Most experienced bowhunters recommend a minimum arrow weight of 400-450 grains for elk hunting, so a 500-grain arrow should provide enough kinetic energy and penetration to take down an elk effectively. Heres a great article by Easton if you really want to calculate yours. For hunting elk, a minimum of 40-50 ft-lbs of kinetic energy is recommended. This bull followed the same path as my bull, and at 30 yards he nearly stepped on my bull's carcass. A 55 lb bow can be enough for hunting elk, provided that your arrow setup is well-tuned, and your shot placement is accurate. Certain heads penetrated better than others, and certain designs flew more accurately than others. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but consider the recurve archer who is shooting only 190 to 200 fps and using arrows of 600 grains and up. Calculate the arrows speed in feet per second (FPS) using your bows specifications or a chronograph An arrows front of center (FOC) is also important to penetration, and I strive for at least 12 to 13 percent or more. Search for an English Springer Spaniel puppy or dog. What factors influence arrow penetration for hunting elk? The best draw weight will differ from hunter to hunter, but draw weight will typically range between 45 and 80 pounds. I hope this write-up was informative and cleared up your priorities in your quest for deciding the best draw weight for your upcoming elk hunt. Please browse our list of. Yes, bows are actually more efficient at transferring power when they have a heavier object to push against. Your preferred arrow weight for elk | Hunt Talk How To Choose The Right Grain Arrow For Deer Hunting Discover Their Impressive Leaping Abilities! Arrow weight plays a significant role in your gears performance during an elk hunt. Limited Life-time Warranty on main parts after your registration within 30 days of purchase. For example, if you buy the high end arrows youll get +/- .001 straightness and +/- 0.5 grains (or something close). Hodale, Idaho. Ball Archery owner Greg Summers about the Trident release, a model that is a high-end thumb release that automatically resets itself with no lag. It stands to reason that you will need a little more oomph to get through that extra mass of hair, hide, bone and flesh. I am planning an elk hunt in Montana with my brother, nephew, and close friend. Thats always a bonus since archery success is based on hemorrhaging results, not overall trauma as in firearm hunting. Christian Berg and Millennium Treestands president Ed Welsh talk about the company's longstanding reputation for innovative product design, including the new L116 Bowlite Single Ladder Stand. to get through that extra mass of hair, hide, bone and flesh. The Best Hunting Arrows of 2022 | GearJunkie The rear-sliding blades finish the slice with a 2-inch cutting diameter. Now divide that result by 450, 240 and you end up with a number equaling the foot-pounds of kinetic energy of your bow. The elk lost interest and walked away. As the name suggests, this mechanical has a large, 2-inch cutting diameter, but touts itself on the lockable pivot function that allows the broadhead to keep moving forward even after hitting bone or with an angling shot. I have the ability to screw a 50gr weight to the inside for elk to get the whole arrow to 494gr. Our shots have been perfect broadside shots, but only punching through one side and not both. Practice, close the distance and put that broadhead where it needs to go. 4. It was a lethal shot, and I recovered my bull. The bull went 28 yards and tipped over. At best, an extremely powerful bow (75lbs, 350IBO bow, 500gr arrow) will spit an arrow out with 100 ft/lbs of energy and a velocity of 300 feet per second. If youre not comfortable pulling back 70 Lbs that doesnt mean you cant consistently shoot deadly shots into an elk, so dont let your pride get in the way. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sign up for our email list for entry to win an RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light Cooler. A little extra force and penetration can mean the difference between a successful kill and watching your prize elk get away. In fact, many experienced hunters recommend using an arrow in the 450-550 grain range to ensure optimal penetration and energy transfer upon impact. I experimented a ton with FOC and concluded that I had great results with standard 125gr points on arrows that ended up in the 10-15% FOC range. Can You Deer Hunt with 350 Legend? Recommended Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Plan Read Article How to Kill an Antelope When They Won't Come to Water Read Article 16-Year-Old Arrows 428-Inch Arizona Bull Read Article Why Deer Tactics Help With Elk-Hunting Success Read Article That noted, an overall thinner diameter on the arrow mated with smaller vanes show that a smaller diameter arrow penetrates better and catches less wind due to their smaller overall profile. For beginners looking to hunt elk, start with a 50-pound draw weight, though one of our experts recommends you start at 55 pounds. Thats half the energy and the speed of a .22 rimfire cartridge, which is better known for killing for squirrels, not elk! I was dumbfounded that I was not hearing any elk at all. Those rods are then sorted by straightness and sold by grade. I have had times where I had elk and moose hunts scheduled close together so I chose a bow with a 70-80-pound draw weight simply because I could handle that weight. However, noises such as sticks snapping, shale sliding or pinecones crunching are OK. Ultimately, the best broadhead comes down to personal preference and confidence in your shot placement. Lastly, how about a hybrid? Remember to always adhere to local hunting regulations and ethical hunting practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the elk population. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Measure the individual components weights (shaft, broadhead, fletchings, nocks, inserts) With the arrow weighed, your next goal should be to calculate the bows kinetic energy. The author analyzes shooting techniques and tuning and emphasizes the development of mental toughness; he argues that this goes hand in hand with the mastery of the physical aspects of the sport. Rage has been leading the way with mechanical success for much of the mechanical revolution and the Hypodermics one-piece ferrule strength holds up to elk physiology. I read this book, which helped me hone my discipline and skills. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. No other gear question is as important as this one. My guide and I had been in the hills chasing elk for almost a week, and on many occasions, he had called elk in super close. For your son as I did mine at 13 I would recommend a 400 spine arrow over 500 spine. Speaking of hype, everyone has seen four fletch arrows and the natural assumption is that theyre better than three fletch arrows. Elk are nowhere near as jumpy as whitetails but every now and then you can get a situation where one is fully alert. Choose a relatively small (1 or smaller) fixed blade broadhead and almost any 3x/4x pattern with standard Bohning Blazer or AAE Max Stealth vanes (or equivalent) should be fine. Stand behind a target downrange sometime (yes, its incredibly dangerous and not recommended). The Best Broadheads for Elk of 2023 | Field & Stream However, many hunters will use the same pound draw weight for both elk and deer, as modern compound bows can take down most big game animals. Enter speed and arrow weight data into the calculator. Arrow speed is an important factor for elk hunting, as it contributes to the arrows kinetic energy and penetration potential. Mike Schwarzenbrenner, Expert Archery Hunter: Dont think you have to be Mr. Macho and go out there and shoot 80 pounds. It'll be slow but I'd build an arrow that weighs 450-500 grains and put a SHARP two blade on it. As this bull approached, my nerves were redlining. If youre an average archer shooting 65 pounds at a 28-inch draw, I would shoot an arrow/broadhead combo that weighs around 475 grains (with decent FOC), and a strong, super-sharp broadhead that gives you confidence. Minimum Draw Weight for Elk in North Dakota. Ones draw length can also come into play here. Keep in mind that the further your arrow travels the more energy it loses. I have looking at the Full Metal Jacket 400 @ 10.2 GPI. 14 Best Fishing Vests for Fly, Bass & Kayak Fishing in 2023, How Much Meat from an Elk? Too little drag and the arrow wont stabilize. Unveiling the Truth. The author analyzes shooting techniques and tuning and emphasizes the development of mental toughness; he argues that this goes hand in hand with the mastery of the physical aspects of the sport. This can help prevent the elk from jumping the string and ensure a more successful shot. Thats the baseline for getting an accurate arrow. However, setting aside that simplistic overview, there are some specifics to consider as you look at long sticks and sharp points for your bow. Several factors influence arrow penetration when hunting elk, including arrow weight, broadhead design, bow poundage, and shot placement. The arrow should balance (weight) in front of the center (length) of the arrow shaft. Max Efficiency: arrow ~10-15% over IBO (5.5 grains/per pound of draw weight). For example, three shafts labeled 300 spine might actually measure at 294, 306, and 315. Although bows are becoming more efficient and lower-poundage bows are capable of taking down big game, higher poundage will certainly help you on large game animals. The bull was slightly quartering to me, and the arrow passed through the scapula and exited the back lung. You can choose the best bow for your hunt and hunt by joining now and asking . This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. The Trident continues T.R.U. Randy quickly shed doubt on my gear choice and urged me to take a heavier arrow. If you want a short end to this article, consider that your current whitetail setup is likely suitable to take elk. For more info: kenetrek.com. If you only puncture one lung on an elk, the odds of recovery are close to zero. Its time to get those taste buds prepped for your next elk harvest! As long as you can maintain good arrow speed and accuracy, a 500-grain arrow can be highly effective for elk hunting. Leave the screw in the factory setting and the bleeders will deploy for a 1 -inch cut. Lets dive deep on the key factors that make a great elk arrow dont say I didnt warn you! "Shoot him in the spot," Joe whispered over my shoulder. If youve got plenty of power (70lbs) its fine to be closer to 7 GPP. In addition to arrow weight and draw weight, the broadhead you choose plays a huge role in determining your penetration. Curt Wells is in New Mexico hunting elk from his ground blind, where he sees plenty of movement. One thing that does make a big difference in accuracy is the helical or offset of the vanes. The best way to do that is use solid (not vented) broadhead blades and to use quiet vanes, Almost every manufacturer makes good nocks these days and you can easily swap nocks from one arrow to another (with the same ID), What is important is how well a nock fits your bows nocking points and serving, but thats another article, Elk are dichromatic which means they cant see red/green. Visit a bow shop pro to chronograph your bow and then sharpen a pencil. They can easily shoot through a mattress and leave the fletching unharmed. The ferrule is constructed of titanium for the ultimate in strength and forward-motion penetration. Put your arrow and broadhead together, and you should come up with a combination weighing from 350 to 450 grains, though some higher-poundage bows can handle arrow weights closer to 500 grains. Dec 20, 2022 #4 4 4rcgoat WKR Joined Dec 12, 2015 Messages 1,118 Location wyoming Easton axis out of 70# bow. The bull ran off with about half of my arrow sticking out. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Aim for 7-10 grains of weight per pound of draw weight on your bow Heavier arrows make your bow more efficient, quiet your shot, are easier to tune, and retain energy far better down range Just $1 per month , You may only get one chance to make your shot on an elk. Straightness is correlated to good spine consistency but its not as critical. These midday still hunts can be so deadly if you are willing to do them patiently. You have the body size and massive antlers that take more than one arm to hold up. Christian Berg talks with Dyson Renn of Kinsey's Outdoors Brands about the Pennsylvania company's new Alpine quiver series' color options for 2023. Many guys will go from a 100-grain broadhead to a 125-grain broadhead for elk hunting. Bowhunting geeks love analyzing gear. Weight tolerances also are largely unnoticeable for hunting under 60 yards. Actually thats more about how high your peep is, but thats another post. 175 grain, two blade, single-bevel broadhead with a 75 grain steel adaptor (MA=2.33). Consider, too, that mechanicals steal some potential kinetic energyparticularly if you are shooting a low-poundage bow. Regrettably, like fixed blades, mechanicals do have some cons to consider. If the shooter cannot draw the bow 30 times the draw weight should be . I combined that bow with arrows that weighed more than 520 grains. If you do, its devastating. If you want to fully understand the why just keep reading! He came in to give me a perfect shot. FOC is simply a measure of how much of the arrows weight is in the front half of the arrow. If you cant maintain proper form throughout your shot, youre almost sure to make a bad one. How you do it (3 fletch, 4 fletch, long/short vanes) isnt really. A general rule of thumb is that a shooter should be able to shoot a bow about 30 times in a row without being fatigued. Arrows with bad tolerances tend to curve more at the end of the shaft and look more like a J than a /. The trend is toward a smaller diameter arrow and again much of that comes down to matching your personal bow specifications. Youll have to trust me on this one: Ive put in the time testing different arrows and its pretty obvious which ones work well. PSE is a quality company with excellent customer service, as many customers report an easy return process for defective gear (which, by looking at the reviews, is a rare occurrence). The best way to hone in on your perfect bow hunting setup is to get out there and start shooting! With about 30 minutes of light left, elk started to stand up in this thick timber. Most of this hinges off the research of Dr. Ed Ashby who used a traditional bow which typically uses extremely heavy arrows at short ranges. Dont believe me? This let-off makes it easier to hold the weight longer while you are at full draw. There are several mechanical broadheads to consider. Elk get killed every year by kids and women shooting 45-50 pounds and a good broadhead. In many ways, elk are like turkeys. I like to move quickly to close as much of the gap as possible without letting the elk see me. If an arrow goes too slow, it drops very quickly which can lead to less margin for error for range estimation. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. The weight of the shaft largely depends on its material and size. A common misconception is that you need a light arrow to shoot long distances. Like the compound bow of yesteryear, mechanical broadheads are gaining steam throughout all bowhunting genres. Moving parts, containment mechanisms, and proper deployment all complicate hole-punching capability. Another valuable lesson I learned is when to be aggressive. That results in long rods that are cut down to arrow length. Fixed-blade broadheads or mechanical broadheads with a large cutting diameter are generally preferred for elk hunting. No other factor has as much influence on penetration, which is everything in elk hunting. Ive taken multiple elk with both the Carbon Express Maxima Red and Easton FMJ. If I can shoot a fixed-blade design as accurately as a mechanical, then it is a coin toss and I may choose a fixed blade over a jackknife-style mechanical. He loaded an arrow and we waited for the bull to come charging in, bugling, gurgling and glunking the whole way. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. If you want to shoot it as a fixed-blade, simply tighten a set screw and the head. The advice in this guide comes from lifelong archery hunters, and I made sure to include some great tips and gear recommendations for hunters of any skill level. While some experienced hunters may take shots at longer distances, its essential to know your own limits and consider factors such as the animals movement, wind, and terrain before taking a shot. "Yes, I can see them fine but they are always facing me," I replied. So how heavy should you go? Somewhat new on the block, SEVR has several models available for big game hunting. Heavier arrows are always better for a few reasons so better to err on the side of caution. A good shot with a 400-grain arrow will kill any deer or elk in North America with a good shot, but if you want to reduce chances of failure, heavier arrows are recommended. Arrow weight for Mule Deer and Elk | Rokslide Forum EatElkMeat.com is dedicated to elk meat and elk hunting. A heavier arrow creates less noise during flight, as it causes less friction with the air. 417 is not a heavy arrow. Know your personal shooting limits, concentrate on shot placement and keep environmental factors in mind when you launch. My first pass through on an elk was with a 403 grain arrow, where as I have had heavier arrows not pass through at a fair amount closer than that bull. Any suggestions??? Overall I tend to recommend a small diameter arrow to most people since theyre a great blend of cost and efficiency. My recommendation is to choose a broadhead that groups dependably and has a proven track record for great penetration. Independent gear reviews & bowhunting advice. You can use this bow to hone in your draw weight and get comfortable with form and proper mechanics. It was a devastating setup that pulverized any bone in its way. All Rights Reserved. Curt Wells travels to Mexico to finish his "Deer Slam" by taking a coues deer. Yes, if your draw weight and arrow speed are exceptional (well over 300 fps), you might get by with a lighter, flatter arrow, but I still wouldnt go below 400 grains under any circumstances. Your email address will not be published. The majority of mechanical broadheads offer ease in replacing blades and some can even be touched up for surgical sharpness. Stick with the 100- and 125-grain models for elk with their 1 1/8-inch cutting diameter and option to re-sharpen. If youre looking to master all the concepts, this is the place. At a 30-yard, safe-space distance, the bull braked hard and cranked broadside to seemingly see if his aged eyes were playing tricks on him. Last fall, I elk hunted as hard as I ever have. Some states have restrictions on the maximum let-off percentage. Montana - No specific minimum but maximum 80% let-off. Then hunt your way close and drive it through both lungs. For elk, I recommend a finished arrow weight of 420 grains as a minimum for hunters drawing 60-70 pounds. Christian Berg visits with Alex Chopp of Latitude Outdoors about the company's Method 2 Saddle, which is a metal-free two-panel saddle that is quiet, compact, lightweight, comfortable, and adjustable for bowhunters preparing for a full day of hanging out in the autumn woods as a big buck comes calling. Then I would move about 100 yards very cautiously and cow call a few more times. I covered miles and miles only to come across more wolf sign than elk sign. Gold Tip Hunter XT Arrows. Its combination chisel and cutting tip makeup makes it a head to seriously consider. I saw the arrow go directly into a rib, right in line with the liver. The Best Arrow for the Money: Gold Tip Hunter XT. To top it off, the spine of an individual arrow changes depending on how its rotated. Medium-weight arrows are ideal for hunting deer in around 30 yards range. While you can use the same arrows for hunting elk that you use for other big game species, many hunters choose to use heavier arrows with larger cutting diameter broadheads for elk hunting. In addition to a sturdy setup, check for straightness with tolerances of plus or minus .003 inches being the accepted industry standard. Unveiling the Ultimate Guide, Can You Hunt Deer with a 410 Shotgun? This comprehensive guide to shooting covers: how to get started in archery, the costs involved, choosing and using equipment, and the basics of shooting; setting up your equipment and initial tuning; the biomechanics of shooting; the tactics and preparation work involved in archery competitions; physical fitness, nutrition, and psychology; arrow selection and preparation; making