Are 40 Pound Bows Hunt Worthy

[@whitetailpoet4243]

Sorry for the loss of your son Jason, and thanks for sharing your wonderful memories and tips.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you

[@ertreeservice9558]

I was thinking the same, as a father I couldn’t imagine losing my son 😢

[@HarkiratSinghD]

​@@SamkoTradBowhey I hope the following makes you feel better: I believe all youngsters go to paradise that's mentioned in islam. That any child not yet fully an adult if they pass away, they are guaranteed paradise. I'm Sikh. I know that the law of conservation states energy can't be destroyed, it changes from one form to another form, so having said this, your late son now is still with you, in some form or another, the air that you breathe, the flowers , that's him, so I hope you find solace knowing that each breathe you take that's your son inside of you, close to you. I apologise if I said anything you didn't like. 💙💙 Thanks for the video 👍

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@HarkiratSinghD thank you. Greatly appreciated and means alot to me

[@markychaz]

I don’t think people understand what makes this man so special. Its his ability to break things down so well that a kid can understand it. The years of teaching his boy is what gave him the ability to do this. I don’t know what happens when we die, but I know it does not end. And I definitely know your son is currently proud of you.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciate this comment. Means alot to me.

[@juffurey]

If you want to learn more, check out Jake Kaminski's video on arrow tuning, exactly what this video describes.

[@Diogenes425]

We do not die. We change form. Nothing leaves the universe. Matter is just slowed down light.

[@ashleywendover9883]

Jesus came that we might have eternal life. The Bible really does have the answer to the problem of death. It’s Jesus. Please, at least read the Gospel of John and see for yourself.

[@Jesuswillbeback]

​@@ashleywendover9883AMEN!!! JESUS REVEAL TO ME 25.4.2015, JESUS IS ALIVE FOREVER AND EVER, PLEASE OBEY HIM AND YOU WILL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN WITH HIM🙏🙌🔥

[@westurney110]

Broke my heart to hear that you lost your boy. I’m sorry man. Thanks for all you contribute to the archery community. Your videos are good.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you for the condolences and glad you ate enjoying the content! Greatly appreciated

[@westurney110]

@@SamkoTradBow I was just shooting this morning (55#@28" black hunter 60" longbow) with some new arrows I'm trying to tune and I keep getting nock-high flight/hits/tears through paper. The arrows are bare shaft, full length (31-3/8") Victory RIP TKOs, 300 spine with an Ethics 175 grain SS insert/outsert and a 200 grain point (total arrow weight is ~650 grains). I have tried moving the nocking point up and down the string but this only seems to influence the degree of nock-high flight; I can't get it to go away. Do you have any advise or an arrow tuning video you've done? My draw length is 27" and I shoot three under. Also, I am new to trad archery.

[@CptJohnHays]

What a straight forward explaination. No pomp, no ceremony, just pure meat. Thank you✌🏼

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Claudia.888]

I agree

[@henrycruz45cal]

I haven't bought my first bow yet. I just got years of knowledge in 24 minutes. Thank you!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you enjoyed it and congrats on your interest in traditional archery

[@SirLeDoux]

As a father I can not imagine your pain . I’m sorry for your loss. May the memories you have never fade my brother. Much love

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated

[@derik7505]

Most underrated beginner bow hunter video ever. You saved me years of headache.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@derik7505 glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelcschmitt]

Thanks for the great report. 40 lbs bows were very common when I was a kid. It was the most prominent weight bow.

[@HistoricalWeapons]

Draw weight is merely one factor. Limb efficiency and powerstroke are other crucial factors. There are 40lb trad bows that can outperform 80lb wood bows

[@SamkoTradBow]

To an extent. Powerstroke is identical per the specific shoot regardless of limb type. And yes limb material and design plays a big part. But that part is in percentages, and at a low weight of 40 pounds that percentage is low as well. I definitely agree with your point but I do not believe a 40 pound lam bow can out perform an 80 pound self bow for the same shooter.

[@HistoricalWeapons]

@@SamkoTradBow for outperformance it depends on category such as shooting low gpp arrows a 40lb flight bow can shoot further than a 80lb wood bow. A poorly tillered 80lb wood bow will be outperformed by a well made 40lb composite horn bow. Of course there are high performance wood bows too

[@imaginedmountains2311]

I'm so sorry you lost your son man. I got into archery on my own as a kid, I made PVC bows and eventually graduated to making wood self bows. I "accidentally" killed my first deer when I was 13 years old with a hickory selfbow that draws 36lbs @ 28". I say accidentally because I was not deer hunting, I was walking the edges of a woodline on my neighbors farm hunting squirrels and groundhogs. We didn't see many deer around that area back then so I wasnt expecting to see a deer when I saw little spike buck feeding along the edge right towards me, and he hadn't seen me. I ended up getting a maybe 10 yard shot and that arrow zipped right through with a 150grain Zwickey broadhead on a cedar shaft. He ran 40 yards and that was it. I went on to become a guide and have hunted all over the world, and to this day that little spike buck is my favorite "trophy". I did start hunting with heavier bows, but that experience taught me that I didn't need the weight. I still have that bow and that arrow, hanging in my hunting room. I weighed that arrow out of curiosity a couple years, it was 612 grains, 17 grains per pound.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Love everything about this! Thanks for sharing.

[@malthus101]

do you have a preferred weight yourself?

[@robertdahle7216]

So you shot a deer out of season?

[@imaginedmountains2311]

@@robertdahle7216 No, small game season ran mostly concurrent with archery season back then.

[@imaginedmountains2311]

@@malthus101 I am partial to bows in the 45-50 lbs range.

