Many times, I would start to question whether there were even elk around, but then I would come across fresh elk sign. For beginners looking to hunt elk, start with a 50-pound draw weight, though one of our experts recommends you start at 55 pounds. Christian Berg talks to Weston Schrank of Trophyline as they look at the Sumter and Palisade EVA packs, a couple of pack products designed with saddle hunters and anyone else who enjoys a mobile style of deer and big game hunting. 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. With my Inline 3 at 28.5" and 62# my deer arrow is 444 grains, using a 125gr tip and 50gr half-out on Black Eagle Rampage 350 .001. The shot was further back than I wanted, but the loud crack assured me I had broken the rib. My recommendation is to choose a broadhead that groups dependably and has a proven track record for great penetration. 14 Best Fishing Vests for Fly, Bass & Kayak Fishing in 2023, How Much Meat from an Elk? Dont know what that means? The Best Heavy-Hitting Arrow: Easton FMJ. Try to use the heaviest arrow that will get you around 260-280fps. However, it should not be prioritized over factors like arrow weight, broadhead selection, and shot placement. Concerns pop up when the shot is off just a bit, and that is where heavier arrows will help to a degree. An arrow that is in the 9.25-9.75 grs/lb range is the best hunting weight arrow for any given draw weight. 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. The difference isnt as big as you think but it is something you need to pay. It was obvious I had still-hunted right into a bedded herd. For whitetail deer hunting anything above 40 lbs is fine. Josh Riley lives in Colorado with his wife, Mary, and their three wild and crazy children. I read this book, which helped me hone my discipline and skills. Arrowheads, also known as broadheads, come in various weights, shapes, and designs. One is the 100-grain Rage Hypodermic. Since the elk weren't talking at all, I focused on still-hunting. 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. And no test medium can replicate the real thing. Leading the lineup is the 100-grain Trocar with a helix design to aid in flight stabilization. As long as you can maintain good arrow speed and accuracy, a 500-grain arrow can be highly effective for elk hunting. For elk, I recommend a finished arrow weight of 420 grains as a minimum for hunters drawing 60-70 pounds. 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. You'll be packing meat in short order. The benefits of mechanical broadheads are many. It is my opinion that arrow speed is valuable only when you are shooting a shaft with adequate weight for the game you are after. You can take a mature bull elk with your archery whitetail setup, but analyze it first for any flaws when tackling these big critters. Messages. While perfecting your craft and getting comfortable with draw weight, you will need to do a lot of practice shooting. Conversely, some people only have the strength to pull back 45 to 50 pounds. They are super tough and durable. I combined that bow with arrows that weighed more than 520 grains. 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. Dont worry about it too much. The reason for this simple statement lies in the explosion of technology introduced into archery within the last several decades, particularly the last 10 years. Large range of adjustable draw length 18-31", draw weight 0 -70 lbs without needing a bow press. Long story short, this all comes back to whats the best for you. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. This is because elk are larger and more resilient animals, and the heavier arrows provide improved penetration and energy transfer on impact. One such factor is the arrow weight. In addition to arrow weight and draw weight, the broadhead you choose plays a huge role in determining your penetration. 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. Hunting with a newer compound bow and using a quality broadhead-arrow combination will kill most elk. Jul 14, 2011. You can re-sharpen and use these tough broadheads over and over again. In addition to being lightweight, bombproof in construction and design, and being ambidextrous--the new quiver, that is--these additions to the longtime Pennsylvania company's product lineup for 2023 are perfect for walking around the 3D course this year! The bull was slightly quartering to me, and the arrow passed through the scapula and exited the back lung. 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. More on this in my guide to building arrows (coming soon). The only way to know is to shoot several options side by side. An arrows front of center (FOC) is also important to penetration, and I strive for at least 12 to 13 percent or more. The Perfect Arrow Weight For Your Next Hunt. This means that even at longer ranges, your arrow will still have enough kinetic energy to penetrate deeply and effectively take down an elk. Give a Gift
