Add the weights to determine the total arrow weight (measured in grains) An arrows front of center (FOC) is also important to penetration, and I strive for at least 12 to 13 percent or more. AGM G2 Guardian Review: Cutting-Edge Thermal Imaging? You have the body size and massive antlers that take more than one arm to hold up. They fly accurately, even at long range due to their wingless nature and tendency not to catch the wind like a fixed blade. Heres a step-by-step process to do so: 1. Minimum Draw Weight for Elk 2021 Per State - BowAddicted 9 Best Shooting Sticks for Rifles [Bipods, Tripods & Monopods], Elk Stew Recipe: Tender, Flavorful & Ready in a Flash, Coues Deer Hunting Guide: How to Hunt Arizona & New Mexico, Colorado Mule Deer Hunting: Tips, Gear, Locations & Regulations, How to Easily Build Mutual Respect with Non-Hunters. Will they be able to take down an elk at that weight? I combined that bow with arrows that weighed more than 520 grains. While these components may not weigh much individually, their combined weight can significantly impact the arrows performance in the field. With that said, I recommend increasing your draw weight, arrow weight, and broadhead cutting capabilities when stepping up from hunting deer to hunting elk. Best of all, these big critters cant go far when the air is released from their lungs in a double-lung tap. In short, a new compound bow set to 60 pounds and matched correctly to a quality arrow, and broadhead setup will cleanly take an elk with a double-lung hit. Mechanicals have been known to fail, nick vegetation and deploy in flight, or fail to deploy totally upon impact. 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. Christian Berg talks with Barnett Crossbows owner David Barnett about a change of pace in the hunting world, the new lineup of King Rat Slingshots. Total arrow mass = 660 grains. If your draw weight and arrow speed is average (under 280 fps), your total arrow weight should go up. That means the vanes are slightly bent like a propeller which causes the arrow to spin in flight. Thats the baseline for getting an accurate arrow. Elk hunting can be an exciting and rewarding experience. 8.8 grains per inch cut at 27.5". Otherwise youll have a straight arrow shaft that still has a wobbly point! Heavy arrows also have some other benefits that make them a great choice: Awesome, so why not shoot the heaviest arrow possible? Cover ground fast, close that gap in half and get into position for a shot. Elk are nowhere near as jumpy as whitetails but every now and then you can get a situation where one is fully alert. Dec 12, 2016 #3 Gunner46 Well-known member Joined Both models can be mounted to the Integrate Mounting System found on most modern compound bows. Gold Tip Hunter XT Arrows. Now divide that result by 450, 240 and you end up with a number equaling the foot-pounds of kinetic energy of your bow. With the arrow weighed, your next goal should be to calculate the bows kinetic energy. The weight will be between 450 and 500 grains depending on shaft length and vanes. The bull immediately bugled one time, and I gave him a hot cow call. No other gear question is as important as this one. . That leads to the big positive of fixed-blade heads for elk. Thats half the energy and the speed of a .22 rimfire cartridge, which is better known for killing for squirrels, not elk! The wind direction was good, so I just stayed there quietly and waited for evening to approach. Moving parts, containment mechanisms, and proper deployment all complicate hole-punching capability. The three key elements that affect the overall weight of your arrow are: The shaft is the base structure of the arrow and is generally constructed from materials such as aluminum, carbon, or a combination of both. The ferrule is constructed of titanium for the ultimate in strength and forward-motion penetration. However, it will only help if you can control the pulling weight. Arrows have been beefed up and slimmed down for better penetration. But I continue to say that if the shot is very close and the chest is level to the arrow, it is absolutely devastating. He came in to give me a perfect shot. 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. In many ways, elk are like turkeys. Try many different draw weights and, EatElkMeat.com is dedicated to elk meat and elk hunting. Easton, Carbon Express and Gold Tip, all offer arrows that meet elk demands. 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. How High Can Elk Jump? This setup makes for a great beginner bow. Ill be creating an entirely different gear guide just for broadheads but its important to know that broadheads also influence your arrow choices. 