Increase Draw Weight for Bowhunters

As childbearing powerhouses, our center of gravity rests in our middle section. While there are many physiological advantages to our structure, our male counterparts’ center of gravity makes it a LOT easier to pull more weight when drawing back a bow. Many states have minimum poundage laws for bowhunters, and I know many women (especially those with shorter draw lengths) who struggle to meet those requirements. To make an ethical kill, we not only need to be good marksmen, but we also need to send it with force. Higher velocity arrows = greater accuracy and more penetration.

Looking to increase your draw weight?

Increasing your upper body strength and core will not only help you draw more weight, but will also ensure a steady body at full draw, and increase your ability to stay at full draw longer. Other added bonuses include being able to pack out or drag your harvest out…without help.

Exercises to Increase Your Draw Weight

For most, start with 5 reps of 10 using low weight, then increase your weight and reps as you gain strength.

Chest Press

Using 5 lb weights or an exercise band, stand up tall and set your feet at shoulder width. Bringing your elbows up to shoulder height and at a 90-degree angle, push your weights forward, and then back. If you’re struggling, you can also do this exercise laying down on a yoga mat. Be sure your knees are up and your feet and back are flat on the mat (squeeze that core).

Bow Scale Portable Digital Draw Weight Scale

Shoulder Press

Same stance as above, but this time push the weight up above your head. Keep that 90-degree angle at rest, and don’t forget to engage your core.

Bent Over Row

Kneel to the ground and have a 5-10 lb weight ready. Using one arm on the ground to stabilize, pull the weight up to your chest.

Shoulder Shrugs

Using 5-10 lbs per arm, let your arms dangle at your sides. Using your shoulders, lift up, hold for 5 seconds, then slowly release your arms down.

Resistance Bands for Training

Punch Across

I’ve found this exercise to be super helpful – and it’s fun if you’re jamming out to some tunes. Using 5 lb weights in each hand, punch across your body, engaging your core, alternating sides. Be careful not to punch so hard that you lock your elbows. Set your timer for one minute, take a 30-second break, then repeat (as many times as you can!).

Push-Ups

“Lady push-ups” (on your knees) are totally acceptable. Set your timer for one minute and get in as many as you can. Take a 30-second break

And yes… planks.

I like to get a couple of these guys in for each circuit. Start with a 30-second hold at the beginning of your workout, then end with a 60-second hold.

About a month prior to bow season, I’ll work my core and upper body strength several times per week. In addition, I mix in some cardio to get in the habit of shooting with an elevated heart rate. I also recommend ensuring your diet compliments your lifestyle.

Our household consumes mostly wild game, veggies and fruit – with the least amount of gluten possible (although I do love my occasional Italian dishes). You’d be surprised how quickly you’re able to increase your draw weight with a upper body focused exercise regimen and balanced diet.

FAQ’s for How to Increase Draw Weight for Bowhunting

What draw weight do you need for bowhunting?

For most whitetail hunting situations, many hunters consider 40–50 pounds sufficient when paired with good shot placement and proper arrows/broadheads. Elk and larger game often push hunters toward 50–60+ pounds for added penetration. Ethical shooting matters more than ego-driven poundage.

What is the minimum legal draw weight by state?

Minimum legal draw weights vary by state and species. Many states require between 30–40 pounds for deer-sized game. Examples include:

Texas: no minimum specified
Minnesota: 30 pounds
Florida: 30–35 pounds depending on equipment interpretation
Colorado: 35 pounds
Many western states: 40 pounds minimum for deer and up to 50 pounds for elk/moose species

Always verify current regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting season.

Can women pull a 50-pound bow?

Absolutely. Many women comfortably and ethically hunt with bows set between 45 and 60 pounds. Proper form, progressive strength building, and realistic expectations are best instead of assuming women should shoot lower poundage automatically.

Is 50 pounds enough to kill a deer?

Yes. A properly tuned bow at 50 pounds with a sharp broadhead is more than capable of ethically harvesting whitetail deer at appropriate distances.

Is 40 pounds enough for bowhunting?

In many states, yes. Forty pounds is commonly accepted as the minimum effective setup for deer-sized game when combined with:

Proper arrow setup
Sharp broadheads
Good shot placement
Reasonable shooting distance

How long does it take to increase draw weight?

