These can be one or two pieces. Dec 12, 2016 #2 F Fire_9 Well-known member Joined Mar 25, 2015 Messages 1,070 Location Lewistown, MT Momentum is what you need to worry about. With the arrow weighed, your next goal should be to calculate the bows kinetic energy. About half were killed with fixed blades, and the other half with mechanical broadheads. Measure the individual components weights (shaft, broadhead, fletchings, nocks, inserts) He was off again, but as is common with double-lunged bulls you usually get to watch the last wobble and appreciate the work of a great archery setup. My guide and I had been in the hills chasing elk for almost a week, and on many occasions, he had called elk in super close. When looking to perfect your form while honing your draw weight, its necessary to practice proper technique. That means heavier arrows are often more accurate. Once shunned at elk camp, mechanicals now firmly hold a place in the hunt for big backstraps. Last fall, I elk hunted as hard as I ever have. The Best Long Range Arrow: Black Eagle X Impact. Here, Bowhunter Editor and Bowhunter TV host Curt Wells gets a firsthand look at the results: the new Slide Rock Hiker. Large range of adjustable draw length 18-31", draw weight 0 -70 lbs without needing a bow press. Where Do I Put My Feet When Tree Saddle Hunting? With the new Buckskin and Stone color options, bowhunters can customize their hunting rigs to match up with many of today's most popular camo pattern options. Rage has been leading the way with mechanical success for much of the mechanical revolution and the Hypodermics one-piece ferrule strength holds up to elk physiology. Its well worth building your own arrows to get some helical twist but it wont make or break your arrow. A balanced combination of speed, weight, and accuracy is key to successfully harvesting an elk. If an arrow goes too slow, it drops very quickly which can lead to less margin for error for range estimation. Dont believe me? Thats a tragedy if it happens when you shoot an elk and really annoying even when it happens at the range. Heres a summary of the key factors before we dive into each below: Phew! Theyre critical because you could build the best arrow for elk hunting on the planet and it would be worthless if your inserts were misaligned or broke easily. They provide good penetration and create larger wound channels, resulting in a higher likelihood of a quick, ethical kill. Its a rear-deploying broadhead looks like a fixed-blade and leaves a 1 -inch wound channel that begins with a chisel-tip entrance. If you can't hold proper form or struggle to pull heavier weight, then lower it to what you can manage. The insert of an arrow is the metal component that connects the shaft and to the screw-in the point or broadhead. Further, new, out-of-the-package heads should be shaving sharp, but touching up used heads is a chore. Try many different draw weights and, EatElkMeat.com is dedicated to elk meat and elk hunting. Hunting elk with a bow and arrow is among the most exciting experiences a hunter can have. Dec 20, 2022 #5 Unfortunately most factory made arrows dont come with helical or offset so youll have to pony up for a custom arrows or build your own set if you want those advantages. Could you make some recommendations on arrow/broadhead choices for the hunt? Heavy arrows lose relatively less speed and energy at long ranges compared to light arrows (think high ballistic coefficients [BCs] in bullets). One such factor is the arrow weight. If you are a deer hunting with an elk hunt on your calendar, you may need to boost your penetration for larger game with increased arrow weight, draw weight and broadhead choice. While you can use the same arrows for hunting elk that you use for other big game species, many hunters choose to use heavier arrows with larger cutting diameter broadheads for elk hunting. PSE is a quality company with excellent customer service, as many customers report an easy return process for defective gear (which, by looking at the reviews, is a rare occurrence). Mike Schwarzenbrenner, Expert Archery Hunter: Dont think you have to be Mr. Macho and go out there and shoot 80 pounds. However, while elk are ALOT bigger than whitetails, they're not moose. If you want a short end to this article, consider that your current whitetail setup is likely suitable to take elk. When you can safely and accurately shoot from several positions at this weight, add five pounds to your pull, and repeat until you reach a weight that you feel comfortable holding for 1-2 minutes. Subscriber Services. My first pass through on an elk was with a 403 grain arrow, where as I have had heavier arrows not pass through at a fair amount closer than that bull. One thing that does make a big difference in accuracy is the helical or offset of the vanes. 