Least #'s for elk?

[Sticks2117]

I am planning to hunt elk next fall and I started reading books that say 65# is the min. limit on elk is this true?   :confused:

[Onestringer]

Don't know, but this should get interesting.

[Don Stokes]

40 for recurve, 50 for straight-limbed modern longbow, 60 for self bow.
       

[greenhed]

I have never shot an elk with my longbow, but a hunting partner of mine has killed several elk with a bear montana 55# longbow.  Just have a heavy arrow, scary sharp broad head and get close...

[Nor'easter]

Each state will have a min. # for big game.  Check the reg.'s in the state you plan to hunt.  I would be surprised if it is as high as 65# for the minimum.

In Maine, the min. for big game is only 35#, including moose.     I wouldn't hunt moose with 35#'s, but legally I could.

[greenhed]

Idaho minnimum is 50# for elk, 40 for deer.

[elknut1]

45# for elk would be the lightest bow wt. I'd entertain personally! That Said we've taken 8 bulls in the last 3yrs with 55# - 60# in both longbows & Recurves, 3 of the bulls were with the 55# longbow. No issues at all.

  Idaho has a draw wt. limit of 40# for any Bigame animal & 300 grn minimum arrow wt.-- type of weapon is irrelevant.

  ElkNut1

[Rick P]

No elk in Alaska, well a few in the part Canada didn't want. Our regs say Moose, Brown bear, and mountain goat bows need to be at least 50 lbs peak draw weight. If you can kill a 1,200 pound Grizz with a 50 pound bow an elk should be no issue.

Frankly I've never understood the "need" for a "heavy bow" you want to prove you have external plumbing and use a 75 pound or higher bow that's fine.....just don't try and tell the rest of us your shooting that monster because it's what you need to kill the game you chase. Native Americans killed Bison with a 25 pound bow, we are not buying it!

[coaster500]

The man I buy my wood arrows from lives in utah. He shot his bull last year with a 47# longbow with a Sitka Spruce shaft with Woodsman Broadhead. The total weight is about 500 grains. He has hunted sucessfully for years with this set up.

[Brian Krebs]

its really more accuracy with elk than punch. Shoot a bow that you can shoot the most accurately- and 45 pounds seems like a fair minimum.  But sharp accurate broadheads are the main thing you should be ......shooting for....err .....with..

[Lashbow]

Shot placement is most Important, But I am not sure someone can shoot better with a 45 vs. a 50 lb.
Shoot what bow you have and is legal. Give yourself as much mass on an arrow that you do not loose accuracy. Make sure the arrow is tuned and broadhead is tuned and sharp. Shoot away from the shoulder and you will be fine

[Sticks2117]

Thanks Everyone I was going to cancel the trip because I don't believe I have the strength to shoot a 65 or 70# bow even for a year also I can't afford to buy another bow right now. My bows are listed I draw 27". I will be using 27" wood shafts with 145 magnus 2 or snuffers wich ever shoot best before I go. Total arrow weight around 500gr. Good enough for elk!

[Richie Nell]

Sticks..I don't think it is the bow that will be your problem....It's gonna be those voices that keep telling you to go back every year.

Go get em.

[swampthing]

Elk have a pretty good sized vital zone. If you hit it in the soft parts it will sail right through, if you hit it in the hard parts it won't go nearly as deep.

[fisherick]

Sticks, any of the bows you have listed will do the job if you keep arrow weight at 10-11 grains per inch. Also use a quality 2-blade broadhead or a cut on contact 3-blade broadhead.
How's the lists?

[fisherick]

Opps,arrow weight should say 10-11 grains per bow weight.

[Sticks2117]

Awesome I would have not thought about bringing alot of stuff on the list they will help immensely!! Shoot straight Brother

[Elk whisperer]

This topic should be more about arrow speed and weight than bow poundage. 165 fps and 620 for me.