Most archers can safely increase draw weight over several weeks to several months depending on:

Starting strength
Shooting frequency
Shoulder stability
Previous injuries
Overall conditioning

Slow progression rather than jumping up too quickly and developing poor shooting form is always the way to go.

How much draw weight should beginners start with?

Beginners should start at a weight they can:

Draw smoothly
Hold steadily
Shoot repeatedly without fatigue
Control without sky-drawing or jerking

For many adults, that may initially be anywhere from 30–45 pounds depending on fitness and experience.

What’s the fastest way to increase draw weight?

The safest and most effective approach usually combines:

Consistent shooting
Back and shoulder strengthening
Proper draw mechanics
Gradual bow adjustments
Rest and recovery

Trying to jump up too quickly often creates bad habits or shoulder pain.

How often should you increase draw weight?

Many bowhunters increase draw weight gradually in:

2–5 pound increments
Every few weeks
Only after maintaining clean form consistently

Master control first before increasing poundage.

What muscles help increase draw weight?

The primary muscles involved include:

Upper back
Rear shoulders
Lats
Rhomboids
Rotator cuff stabilizers
Core muscles

Bowhunting strength depends far more on pulling mechanics than arm strength alone.

Why does higher draw weight feel harder in hunting situations?

Cold weather, awkward angles, adrenaline, bulky clothing, exhaustion, and elevated heart rate all make bows feel heavier in the field than in the backyard.

Can you hunt effectively with lower draw weight?

Yes. Modern bows, arrows, and broadheads are significantly more efficient than older setups. Many hunters ethically harvest deer every year with bows in the 40–50 pound range.

Is higher draw weight always better?

No. Excessive draw weight can actually hurt performance by causing:

Poor form
Target panic
Short draws
Inconsistent anchor points
Fatigue
Shoulder injuries

A controllable bow kills more animals cleanly than an overbowed setup.

What’s the biggest mistake bowhunters make when increasing draw weight?

Jumping too high too fast. Many hunters increase poundage before they can:

Hold full draw comfortably
Maintain anchor consistency
Shoot accurately under fatigue
Draw smoothly while seated or cold

Should women shoot the same draw weight as men?

Not necessarily.

Ethical effectiveness
Shot placement
Comfort
Repeatable form

Many highly successful female bowhunters shoot draw weights tailored to their own body mechanics and hunting style.

Can teenagers hunt with lighter draw weights?

Yes, depending on state regulations and the game being hunted. Many youth bowhunters successfully hunt deer with lower poundage setups when paired with disciplined shot selection and good equipment.

What exercises help increase draw weight?

Strength and stability exercises like:

Resistance band rows
Face pulls
Lat pulldowns
Rear delt work
Scapular stability exercises
Controlled bow-holding drills

Should you practice at a higher draw weight than you hunt with?

Most hunters practice and hunt at the same draw weight. Consistency matters more than “training heavy” in archery.

Why do some experienced hunters still shoot lower poundage?

Many veteran hunters prioritize:

Accuracy
Shoulder longevity
Smooth drawing
Quiet movement
Controlled shooting under pressure

Some intentionally reduce draw weight as they age or recover from injuries.

How do you know your draw weight is too heavy?

Warning signs include:

Shaking at full draw
Sky drawing
Short drawing
Shoulder pain
Inconsistent anchor points
Fatigue after a few shots
Difficulty drawing while seated

Does draw length affect actual draw weight?

Yes. Shorter draw lengths often reduce the actual weight pulled compared to factory-rated specifications measured at 28 inches.

Is there a “perfect” draw weight for bowhunting?

Not really. To find the highest draw weight you can:

Control comfortably
Shoot accurately repeatedly
Draw smoothly in hunting conditions
Maintain throughout long practice sessions

That number is different for every hunter.

Can you build draw weight at home without a gym?

Absolutely. Resistance bands, controlled shooting practice, mobility work, and bodyweight exercises can all help improve archery strength and stability.

Why do some hunters intentionally stay around 45–55 pounds?

Because modern compound bows are highly efficient. Many hunters find that range offers the best balance of:

Speed
Accuracy
Comfort
Quiet shooting
Reduced fatigue
Better real-world hunting performance

What matters more than draw weight?

Shot placement
Arrow tuning
Sharp broadheads
Ethical distance
Consistency
Confidence under pressure

Draw weight alone does not guarantee clean kills.