Christian Berg talks with T.R.U. Ultimately, the right arrow weight for elk hunting will depend on your individual preferences, bow setup, and skill level. Personally I would find a way to add a heavier insert system. 4. North Dakota requires a minimum draw weight of 50 pounds. I get adding weight to the arrow. For elk hunting, its generally recommended to use a full-metal jacket (FMJ) or heavy carbon arrow for better penetration and energy retention. They can be difficult to tune and bow speeds enhance steering issues. Lynn Burkhead and Elevate Stand Co. creative director Brittany Stubbs talk about a new mid-sized option that was so new off of the Kansas company's drawing board this year at the ATA Trade Show that it didn't have an official name as of press time.
Elk Arrow/Weight and Speed? | Trad Talk Forums The innovative product caused quite a stir at the 2023 ATA Trade Show in Indianapolis, winning 1st place in the New Product Introduction category. Your email address will not be published. Two hours later, we had a bull respond to our call from nearly 400 yards away. Visit a bow shop pro to chronograph your bow and then sharpen a pencil. The G5 SnapLock system guarantees blades stay in place until needed. 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. Mass produced micro diameter arrows often ship with misaligned outserts. 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. A well placed shot allows a 398 gr arrow at 82 yards on a cow elk, a 70 yard shot on a muley to pass thru. Curt Wells is in New Mexico hunting elk from his ground blind, where he sees plenty of movement. 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. If you do practice out to 100 yards (which I often do, even though Id never shoot an animal that far) you will start to notice a big difference as trajectory really drops off. Thats just the summary believe it or not. A 55 lb bow can be enough for hunting elk, provided that your arrow setup is well-tuned, and your shot placement is accurate. If you cant maintain proper form throughout your shot, youre almost sure to make a bad one. Unfortunately most factory made arrows dont come with helical or offset so youll have to pony up for a custom arrows or build your own set if you want those advantages. All you have to do is spin the arrow, mark the end to cut, and voila, youve made a .006 or .003 arrow into a .001.
A higher draw weight can provide improved penetration and kinetic energy, but its essential to choose a poundage that you can comfortably shoot and control for accurate shot placement. That's probably middle of the road also. For elk hunting, a broadhead weighing between 100 to 150 grains is recommended. Youll only notice the benefits of +/- 0.001 tolerances from 80-100 yards (practicing) if youre a fantastic shot, Unless youre shooting past 60 yards (or practicing at 100), just make sure your arrows are within 5-10 grains of each other, At the extreme, I find 1 grain difference can mean 0.5-1 difference @ 100 yards, Elk arent as twitchy as whitetail deer but it doesnt hurt to try to keep the arrow as quiet as possible. My arrow weight with a 125 gr broadhead is about 425 gr. Your compound bow stores energy through its cams, and the let-off percentage is the amount of energy that it stores while you are in full draw. I didn't want to rush it since I couldn't see the bull. Messages. But with features like rugged construction from lightweight aluminum, built-in foot traction, and hunter seat comfort, this brand-new treestand is sure to be a winner as it hits production this year. Christian Berg talks with Dyson Renn of Kinsey's Outdoors Brands about the Pennsylvania company's new Alpine quiver series' color options for 2023. It was one of the craziest memories I have as an elk hunter, and we packed out of that public land on Cloud 9! The G5 SnapLock system guarantees blades stay in place until needed. When you can safely and accurately shoot from several positions at this weight, add five pounds to your pull, and repeat until you reach a weight that you feel comfortable holding for 1-2 minutes. Id argue that neither is necessarily better than the other and it totally depends on your setup. This search can be a confusing and frustrating process. For archery hunters, our biggest fear remains that we wound and/or kill an animal but never find it. On the other hand, a lighter arrow is more susceptible to wind drift, which can affect your shots accuracy. The ferrule is constructed of titanium for the ultimate in strength and forward-motion penetration. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable English Springer Spaniel puppies and adult English Springer Spaniel in Elk Grove, California. A little extra force and penetration can mean the difference between a successful kill and watching your prize elk get away. One such factor is the arrow weight. 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. For beginners looking to hunt elk, start with a 50-pound draw weight, though one of our experts recommends you start at 55 pounds. If you are a deer hunting with an elk hunt on your calendar, you may need to boost your penetration for larger game with increased arrow weight, draw weight and broadhead choice. In addition to arrow weight and draw weight, the broadhead you choose plays a huge role in determining your penetration. Can You Deer Hunt with 350 Legend? 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. Lastly, how about a hybrid? Hunting elk with a bow and arrow is among the most exciting experiences a hunter can have. Try many different draw weights and, EatElkMeat.com is dedicated to elk meat and elk hunting.