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. The cutting diameter oftentimes exceeds those of the fixed-blade variety with many hitting the mark at 1 7/8 to 2 inches. Important Note: Broadheads are an integral part of successful archery setups for elk. (Top List) The Best Arrow Weight For Elk in 2023 Based on Real Reviews To simplify things a bit, I put together this unpretentious guide to help novice hunters feel more comfortable picking a draw weight for elk. The ideal combination of these factors can result in deep penetration, maximizing the chances of a quick and ethical harvest. Idaho - 40-pound minimum with a maximum 85% let-off. The wolves obviously had completely changed the elk behavior in this area. Arrow Setup 101 | BlackOvis MTN Journal This moderate-weight arrow shaft is paired with Vector's OPC (one-piece component) which caters to a more lightweight system . They have a bad habit of bending, breaking, or just pulling out the arrow. This bow provides another ready-to-go option for beginners. How to Setup Your Compound Bow for Elk Season | Outdoor Life Christian Berg talks with T.R.U. An arrow that is in the 9.25-9.75 grs/lb range is the best hunting weight arrow for any given draw weight. If you shoot low poundage, or a short draw length, your arrow speed will be adversely affected, necessitating a heavier arrow and a broadhead designed for maximum penetration. Because this setup delivers plenty of energy and momentum, I can shoot most any quality broadhead from fixed blades to heavily built mechanicals like the Rage Trypan and not worry about penetration. 2,285. No matter how precise the components, youll still have to mark + align outserts (by rotating them) before you glue them into the arrow. Nevada - 40-pound minimum with a maximum . Its a rear-deploying broadhead looks like a fixed-blade and leaves a 1 -inch wound channel that begins with a chisel-tip entrance. Somewhat new on the block, SEVR has several models available for big game hunting. I pulled the trigger and watched my arrow disappear. He was adamant about having extra momentum from a heavier arrow, just in case the shot wasn't perfectly placed. Hodale, Idaho. "Shoot him in the spot," Joe whispered over my shoulder. Put the arrow where it needs to go without taking risky shots and your freezer will be full of white packages of meat appreciation. Your email address will not be published. Optimal Storage Tips, Can You Hunt Deer with a .223 in Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Texas: State-by-State Guide, Is It Illegal to Sell Deer Meat? Finally, the self-healing foam means you can use this target over and over. A little extra force and penetration can mean the difference between a successful kill and watching your prize elk get away. Arrow weight for Mule Deer and Elk | Rokslide Forum For elk, I recommend a finished arrow weight of 420 grains as a minimum for hunters drawing 60-70 pounds. Bowhunter TV host and magazine editor Curt Wells talks with Tom Rainey about two new Cellular Trail Cam models from Browning: the Defender Pro Scout Max and Defender Vision Pro. Each state that offers elk hunting has specific rules for draw weight. About half were killed with fixed blades, and the other half with mechanical broadheads. They can be extremely vocal at times, and when they are fired up, you need to take control. Yes, using arrows with the correct spine (stiffness) is important for hunting elk. 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. Our shots have been perfect broadside shots, but only punching through one side and not both. Its certainly worth a download and a read. Heres a great article by Easton if you really want to calculate yours. To find your ideal arrow length, consult with a professional bow technician or measure your draw length and add 0.5 to 1 inch. Arrow weight No other factor has as much influence on penetration, which is everything in elk hunting. 175 grain, two blade, single-bevel broadhead with a 75 grain steel adaptor (MA=2.33). Max Energy: arrow ~20% over IBO (6 grains/per pound of draw weight). 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. 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. If youre an average archer shooting 65 pounds at a 28-inch draw, I would shoot an arrow/broadhead combo that weighs around 475 grains (with decent FOC), and a strong, super-sharp broadhead that gives you confidence. A heavier arrow carries more kinetic energy, which translates to increased penetration on impact. Lets dive deep on the key factors that make a great elk arrow dont say I didnt warn you! Rear-sliding blades, however, use exponentially less kinetic energy when the slicing begins. 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. Enter speed and arrow weight data into the calculator. arrow weight for elk at 50lb draw | Rokslide Forum No problem going to the 125s. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. The newer, rear-deploying mechanicals offer much more penetration than earlier designs. Theres a term for that retained energy: momentum. Heck, I know of several bowhunters who have taken elk with bows dialed back to 50 pounds. Mike Schwarzenbrenner, Expert Archery Hunter: Dont think you have to be Mr. Macho and go out there and shoot 80 pounds. Well, for starters and I dont need to tell you this . A few of the cows and calves responded quietly, and then the bull whistled faintly. We dont have the space to get into all the physics, and there is plenty of dispute among bowhunters on this topic, but without knowing your specifics I would recommend an arrow weighing at least 450 grains (total arrow/broadhead) for elk. Straightness is correlated to good spine consistency but its not as critical. For years, fixed-blade broadheads were the sharp point of choice. For whitetail deer hunting anything above 40 lbs is fine. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sign up for our email list for entry to win an RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light Cooler. Before fletchings, we've got an arrow that weighs 589 grains and has an FOC of about 20 percent. The appropriate arrow spine helps maintain accuracy, penetration, and energy transfer when shooting at an elk. And . A fixed-blade broadhead and certain mechanical heads are next, and then comes the really wide-cut mechanical broadheads. FOC is simply a measure of how much of the arrows weight is in the front half of the arrow. The author analyzes shooting techniques and tuning and emphasizes the development of mental toughness; he argues that this goes hand in hand with the mastery of the physical aspects of the sport. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:100%;}
I've spent countless seasons in the field, tracking game and perfecting my craft. That noted, an overall thinner diameter on the arrow mated with smaller vanes show that a smaller diameter arrow penetrates better and catches less wind due to their smaller overall profile. attention too. Required fields are marked *. Three big fletches might present more surface area (and therefore more drag) than four small fletches. So how do you know? Despite this, a five-grain arrow weighing less than 550 grains is not uncommon. If you prefer replaceable blades rather sharpening, consider the various models of Muzzys that have satisfied elk hunters for years. 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. Dont know what that means? The perfect elk arrow is deceptively simple: its accurate, penetrates like crazy, and is tough enough for the job. It was a lethal shot, and I recovered my bull. The only real advantage of four fletch is more clearance and more points to nock tune your arrow. Youll notice a big difference between a standard and small diameter shaft but you wont notice as much difference between a small and micro option. But with features like rugged construction from lightweight aluminum, built-in foot traction, and hunter seat comfort, this brand-new treestand is sure to be a winner as it hits production this year. This section could be a book in itself (yup, they exist). So, get comfortable shooting this weight consistently as a beginner.. To top it off, the mountainous environment they live in can lead to long shots, windy conditions, and difficult shot angles. If you want a short end to this article, consider that your current whitetail setup is likely suitable to take elk. Curt Wells is in New Mexico hunting elk from his ground blind, where he sees plenty of movement. Like turkeys, elk may chose to be vocal for a brief period but then lose interest. 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. Lynn Burkhead and Elevate Stand Co. creative director Brittany Stubbs talk about a new mid-sized option that was so new off of the Kansas company's drawing board this year at the ATA Trade Show that it didn't have an official name as of press time. Joe chirped the cow call one more time and the bull looked up and came right to us. For angling shots, your arrow has to have enough energy to slice through a bale of hay if the elk is positioned at an extreme slant. Q: I am an avid reader of Bowhunter Magazine, and I look forward to each issue and the information and hunting stories you and the other writers contribute! 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. Try to use the heaviest arrow that will get you around 260-280fps. While some experienced hunters may take shots at longer distances, its essential to know your own limits and consider factors such as the animals movement, wind, and terrain before taking a shot. With about 30 minutes of light left, elk started to stand up in this thick timber. Users report that this lightweight bow is easy to draw, which helps you get over that learning curve faster. The arrow should balance (weight) in front of the center (length) of the arrow shaft. 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. 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. You might be wondering if youll need a more considerable draw weight than what youre used to when hunting deer. Arizona - 40-pound minimum draw weight. A 55 lb bow can be enough for hunting elk, provided that your arrow setup is well-tuned, and your shot placement is accurate. It features an adjustable draw weight from 10-70 Lbs. But then again, its an admirable goal. Arrow speed is an important factor for elk hunting, as it contributes to the arrows kinetic energy and penetration potential. Give a Gift Visit a bow shop pro to chronograph your bow and then sharpen a pencil. Published Aug 14, 2019 10:50 PM EDT. For example, if you use a smaller broadhead (or mechanical) you can use smaller fletchings as well. Try for 7-10 grains of arrow weight per pound of bow draw weight (GPP). Mark Kayser How Much Draw Weight For Hunting? - Bowhunting.com A bow for all ages and skill levels. This extra power gives you an edge in cutting far through elk vitals, especially with the modest cutting diameter of most fixed blades. An important thing to consider is that youll need a bow with adjustable draw weight when getting started. Check More