At a 30-yard, safe-space distance, the bull braked hard and cranked broadside to seemingly see if his aged eyes were playing tricks on him. You may get a couple chances at whitetails over the course of a season, but you get one elk tag every so often and on a hunt you usually only get a single chance to draw back on an elk. For elk, the debate can reach heated levelsespecially when it comes to broadheads and arrows. @28" recurve. By now, you can see that all these factors are codependent, which is why there is so much debate. A higher draw weight generally provides more arrow speed and penetration but is not always necessary for elk hunting. 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. While most people have heard of spine (aka how stiff your arrow is), they dont realize that spines can have wide tolerances even in the same batch of arrows! In general, experts believe that a weight of 5-6 GPP is light, 6.5-7.5% is medium, and 8.0-8.5% is heavy. Bows have more energy and transfer it more efficiently than ever before. I gradually worked my way up to the 65 pounds that I shoot today. Long story short, this all comes back to whats the best for you. "Yes, I can see them fine but they are always facing me," I replied. 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. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:100%;}
Put your arrow and broadhead together, and you should come up with a combination weighing from 350 to 450 grains, though some higher-poundage bows can handle arrow weights closer to 500 grains. If you made it this far I congratulate you! Colorado - 35-pound minimum with a maximum 80% let-off. Most experts recommend that bowhunters should be confident in their ability to shoot accurately at distances of up to 40 yards when hunting elk. Certain heads penetrated better than others, and certain designs flew more accurately than others. Put the arrow where it needs to go without taking risky shots and your freezer will be full of white packages of meat appreciation. The weight will be between 450 and 500 grains depending on shaft length and vanes. My guide, who was a veteran elk hunter, then asked me, "Can you NOT see the bulls when they are coming in?". Thats a tragedy if it happens when you shoot an elk and really annoying even when it happens at the range. However, by understanding the importance of arrow weight, its components, and the factors influencing this crucial decision, you can make an informed choice and increase your chances of a successful, ethical, and rewarding elk hunting experience. The biggest consideration should be overall weight. Whats your best draw weight for the upcoming elk hunting season? For elk hunting, my optimal total weight of an arrow is somewhere between 450-500 grains but this will certainly depend on your setup. My arrow weight with a 125 gr broadhead is about 425 gr. Straightness is correlated to good spine consistency but its not as critical. Going out and buying the Cadillac of bow setups might put you on the wrong footing. 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. On the other hand, a lighter arrow is more susceptible to wind drift, which can affect your shots accuracy. 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. So, get comfortable shooting this weight consistently as a beginner.. Over the years, I've had the privilege of hunting in some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes this world has to offer. Christian Berg visits with Alex Chopp of Latitude Outdoors about the company's Method 2 Saddle, which is a metal-free two-panel saddle that is quiet, compact, lightweight, comfortable, and adjustable for bowhunters preparing for a full day of hanging out in the autumn woods as a big buck comes calling. Keep in mind that the further your arrow travels the more energy it loses. There are several mechanical broadheads to consider. Having a top-notch arrow that punishes that deer or elk efficiently is incredibly important and will give you all the confidence you need when pulling back to take the shot. Give a Gift
One benefit to making your own arrows is that you can cut arrows from both ends so they are straighter. Most hunters come from a firearms background where speed and kinetic energy are touted as the most important projectile measurements. On a cold and rainy day at the ATA Trade Show, Lynn Burkhead talks about new arrow designs for 2023 with Prime Archery chief design officer Nate Grace. More on this in my guide to building arrows (coming soon). Independent gear reviews & bowhunting advice. He loaded an arrow and we waited for the bull to come charging in, bugling, gurgling and glunking the whole way. Ashbys disciples argue for FOCs in the 20%+ range. The innovative product caused quite a stir at the 2023 ATA Trade Show in Indianapolis, winning 1st place in the New Product Introduction category. They may also choose to come only halfway to you and then lock up, with no intention of closing the gap. The weight of a elk's arrow has been a source of debate for quite some time. For years, fixed-blade broadheads were the sharp point of choice. he asked. Yes, bows are actually more efficient at transferring power when they have a heavier object to push against. 4,786. Limited Life-time Warranty on main parts after your registration within 30 days of purchase. I couldn't believe it! This means that even at longer ranges, your arrow will still have enough kinetic energy to penetrate deeply and effectively take down an elk. But is it worth it? 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. Any suggestions??? In this video, Neil Byce, Director of Ops & Manufacturing at Bear Archery, highlights the new Super Kodiak, Series 4 of 4 of the company's Limited Edition Series of recurve bows. Broadhead weighs 428 gr. The bull went 28 yards and tipped over. Last fall, I elk hunted as hard as I ever have. A heavier arrow creates less noise during flight, as it causes less friction with the air. 