[@jakehenry-c9q]

Hiya, I'm one of the people that dropped down in poundage, from 50# to a 40# bow, after 2 surgeries to put my right arm back together, archery is my exercise, my accuracy has drastically improved , I just luv archery, I have shot compound bows, but, always came back to traditional archery, I'm in my sixties now, but shoot my bow whenever the weather allows, stay safe, stay healthy, shakyjake out.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad your recovery is going well and that yoy are loving the traditional bow!

[@eddieengland9886]

I'm truly sorry for your loss Jason. My youngest Son was always right by my side hunting and fishing. He took a few deer in his early teens with a 40# Bear recurve and like you said, it's about diligent practice and the right arrow/broadhead combo.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you for the condolences. Yep light weight bows work perfect!

[@aggroalex5470]

This is a strong man. I could not talk about such a loss and not tear up. Great video.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thanks. Took me a few years to be able to say his name outloud without crying instantly. Now we cherish his memories in everything we see each day.

[@aggroalex5470]

@@SamkoTradBow seems like The Lord welcomes the good ones early. I've been tryin horsebows out. It's another world of archery.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@aggroalex5470 those horse bows are pretty cool. Someday I will try one

[@aggroalex5470]

@@SamkoTradBow for the price I go for the Korean daylite archery bows for the 2 year bend and break warranty. Had mine a year and haven't had to use it even though I made some beginner mistakes at times.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@aggroalex5470 thanks for the insite!

[@msev5713]

Great video! I gave up on heavy bows after messing with them and struggling in awkward hunting positions, and after hearing all the stories from the old timers tearing up their shoulders. I shoot about 47-50# now at 30”, so I get a long power stroke, but I can hold that bow back forever if need be. It’s passed through elk at 20 yards, no problem.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Yep that is a wicked deadly combo for sure!

[@stevencross9096]

What was the grain weight on the arrow you were using on that elk? I have a #50 as well and am looking to hunt elk with it.

[@msev5713]

@@stevencross9096 575 grains. It’s a full length 2018 aluminum with the stock insert and a 175 grain head.

[@Joe3pops]

I believe you. A good friend, his son was an avid archer and when his experienced father felt he was ready, he gave him heavier arrows with long tapered Grizzly broadheads. His son took a WT doe easily at twenty two yards. His bow poundage was 32. The arrow was a full pass through. So sorry for your family loss friend.

[@jamesfranz7508]

​@@msev5713wow I shoot 2018 Easton arrows started with a 50 pound bear bow at 13 years old got older got a 60 pound bear white tail 2 shot same arrows n a 145 grain bear broad head great combination

[@timdolen4942]

Thank you Jason for sharing your wealth of knowledge. I am learning so much from watching your channel. This upcoming fall I am planning on bow hunting for the first time and will be using a 40lb recurve. Just wanted to let you know that your videos are helping me get prepared and I really appreciate it!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Love hearing that! So excited for you to hit the woods this fall. Any questions let me know!

[@virtuaguyverify]

Did you get a deer this season Tim?

[@theindependentreviewer9814]

So sorry to hear about the loss of your son. God bless you for your strength and commitment to making great archery vids.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated.

[@collector7993]

Totally with you on the 40 lbs, I'm the same. Got to laugh at friends who say they only shoot 100 plus pound bows and yet they've never owned a bow. I have heard it so many times.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Lol. Yep no need for heavy weights with the arrows we can make today

[@JayF-qp3qm]

I'm 40 going on 14, I always wanted a bow and arrow set but now seems like a good time as any. As a father, I laughed, cried but most importantly, I learned. Thank you for NO BS guidance. God Bless.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Nothing wrong with being 40 going on 14! Many of us call that living the good life! Glad you enjoyed the video and you will definitely enjoy shooting a bow!

[@MrRourk]

Zhu Ran is a beast as is the Jackal Archery Assyrian. The SciCai from AF Archery can move arrows very fast.

[@LibertyDino]

I was just looking up vids on 45 lbs bows and I found yours. So sorry for your loss and I hope you can make the best out of it.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated

[@barnes_specialty]

Sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing this video. I haven't shot archery for years and want to get back into it.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciate the condolences. And glad you enjoyed the video

[@theamputeehunter2074]

I shoot a 40 pound bow at 28 inches of draw and I shoot a 555 grain arrows which tuned really good with my bow and works good with my set up and yeah Jason is right arrow weight is everything even in the compound world I shot a compound bow at 50 pound 28 inch draw weight and my arrows were 520 grains which again tuned really good trust me this man know what’s he talking about and I absolutely love his videos and his information cause he tells it like is is no BS

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated! Means alot to me to hear this. And makes all the hard work worth doing.

[@theamputeehunter2074]

@@SamkoTradBow your welcome

[@jblanla]

@@theamputeehunter2074 what arrow spine are your shooting with? I got a longbow same dw and dl and shooting 500 spine arrows cut to 29 inches

[@theamputeehunter2074]

@@jblanla I shoot the same spine 500 spine

[@greeneyesfromohio4103]

I’m brand new to bows and I want to get into traditional bows. Recurve I’m thinking. So 40# is totally ok for deer? What’s the max yards you would take a shot on a deer only using 40#?

[@joeh606]

Sorry for your loss. Thank you for the tips and information it will help me a lot. I'm teaching my son and daughter how to hunt. Thank you again.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Love that you are getting your kids involved in archery and the outdoors.

[@VGreggUndercover]

So sorry for your loss man. Thank you very much for all the great info

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you for the condolences. Greatly appreciated.

[@SparkleDonkey]

Great video and i'm glad you made this. I shoot 2 identical trad bows, one 40lbs at 28" and the other at 50lbs at 28", but I shoot at 31.5" so my 40lb is actually a 46lb and my 50 is closer to 58lbs. I can hold a draw and target with my 40 but I snap shoot with the 50. The important thing, imo, is I shoot 630 grain arrows that I have tuned to each bow so no shortage of stopping power. What I like about the lower poundage bow is I can shoot it all day long and hold a shot and it is SUPER quiet with the heavy arrows. I'm using it to train up to the 50" (58) which I will eventually hunt with but I'm not there yet. it's a progression, eh.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Love your process and how you are testing everything and finding what works best for you. And your paying attention to the results with each set up. Well done.

