooting my hunting rigs by Sept. That was in 1997. That was 45# that caused me trouble/ not 68#-70# that is the draw weight I use.

I comfortably draw that weight and shoot in the 250-270 range in 3D most of the time :). I like the feel of bows in that weight range, and I come from the use as much bow as you can comfortably handle accurately camp. I don't judge anyone if they shoot lighter bows, but shoot enough bow to get the job done if you get a less than desirable hit.

I also have a #65 Bear Custom Takedown that my shooting days are over with. I guess I should look at light limbs for it. It is SUPER quiet!

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