The elk lost interest and walked away. Curt Wells travels to Mexico to finish his "Deer Slam" by taking a coues deer. Somewhat new on the block, SEVR has several models available for big game hunting. 11 Best Hunting Arrows 2023: Top Carbon for Deer, Elk & More - Eat Elk Meat WHERE HUNTERS & OUTDOORSMEN FIND THEIR GEAR, Draw Weight for Elk 2023 Guide [State Minimums + Best Gear], You might be wondering if youll need a more considerable draw weight than what youre used to when hunting deer. Best arrow for elk hunting [Gear Guide] - Baxter Bowman (Top List) The Best Arrow Weight For Elk in 2023 Based on Real Reviews In what was certainly a fitting unveiling to begin the company's 90th Anniversary celebration, the bow even though it showcases an aluminum riser still comes with a lot of the features associated with the original Takedown recurve bows. Designed for 55 lb. The best arrow for elk hunting is built specifically for those requirements and so is this gear guide. Heres why: The whole point of fletching is to create enough drag to stabilize the arrow. The Bowhunter team relives successful past elk hunts with Cross Mountain Outfitters. there is nothing wrong with my current setup but I always feel the need to tinker and tweak it. For larger game such as elk or moose a good recommendation is at least 60-65 lbs of draw weight. The ferrule is constructed of titanium for the ultimate in strength and forward-motion penetration. They can be difficult to tune and bow speeds enhance steering issues. Not good. At the moment neither of us could have cared who was more shocked at the 10-yard, surprise run-inthe elk or me. Enter speed and arrow weight data into the calculator. Q: What is the best broadhead arrow weight 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.. Their rugged nature and non-mechanical approach combined to fell many elk in the Rockies. So yes, theyre exactly the same other than their rated straightness. Consider, too, that mechanicals steal some potential kinetic energyparticularly if you are shooting a low-poundage bow. arrow weight for elk at 50lb draw | Rokslide Forum Curt Wells can't pass up this opportunity to hunt mountain caribou in the Northwest Territories. : Broadheads are an integral part of successful archery setups for elk. Like the compound bow of yesteryear, mechanical broadheads are gaining steam throughout all bowhunting genres. However, setting aside that simplistic overview, there are some specifics to consider as you look at long sticks and sharp points for your bow. One word: trajectory. He loaded an arrow and we waited for the bull to come charging in, bugling, gurgling and glunking the whole way. 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. Then he responded, "If they are that close and perfectly head-on, take the frontal shot!". use the same pound draw weight for both elk and deer, as modern compound bows can take down most big game animals. Several years ago, I almost made a mistake that could have cost me a mega bull. 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. At 70 pounds, youre in pretty good shape, but if youre only shooting 55 pounds know that a portion of energy is being used to expand those blades. Regrettably, like fixed blades, mechanicals do have some cons to consider. Brass insert (60 grains). Arrow placement is most important, your arrow weight is fine. . It was one of those complicated scenarios that happen in an instant. It'll be slow but I'd build an arrow that weighs 450-500 grains and put a SHARP two blade on it. This isnt that big of a deal since its a matter of inches, but its nice to have, Standard insert: all of the point other than the tip is entirely inside the shaft, Half outs: Half of the point is outside the shaft and only the point threads are inside, Note: some exceptions to this like easton HIT inserts, outserts, or micro diameter style combos, Outserts: The entire point and its threads are outside the arrow shaft and only part of the outsert overlaps with the outside/inside of the shaft. I didn't want to rush it since I couldn't see the bull. I saw the arrow go directly into a rib, right in line with the liver. This extra power gives you an edge in cutting far through elk vitals, especially with the modest cutting diameter of most fixed blades. A heavier arrow carries more kinetic energy, which translates to increased penetration on impact. Learn more here: Your email address will not be published. So, I waited about 20 minutes and called again. If you want a short end to this article, consider that your current whitetail setup is likely suitable to take elk. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:100%;}
Elk Arrow Weight? | Hunt Talk So how heavy should you go? I was dumbfounded that I was not hearing any elk at all. A: Thanks for your e-mail. Where Do I Put My Feet When Tree Saddle Hunting? Ill be creating an entirely different gear guide just for broadheads but its important to know that broadheads also influence your arrow choices. Similar to the G5 is the New Archery Hellrazor. 