How to Setup Your Compound Bow for Elk Season | Outdoor Life Rear-sliding blades, however, use exponentially less kinetic energy when the slicing begins. Whats your best draw weight for the upcoming elk hunting season? With that said, I recommend increasing your draw weight, arrow weight, and broadhead cutting capabilities when stepping up from hunting deer to hunting elk. Those inconsistencies can lead to inaccurate arrows and tuning headaches since youre essentially trying to get two different arrows to act the same way. Then hunt your way close and drive it through both lungs. Ricky Brule shows Bowhunter Magazine Editor Curt Wells the new Gen Integrate 8 and 8X Series arrow rests from Vapor Trail Archery. Many times, I would start to question whether there were even elk around, but then I would come across fresh elk sign. Despite this, a five-grain arrow weighing less than 550 grains is not uncommon. Stand behind a target downrange sometime (yes, its incredibly dangerous and not recommended). This setup makes for a great beginner bow. Featuring new Phase Resistance Dampening technology incorporated into the bow limbs, Mathews touts the Phase 4 as the quietest, most vibration-free hunting bow in company history. there is nothing wrong with my current setup but I always feel the need to tinker and tweak it. 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. Curt Wells hooks up with the gang at New Mexico Hunting Adventures to pursue big bull elk. Dec 20, 2022 #5
What Is The Optimal GPI For A Deer Hunting Arrow? So, get comfortable shooting this weight consistently as a beginner.. As this bull approached, my nerves were redlining. Major arrow manufacturers offer roughly three different diameters of arrows for hunting purposes: While plenty of elk have been killed with standard diameter arrows, small and micro diameter arrows offer some pretty distinct advantages: The downsides of smaller diameter shafts are that they tend to cost more and the components can be much weaker and difficult to align (more on that in the next section). 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. The answer is yes; however, they will need to have a much cleaner angle, a closer shot, and proper placement. Christian Berg visits with Latitude Outdoors' Alex Chopp about the company's incredibly lightweight Carbon Speed Series climbing sticks, which check in at only 19 ounces and help a bowhunter shave off some serious pack weight for their treks into and out of the whitetail woods. The art is matching the right amount of drag of the fletchings with the drag from the broadhead (which destabilizes the arrow). The best bow poundage for elk hunting usually falls within the range of 60-70 lbs. Arrow weight No other factor has as much influence on penetration, which is everything in elk hunting. He loaded an arrow and we waited for the bull to come charging in, bugling, gurgling and glunking the whole way. With the arrow weighed, your next goal should be to calculate the bows kinetic energy. Keep in mind that the further your arrow travels the more energy it loses. Its certainly worth a download and a read. A few of the cows and calves responded quietly, and then the bull whistled faintly.
11 Best Hunting Arrows 2023: Top Carbon for Deer, Elk & More - Eat Elk Meat Even at night when I was sleeping in my camper, I never heard a single bugle. The benefits of mechanical broadheads are many. Here are some inexpensive recommendations for getting your feet wet: Good to hunt out of the box.
I would move very slowly through areas I assumed would hold elk and randomly cow call and sit still for 30 minutes or so. Yes, some bows have an 80-pound draw weight or more, but does that make them any better? My last four bulls all expired in full view for an ending that tops any Broadway hit. While many bowhunters believe that heavier arrows enhance penetration, others tend to go lighter for better trajectory. A balanced combination of speed, weight, and accuracy is key to successfully harvesting an elk. 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. Try many different draw weights and broadheads to find combinations that work for you. Randy quickly shed doubt on my gear choice and urged me to take a heavier arrow. Limited Life-time Warranty on main parts after your registration within 30 days of purchase. Selecting the right arrow weight for elk hunting is a crucial decision that can affect the accuracy, penetration, and trajectory of your shot. I am planning an elk hunt in Montana with my brother, nephew, and close friend. In addition to target plinking in the backyard or clearing predators away from the chicken coop, these slingshots are the perfect tool for bowhunters needing to clear the woods of whitetails milling around a treestand at quitting time or cattle moving in to feed during deer hunting's prime-time hours. Your arrow combination has to pass through more animal matter and push past bigger obstructions to reach an elks engine room. How far should I be able to shoot an arrow accurately when hunting elk? Straightness is correlated to good spine consistency but its not as critical. Mark Kayser Bowhunter Editor and "Bowhunter TV" host Curt Wells visits with Josh Johnson of Spot Hogg at the 2023 Archery Trade Show in Indianapolis.