[@peterplanz2310]

I’m sorry for the loss of your son. Those were nice memories that you shared.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated

[@flfishing947]

Having back and elbow issues and was looking at getting into something lighter poundage around the low 40's. This helped me. My son is going to be 13 next year. I am so sorry for your loss brother. Crushed me hearing you say that. Take care.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Greatly appreciated. Yep 40# bows will to a great job in the woods and have plenty of power if you make your arrows tuned right.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

My condolences about losing your son so young. Broke my heart to hear that. Glad you have his bows and other memories to remember him by and to use as examples for your talks on lower poundage bows and for people wanting to get into traditional archery. As you probably remember I at 6' 258 lbs with a 29-29.5 draw length and have drawn 60-65 lb compounds (probably could go 70lbs) am planning on going with a 45 lb takedown recurve or longbow, which I know puts me at 48 lb draw. Arrow wise I am going to shoot for 550+ grains with 150-265 grain head, whichever flies the best the most times. Probably with 400-500 spine arrows (not 100% on that yet), I know yours is 600 spine at your short draw length. Thanks for sharing this Jason.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you for the condolences. That 48 pound bow will be perfect once you get the arrows dialed in. Just for the record (not that it matters as everyone shoots different so spine is a personal thing on arrows) but I shoot 500 spine arrows not 600. Mine are 27 inches long and have a 3 inch long homemade insert. So they are a unique arrow and spine concoction but I have them dialed in perfect.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

@@SamkoTradBow You’re very welcome. 🙏 That’s what I thought as well. Plus with a takedown bow I could eventually go up to 55 lbs. oh I could have swore that I saw where you said 600 spine in a video perhaps an older video. I might have misheard. Anyway that’s good to know. My current arrows are 340s at 11.25 GPI at around 511 grains, that I use with my compound bows. Probably buy a couple Easton or GT trad arrows of a couple spines, build them and see what one flies best.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@TheWVgoodguy22 that's the way ro do it. Test, and test again. Find what works perfect and dial it in. You will love the set up

[@ronjerris1942]

Jason, I just stumbled onto your website in search of knowledge about hunting with a recurve bow. So sorry you lost your son. God Bless you and your family.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you very much for the condolences! Glad you are enjoying the content

[@royfrasersparks7846]

Heart breaking to hear about your son. Thank you for this great talk. I am much encouraged after hearing what you had to say. I am awaiting a 70's era Bear Super Grizzly gifted to me by an old hunting client I guided from Texas. He was kind enough to travel to a well known archery shop and got the archery tech on the line to speak to me about arrow setup for this 45# bow. Settled for the Black Eagle Instinct arrows with a total arrow weight of 509 grains with the Magnus Killer Bee 125 up front. I told them I was looking for accuracy and penetration and wanted to shoot on the range at targets and hunt with the same setup. No jumping around to different arrows for different occasions. While hunting the same arrow for all game catergories I would commonly hunt , from small to large. Thanks and greetings from South Africa.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@royfrasersparks7846 thank you for the condolences. Sounds like you have a perfect set up and an amazing bow!

[@gud2go50]

You seem to know your stuff and I will follow your advice. Sorry for your loss. I have a 41-pound Ben Pearson bow I had since I was a kid and plan to hunt with it this year. I use to shoot 50 to 55-pound bows which I still have, but I struggle to pull them back now due to being 62 years old and having health issues. Plus, I have not bow hunted for far to long. Thanks for the educated advice, my friend.

[@SamkoTradBow]

That's awesome that you are using a bow you have had since being a kid. It will kill deer perfectly. Welcome back to bowhunting!

[@jeffgenchi5863]

First sorry about your loss. Also I totally agree. Marketing wants us to believe we need the heaviest and best bow every year to hunt or just shoot targets, however, little is done to push building the better projectiles. I bought all the tools to cut and tune my own arrows. Never going back to have a shop build mine again. I did this 6 months ago and it is so fun trying new things.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Agree 100% the arrow build and tune makes all the difference

[@georgefoster9596]

Sorry for your loss, I to have been shooting for 30+ years and you are 💯 % right im 58 years old and now only shoot a 47lb long bow at 27 inches.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciate the condolences. Yep 47 pounds will kill anything on the continent.

[@fishhunter348]

So sorry to hear about your son! Can't imagine the pain, having 3 young boys myself! I know we need to cherish every moment with our loved ones! Sending condolences and love mate. Love your content

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated.

[@johnriggs9016]

Sorry about the loss of your son, been there too, Steve made me a 40lb bow, amazing work of functional art. Have a blessed day.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Sorry about your loss as well. Steve sure does build amazing bows!

[@beorbeorian150]

Thanks Jason! I am a compound hunter getting ready for first season of hunting. This is helpful. Sorry for your loss.

[@SamkoTradBow]

glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for the condolences.

[@tldogmeat]

I was ignorant of recurve power vs compound, when i bought my first Sammick. I went for the 60#, right away. Not only was it hard to string, i ended up throwing my shoulder out when holding a draw. Ended up buying a leftie(and using it for a year), as I'm left handed, i just shoot righty. Now i have a few sets of limbs: i practice with 30#, building up strength the 45#, and hunt with 60#. It's touching how you have had a bond in archery, with your son. Sounds like he was very talented. I am sorry for your loss.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you for the condolences. I am a lefty and used to shoot a compound right handed. when I left the compound and went to a recurve 30 years ago I decided to switch to left handed for my dominate eye. was the best decsion I ever made. so happy I did.