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. Many guys will go from a 100-grain broadhead to a 125-grain broadhead for elk hunting. For your son as I did mine at 13 I would recommend a 400 spine arrow over 500 spine. Location. The bull ran off with about half of my arrow sticking out. The best way to do that is use solid (not vented) broadhead blades and to use quiet vanes, Almost every manufacturer makes good nocks these days and you can easily swap nocks from one arrow to another (with the same ID), What is important is how well a nock fits your bows nocking points and serving, but thats another article, Elk are dichromatic which means they cant see red/green. 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. An important thing to consider is that youll need a bow with adjustable draw weight when getting started. Generally, a heavier arrow is preferred for higher draw weights to maximize energy transfer and penetration. Ive taken multiple elk with both the Carbon Express Maxima Red and Easton FMJ. Keep in mind elk are big animals, and they are often noisy. In fact, many experienced hunters recommend using an arrow in the 450-550 grain range to ensure optimal penetration and energy transfer upon impact. So, I waited about 20 minutes and called again. The shot was further back than I wanted, but the loud crack assured me I had broken the rib. Those inconsistencies can lead to inaccurate arrows and tuning headaches since youre essentially trying to get two different arrows to act the same way. 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. Within seconds, he was done. However, if youre obsessed about building the very best arrow for hunting elk, you have two options. A few of the cows and calves responded quietly, and then the bull whistled faintly. What factors influence arrow penetration for hunting elk? Petersen's Bowhunting Editor Christian Berg provides an overview of the Phase 4, Mathews' flagship hunting bow for 2023. I've spent countless seasons in the field, tracking game and perfecting my craft. For archery hunters, our biggest fear remains that we wound and/or kill an animal but never find it. Id argue that neither is necessarily better than the other and it totally depends on your setup. Moving parts, containment mechanisms, and proper deployment all complicate hole-punching capability. If youre taking shots under 60 yards (which 95% of hunters do) you wont notice a difference between 0.003 and 0.001. Dont know what that means? Two hours later, we had a bull respond to our call from nearly 400 yards away. 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. A little extra force and penetration can mean the difference between a successful kill and watching your prize elk get away. The elk lost interest and walked away. It was obvious I had still-hunted right into a bedded herd. Second, test different fletchings to see which is quietest (Ive had good results with AAE Max Stealth vanes). Brett "Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the . The big decision is to choose between fixed-blade and mechanical heads. Arrow weight plays a significant role in your gears performance during an elk hunt. The arrow used in general hunting has a six grain tip. Increasing arrow weight from 325-grains to 425-grains decreases velocity by almost 10% to 271 fps, but increases both KE by 6.6% and momentum by 18%! The Perfect Arrow Weight For Your Next Hunt. In what was certainly a fitting unveiling to begin the company's 90th Anniversary celebration, the bow even though it showcases an aluminum riser still comes with a lot of the features associated with the original Takedown recurve bows. So yes, theyre exactly the same other than their rated straightness. A broadhead doesnt work without the stick thats behind it and your stick should be stout. I pulled the trigger and watched my arrow disappear. If you increase arrow weight 50 grains, you'll gain about 1-1/2-percent more penetration at close range and up to 4 or 5-percent beyond 40 yards. Its well worth building your own arrows to get some helical twist but it wont make or break your arrow. Dont worry about it too much. Be sure to pick one up and see it for yourself! I have always shot a 400gr arrow I was thinking of going up to like 425gr by switching from 100 grain broadheads to 125s for elk. Its combination chisel and cutting tip makeup makes it a head to seriously consider. He's an avid hunter, fisherman, backpacker, elk meat connoisseur, and international traveler. Try many different draw weights and broadheads to find combinations that work for you. Somewhat new on the block, SEVR has several models available for big game hunting. My recommendation is to choose a broadhead that groups dependably and has a proven track record for great penetration. 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. Will they be able to take down an elk at that weight? 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. Don't get sloppy with noise, and avoid any unnatural sounds such as metallic clangs and tearing Velcro. With an adjustable range of 5-70 lbs of draw weight, beginning hunters can hone their craft with this bow. A heavier arrow tends to have a flatter trajectory, which can improve accuracy and make it easier to hit your target. Those rods are then sorted by straightness and sold by grade. Leading the lineup is the 100-grain Trocar with a helix design to aid in flight stabilization. One thing that does make a big difference in accuracy is the helical or offset of the vanes. Several years ago, I almost made a mistake that could have cost me a mega bull. Know your personal shooting limits, concentrate on shot placement and keep environmental factors in mind when you launch. There's no doubt a screaming bull is a whole new level of awesome compared to a strutting turkey or rutting whitetail. In addition to being lightweight, bombproof in construction and design, and being ambidextrous--the new quiver, that is--these additions to the longtime Pennsylvania company's product lineup for 2023 are perfect for walking around the 3D course this year! Open hunting is best with 5.50-6.00 grains of arrow weight per pound of draw power. Max Efficiency: arrow ~10-15% over IBO (5.5 grains/per pound of draw weight). 