bowstrings; and shooting techniques, improving performance, and the fine-tuning of equipment.. The Bowhunter team relives successful past elk hunts with Cross Mountain Outfitters. Because this setup delivers plenty of energy and momentum, I can shoot most any quality broadhead from fixed blades to heavily built mechanicals like the Rage Trypan and not worry about penetration. A higher draw weight generally provides more arrow speed and penetration but is not always necessary for elk hunting. The difference isnt as big as you think but it is something you need to pay. A few even have toughness and mechanical issues, particularly those with replaceable blades. Total. It cuts with a 1 3/16-inch diameter for ideal blood trailing with a strong stainless steel ferrule, a chisel tip and ease in replacing blades. Scott Cool, via e-mail. If youre not comfortable pulling back 70 Lbs that doesnt mean you cant consistently shoot deadly shots into an elk, so dont let your pride get in the way. If your draw weight and arrow speed is average (under 280 fps), your total arrow weight should go up. However, theres a few reasons I dont recommend that: it hurts long range trajectory, can actually hurt penetration in wind (the arrow flies crooked with fletching blown to the side), and it can be very difficult, expensive, and time consuming to find the right spine with so much point weight. For elk, the debate can reach heated levelsespecially when it comes to broadheads and arrows. No matter how precise the components, youll still have to mark + align outserts (by rotating them) before you glue them into the arrow. All of these factors are intertwined in their importance. G5 also has a solid reputation and its 100- and 125-grain Deadmeat 3-blade mechanical meets the demands of elk. For most hunters, once the necessary muscles needed to pull back a compound bow are strengthened, they should settle in somewhere around 60-70 pounds. Some models even deliver 3-inch cutting diameters, but remember that too much of a good thing can reduce penetration. Hunting elk with a bow and arrow is among the most exciting experiences a hunter can have. Its important to know that arrows of different grades are actually made the exact same way and with the exact same materials. "Can you hit that at 10 yards?" This setup makes for a great beginner bow. The weight of a elk's arrow has been a source of debate for quite some time. Here, I'm going to share some of the tactics that helped me be super successful in the hope they can do the same for you. Subscriber Services. Q: What is the best broadhead arrow weight for elk? Like a football, an arrow is much more accurate if it rotates as it flies. Its worth taking the time to pick a great elk arrow since it can make or break your hunt. Written by an acknowledged expert, this invaluable book is aimed at archers of all levels, from those starting out in the sport to those taking part in competitions at the highest levels. 300, 325, 350, 400, and 500. If you make the diameter of the shaft smaller that means that its walls are much thicker. To find your ideal arrow length, consult with a professional bow technician or measure your draw length and add 0.5 to 1 inch. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:100%;}
Here are the draw weight limits for elk by state: Colorado 35-pound minimum with a maximum 80% let-off, Idaho 40-pound minimum with a maximum 85% let-off, Montana No specific minimum but maximum 80% let-off, Nevada 40-pound minimum with a maximum 80% let-off, New Mexico No specific minimum draw weight or let-off, Washington 40-pound minimum draw weight. That thickness means durability and strength when you need it most, Less wind resistance also means less arrow drop over distance. If you increase arrow weight 50 grains, you'll gain about 1-1/2-percent more penetration at close range and up to 4 or 5-percent beyond 40 yards. Leading the lineup is the 100-grain Trocar with a helix design to aid in flight stabilization. Joe looked at me and said, "I'm going to use my tag on this bull!" After your success you can replace the blades and be ready for the next hunt. I fall in the middle: Its important, but not nearly as important as people make it out to be. 11 Best Hunting Arrows 2023: Top Carbon for Deer, Elk & More - Eat Elk Meat For elk, your bow should produce in the range of 60 foot-pounds of energy and above for ideal penetration. The Best Arrows for Elk Hunting [3 Things to Look For] There is, however, no real winner and no easy answer to the discussion. It's been my experience that when it is hot, you better strike with intensity and efficiency. Try for 7-10 grains of arrow weight per pound of bow draw weight (GPP). The materials used in the arrow shaft, broadhead, and other components will influence the arrows weight. The Unmatched Benefits of Tree Saddle Hunting, Apple and Cheddar-Ale Moose Burger Recipe, 10 Workout Routines Every Bowhunter Should Master, Bear Celebrates 90 Years with a Takedown Twist, New Arrow Rests for 2023: Vapor Trail Gen Integrate 8 and 8X Series, New Browning Cellular Trail Cams for 2023: Defender Pro Scout Max and Vision Pro, New from Bear Archery: Limited Edition Series Super Kodiak Recurve Bow.