[@tldogmeat]

​@@SamkoTradBow thank you for such a quick reply, and for the valuable info! I strangely am left handed but right eye dominant. Not sure if this common... If i may ask, about how long did it take you to adapt to the left handed bow?

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@tldogmeat I recommend shooting a traditional bow matching your dominant eye. It only takes a few hundred arrows for it to become natural and develop the muscles needed

[@RileyReneau]

Absolutely loving this video! If its any consolation youve just helped a son understand bow hunting in a much deeper way. I appreciate it a lot. Im just getting into bow hunting this year.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Love hearing that. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@stillnupey02]

So sorry to hear about your son. 🙏🏾 Thanks for a great video…I’m going to start learning archery and teaching my son this year!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you for the condolences. You and your son will love shooting a bow!

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

Really like the content about over bowing & that's why I stopped shooting my Custom Asbell takedown recurve. But now I'm shooting a bow I put together which is the size of your sons. My draw length is quite long so it comes down to structural integrity of my arrow/broadhead to go along with my well tuned bow with my ability to shoot it like I shoot a compound. I used to shoot a couple of Prime compounds. Lots of people said they were loud but mine were quiet. As long as I shot a 530 grain up to a 640 grain setup. But I could hear a bigger difference with quietness with the 640 grain than I could with the 530. Hunters need to focus on efficiency since they half months every year to get ready for the season. Building arrows from shafts & fine tuning bare shafts is alot of fun. Making a .006 shaft into a .001 arrow is totally do-able. But it takes more steps so I usually only build 6 @ a time. Really looking forward this weekend to tuning & then fletching my new Blackeagle's on my new bow. I was able to install my beaver balls I make from a tanned hide & my tiller is 6 & 6/8" with a brace height @ 7 5/8". The process is the preparation. A wise man once said 'don't be disappointed with the results u get when u don't work enough to attain the results u seek to achieve. '

[@SamkoTradBow]

Awesome. Love your dedication to perfection. Keep it up. And love thw last sentence. Words to live by

[@markinaction1]

Love your content man. Sorry to hear about your boy. Because of bow arm shoulder surgery. I am shooting 45#’s myself. Your absolutely right. I shoot 300 grains out front now. The last 5 deer have been complete pass throughs and stuck in the ground several feet past the animal. Quick recovery!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you for the condolences. Yep 45 pounds will get the job done everytime

[@BlueSkyCountry]

Most bows used by eastern woodland Native American tribes were around 28-35lb range. They were sufficient enough for whitetail and elk sized game and even bears. If an arrow failed to stop a bear in time they used lances as a backup. And for war, these low poundage bows were sufficient against unarmored opponents. On the contrary, European and Asian/Middle Eastern bows were of high poundage due to the fact that they were designed for use against heavily armored combatants wearing multiple layers of chainmail and plate.

[@joeymartinez8477]

I agree, I just started shooting traditional bow and shot my first deer in October I spend a more time building my arrows for my bow. I’m shooting a 45 pounds recurve and 505 grain arrow shit a deer @25 yrds and would have gotten a pass through if the arrow didn’t hit the off leg and got stuck in the shank. Was a straight heart shot. Really appreciate the addition insight. Good to know that I started off right. Build two different sets of arrow and both over 500 grains. Sorry for your loss as well. You are a strong man. Respect

[@SamkoTradBow]

Sounds like a perfect set up. Congrats on the deer! And thank you for the condolences

[@donniewillis2926]

Going to try a new setup this year. 54lb longbow 400 spine arrows, 200 grain Ethics insert and a 300 grain TuffHead. Shafts should be here Tuesday. I will have to figure length and nock tune etc. I have snorted the “Dust” and once I learned to tune an arrow, understand FOC, etc. Once I understood that it’s the arrow and ONLY the arrow and broadhead that really matter everything changed!

[@SamkoTradBow]

That is gonna be a wicked deadly arrow. The high foc stuff is amazing and the benefits are very obvious once you start shooting them.

[@nicetryb0z0]

Wow all that weight and only 400spine? Makes me wonder if I’m way over spines. Throwing 75gr brass insert with 250gr head, currently using arrow 340 spine, cut to 32” my draw length is 28.5”

[@nicetryb0z0]

Think I answered my own question lol. Just went and cut a 400spine down and threw the insert and heavy tip on and it flies like a dart😂 thanks for your comment man I’m really glad I came across it and this video. Efficiency and straight flight is everything, arrow is king

[@Kurtdog63]

Totally agree with the importance of the arrow setup. My suggestion for heavy arrows out of light bows is keep the shots close and aim LOW, on deer anyway. Never hunted hogs. Something to add, doe's seem to duck the string worse than bucks, at least my experience. I can't bring myself to aim UNDER the deer, but have been tempted. High hits just suck in every way.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Very well said. And I do agree that does jump the string more than bucks do.

[@donniewillis2926]

A lot of guys shoot for the white on the skin. When they duck, and most do, it’s almost always money. Also I learned something from Dr. Grant Woods from growing deer, try NOT to shoot a deer when their heads are down. They use it like a lever and can drop much further and faster from that position. I noticed a big difference when I stopped shooting at deer when they had their heads down.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@donniewillis2926 interesting point on the head down. Never thought of that. Appreciate the info and comment. Thanks!