4. The only way to truly know is to test multiple options on your exact bow/arrow combo. Which would bring m up to 465g or go to to FMJ 340 @ 11.3GPI and be at 497gr. For elk hunting, a broadhead weighing between 100 to 150 grains is recommended. Like a football, an arrow is much more accurate if it rotates as it flies. Since I was filming, I took the camera from Joe and wanted to film him blowing a few cow calls the same way he did before the shot. If an arrow goes too slow, it drops very quickly which can lead to less margin for error for range estimation. One such factor is the arrow weight. However, if you can achieve higher KE while maintaining accuracy, its always better. This bow hurts the wallet a bit more as far as a beginners bow goes, but its certainly worth the money if you are considering making a long-term commitment to the sport of bowhunting. Overall I tend to recommend a small diameter arrow to most people since theyre a great blend of cost and efficiency. Personally I would find a way to add a heavier insert system. A heavier arrow tends to have a flatter trajectory, which can improve accuracy and make it easier to hit your target. Nock Travel Could Be Your Problem, New Deer Management Study: Small-Antlered Bucks & Stump Sprouts, New Attractants, Scents & Decoys for 2022, Where to Shoot a Deer: Bowhunting Shot Placement, Millennium Treestands L116 Bowlite Single Ladder Stand, Latitude Carbon Speed Series Climbing Sticks, Kinsey Nest Lite Elevation Stool and Elevation Quiver. You might notice a small difference at 80-100 yards if youre a phenomenal shot, but hopefully your just practicing at those ranges anyway. Early in my elk-hunting career, I made the mistake of trying to be too stealthy on bulls I had worked up with my calling. 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. KILLER ARROWS - Kinetic Energy & Momentum - The blog of the 2,285. Visit a bow shop pro to chronograph your bow and then sharpen a pencil. 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. Users report that this lightweight bow is easy to draw, which helps you get over that learning curve faster. 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. Their field-point profiles make them easy to tune. 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. Here are the draw weight limits for elk by state: Alaska - 50-pound minimum draw weight. Thats always a bonus since archery success is based on hemorrhaging results, not overall trauma as in firearm hunting. If you only puncture one lung on an elk, the odds of recovery are close to zero. You might be wondering if youll need a more considerable draw weight than what youre used to when hunting deer. The answer is yes; however, they will need to have a much cleaner angle, a closer shot, and proper placement. The insert of an arrow is the metal component that connects the shaft and to the screw-in the point or broadhead. All Rights Reserved. For elk at least 50 pounds draw weight at 28 inches, arrows must be at least 24 inches long tipped with a metal broadhead, with at least two sharp cutting edges, and have a cutting diameter of at least 3/4 inch - unbarbed and have fixed blades. Optimal Storage Tips, Can You Hunt Deer with a .223 in Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Texas: State-by-State Guide, Is It Illegal to Sell Deer Meat? Heres a great article by Easton if you really want to calculate yours. The weight of the shaft largely depends on its material and size. Drop a comment below or reply to my newsletter and Ill do my best to help out. Bulls, Cows, Spikes? Lastly, broadhead designs, both fixed and mechanical, have been improved with sharpening expertise that forces you to be extra careful when attaching broadheads to the end of your arrows. Add the weights to determine the total arrow weight (measured in grains) Increasing arrow weight from 325-grains to 425-grains decreases velocity by almost 10% to 271 fps, but increases both KE by 6.6% and momentum by 18%! The bull charged in on a rope and I drew my bow as I saw his legs approaching. Each state that offers elk hunting has specific rules for draw weight. A higher draw weight generally provides more arrow speed and penetration but is not always necessary for elk hunting. A 500 grain arrow is not too heavy for hunting big game animals like elk. Mechanicals have been known to fail, nick vegetation and deploy in flight, or fail to deploy totally upon impact. Arrows are made by wrapping carbon cloth around a metal mandrel like rolling a carpet around a pole. Rear-sliding blades, however, use exponentially less kinetic energy when the slicing begins. 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. Certain heads penetrated better than others, and certain designs flew more accurately than others. Dont believe me? Youll notice a big difference between a standard and small diameter shaft but you wont notice as much difference between a small and micro option. So let's take that 30-inch, 340-spine Easton FMJ that weighs 339 grains for the bare shaft. The bull went 28 yards and tipped over. |