Best Arrows for Elk Hunting - Hunting & Archery Tips, News and Gear Reviews 4,786. The bull was slightly quartering to me, and the arrow passed through the scapula and exited the back lung. Please browse our list of. Long story short, this all comes back to whats the best for you. I have always shot a 400gr arrow I was thinking of going up to like 425gr by switching from 100 grain broadheads to 125s for elk. Top archery hunters can shoot accurately with a 90-pound draw weight, and the energy this provides is punishing for any big game animal.. Bows have more energy and transfer it more efficiently than ever before. 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. |
For whitetail deer hunting anything above 40 lbs is fine. |
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. For 15 years now, I've been a Midwestern bowhunter who plans a trip or two each year to chase elk out in the Western states or in Canada. 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.. Best Arrows for Elk Hunting. For example, a 50-pound draw weight with 80% let-off would feel like you holding 10 Lbs at full draw. He came in to give me a perfect shot. Enter speed and arrow weight data into the calculator. As long as you can maintain good arrow speed and accuracy, a 500-grain arrow can be highly effective for elk hunting. 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. Ive taken multiple elk with both the Carbon Express Maxima Red and Easton FMJ. The best arrow for elk hunting is built specifically for those requirements and so is this gear guide. 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. Each different diameter comes with a slightly different type of insert: The traditional weakness of micro diameter arrows (and to some extent, small diameter arrows too) is the insert/outsert system. Have questions about your individual setup? Want to understand why? Nearly all of my pins covered the sweet spot and the bottom of the "V" of the dark brown hair. The only way to know is to shoot several options side by side. These midday still hunts can be so deadly if you are willing to do them patiently. While most people have heard of spine (aka how stiff your arrow is), they dont realize that spines can have wide tolerances even in the same batch of arrows! I have shot close to two dozen bulls with my bow. Read Next: 7 Secrets for Bowhunting Bull Elk. Practically speaking the pros outweigh the cons but ultimately thats up to you. This can help prevent the elk from jumping the string and ensure a more successful shot. Overall I tend to recommend a small diameter arrow to most people since theyre a great blend of cost and efficiency. Here are some lifelong archery elk hunters on choosing a draw weight for elk hunting: Lance Fitzgerald, Colorado Bow Hunters Association Lifetime Member: I started shooting as a teenager at 45 pounds of draw weight. "Yes, I can see them fine but they are always facing me," I replied. Drop a comment below or reply to my newsletter and Ill do my best to help out. Required fields are marked *. Where Do I Put My Feet When Tree Saddle Hunting? One way to overcome this is to quiet your bow but it turns out that arrows also make a lot of noise traveling through the air. This is essential when hunting large game like elk, as you need to ensure your arrow can reach the vital organs to ensure a quick and ethical kill. Subscriber Services. The only real advantage of four fletch is more clearance and more points to nock tune your arrow. Minimum Draw Weight for Elk in North Dakota. While perfecting your craft and getting comfortable with draw weight, you will need to do a lot of practice shooting. He was off again, but as is common with double-lunged bulls you usually get to watch the last wobble and appreciate the work of a great archery setup. 417 is not a heavy arrow. If you hope to drive a two-inch-wide broadhead completely through an elk, you had better have some energy and a heavy arrow behind it. 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. That means the vanes are slightly bent like a propeller which causes the arrow to spin in flight. While there are tuning methods to try to fix this (none of which works that well), the most important thing is to buy arrows with tight tolerances. Any suggestions??? Selecting the right arrow weight for elk hunting is a crucial decision that can affect the accuracy, penetration, and Optimal Arrow Weight for Elk Hunting . If you start with a well-tuned bow, there is no question the best penetrating broadhead is a cut-on-contact, fixed two-blade design like a Muzzy Phantom, Magnus Stinger, or Iron Will broadhead. Some states have restrictions on the maximum let-off percentage. His rack emerged through the thick cedars and he stopped in front of me at about nine yards. To top it off, the mountainous environment they live in can lead to long shots, windy conditions, and difficult shot angles. The best draw weight will differ from hunter to hunter, but draw weight will typically range between 45 and 80 pounds. Following up on the success of the popular Corrie boot, the Kenetrek faithful asked the company to create an all-leather version of it. Our shots have been perfect broadside shots, but only punching through one side and not both. Further, new, out-of-the-package heads should be shaving sharp, but touching up used heads is a chore.
