Recommended poundage and arrow weight for elk

[rln]

What is the recommended poundage in draw weight and arrow weight for Elk?

Thank you

[northener]

Generally speaking   50-60 Lb bows (important here)  @ your draw length.

Arrow weight in the 450-600 grain range.

These I would consider minimums as more hp is always a good thing with bigger animals


I know some will say less will do it and some will say more but this will work.

Most will say arrow placement and a sharp broadhead is more important and to a degree that is true.

[Sam McMichael]

I agree with northerner that 50-60 would be a good range if you can handle it. There are many arrow options in this range that can be worked up easily. Less will definitely work, according to those with experience, so a heavy bow is not an absolute necessity.

I have never hunted elk, but have read a lot of threads. It seems that many prefer a relatively heavy draw. Personally, I would select my 65# Wesley Special, with second choice being my 55# HHA Cheetah.

[M60gunner]

I researched this years ago for my first Elk hunt. I asked those who had taken Elk and/or been envoled with the cleaning and butchering. I got a variety of answers but around 55# if averaged out. I know as well there will be someone that will say a 40# bow with a super sharp BH and well placed arrow will do it. But what "if" the shot is not perfect? What "if" it is cold and you short draw the bow?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Originally posted by northener:
Generally speaking   50-60 Lb bows (important here)  @ your draw length.

Arrow weight in the 450-600 grain range.

These I would consider minimums as more hp is always a good thing with bigger animals


I know some will say less will do it and some will say more but this will work.

Most will say arrow placement and a sharp broadhead is more important and to a degree that is true.

I agree completely with this post. Less than 50 pounds with at least 10 gpp leaves no room for error on shot placement, and those ribs are pretty thick in spots.... i prefer 55-60 at 10 gpp.

[fnshtr]

I agree with all the advice above. Due to shoulder issues I took a bull in 2010 with a 46 lb bow. My arrow weight was 630 grains. If a person MUST shoot less than 50 lb, I would recommend a relatively heavy arrow and always a shaving sharp COC broadhead.

Good luck!

[sagebrush]

I'm sure you can take one with a lighter weight bow but why would you want to try it. I have always used at least 55 lbs. on elk. I also use two blade broad heads because of the extra penetration. I like the penetration for when I don't hit them exactly where I want. It has worked very well for me.

I say shoot as much draw weight as you can shoot well!

What has been said above is sound advice. I shoot 50# at my DL, because that is the most I can shoot as well as I want to hunt. I have killed several larger animals in Africa, and have no doubts that my setup would cleanly kill an elk if I ever get the chance to shoot one. I would not want to hunt that size animal with much less, but know it can, and has been done.

Bisch

[old_goat2]

Knowing what a lot of successful elk hunters around here use and I'm not talking about myself either, it's more important what broadhead you use and putting it in the right place!