[@donniewillis2926]

@@SamkoTradBow BTW he has EXCELLENT video of this on his website. Until I saw it I would not have believed it. He also references that does seem to do this worse than bucks too, but I don’t remember if it’s on those videos or subsequent follow up videos. You have to see it. The Ranch Fairy also has excellent video of hogs dropping and rolling at the shot. I watched your stuff YEARS before either of those but totally missed how important the arrow setup was. I watched you build your arrows and make those homemade extra long inserts and you even said because they were so long it considerably stiffened your spine etc. and you spoke about your preferred BH and WHY you use them. But I could not quite put the puzzle together. Then I started watching this nut the Ranch Fairy and he is an RRT like me and he said “ 27 year study with multiple points, only concerned with lethality”! I decimated that study piece by piece. I then UNDERSTOOD that KE is a myth in archery, snake oil! It’s MOMENTUM and the BH and ARROW that have to take the bows energy, and yes a traditional arrow CAN BE tuned, and build it to kill! The Ranch Fairy said something in a video that is so simple but profound and your video here 100% supports that, “ archery is to the target, archery HUNTING is THROUGH the target”! Penetration to the extreme with a wickedly sharp, honed BH that has steel that can retain its cutting edge and not deform, is KEY! Lastly I thought about something I did when I started bow hunting at 18. I heard Fred Bear say in 85 or 86. “Shoot an animal to kill it, in its vitals”! I did that for years. Then I went mechanical and drank the Kool Aid and started shooting back. Never AGAIN! At 48 I went traditional. Now 54 I had a hard first 2 years. Had to unlearn shooting back, had to learn anatomy 101 again, had to learn to choose BH wisely and to ensure sharpness etc. ALL things YOU touched on 2 to 3 years before Dr. Grant or Troy were even on my radar. So Thanks!!

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@donniewillis2926 this is a fantastic comment packed with great information . And love how it's all coming together for you. It's gonna be a great hunting year for you. Thanks for taking the time to write this. Many will benefit from it

[@johnbuckley8235]

What a treasure, so sorry for your loss, your so proud of him, god bless you and your family

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated

[@Chris-ef4lw]

Detailed but easy to follow explanation of a really specialist subject field, someone who is clearly an expert and has a considered take on said niche field, a touching personal perspective... This is honestly one of the best videos I have ever seen on youtube. Thank you so much.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated

[@brianchantler2959]

Thanks for this awesome info. I got into traditional bow for a little less then a year and have been practicing almost daily. I'm using cheap arrows just for practicing form but have noticed I'm getting really weird angles from the arrow when it hits the target. I thought for the longest time I was plucking or doing something weird but I have yet to get a decent arrow set up. This made a lot of sense, thank you!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Yep now that your form is solid it's time to start tuning arrows and building a set that is matched to you and your bow

[@Fall_Legends]

Thank you.. This will help me out a ton getting my archery setup this year.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@redroad53]

Sorry to hear - your loss. I can relate. Much Blessings. I enjoy bowing. :)

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Sorry for your loss as well

[@TheHYENA87]

Very good point about being stiff and cold, if you hunt in a cold climate during your main seasons, you will not shoot the same as you do in the backyard on a nice casual afternoon, bottom line, good luck pulling a 60 pounder during our Canadian rut. I stay around 50 for that reason...

[@SamkoTradBow]

Yeo lots of animals missed from not being able to pull a bow back in clod weather. I hear about those situations every year

[@HandyL]

This is a great topic. I just recently dropped down to 40# from 45# (50#-45# at my draw length) to try to stop snap shooting.... You started talking about your son and I started crying, I am so sorry, I couldn't imagine what that is like. Bless you sir, all the best to you and yours.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated. Yep holding at full draw for a couple seconds is how I shoot as well. The lighter bows definitely make that eaiser

[@greeneyesfromohio4103]

How’s 40# working for you? Do you deer hunt with it, what’s your opinions on 40# for deer?

[@HandyL]

40# is the sweet spot for me. My form doesn’t collapse and I can consistently make the shot I’m going for without having the occasional fliers. Haven’t hunted yet but I have read comments by others who hunt with bows around 40#

[@greeneyesfromohio4103]

@@HandyL - that’s awesome to hear, I’ve always been interested in getting into deer hunting and doing it with a traditional bow but never went through with buying one. I think I’m finally going to buy one. I was unsure of what draw weight I could pull though. So I went to bass pro and tried out a longbow that was 45# draw. I could draw it all the way back but I could only hold it for a couple seconds and I was shaky the whole time. After that I decided if I’m going to buy one I’m going to go 40# draw. That’s the state minimum to deer hunt in my state anyway. I think I’m going to buy a Bear Grizzly recurve. I’m a shorter guy only 5’9” and the longbow I tried out was 64” and just seemed way to big and in the way for my liking. The Bear Grizzly is only 58”….I’ve done my research from people who know what their talking about and each one say 40# draw weight is absolutely ok to hunt deer with! And to put things into perspective some states allow 35# draw weight to deer hunt. Heck, Minnesota’s minimum draw weight is 30#!!! Look it up! So when I found that out it pretty much opened up my eyes as to how it doesn’t take a high draw weight to deer hunt!

[@HandyL]

@@greeneyesfromohio4103 that sounds about right! Going for the heart or lungs is the goal and 40# is enough to pass through. I have an older Bear Super Grizzly that I absolutely love. It’s 46# and I used to shoot it very competently before I strained my shoulder. It’s a great bow and it should fit you fine. 👍🏽

[@ivanperea4381]

Condolences to your son brother. And thank you for sharing your take on the recurve bow 🤝

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. And glad you enjoyed the video

[@levischenk9224]

Appreciate the video. Due to shoulder problems all of my bows pull 47-48 pounds at my draw length. Of the last 4 deer I've shot 2 have been pass throughs and 1 was shot in the spine and had the broadhead sticking out the far side. My arrows weigh 550- 575 grains with 2 blade cut on contact broadheads. They are perfectly tuned to my bow. No worries about poundage here.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Yep that bow weight is super deadly and a great combo

[@tradmanmike3360]

YOUR RIGHT! ANIMALS MOVE AND REACT TO THE STRING. WHAT WE CAN DO IN THE BACK YARD AND SHOOTING AT A LIVE DEER IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE. ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO! ALWAYS THUMBS UP!

