Elk hunting set-up ???

[STICKBENDER98]

So, with Elk season fast approaching, and watching the elk threads on here, and hopes of drawing a tag for Colorado next year I have a question for those of you that have hunted in the past, and those getting ready to head out.  What is your favorite bow/arrow setup? (ie: bow weight, arrow weight/head type and weight)  If drawn for next year, my go to bow will be my Black Widow PCH which is 60" 51# @ 28".  I have several different arrows to chose from ranging from GT 3555s to some Doug Firs from Surewood Shafts, so I can cover a wide range weight.  I have been shooting 225 grain tip/broadheads the last few years, so I have total arrow weights from 450-680 grains.  I have good arrow flight from all shafts, just need to pick one to shoot and practice with.  I am curious to have the input and feedback from those of you who have been successful.  Thanks in advance.


Jason

[STICKBENDER98]

Also, what color combos do you like the best? Cap dip if you use one and fletch colors that show up the best?

Jason

[drewsbow]

Well I'm no expert and have not taken an elk with my bow yet but am going this September . I am taking my BigJim  mountain Monarch  55@31  and shooting Beman centershot  arrows with brass insert and 300 gr vpa three blade heads for a total arrow weight of 690 gr .

[-Zor]

RER LX longbow. 62" 55@28 with either surewood shafts 75-80 spine and 160gr Cutthroats or Victory RIPs with stainless inserts and 200gr Bonebroadheads. Both those arrows tune well, but I'm taking woodies this year. I have a 52@28 Stalker Jackal that shoots those arrow setups just fine as well.

I don't think the name on the bow or it's weight (as long as it meets your states minimum poundage regulation for elk), or the name on your arrows or broadheads makes much difference. As long as it's a setup that YOU shoot well and have confidence in, it's the right setup. I do think that penetration trumps a big hole, so I shoot two blade single bevels because I have confidence in them. Also, a lot of Colorado is OTC so you don't necessarily have to draw a tag to go have a great hunt. I'll be in Colorado hunting otc in 19 days.

[Michael Pfander]

I haven't decided which bow I will be using.[still shooting 3 different ones]  I have built my arrows for this year. VAP TKO's 300 spine, 350 up front, 29% FOC 626 gr.  Depending on the bow somewhere between 175 and 180 fps.  To date all of my elk setups have been in the 625 to 650 range.  All with 350 up front.  It works well for me, very stable and forgiving, with good penetration and strength.  I can take shots where the elk is turned way past 1/4 and still break the off shoulder.
MAP

[STICKBENDER98]

Thanks guys, I figured I would need to stay around 550 grains total weight or above.  Having only shot deer sized critters in my 40 years of hunting, I'm trying to picture my Grandpas Holstein bull on steroids walking up and down mountains, and trying to get close enough for a shot!

Jason

[kevsuperg]

Going on third yr trying to see if this combo works
 HH Wesley special LB, 50@28  GT trad blemished 29 1/4"  zwickey Delta 2 blade, 100 gr brass insert,
9" white cap dip, 2 blaze orange turkey ,1 natural.
 About 525 ish. Total weight.

[Orion]

Can't make it this year, but I've used 50# hybrids and recurves and 600 grain arrows with two-and four-blade COC heads to kill a few elk. I'll be using a 50# ASL with the same arrows for bear in my home state this year.