Who hunts elk with less than 55#???

[Kris]

I have not taken an elk but hunt with 54# for elk and feel every bit as confident, if not more so, as when I hunted with 70#.  

It's more about the setup and tuning.  So much can go into arrow setup anymore...and with great reward!
Focus on perfect arrow flight, FoC and shot placement.  Agree strongly with all above comments with similar message.  

Draw weight is just one factor and not all bows with equal draw weight perform the same. There are many variables to improve a bows effectiveness thereby leveling the playing field i.e. heavy vs. medium draw weight bows!

Kris

[ChasingWhitetails]

Thanks for all the imput!!! I am heading to Colorado in 2016 for a 10 day elk hunt and currently shoot a BW at 51# @28". I've killed several deer and turkeys here in Ohio with it without any problems. I have used both 2 (magnus')and 3 blade(woodsman's)broadheads. My arrows range from 500-525 grains. I just want to make sure I have enough bow to get the job done if the opportunity arises. Thanks again!!!

[Lone Ranger]

I am going west (and possibly northeast) this year, I don't want more than 50#'s. I have seen too many people question their draw weight on here over the years- that tells me they are not confident in the setup they have. Florida and Georgia deer I shoot 39#'s, I dont "want" to shoot a 50# bow, however I know that weight will do the job when I get out there. I have 4 or 5 months to get myself up to that draw weight and be proficient.

I have tried to learn from my elders on this site and one on one- over weight is over rated by many, while proper weight with good form is undervalued.

L.R.

Originally posted by ChasingWhitetails:
Thanks for all the imput!!! I am heading to Colorado in 2016 for a 10 day elk hunt and currently shoot a BW at 51# @28". I've killed several deer and turkeys here in Ohio with it without any problems. I have used both 2 (magnus')and 3 blade(woodsman's)broadheads. My arrows range from 500-525 grains. I just want to make sure I have enough bow to get the job done if the opportunity arises. Thanks again!!!

If you put that 525gr arrow in the right place, you will have no problem getting the job done!

Bisch

[jhg]

54#s @ 31", 620 grain arrow, single bevel BH.

[jhg]

Originally posted by pavan:
... but being out of breathe or stiff and aching from sleeping on the ground or freezing, all of that takes its toll on ones strength and control, being distracted by how stiff your bow feels is not conducive to making an accurate hunting shot.

Worth repeating. I have experienced this very thing on hunts- tired and after a few days of hard physical work, first light, cold,  and that bow feels like you are puling back a pallet of cinder blocks.

Joshua

[Bjorn]

My son and I have killed Elk with 50# longbows and cedar arrows-no problem.  

[RickE]

I've shot one elk with my 55 lb Silvertip and an arrow similar to yours.  No issues at all and I plan to do it again this fall!     Rick.

[Yellow Dog]

My heavy weight is 54@30 but my other bows are all in the 49 to 51 pound range at my draw. A 30" draw is a "turbo charger" as far as draws go. I feel I get better cast and penetration than someone shooting a 60 pound bow with a 28" or less draw. Never hunted elk but I wouldn't be afraid to with my setup.

[old_goat2]

Originally posted by jhg:
 

Originally posted by pavan:
... but being out of breathe or stiff and aching from sleeping on the ground or freezing, all of that takes its toll on ones strength and control, being distracted by how stiff your bow feels is not conducive to making an accurate hunting shot.

Worth repeating. I have experienced this very thing on hunts- tired and after a few days of hard physical work, first light, cold,  and that bow feels like you are puling back a pallet of cinder blocks.

Joshua [/b]

I never ever have this problem with an animal in front of me! Too much adrenaline! Target shooting is a different story!