8.8 grains per inch cut at 27.5". You dont need broadheads wider than 1 1/4 for elk, so avoid those and your arrow should be easy to tune. I have the ability to screw a 50gr weight to the inside for elk to get the whole arrow to 494gr. Independent gear reviews & bowhunting advice. Our shots have been perfect broadside shots, but only punching through one side and not both. The Unmatched Benefits of Tree Saddle Hunting, Apple and Cheddar-Ale Moose Burger Recipe, 10 Workout Routines Every Bowhunter Should Master, Bear Celebrates 90 Years with a Takedown Twist, New Arrow Rests for 2023: Vapor Trail Gen Integrate 8 and 8X Series, New Browning Cellular Trail Cams for 2023: Defender Pro Scout Max and Vision Pro, New from Bear Archery: Limited Edition Series Super Kodiak Recurve Bow. Generally, a heavier arrow is preferred for higher draw weights to maximize energy transfer and penetration. Arrow weight and speed for elk | Rokslide Forum I didn't want to rush it since I couldn't see the bull. Hi! Stand behind a target downrange sometime (yes, its incredibly dangerous and not recommended). If youve got plenty of power (70lbs) its fine to be closer to 7 GPP. After your success you can replace the blades and be ready for the next hunt. This setup makes for a great beginner bow. Thats another reason I recommend small diameter vs micro diameter arrows, especially if youre not building your own. Lets examine the key reasons why arrow weight matters: Achieving optimal penetration is crucial for a successful bowhunt. This means that even at longer ranges, your arrow will still have enough kinetic energy to penetrate deeply and effectively take down an elk. I like this target because it is highly visible and easy to aim at; plus you can shoot it from different angles and faces. For most hunters, once the necessary muscles needed to pull back a compound bow are strengthened, they should settle in somewhere around 60-70 pounds. They can get into a lung, vitals or offer two side bleeding for tracking and recovery. Diameter must be considered as well. G5 also has a solid reputation and its 100- and 125-grain Deadmeat 3-blade mechanical meets the demands of elk. My son, for example, took his first two bulls, mature six-points, using Rage broadheads. If you want to fully understand the why just keep reading! The benefits of mechanical broadheads are many. "They were thinking that arrow weight was the answer and came up with a 400-grain minimum weight for elk hunting. 14 Best Fishing Vests for Fly, Bass & Kayak Fishing in 2023, How Much Meat from an Elk? At first light on this particular morning, he called a bull to about 10 yards but I wasn't comfortable with the shot angle. A heavier arrow tends to have a flatter trajectory, which can improve accuracy and make it easier to hit your target. Max Efficiency: arrow ~10-15% over IBO (5.5 grains/per pound of draw weight). My guide, who was a veteran elk hunter, then asked me, "Can you NOT see the bulls when they are coming in?". They may also choose to come only halfway to you and then lock up, with no intention of closing the gap. This section could be a book in itself (yup, they exist). Until you can shoot at this draw weight, I would consider another hobby. There is, however, no real winner and no easy answer to the discussion. I like to move quickly to close as much of the gap as possible without letting the elk see me. Elk Arrow/Weight and Speed? | Trad Talk Forums Ive taken multiple elk with both the Carbon Express Maxima Red and Easton FMJ. Carbon is the initial material of choice, but models such as the Easton Full Metal Jackets, can improve durability without sacrificing flight performance. Yes, using arrows with the correct spine (stiffness) is important for hunting elk. Without any deployment of blades, a fixed blade begins cutting without having to unfold. Proper arrow weight for elk | Archery Talk Forum I made the comment to my friend Randy Ulmer that I was going to choose a lighter, faster arrow for elk that year because I already had my bow dialed in for speed goats and early-season whitetails. Many years ago, I was deep in the wilderness of New Mexico. My eyes got about as big as many of yours are right now, and I said, "WHAT? On the other hand, a lighter arrow is more susceptible to wind drift, which can affect your shots accuracy. But best of all, you sometimes get to be the hunted because bull elk can respond aggressively to a call. Certain heads penetrated better than others, and certain designs flew more accurately than others. Even at night when I was sleeping in my camper, I never heard a single bugle. Josh Riley lives in Colorado with his wife, Mary, and their three wild and crazy children. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Ultimately, the best broadhead comes down to personal preference and confidence in your shot placement. One is the 100-grain Rage Hypodermic. I'm just as obsessed about bowhunting elk as you are. The bull ran off with about half of my arrow sticking out. It Depends. This moderate-weight arrow shaft is paired with Vector's OPC (one-piece component) which caters to a more lightweight system . Before we dive in, this article assumes you know how to select the right arrow spine for your bow (hint: use the charts the arrow companies give you). Christian Berg talks with Dyson Renn of Kinsey's Outdoors Brands about the Pennsylvania company's new Alpine quiver series' color options for 2023. To simplify things a bit, I put together this unpretentious guide to help novice hunters feel more comfortable picking a draw weight for elk. But if you are a thick timber elk hunter and don't have the luxury of having another