Elk Arrow Weight? | Hunt Talk He then explained that the convergence of the heart, its major arteries and the windpipe is almost the size of a volleyball or pie plate. Small (.204/5mm) and micro (.165/4mm) diameter arrow shafts cut through the wind, penetrate better, are tougher/stronger, and have a better trajectory compared to standard diameter (.246/6mm) arrows. English Springer Spaniel. However, it will only help if you can control the pulling weight. There is, however, no real winner and no easy answer to the discussion. There's no doubt a screaming bull is a whole new level of awesome compared to a strutting turkey or rutting whitetail. Like Prime bows and G5 broadheads have done for years, these new carbon arrows promise to be a big hit for bowhunters looking for an edge in the whitetail woods or out west targeting Rocky Mountain big game. Unveiling the Truth. Its combination chisel and cutting tip makeup makes it a head to seriously consider. The bull immediately bugled one time, and I gave him a hot cow call. The weight of the shaft largely depends on its material and size. Both sides have merit, but overall arrow selection again comes down to your draw weight and draw length. 100- and 125-grain Deadmeat 3-blade mechanical, Your 3-Part Game Plan for Elk Bowhunting Success This Fall. An important thing to consider is that youll need a bow with adjustable draw weight when getting started. A broadhead doesnt work without the stick thats behind it and your stick should be stout. But as I hunted more, I learned to get after it when they were talking back. Location. [Bull & Cow Harvests Explained], How Much Does Elk Weigh? What type of broadhead is best for elk hunting?
Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Lesson 5 - Colorado Parks and Wildlife Here are two good general rules: There are exceptions to every rule, so comment below if you have odd draw weights or draw lengths. The secret spot is right at the bottom of the thick, dark hair on a bull's neck where it comes to the point with the lighter hair. How important is arrow speed for elk hunting? Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Choosing the appropriate broadhead weight is vital for optimum performance. If youre taking shots under 60 yards (which 95% of hunters do) you wont notice a difference between 0.003 and 0.001. Topping the list of reasons to ponder using a mechanical broadhead is the fact they are, well, mechanical. Black Eagle X-Impact Materials: High-mod carbon Diameter: .165" Straightness: .001 Nock: Black Eagle 8-grain micro nock Fletching: 2" Bohning blazer vanes Important Note: Broadheads are an integral part of successful archery setups for elk. Learn more here: Your email address will not be published. If an arrow goes too slow, it drops very quickly which can lead to less margin for error for range estimation. See my point? Moving parts, containment mechanisms, and proper deployment all complicate hole-punching capability. Then I add 200 grains of weight up front including my broadhead along with about 30 grains with the . Joe chirped the cow call one more time and the bull looked up and came right to us. For elk, I recommend a finished arrow weight of 420 grains as a minimum for hunters drawing 60-70 pounds. Arrow placement is most important, your arrow weight is fine. Heres a summary of the key factors before we dive into each below: Phew! All Petersen's Bowhunting subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. The Best Lightweight Arrow: Victory RIP XV Xtreme Velocity Elite. The arrow should balance (weight) in front of the center (length) of the arrow shaft. Otherwise youll have a straight arrow shaft that still has a wobbly point! One is the 100-grain Rage Hypodermic. It was one of those complicated scenarios that happen in an instant. The best arrow for elk hunting have extremely strong components, so do your research. You can use this bow to hone in your draw weight and get comfortable with form and proper mechanics. The Bloodsport Gravedigger series includes both a cut-on-contact and a chisel-head version. EatElkMeat.com is dedicated to elk meat and elk hunting. Best of all, you can order them in any amount you desire without packaging limitations. You can choose the best bow for your hunt and hunt by joining now and asking . I saw the arrow go directly into a rib, right in line with the liver. Its a rear-deploying broadhead looks like a fixed-blade and leaves a 1 -inch wound channel that begins with a chisel-tip entrance. Arrows have been beefed up and slimmed down for better penetration. Draw Weight for Elk: A 2023 Guide (State Minimums + Best Gear). Match that profile with reduced vane size like the popular Blazer and your arrow should act like a rocket, not a hang glider. If you have a very light draw (40lbs) aim for ~10 GPP. What matters in archery is not how hard the arrow hits but how far it penetrates through the animal. FOC (Front of Center) is definitely the marketing word of the decade in archery and it seems like everyone has a strong opinion here. to get through that extra mass of hair, hide, bone and flesh.
