30# draw legal in IL for deer

Huntschool · February 27, 2020, 03:23:57 PM

Dont know if everyone knew this but I was "cruising" the IL regs just the other day and found that 30# draw is now legal for deer in Illinois. I dont know when it changed but it seems to me that it has been 45# forever. Since arriving in IL in 1966, I have shot bows well over the 45# lower limit until a few years ago when I dropped down to 45#. During that time I have paid no attention to these requirements.

I bring this up as a number of us older folks have gone down in weight due to lots of factors and poundage below 45# may help some folks. I should also mention, with no malice, the current trad bows ain't you old Bear or Hoyt or Wing or, etc. etc. Our bow builders have got a whole new set of info, materials, etc. with which to work as do the trad broadhead folks.

Just some info....

SlowBowKing · February 27, 2020, 04:28:40 PM

Don't hunt IL, but just curious...does that mean the listed draw weight? I'm one of those short fellers with a draw in the 25" range.

wingnut · February 27, 2020, 04:35:37 PM

Wow, My grandson could hunt deer with his bow in IL. He can hunt here too as we don't have a weight restriction.

As you can imagine his bow will do the job. LOL

Mike

Huntschool · February 27, 2020, 04:43:23 PM

Quote from: SlowBowKing on February 27, 2020, 04:28:40 PM
Don't hunt IL, but just curious...does that mean the listed draw weight? I'm one of those short fellers with a draw in the 25" range.

SlowBowKing:

My understanding is 30# at some place during the draw cycle. I am going to go back and check it in a minute or so. I'll cut and paste and/or copy word for word.

Here is a copy of the wording: See the minimum arrow length also. I would take the 28" draw as the normal AMO listed draw

"A long, recurve or compound bow with a minimum pull of 30 pounds at some point within a 28-inch draw. Minimum arrow length is 20 inches.

lem. · February 27, 2020, 05:11:18 PM

Illinois is 30# min pull Wt.

Huntschool · February 27, 2020, 06:15:30 PM

Quote from: lem. on February 27, 2020, 05:11:18 PM
Illinois is 30# min pull Wt.

lem: I think that is what I said....

Thanks

PICKNGRIN · February 27, 2020, 06:55:25 PM

Iowa removed draw weight minimums from the regulations several years ago.

Huntschool · February 27, 2020, 07:10:13 PM

Quote from: wingnut on February 27, 2020, 04:35:37 PM
Wow, My grandson could hunt deer with his bow in IL. He can hunt here too as we don't have a weight restriction.

As you can imagine his bow will do the job. LOL

Mike

Mike: yea I would expect those special limbs of yours on one of your ILF risers to be just the ticket for the boy.... LOL big time.

Kelly · February 27, 2020, 07:26:54 PM

Good to know as I plan on bowhunting IL soon and I shoot 35-40# bows.

FYI, 30# is also the minimum draw weight in Wisconsin and has been that way forever.

Paul Fithian · February 28, 2020, 07:13:09 PM

Indiana regs state: The bow must have a pull of at least 35 pounds.

Hot Hap · February 28, 2020, 09:20:38 PM

This past year I hunted with a 40# @ 30" bow. So about 35# @ 28". The new regulations will be able to keep me in the woods for a while longer. I was going to give it up but I am good to go again now.

Hap