caller positioned well behind you to draw the bull past you for a broadside shot, you may want to dig deeper on this subject. Here are the draw weight limits for elk by state: Alaska - 50-pound minimum draw weight. Please browse our list of. For elk, I recommend a finished arrow weight of 420 grains as a minimum for hunters drawing 60-70 pounds. No problem going to the 125s. Harvesting an animal is about putting all the pieces together at the right time, and getting comfortable with a draw weight is one of the most important pieces. Aim for 7-10 grains of weight per pound of draw weight on your bow, Heavier arrows make your bow more efficient, quiet your shot, are easier to tune, and retain energy far better down range, Unlike bullets, speed doesnt kill and too much speed makes some broadheads inaccurate. Finally, the self-healing foam means you can use this target over and over. to get through that extra mass of hair, hide, bone and flesh. He's an avid hunter, fisherman, backpacker, elk meat connoisseur, and international traveler. Arrow weight for Mule Deer and Elk | Rokslide Forum Elk Arrow Weight? | Hunt Talk The rear-sliding blades finish the slice with a 2-inch cutting diameter. Thats hard since most manufacturers dont list a spine tolerance and spine testing machines cost hundreds of dollars. Christian Berg and Kinsey's Outdoors Brands' Dysom Renn talk about Kinsey's new Nest Lite Elevation Ambush Shooter Stool and a new model in the Elevation quiver line, products aimed at the upcoming 3D shooting season. It is my opinion that arrow speed is valuable only when you are shooting a shaft with adequate weight for the game you are after. That's a terrible shot!" Keep in mind that using a heavy broadhead might require you to adjust your bows setup to maintain accuracy. Bear Archery's Ted Boester runs through the brand new Fred Eichler Signature Series Takedown with OSG's Lynn Burkhead at the 2023 Archery Trade Show in Indianapolis. Thats always a bonus since archery success is based on hemorrhaging results, not overall trauma as in firearm hunting. A bow is far quieter when heavy arrows are used instead of lighter arrows, The heavier (and therefore slower) the arrow, the easier to tune a broadhead since there is less wind resistance. Nevada - 40-pound minimum with a maximum . For example, if you use a smaller broadhead (or mechanical) you can use smaller fletchings as well. That's a heavy arrow. Its essential that if you ever find yourself in this position youve done your homework and put all the pieces together to take a safe and ethical shot. Total. People fight about helical vs offset but honestly youll see great results with both. Fortunately, the bugs have been worked out of the leading mechanicals and you rarely hear of one bombing on a hunt anymore. And no test medium can replicate the real thing. WHERE HUNTERS & OUTDOORSMEN FIND THEIR GEAR, Draw Weight for Elk 2023 Guide [State Minimums + Best Gear], You might be wondering if youll need a more considerable draw weight than what youre used to when hunting deer. Designed for 55 lb. 2. Needless to say, a few weeks later I had a bull of a lifetime come in, and Randy was right! As the herd bull lunged to escape through the maze of lodgepole pines I came to full draw and mouth-mewed the call of a curious cow. I have shot close to two dozen bulls with my bow. One way to overcome this is to quiet your bow but it turns out that arrows also make a lot of noise traveling through the air. Heres a step-by-step process to do so: 1. This search can be a confusing and frustrating process. Each is available in 100- and 125-grain models. Arrow speed is an important factor for elk hunting, as it contributes to the arrows kinetic energy and penetration potential. The most important thing here is sorting and matching components in the build process, but again, stay tuned. Will they be able to take down an elk at that weight? I was dumbfounded that I was not hearing any elk at all. : Broadheads are an integral part of successful archery setups for elk. How Much Draw Weight For Hunting? - Bowhunting.com It comes out of the box with a 53 Lb draw weight, a perfect starting point for new hunters. Most manufacturers sell multiple grades of the same arrow with different straightness ratings such as +/- .001, +/-.003, +/.006. Youll get more accurate and deeper penetrating shots with higher-pound bows, but if you cant consistently control your bow at that weight, youll be in big trouble. Your arrow combination has to pass through more animal matter and push past bigger obstructions to reach an elks engine room. Draw Weight for Elk 2023 Guide [State Minimums + Best Gear] - Eat Elk Meat If your draw weight and arrow speed is average (under 280 fps), your total arrow weight should go up. With an adjustable range of 5-70 lbs of draw weight, beginning hunters can hone their craft with this bow. For elk at least 50 pounds draw weight at 28 inches, arrows must be at least 24 inches long tipped with a metal broadhead, with at least two sharp cutting edges, and have a cutting diameter of at least 3/4 inch - unbarbed and have fixed blades. 