Bow draw & weight

[bow101]

If most of us build bows that are tillered to 50# @28, then is it really necessary to pull to say 28" and hit the Squirrel or other small game.
My arguement is why so much force, after all the Squirrel is only @ 10 yards.  Why not draw to 26" or 24"..?

Signed,
"Bow Hunting Virgin"

[Hrothgar]

I would have to say "no" it isn't necessary, that's why many of the native american bows were shorter, lighter, and drew much less than 28". The size of the game, the armour of the enemy, or  the distance of the target pretty much dictate bow and arrow dimensions.

[Lemos]

Consistency would be my guess, drawing to your anchor at 28" or any other number gives you consistent accurate info to put into the brains aiming system. I suppose if you practiced enough at various draw lengths you could develop some accuracy

[spyder1958]

It works fine when I squirrel hunt if its close. I shot one 2 weeks ago when he ran up the side of the tree and stopped, his bad. quick part draw. target point didn't even pentrate, squirrel hit the ground, my heeler finished the job.

[PEARL DRUMS]

You full draw your bow and use what it produces for the same reason you dont dump half the powder out of a shotgun shell to kill a rabbit and leave it full to kill a deer.

[Pappy]

I never build bow at a given weight at 28,if for me it's a given weight at 26.No need but like Lemos said you need to be consistent on your anchor to be accurate.
probably 30lbs at 20inches  would kill a squirrel if you can shoot accurate with it.
The only time I build a bow at 28 is if I am building it for someone else that draws that.  I think the 28 thing comes from AMO on custom or mass produced bows
not something I worry about. 
   Pappy