[@SamkoTradBow]

agree 100% Thanks for commenting and the thumbs up!

[@the.reel.mccoy.]

Great video. I love that you carry on your son's favorite bow. My grandfather gave me a recurve right before he passed and I have yet to be able to harvest a deer with it, despite hunting with it many times. This is the year! I'll be practicing oodles. That day will be one of the greatest days of my life. To make him smile a little extra up in heaven is something I look forward to!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Love that. This is the year you will make it happen

[@paulhomsy2751]

Very sorry to hear about your son. He had a wonderful dad. From a dad to another dad. Great information in your video. Thank you !

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated

[@kfelix2934]

This is a wise and smart details of information. I'm a bower traditional for about 25 years and now and have had numerous fails and a lot of success but you hit the key point, the arrow and BH does the work, the bow it's just redirects energy into the shaft.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Agree 100% Glad you enjoyed it.

[@warlock.420]

Thank you for this very informative video! I'm sorry you lost your boy, I can think of no greater loss as a father. But the skills you are teaching to men and boys now so they can enjoy what you and your son loved so much is an honor to his memory, and the love you show in this video of what you shared with him is evident of a great father and man. 🍺

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated and glad you enjoyed the video

[@danielcruz4850]

Very sorry for your loss. I too lost a son, he was 15.....My heart goes out to you....

[@SamkoTradBow]

So sorry for your loss as well. Life is not fair.

[@aznyang16]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge of traditional archery hunting. Sorry for your loss.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you

[@thefisharcher6784]

Just finished restoring an old #40 Pearson pony for my son... myself I shoot a 50 pound Darton take down. They are great bows!! And they also help you in training your arch on long shots.

[@SamkoTradBow]

love it! well done bringing the old ones back to life. lot of great history with those bows.

[@thefisharcher6784]

They were all hand downs. Before my mentor had to switch to a crossbow. When I work on them I always try to imagine the hunting stories they could tell. Not just my own lol but all the way back to the 70s and 80s.

[@thefisharcher6784]

And thank you lol I forgot to put that in the last lol

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@thefisharcher6784 love that. And that you were willing to put the time in to bring them back to life

[@SuperArdly]

Im sorry for your loss sir. This video helped me a lot. Thanks

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you for the condolences and glad you enjoyed the video

[@CacheCropp]

35-40# bows are hunt worthy if you know what you’re doing. If you have good form, you practice regularly and your setup is well tuned, broad heads are sharp, then there’s no reason a 35# bow can’t take deer with ease. Especially if you have a top shelf setup like Uukha or Border limbs, or Javaman custom bows.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Very true.

[@w4447]

I have a sammick sage with 40 lb limbs. 35 yards is probably the limit for my bow. I think distance does matter.I shoot once a week and I am thinking of going up to 50 lb limbs to make me feel more comfortable about the energy it has at a decent distance.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@w4447 the extra 10 pounds will give it a bit more speed. But remember traditional bowhunting is about getting close. I have been doing this for over 30 years and shot bows up to 79 pounds. I would never shoot at an animal beyond 20 yards.

[@w4447]

agreed but I now know I need to tune my arrows. I've been target shooting just over a year now and starting to look at hunting more and more. Thanks for the info on arrow tuning I really needed to hear it.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@w4447 glad you enjoyed it. Any questions just ask

[@jeansandmyshirt]

I'm trying to get into bow hunting rabbits mostly Decided on the samick 55lb because anything lighter isn't available here. I really enjoyed watching your video. Thanks

[@SamkoTradBow]

You are gonna love that bow.

[@caseyhansen4567]

Thanks for the video.im just getting interested in traditional bow hunting.and I have a little 5 yr old boy.i watched the Fred Bear. Documentary last nite.i found you and subscribed. Just starting out haven purchased anything yet.but traditional archery has sparked an interest

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you are enjoying the content and welcome to the amazing world of traditional archery. You will love it

[@odinsarrow1343]

This is a great video, thank you for your arrow awareness! Building arrows is my favorite thing to do. This vid is spot on 👌

[@SamkoTradBow]

glad you enjoyed it.

[@sleepsire9321]

I want to getting natural hunting and spear hunting is illegal where I'm at. Thank you for this beautiful talk and explanation. I'm a slingshot lover and I am a snap shooter by training and your summary of the higher pounds made total sense now to me. May mother nature give you the blessing you and youre family so clearly deserve.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed the video.

[@kyleswatzell]

I'm using a 45# recurve and my arrows are tuned as best as I can get them. At my draw length I'm probably drawing 40# but I feel with my arrow set up I'm good to go. My arrows are 545gr with 300 grains upfront. Super sharp 200gr cutthroat single bevels. Haven't taken any game yet but I feel confident it will do the job. I have been tossing around the idea of upgrading to 50# limbs. Great video

[@SamkoTradBow]

It will work perfect. Try it fist and enjoy some hunting with it before changing limbs for just 5 pounds. Might be alot of time and effort and money re doing arrows to work etc and the 5 pound benefit is not huge.

[@kyleswatzell]

@@SamkoTradBow I'm in no hurry to switch anything yet. If anything I will try some different arrow setups. Right now I followed the ranch fairy tradbow video and went with the sirius tradstar shaft. But I'd like to try some others and see if I can find one I can get a little bit shorter. The combo I have so far isn't broke so I'm not looking to fix anything. I hunted 100% with this recurve last year and loved it. It really pushed me to be a better hunter. I had one doe so close I could see the whites of her eyes. Just never had any good shot opportunities.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@kyleswatzell awesome. And I like your thinking. When it's time to change things up you will already have a good plan In place.