Details on Amazon. Here are the draw weight limits for elk by state: Alaska - 50-pound minimum draw weight. Fortunately, the bugs have been worked out of the leading mechanicals and you rarely hear of one bombing on a hunt anymore. The bull charged in on a rope and I drew my bow as I saw his legs approaching. A broadhead doesnt work without the stick thats behind it and your stick should be stout. Its important to know that arrows of different grades are actually made the exact same way and with the exact same materials. Ill spare you the calculations (and all the arguments) but when it comes to creating more momentum, nothing beats adding weight to your arrow. This is because elk are larger and more resilient animals, and the heavier arrows provide improved penetration and energy transfer on impact. I knew that 400 grains was a bit too high since most carbon arrows weigh from 350 to 400 grains, especially when you consider most hunters use an arrow that measures 27-29 inches. G5 also has a solid reputation and its 100- and 125-grain Deadmeat 3-blade mechanical meets the demands of elk. Curt Wells can't pass up this opportunity to hunt mountain caribou in the Northwest Territories. This next topic is certain to get some of you talking. Subscriber Services. With my Inline 3 at 28.5" and 62# my deer arrow is 444 grains, using a 125gr tip and 50gr half-out on Black Eagle Rampage 350 .001. In this blog post, we will guide you through the importance of arrow weight, its different components, and how to choose the perfect arrow weight for elk. Limited Life-time Warranty on main parts after your registration within 30 days of purchase. This isnt that big of a deal since its a matter of inches, but its nice to have, Standard insert: all of the point other than the tip is entirely inside the shaft, Half outs: Half of the point is outside the shaft and only the point threads are inside, Note: some exceptions to this like easton HIT inserts, outserts, or micro diameter style combos, Outserts: The entire point and its threads are outside the arrow shaft and only part of the outsert overlaps with the outside/inside of the shaft. Thats a tragedy if it happens when you shoot an elk and really annoying even when it happens at the range. In fact, many experienced hunters recommend using an arrow in the 450-550 grain range to ensure optimal penetration and energy transfer upon impact. Being aggressive on an elk means you will likely need to make some noise. For hunting elk, a minimum of 40-50 ft-lbs of kinetic energy is recommended. Ive noticed ~0.5-1 drop per grain of weight at that range which is significant. Here, I'm going to share some of the tactics that helped me be super successful in the hope they can do the same for you. As a last resort, I started covering a lot of bedding areas during the middle of the day. Independent gear reviews & bowhunting advice. Arrow weight for elk | Archery Talk Forum As this bull approached, my nerves were redlining. Choosing Arrows and Broadheads for Elk Hunting - Bowhunter 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. Random drawing is on 5/29/23! The arrow used in general hunting has a six grain tip. It was one of those complicated scenarios that happen in an instant. For me, accuracy is the biggest factor. For elk hunting, its generally recommended to use a full-metal jacket (FMJ) or heavy carbon arrow for better penetration and energy retention. I have shot close to two dozen bulls with my bow. A common FOC recommendation is 7-10%, but for hunting setups, I have had better luck with a FOC of 10-15%. They provide good penetration and create larger wound channels, resulting in a higher likelihood of a quick, ethical kill. Regrettably, like fixed blades, mechanicals do have some cons to consider. The big decision is to choose between fixed-blade and mechanical heads. 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. However, setting aside that simplistic overview, there are some specifics to consider as you look at long sticks and sharp points for your bow. Personally, I tend to vary my arrow weight according to the species I am hunting. Could you make some recommendations on arrow/broadhead choices for the hunt? However, theres a few reasons I dont recommend that: it hurts long range trajectory, can actually hurt penetration in wind (the arrow flies crooked with fletching blown to the side), and it can be very difficult, expensive, and time consuming to find the right spine with so much point weight. All Bowhunter subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Stand behind a target downrange sometime (yes, its incredibly dangerous and not recommended). 417 is not a heavy arrow. In addition to a sturdy setup, check for straightness with tolerances of plus or minus .003 inches being the accepted industry standard. The Best Lightweight Arrow: Victory RIP XV Xtreme Velocity Elite. Search for an English Springer Spaniel puppy or dog. Is this enough arrow and draw weight for an elk at 30 yards? Scott Cool, via e-mail. Nock Travel Could Be Your Problem, New Deer Management Study: Small-Antlered Bucks & Stump Sprouts, New Attractants, Scents & Decoys for 2022, Where to Shoot a Deer: Bowhunting Shot Placement, Millennium Treestands L116 Bowlite Single Ladder Stand, Latitude Carbon Speed Series Climbing Sticks, Kinsey Nest Lite Elevation Stool and Elevation Quiver. Proper arrow weight for elk | Archery Talk Forum But well try anyway. The trend is toward a smaller diameter arrow and again much of that comes down to matching your personal bow specifications. But is it worth it? Read on. 1. Early in my elk-hunting career, I made the mistake of trying to be too stealthy on bulls I had worked up with my calling. Location. 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. 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. KE = (Arrow Weight x Speed^2) / 450,240. */
