The ideal draw weight for deer hunting varies depending on factors such as the hunters physical ability, the type of bow, and the state regulations. Most states have minimum draw weight regulations for hunting, usually around 40 pounds. However, some states require a higher draw weight for bigger game like moose. A good rule of thumb is about ten grains for every pound that the hunter is pulling with their bow. For whitetail deer-sized game, a general rule of thumb is 40 pounds, and for larger game like elk, 60 pounds or more is best. However, the draw weight is not the only consideration a hunter needs to take into account to ethically hunt whitetails. The hunters arrow setup is much more important, and the only thing that might trump that is the hunters confidence in their setup. At the end of the day, the ideal draw weight for hunting deer depends on the hunters comfort level and physical ability, and the bows setup should be capable of hitting the kinetic energy and momentum levels needed to ethically kill a deer.