300, 325, 350, 400, and 500. Fixed-blade broadheads arent perfect thoughnever have been. Put the arrow where it needs to go without taking risky shots and your freezer will be full of white packages of meat appreciation. Arrowheads, also known as broadheads, come in various weights, shapes, and designs. Gold Tip Hunter XT Arrows. Dec 12, 2016 #3 Gunner46 Well-known member Joined Conversely, some people only have the strength to pull back 45 to 50 pounds. Ill be creating an entirely different gear guide just for broadheads but its important to know that broadheads also influence your arrow choices. But I continue to say that if the shot is very close and the chest is level to the arrow, it is absolutely devastating. The bull went about 30 yards and stopped. By now, you can see that all these factors are codependent, which is why there is so much debate. How important is arrow speed for elk hunting? Enter speed and arrow weight data into the calculator. AGM G2 Guardian Review: Cutting-Edge Thermal Imaging? Most experienced bowhunters recommend a minimum arrow weight of 400-450 grains for elk hunting, so a 500-grain arrow should provide enough kinetic energy and penetration to take down an elk effectively. His bull whirled around and fell dead within 20 yards of mine. You need to choose the proper arrow and broadhead to make it count, By If you prefer replaceable blades rather sharpening, consider the various models of Muzzys that have satisfied elk hunters for years. Their field-point profiles make them easy to tune. Its way more important to shoot at the weight youre comfortable with rather than the amount of weight you are pulling., Start at 55 pounds. Long story short, this all comes back to whats the best for you. Calculate the arrows speed in feet per second (FPS) using your bows specifications or a chronograph Ones draw length can also come into play here. His rack emerged through the thick cedars and he stopped in front of me at about nine yards. Choosing the appropriate broadhead weight is vital for optimum performance. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:100%;}
Those inconsistencies can lead to inaccurate arrows and tuning headaches since youre essentially trying to get two different arrows to act the same way. You'll be packing meat in short order. Ive noticed ~0.5-1 drop per grain of weight at that range which is significant. The Bowhunter team relives successful past elk hunts with Cross Mountain Outfitters. They certainly don't go down in arrow weight. Curt Wells is in New Mexico hunting elk from his ground blind, where he sees plenty of movement. What type of broadhead is best for elk hunting? Christian Berg talks to Weston Schrank of Trophyline as they look at the Sumter and Palisade EVA packs, a couple of pack products designed with saddle hunters and anyone else who enjoys a mobile style of deer and big game hunting. Drop a comment below or reply to my newsletter and Ill do my best to help out. Shoot three arrows and use the average of the three shots. Your preferred arrow weight for elk | Hunt Talk The answer is yes; however, they will need to have a much cleaner angle, a closer shot, and proper placement. At best, an extremely powerful bow (75lbs, 350IBO bow, 500gr arrow) will spit an arrow out with 100 ft/lbs of energy and a velocity of 300 feet per second. Facts About Arrow Penetration If you only puncture one lung on an elk, the odds of recovery are close to zero. Now that you understand the importance of arrow weight and its components lets delve into the factors thatll help you select the ideal arrow weight for your next elk hunt: First, consider your bows draw weight and strength. The biggest consideration should be overall weight. Then hunt your way close and drive it through both lungs. Despite its effectiveness, there is much debate over this shot, and if the range is further than 10-15 yards, then the effectiveness and ethics rapidly go downhill. They have a bad habit of bending, breaking, or just pulling out the arrow. A heavier arrow creates less noise during flight, as it causes less friction with the air. Written by an acknowledged expert, this invaluable book is aimed at archers of all levels, from those starting out in the sport to those taking part in competitions at the highest levels. For 15 years now, I've been a Midwestern bowhunter who plans a trip or two each year to chase elk out in the Western states or in Canada. For elk, your bow should produce in the range of 60 foot-pounds of energy and above for ideal penetration. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Remember to always adhere to local hunting regulations and ethical hunting practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the elk population. Moving parts, containment mechanisms, and proper deployment all complicate hole-punching capability. 