, Your email address will not be published. I couldn't believe it! If an arrow goes too slow, it drops very quickly which can lead to less margin for error for range estimation. Open hunting is best with 5.50-6.00 grains of arrow weight per pound of draw power. Two hours later, we had a bull respond to our call from nearly 400 yards away. Which would bring m up to 465g or go to to FMJ 340 @ 11.3GPI and be at 497gr. While perfecting your craft and getting comfortable with draw weight, you will need to do a lot of practice shooting. What matters in archery is not how hard the arrow hits but how far it penetrates through the animal. Nearly all of my pins covered the sweet spot and the bottom of the "V" of the dark brown hair. Messages. Until you can shoot at this draw weight, I would consider another hobby. The rear-sliding blades finish the slice with a 2-inch cutting diameter. For elk, I recommend a finished arrow weight of 420 grains as a minimum for hunters drawing 60-70 pounds. Read Next: Your 3-Part Game Plan for Elk Bowhunting Success This Fall. Needless to say, a few weeks later I had a bull of a lifetime come in, and Randy was right! Long story short, this all comes back to whats the best for you. There are several mechanical broadheads to consider. The advice in this guide comes from lifelong archery hunters, and I made sure to include some great tips and gear recommendations for hunters of any skill level. | The shot was further back than I wanted, but the loud crack assured me I had broken the rib. If youre using a 100-125gr point and a heavier insert (~50gr) youre already in that range. That effectively boosts the bows speed, which is a big perk, Since more of the bows energy goes into the arrow, that leaves less energy in the bow after the arrow departs to make vibrations (aka noise). See my point? Hunting elk with a bow and arrow is among the most exciting experiences a hunter can have. Ive taken multiple elk with both the Carbon Express Maxima Red and Easton FMJ. For elk, your bow should produce in the range of 60 foot-pounds of energy and above for ideal penetration. If you want to shoot it as a fixed-blade, simply tighten a set screw and the head. The weight of the arrowhead contributes directly to the overall arrow weight and affects penetration and kinetic energy. More penetration equals more cutting area, which ultimately leads to a quicker, more ethical kill. Bowhunters who can shoot accurately with a 55 lb bow have successfully harvested elk. His bull whirled around and fell dead within 20 yards of mine. Their field-point profiles make them easy to tune. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Many hardcore elk hunters will tell you there is no place for mechanical broadheads in elk hunting, but I disagree. The most important thing here is sorting and matching components in the build process, but again, stay tuned. Arrow length directly affects the shafts weight, as a longer shaft will naturally be heavier. All Rights Reserved. Minimum Draw Weight for Elk in North Dakota. Heres why: The whole point of fletching is to create enough drag to stabilize the arrow. Before he had time to figure out precisely what was going on, my broadhead buried itself behind his shoulder. Joe looked at me and said, "I'm going to use my tag on this bull!" Ashbys disciples argue for FOCs in the 20%+ range. Like straightness, most manufacturers have different weight tolerances that generally vary from +/-0.5gr to +/-2gr and are paired with straightness grades. 3. Dec 20, 2022 #5 While thats not much difference in straightness, there is certainly a big difference in cost: for example, Gold Tip Hunter shafts sell at $190 for Hunter Pro, $160 for Hunter XT, and $110 for Hunter shafts. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Good luck. That couldnt be more wrong for archery. 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. My eyes got about as big as many of yours are right now, and I said, "WHAT? One such factor is the arrow weight. Hi! As long as your arrows, They increase your bows effective IBO (speed), What? If you only puncture one lung on an elk, the odds of recovery are close to zero. Mar 4, 2019 #8 Hilljackoutlaw A general rule of thumb is that a shooter should be able to shoot a bow about 30 times in a row without being fatigued. Minimum draw weight varies from state to state. Elk hunting can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Both sides have merit, but overall arrow selection again comes down to your draw weight and draw length. Its well worth building your own arrows to get some helical twist but it wont make or break your arrow.