Open hunting is best with 5.50-6.00 grains of arrow weight per pound of draw power. The innovative product caused quite a stir at the 2023 ATA Trade Show in Indianapolis, winning 1st place in the New Product Introduction category. 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. Petersen's Bowhunting Editor Christian Berg provides an overview of the Phase 4, Mathews' flagship hunting bow for 2023. If you want to shoot it as a fixed-blade, simply tighten a set screw and the head. The weight will be between 450 and 500 grains depending on shaft length and vanes. Ive noticed ~0.5-1 drop per grain of weight at that range which is significant. If youre looking to master all the concepts, this is the place. . Joe was already at full draw and took the exact same shot as mine just before the bull got to us. They fly accurately, even at long range due to their wingless nature and tendency not to catch the wind like a fixed blade. They can easily shoot through a mattress and leave the fletching unharmed. Another bonus, albeit small, is the saved energy. Everything You Need to Know About Scent Control, 10 Land Management Strategies for Small Whitetail Properties, Untunable Bow? 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. Christian Berg talks with T.R.U. This is a fact of physics, and has been tested many times. 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. On the second day of trying this, I had a bull bugle back to me from about 60 yards away. There are several mechanical broadheads to consider. Minimum Draw Weight for Elk in North Dakota. @28" recurve. His rack emerged through the thick cedars and he stopped in front of me at about nine yards. Lessons Learned from 15 Years of Successful Elk Hunting Wicked Ridge Announces 2022 Crossbows & Accessories. There's no doubt a screaming bull is a whole new level of awesome compared to a strutting turkey or rutting whitetail. For example, if you buy the high end arrows youll get +/- .001 straightness and +/- 0.5 grains (or something close). So why hunt with a bow when you can use a rifle? For me, accuracy is the biggest factor. And . A broadhead doesnt work without the stick thats behind it and your stick should be stout. They are rugged, especially if they are of one-piece construction. I have had great results on elk and other magnum-sized animals with broadheads like the G5 Striker V2, Striker X, or Montec because . First, lets establish the number-one goal of every elk hunter a bilateral pneumothorax otherwise known as a double-lung collapse. But is it worth it? Do you want to bet the farm on an unknown? 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. Ball's continual push to design award-winning accuracy for archers in the field and on the competition range where big bucks and gold medals are the goal. Bowhunters who can shoot accurately with a 55 lb bow have successfully harvested elk. That thickness means durability and strength when you need it most, Less wind resistance also means less arrow drop over distance. This year, G5 Outdoors, the longtime broadhead manufacturer in the Prime Archery family, is bringing to market a lineup of new arrows known as the Mark Series. If you want to fully understand the why just keep reading! Search for an English Springer Spaniel puppy or dog. Total arrow mass = 660 grains. Youll get more accurate and deeper penetrating shots with higher-pound bows, but if you cant consistently control your bow at that weight, youll be in big trouble. Arrow weight plays a significant role in your gears performance during an elk hunt. Smaller diameter means less surface area for the wind to drag on, so these arrows are less effected by the wind than normal, The critical factor here is that the shaft diameter is, To get the same stiffness out of an arrow (aka spine) you have to use roughly the same amount of material. Both died in seconds leaving a blood trail as easy to follow as a Hollywood red carpet. Then I would move about 100 yards very cautiously and cow call a few more times. Those inconsistencies can lead to inaccurate arrows and tuning headaches since youre essentially trying to get two different arrows to act the same way. Mark Kayser Generally, a heavier arrow is preferred for higher draw weights to maximize energy transfer and penetration. Heavy arrows also have some other benefits that make them a great choice: Awesome, so why not shoot the heaviest arrow possible? The ideal combination of these factors can result in deep penetration, maximizing the chances of a quick and ethical harvest. Heres a summary of the key factors before we dive into each below: Phew! A 55 lb bow can be enough for hunting elk, provided that your arrow setup is well-tuned, and your shot placement is accurate. In fact, many experienced hunters recommend using an arrow in the 450-550 grain range to ensure optimal penetration and energy transfer upon impact. 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 Location. Its well worth building your own arrows to get some helical twist but it wont make or break your arrow. Otherwise youll have a straight arrow shaft that still has a wobbly point! So how do you know? Heavier draw weights and longer draw lengths make the other factors less critical, but they are still important. Max Speed: IBO arrow (5 grains/per pound of draw weight). Stick with the 100- and 125-grain models for elk with their 1 1/8-inch cutting diameter and option to re-sharpen. For elk, the debate can reach heated levelsespecially when it comes to broadheads and arrows. In short, a new compound bow set to 60 pounds and matched correctly to a quality arrow, and broadhead setup will cleanly take an elk with a double-lung hit.
Bistee Door Chime Not Working,
What Mold Publications Should Hazard Mitigation Staff Distribute?,
Articles A