11 Best Hunting Arrows 2023: Top Carbon for Deer, Elk & More - Eat Elk Meat Give a Gift Arrow weight for elk Kinetic energy | Hunt Talk For years, fixed-blade broadheads were the sharp point of choice. Like a football, an arrow is much more accurate if it rotates as it flies. There are many factors to consider: draw weight/length, arrow speed/weight (both kinetic energy and momentum), and broadhead construction. This tactic was the polar opposite of what I mentioned in the paragraphs before. Another bonus, albeit small, is the saved energy. Location. Three big fletches might present more surface area (and therefore more drag) than four small fletches. G5 also has a solid reputation and its 100- and 125-grain Deadmeat 3-blade mechanical meets the demands of elk. Give a Gift Elk requires arrows with 8 grains per pound with 70-pound bows. North Dakota requires a minimum draw weight of 50 pounds. The arrow used in general hunting has a six grain tip. Try many different draw weights and broadheads to find combinations that work for you. Thats just the summary believe it or not. So, get comfortable shooting this weight consistently as a beginner.. In fact, many experienced hunters recommend using an arrow in the 450-550 grain range to ensure optimal penetration and energy transfer upon impact. The majority of mechanical broadheads offer ease in replacing blades and some can even be touched up for surgical sharpness. What Is The Optimal GPI For A Deer Hunting Arrow? This can help prevent the elk from jumping the string and ensure a more successful shot. Youll only notice the benefits of +/- 0.001 tolerances from 80-100 yards (practicing) if youre a fantastic shot, Unless youre shooting past 60 yards (or practicing at 100), just make sure your arrows are within 5-10 grains of each other, At the extreme, I find 1 grain difference can mean 0.5-1 difference @ 100 yards, Elk arent as twitchy as whitetail deer but it doesnt hurt to try to keep the arrow as quiet as possible. To top it off, the mountainous environment they live in can lead to long shots, windy conditions, and difficult shot angles. 4,786. No matter how precise the components, youll still have to mark + align outserts (by rotating them) before you glue them into the arrow. Fixed-blade broadheads or mechanical broadheads with a large cutting diameter are generally preferred for elk hunting. Arrow length directly affects the shafts weight, as a longer shaft will naturally be heavier. Proponents claim that FOC makes arrows more accurate and penetrate far better. EatElkMeat.com is dedicated to elk meat and elk hunting. You can use this bow to hone in your draw weight and get comfortable with form and proper mechanics. Then I add 200 grains of weight up front including my broadhead along with about 30 grains with the . | Hunting with a newer compound bow and using a quality broadhead-arrow combination will kill most elk. I hope this write-up was informative and cleared up your priorities in your quest for deciding the best draw weight for your upcoming elk hunt. All Rights Reserved. However, I was grateful I had the heavier arrow, because if I had a lighter one I'm not so sure I would have had the same result. They can be difficult to tune and bow speeds enhance steering issues. 1. It cuts with a 1 3/16-inch diameter for ideal blood trailing with a strong stainless steel ferrule, a chisel tip and ease in replacing blades. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but consider the recurve archer who is shooting only 190 to 200 fps and using arrows of 600 grains and up. Try to use the heaviest arrow that will get you around 260-280fps. [Bull & Cow Harvests Explained], How Much Does Elk Weigh? Small (.204/5mm) and micro (.165/4mm) diameter arrow shafts cut through the wind, penetrate better, are tougher/stronger, and have a better trajectory compared to standard diameter (.246/6mm) arrows. Randy quickly shed doubt on my gear choice and urged me to take a heavier arrow. Ill spare you the calculations (and all the arguments) but when it comes to creating more momentum, nothing beats adding weight to your arrow. For archery hunters, our biggest fear remains that we wound and/or kill an animal but never find it. I fall in the middle: Its important, but not nearly as important as people make it out to be. Research. When I'm not hunting I'm constantly researching, training, and planning for my next trip. A bow for all ages and skill levels. Mark Kayser If you start with a well-tuned bow, there is no question the best penetrating broadhead is a cut-on-contact, fixed two-blade design like a Muzzy Phantom, Magnus Stinger, or Iron Will broadhead. Whats your best draw weight for the upcoming elk hunting season? Well, for starters and I dont need to tell you this elk are a much larger animal than deer. 3. Minimum draw weight varies from state to state. Unveiling the Truth. Some states have restrictions on the maximum let-off percentage. 2,285. Choose a relatively small (1 or smaller) fixed blade broadhead and almost any 3x/4x pattern with standard Bohning Blazer or AAE Max Stealth vanes (or equivalent) should be fine. Be sure to pick one up and see it for yourself! The best way to hone in on your perfect bow hunting setup is to get out there and start shooting! Like the compound bow of yesteryear, mechanical broadheads are gaining steam throughout all bowhunting genres. Consider 7.5 to 8 grains per lb of draw weight when 55# or less, after that you can get more in the 6-7 grain per lb of draw weight. Everything You Need to Know About Scent Control, 10 Land Management Strategies for Small Whitetail Properties, Untunable Bow? If you hope to drive a two-inch-wide broadhead completely through an elk, you had better have some energy and a heavy arrow behind it.