[@autonomousindividual7780]

You can really tell a genuine goodhearted person sometimes.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you

[@davejonas3107]

So much knowledge and so sorry to hear about your Son!!!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you.

[@EthanPageHunter]

I dropped in weight myself. I went from 52.5 @ 29” to 47.5 @ 29”. What I ended up with was a heavier arrow shooting way quicker. It’s no secret less weight equals more accuracy and that’s what I got… along with a 40yrd point on.. I encourage everyone to go listen to the Push Archery/Trad Lab lethality study 👍🏼often times less is more. Great video sir!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Awesome. Sounds like you have it dialed in perfectly!

[@EthanPageHunter]

@@SamkoTradBow I’ve got a longbow I’m going to set up and start messing with and it’s a D bow which I know you are big on. Do they like heavier arrows? So like the 550-600 grains plus category? Or can you get away with about anything as long as it tunes?

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@EthanPageHunter you can use anything that tunes well. But arrows in the 10 to 13 grains per pound pf bow weight really perform amazing for hunting

[@EthanPageHunter]

@@SamkoTradBow that’s what I was hoping. Running around 12gpp with carbons now and love them but with that longbow I’m considering trying aluminum. Maybe get up there around the 14gpp mark. Like shooting a fence post through it haha

[@danielcrewe732]

I’m so sorry for the loss of your boy. My heart goes out to you and yours

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated

[@FISHUNTREECOUNTRY]

Thank you for your videos. We appreciate you and what you go though. You reiterate the knowledge that I have been focusing on, and I have greatly improved my setups thanks to you.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thanks. Appreciate that and glad you enjoyed it

[@svtcontour]

My condolences. I can tell how proud of a dad you are / were. Great dad im sure.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated

[@SidehillDisciples]

Awesome info man... so sorry about the loss of your son praying for you

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated

[@johnnymccann5607]

Years ago after a life time of compound bow hunting my brother was making long bows and recurve bows, he gave me the information how to.so i. made a stave longbow from red oak finished at 41 pound.it was under the leg min weight but I hunted with it any way . first trip out ,first deer I saw was the biggest and nicest buck I ever killed with any bow. I sold my compound bows with the training wheels and never went back. now in north Carolina where I live the minimum long bow / recurve draw weight is40 pounds and compound bow 35 pounds pull.i about forgot that big buck around 16 yards and my 29 inch arrow and broadhead went through the vital area with side shot and maybe 8-9 inch of shaft and feathers sticking out. fattest deer I ever killed.nanna and papa wishing you well

[@SamkoTradBow]

Love it. Yep there is no denying a light weight bow kills deer just fine!

[@johnnymccann5607]

@@SamkoTradBow in the issues primitive archery magazine several years ago a long hunting team of husband and wife went to Africa .housing if I remember correctly a 87 pound putt longbow for cape buffalo which he got.another guide took his wife .she was shooting 34-37 pound pull and her husband told her not shoot anything over the 450-500 pound range.i don't remember what she shot but it was I think the size of a elk and had two long curved horns at around 550 pounds. , I thought it to be interesting with her light pound weight and she killed it one shot with her longbow.nanna and papa wishing you well

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@johnnymccann5607 yep its all about the arrow! If the arrow is tuned well the bow doesn't matter much.

[@justinlloyd9342]

Sorry for your lose. It was a compound but my son at 10 yrs old shooting a mission menace with a 20in draw and 30 lbs killed his first deer. Using slick tricks he shot all the way through her. We tested it on a 5 gallon bucket full of water so I was confident in the setup

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. And congratulations to your son on his first deer!

[@georgewessells7566]

Such an awesome video and information on bows and arrow performance. I'm teaching myself and kids archery, and it's so much fun.. I plan on hurting in Fall 2024. I appreciate it 🙏🏾

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you are having fun and teaching the kids!

[@franktorres9373]

What is the best arrow for a 40 pound bow.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Way to many variables foe me to be able to answer that. But 3riversarchery.com has a great arrow selecti9n tool and chart that can help when you put in all your measurements.

[@paulconnor8519]

Sorry for the loss of your son Jason, God bless you and your family, thank you for the excellent videos, stay safe

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated. Glad you are enjoying the content.

[@PeSi2007]

Sorry that you lost your Son, as a father of 4 i cant imagine your pain. Thank you for this Vid, now i know what i have to do to make my wildboar hunting more efficent to place a cleaner shot for a faster kill. Hope you and your family are well and i subscribed just after the Vid. Greeting from a very hot Spain🙏

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you for the condolences. I hear Spain hog hunting is pretty awesome. Wishing you great luck in your adventures!

[@PeSi2007]

@@SamkoTradBow yes in my Region they are a.plague for destroying alot of the Orange orchards.... and the meat is delicious

[@7979Army]

Absolutely new to a recurve had a thumb surgery that’s made me set down my compound and with the choice between changing to a right hand compound and a recurve I picked up a Bear Super mag 48” 45lbs at 28”. Thank you for the reassurance I can definitely hunt with it over the next months as I improve I will definitely be working with a local shop at helping me build a arrow. He hunts with his and does a lot for traditional bows but he has a 30” draw while mine is 25inches

[@SamkoTradBow]

you are gonna love hunting with a traditional bow. and the bear super mag is a great one!

[@DavidHBurkart]

Well said and condolences for the loss of your son. Lighter weight bows tend to promote more practice, at least as opposed to shooting closer to the maximum of what the archer can effectively draw. Couple that with more attention on making your arrow the most efficient it can/should be, and you have a deadly hunting combination. I would like to hear more regarding ypur thoughts on five-inch fletching vs. four or even three-inch fletching, as it relates to setting up an efficient hunting arrow, including diameter preferences. As far as broadheads, I use two-blade Magnus/Zwickeys

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you for the condolences. Agree 100% light weight bows and good arrows work perfect. Have a video on why I like 2 blade heads coming out next week and will make some videos on fletching arrow diameter etc.

