Lighter weight bows for elk and western hunting

[gringol]

The best bow/arrow recipe I've heard: "Get close, real close, and make it count." If you are inside 20yds, any legal weight with a Sharp BH will work.

[steadman]

I practice regularly out to 40 yards, but that's to help my form more than anything. That being said, I've killed a few animals at 30 yards because out here where it's open, ranges can be deceiving. When the shot feels right and you drill the animal, then you later pace it off to 30 yards, it can be a shock. But that doesn't mean I'm content with that range. I just thought it was closer. That was for antelope, and the moose I shot.

As far as bow weight, I know a lot of guys shoot lower poundage (under 50#) but I'm not confident going lower. And that is what it's about, is confidence. I shoot 55# or more at 29". 680 grain or more arrow, and a sharp broadhead. YMMV

[fnshtr]

I was on the same hunt with Doug Treat when he killed the big cow elk in 2010. I also took an elk (young 4X5) with a 46# (at my draw length) bow and 630 grain arrow. The shot was ~23 yards and I totally buried the arrow in the bull's body (slight quartering to shot). About 100 yard recovery.

I hope to be shooting 53# for my next elk hunt. I agree with the comments about shooting all the weight you can ACCURATELY.

Good luck!

[troutremble]

I shoot a 57# at my draw with 800 grain arrows at every thing from squirrells to elk. I'm comfortable with the bow and know just how the arrows fly. Why change a good thing?

[chanumpa]

Here in Oregon,the state has a#40 min.for deer, bear,cougar,and antelope,and #50 for elk.I commend Mr.Doug Treat for showing us on that sweet cow that#40,a sharp head,and shot placement is paydirt.One must just be patient and not take bad shots.

[jackdaw]

good info!!! With a lighter bow, is a two bladed broadhead  preferrable over a three blade??? Less cutting action but better penetration????? just curious....thanks

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Originally posted by jackdaw:
With a lighter bow, is a two bladed broadhead  preferrable over a three blade??? Less cutting action but better penetration????? just curious....thanks

I wouldn't say "less cutting" just a longer, narrower slice, preferably with two holes instead of one

[LKH]

This year I used a bow that was about 54 at 25".  I had my bicep tendon cut off and screwed back into my arm bone in March and was somewhat limited.  My arrow was just under 500 grains.  
The arrow hit tight behind the shoulder at a steep downhill angle.  It went through about 8" of muscle.  The arrow broke off at the ribcage and the 2 blade broadhead and remaining shaft was tightly lodged in a rib near the brisket.

  I did not get an exit, but have never worried about that.  

I think what probably helped was the 100 grain brass insert plus 125 broadhead gave me a great FOC.

[Oregon Okie]

Check regs of where you are going. Many have a 50 # minimum for elk. Just FYI

[longbowray]

I shoot Hill longbows , I shot a cow elk at 29 steps with a 54 @27 1/2 and the arrow was POC at 560 gr the broadhead was out the other side , all so cut ribs going in and out .
Good arrow wietgh is the key .

[ShadeMt]

I shot a bull elk with a 54 lb at 26" r/d longbow with a carbon arrow, brass insert and 125 grain 2 blade head.  Total arrow weight was around 640.  Penetration on the quartering away bull was up to the fletching only because it struck the shoulder on the opposite side.  Very satisfied with the performance despite the short draw length.

[Paul WA]

My ILF is 44@30, I use it for everything although I do use a very heavy arrow for elk...PR