What would be the best draw weight for someone to shoot? I just started with a recurve bow and went with 50# draw weight. I shoot 65# on my compound is 50# enough.

It depends on the state your in, in Louisiana, bow draw weight can be no less than 30#. The draw weight on a compound bow is totally different. 50# should be not that hard to draw.
tleger happy shooting

50# is adequate for just about any game you would be apt to hunt, however it's a little on the light side. Make sure your arrows are at least 9 grains for each pound of draw weight; i.e. 450+ grains. This will allow for maximum kinetic energy. Yes, it will slow down the arrow but it will hit harder.
Good luck!

I shoot 47 lb, which is all I can draw back. My husband shoots 57 lb. I have had a pass through on every deer shot, out to 25 yds, quick recovery every time. Accuracy will out do "Macho" everytime. He says to shoot comfortable and accurate,and (legal). All of this is pertaining to white tails of course.

Have to agree with Kim. 50#'s is plenty for North American game animals. I like to be at 60 for Elk, but for whitetails 50 is plenty! I started with a 45# recurve and had pass throughs on Whitetail.

Many do suggest starting off lighter to make sure you develop good form and then move to heavier if you want.

ChrisL, I have been shooting archery tackle for going on 32 years now and I have found that a 50# bow can take down any animal in North America if the shot is good and the broadhead is razor sharp. The most important thing to remember is that the arrow is what does the work and the bow is only the device to send the arrow on its way. If you have an under spined arrow for the bow you are shooting the results can be devastating. I found this out the hard way on a Black Bear hunt in Northern Minnesota a few years ago. I was shooting a 70# longbow and a 750 grain arrow with a Magmus II brroadhead. I shot my bear at 12 yards, hit no bone and only got 7 1/2 inches of penetration. We had very good blood but after two days of tracking the bear circled back on his trail and we lost him. I was sick and went on a quest to understand what went wrong. I found that my arrows were about 30# under spine and that they lost almost all their energy trying to straighten out once they hit the bear. I would be happy to explain more if anyone would like.

The best draw weight to shoot is the draw weight you can put and shoot well, and the State ok. I shoot a Hoyt Razortec set a 70, but I elk hunt a lot.

My recurve is 56# @ 29" draw and is more than enough for whitetail.

I shoot a 45# longbow and have harvested bear, deer... Aim well,make sure your equipment is set up for you.
I do use a 55# recurve and an old Fred Bear longbow marked 60#'s. If I am in a spot where my shots might be longer I use my recurve. I do agree with Mr. Hawley, make sure the arrows are properly spined. I shoot only wooden arrows, no fancy blades, Howard Hill or Bear are my primarys. Get them SHARP. Confidence, good
equipment and Practice....enjoy.

Jaredhawley: When I first built my longbow I had somewhat the same problem. I shoot a 64 inch longbow at 80 pounds at 26-1/2 draw. I get exactly 200 to 202 fps every time. I don't remember the exact spine weight it's been too long since I have used it. But you are exactly right in matching it to what you have.
Idcowboy (hey Denny) is exactly right in one shooting what they can shoot well and is legal.