[@mikef.1000]

So much wisdom and experience on show here; great to listen to, it made a lot of sense to me!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sterlingmoore6032]

I render my most gracious condolences to you and yours for the loss of your precious son. Blessings to you. Thank you for this video.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you! Greatly appreciated.

[@Scorpanian]

Brilliant video mate. As others have mentioned, sorry to hear about your son, couldn't imagine the heartbreak. Video was to the point and no faff, well done.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@Scorpanian thank you

[@sojourner2280]

What would say is too low a pound range for hunting, even considering a tuned arrow?

[@SamkoTradBow]

I would not go below 40 as many state laws require a minimum of 40

[@rickyrosas8795]

Thank you

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mossback6026]

I agree 100% with what you are saying. It’s all true because I have lived it too! Keep up the great work you’re doing.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@StephenMeasles-kr9rm]

First, I’m sorry for your loss. We think alike, I’m down to 48/41 pounds and set up similar to yours. Well tuned arrows are essential. I shoot 11 to 13 gpp and 15/16 % FOC. Pass through on any deer and most hogs under 200 #’s . I did shoot more foc when elk hunting but that’s in my past now. Good video and appreciate your insight.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you for the condolences and sounds like you have a great set up!

[@rockfieldlangley1955]

What strength to share that. Thank you for the info. This is helpful. I'm a compound Archer but my wife has just got an interested and she's more drawn to traditional archery so this is helpful!

[@SamkoTradBow]

@rockfieldlangley1955 that's awesome that your wife wants to shoot with you!

[@blakeumthun8128]

Everything you're saying about the arrows holds true with compounds, as well. I have a pretty mild cam'd bow and a short draw length. It's absurdly slow (219 fps) with a heavy arrow setup (558 gr finished with fairly high FOC). I get better penetration out of that setup than my friends who are shooting 260-280 fps and 400 gr arrows. Even had a pass through at 57 yds on a deer. It took me a couple years to come to terms with heavy and slow, but that knowledge I gained is going to help a lot when I make the switch next year. I wouldn't hesitate to use that setup on Elk or larger game. I did try using a recurve a few years ago, but I struggled to get my arrows tuned. Probably my form. I've decided I want go full traditional next year, so I'm making a lower weight long bow (Hoping to actually pull it off) to work on my form and build the strength back to get back to my recurve. I'll, most likely, be in the 600+ gr arrow range with a 45# draw weight.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Love all of this! Slow and heavy works perfect out of any bow as you know. And looking forward to hearing how the adventure goes when you do get into traditional. Keep us posted and ask any questions anytime

[@wensmith6752]

I totally agree. 42# at 30.5" draw, 31.5" arrow with 175gr up front, 13 + grs per inch total arrow weight with pass throughs.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Beautiful set up

[@alexsika7160]

Such a great video. I couldnt agree more about tuning your arrows. I do the same with my compound bow.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Tuned arrows make a big difference. Glad you enjoyed it

[@johntoomey8768]

Everyone I have r never hunted deer with a recurve / long bow …that said what would be a good beginner set up to consider?

[@SamkoTradBow]

samick sage or black hunter bows are both fantastic and very well priced. remember their weights are measured at 28 inches of draw. and will go up or down about 3 pounds per inch either way. so if you buy a 50 pound bow and have a 27 inch draw it will really be 47 pounds at your draw length. and if you draw 29 inches it will really be 53 pounds at your length.

[@scarchie1275]

God bless you man. Thanks for sharing this great info about bows and for discussing your son's experiences with a bow. Made it more personal and real. All the best.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@tradarcher8714]

Good video Jason. It amazes me at all the trad guys that argue about the importance of tuning arrows. Especially bare-shaft tuning. I choose to shoot 45@30”. I have not doubt it will be more than enough for any game I’d ever get to chase. I spend countless hrs bare-shaft tuning. my arrows fly straight with no fletching to at least 30 yards. When I add 4” feathers, Decent point weight and do my job as the archer. The arrow has no choice but to do its job.

[@SamkoTradBow]

So very well said! And love that you put in the time to tune those arrows like that!

[@RIGOutdoors]

I actually shoot 45 lb Recurve Bow and have hunted with it for years now. Thank you for sharing this information it was a good refresher.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TGregers]

I just went for a 45 lbs bow as well. Happy to hear people are confident hunting with it. Wanna be comfortable when shooting, so important.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@TGregers will work perfect for yoy

[@ungovernable_ftp]

What are good hunting arrows for 45lbs recurve bow ?anythig on Amazon i live remotely

[@SamkoTradBow]

Alot of variables to answer that. Best way to find out is to go on tradgang.com and post your bow weight, bow style, draw length and point weight you want to shoot. Then guys shooting similar set ups will chime in and steer you in the right direction

[@hardwurk2012]

Great video brother,I just my first recurve bow. Sorry about your son,I know he was a great kid. You are one strong brother.💪🏿

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the condolences.

[@greeneyesfromohio4103]

How’s the recurve after 8 months? What draw weight did you go with?

[@hardwurk2012]

its still holding up,I went 40pounds.​@@greeneyesfromohio4103

[@CANADAFREEDOMS2025]

Your a strong guy to be able to talk about your lose. I'm a father of three and that's my worst nightmare I'd lose myself without each one of my babies ❤️ thanks for the tips and confirming my suspicions on a 40lb bow . Stay strong man.

[@SamkoTradBow]

It's a brutal club nobody wants to be in and the most pain a person could experience. But forward is the only option. Thank you for the condolences.

[@adods9824]

You're

[@CANADAFREEDOMS2025]

@adods9824 ur* don't be lazy