Optimal Arrow Weight for Elk Hunting: Your Ultimate Guide Until you can shoot at this draw weight, I would consider another hobby. If you make the diameter of the shaft smaller that means that its walls are much thicker. The Bowhunter team relives successful past elk hunts with Cross Mountain Outfitters. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. On a cold and rainy day at the ATA Trade Show, Lynn Burkhead talks about new arrow designs for 2023 with Prime Archery chief design officer Nate Grace.
Best Arrows and Broadheads For Elk | Outdoor Life 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. I have a 30.5-inch draw, and I typically shoot 67 pounds. For 90% of elk situations, you dont have to worry about arrow noise. Its important to know that arrows of different grades are actually made the exact same way and with the exact same materials. Give a Gift
My guide, who was a veteran elk hunter, then asked me, "Can you NOT see the bulls when they are coming in?". All Bowhunter subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, I'm Baxter Bowman. My eyes got about as big as many of yours are right now, and I said, "WHAT? 2,285.
What Grain Arrow For Deer: Calculated - Climb To Hunt I combined that bow with arrows that weighed more than 520 grains. Know your personal shooting limits, concentrate on shot placement and keep environmental factors in mind when you launch. Wicked Ridge Announces 2022 Crossbows & Accessories. 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. One thing that does make a big difference in accuracy is the helical or offset of the vanes. Well, for starters and I dont need to tell you this elk are a much larger animal than deer. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. If the shooter cannot draw the bow 30 times the draw weight should be . Fixed-blade broadheads arent perfect thoughnever have been. With an affordable price point, the exclusive patented ladder design features a ComfortMAX seat, a durable powder-coated finish, oval steel construction, and much more. All Rights Reserved. Similar to the G5 is the New Archery Hellrazor. Their field-point profiles make them easy to tune. Heres a step-by-step process to do so: 1. 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. Both models can be mounted to the Integrate Mounting System found on most modern compound bows. In addition to a sturdy setup, check for straightness with tolerances of plus or minus .003 inches being the accepted industry standard. All the details can be found in the article. That leads to the big positive of fixed-blade heads for elk. If you can't hold proper form or struggle to pull heavier weight, then lower it to what you can manage. Hodale, Idaho. Arrows with bad tolerances tend to curve more at the end of the shaft and look more like a J than a /. Heck, I know of several bowhunters who have taken elk with bows dialed back to 50 pounds. A little extra force and penetration can mean the difference between a successful kill and watching your prize elk get away. Like turkeys, elk may chose to be vocal for a brief period but then lose interest. Too much and the arrow will slow down quickly. Personally, I tend to vary my arrow weight according to the species I am hunting. However, to ensure a successful hunt, its essential to consider the factors that affect your gears performance, specifically your arrows. However, to ensure a successful hunt, it's essential to consider the factors that affect your gear's performance, specifically your arrows. I took a bull last year at 61 yards with a SEVR 1.5-tipped Easton. With about 30 minutes of light left, elk started to stand up in this thick timber. But then again, its an admirable goal. They may also choose to come only halfway to you and then lock up, with no intention of closing the gap.
Your preferred arrow weight for elk | Hunt Talk I've spent countless seasons in the field, tracking game and perfecting my craft. Youre looking for the best draw weight for elk and have probably spent a lot of time online trying to get a straight answer from forums and hunting sites. For hunting elk, a minimum of 40-50 ft-lbs of kinetic energy is recommended. . However, if you can achieve higher KE while maintaining accuracy, its always better. For elk, consider the Titanium 2.1 available in both 100- and 125-grain versions. 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. They are super tough and durable. Now that you understand the importance of arrow weight and its components lets delve into the factors thatll help you select the ideal arrow weight for your next elk hunt: First, consider your bows draw weight and strength.