8.8 grains per inch cut at 27.5". Consider, too, that mechanicals steal some potential kinetic energyparticularly if you are shooting a low-poundage bow. Lastly, broadhead designs, both fixed and mechanical, have been improved with sharpening expertise that forces you to be extra careful when attaching broadheads to the end of your arrows. 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. The differences between micro and small diameter shafts are far smaller than small diameter vs standard diameter, The weakest (and most inaccurate) part of most small/micro diameter arrows is the connection between the broadhead and the shaft. Enter speed and arrow weight data into the calculator. Our own current arrow setups may serve as examples to get you started: Adrian: 29" tapered carbon shaft (65-80 spine) with 4 fletch, 3" feathers (350 grains). Bowhunter Editor and "Bowhunter TV" host Curt Wells visits with Josh Johnson of Spot Hogg at the 2023 Archery Trade Show in Indianapolis. The best draw weight will differ from hunter to hunter, but draw weight will typically range between 45 and 80 pounds. Give a Gift
This search can be a confusing and frustrating process. Calculate the arrows speed in feet per second (FPS) using your bows specifications or a chronograph Please check out our best broadheads for elk guide for more information. So if youre going to be shooting hardcore target archery in practice or competitions, go for a higher grade. Thats hard since most manufacturers dont list a spine tolerance and spine testing machines cost hundreds of dollars. If I can shoot a fixed-blade design as accurately as a mechanical, then it is a coin toss and I may choose a fixed blade over a jackknife-style mechanical. Everything You Need to Know About Scent Control, 10 Land Management Strategies for Small Whitetail Properties, Untunable Bow? People fight about helical vs offset but honestly youll see great results with both. Improper spine can lead to inconsistent shots, reduced accuracy, and less effectiveness in taking down the animal. That's a heavy arrow. You need to choose the proper arrow and broadhead to make it count, By 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. 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. That means heavier arrows are often more accurate. This is essential when hunting large game like elk, as you need to ensure your arrow can reach the vital organs to ensure a quick and ethical kill. | So how heavy should you go? To top it off, the spine of an individual arrow changes depending on how its rotated. Important Note: Broadheads are an integral part of successful archery setups for elk. 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). Large range of adjustable draw length 18-31", draw weight 0 -70 lbs without needing a bow press. Following up on the success of the popular Corrie boot, the Kenetrek faithful asked the company to create an all-leather version of it. What matters in archery is not how hard the arrow hits but how far it penetrates through the animal. Scott Cool, via e-mail. Thats the baseline for getting an accurate arrow. Max Energy: arrow ~20% over IBO (6 grains/per pound of draw weight). Since that day, I haven't taken that shot again on an elk. The bull went about 30 yards and stopped. The cutting diameter oftentimes exceeds those of the fixed-blade variety with many hitting the mark at 1 7/8 to 2 inches. Both died in seconds leaving a blood trail as easy to follow as a Hollywood red carpet. These can be one or two pieces. 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. 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. 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. Fortunately, the bugs have been worked out of the leading mechanicals and you rarely hear of one bombing on a hunt anymore. [Bull & Cow Harvests Explained], How Much Does Elk Weigh? For elk, your bow should produce in the range of 60 foot-pounds of energy and above for ideal penetration. Bulls, Cows, Spikes? If you make the diameter of the shaft smaller that means that its walls are much thicker. I fall in the middle: Its important, but not nearly as important as people make it out to be. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Do you want to bet the farm on an unknown? For broadside shots you need to steer clear of the tree-stout leg bone, the high-riding scapula and hopefully maneuver through the jail cell of ribcage bones that protect the vitals. Recommended Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Plan Read Article How to Kill an Antelope When They Won't Come to Water Read Article 16-Year-Old Arrows 428-Inch Arizona Bull Read Article Why Deer Tactics Help With Elk-Hunting Success Read Article Their rugged nature and non-mechanical approach combined to fell many elk in the Rockies. Heavier draw weights and longer draw lengths make the other factors less critical, but they are still important. Discover Their Impressive Leaping Abilities! If you want to shoot it as a fixed-blade, simply tighten a set screw and the head. A few even have toughness and mechanical issues, particularly those with replaceable blades. The newer, rear-deploying mechanicals offer much more penetration than earlier designs. Leg bones stop nearly all arrows and the scapula ranks equal to body armor, but most well-constructed broadheads can navigate the ribs to dart into the heart-lung area. Lets examine the key reasons why arrow weight matters: Achieving optimal penetration is crucial for a successful bowhunt. Curt Wells is in New Mexico hunting elk from his ground blind, where he sees plenty of movement. There is nothing more exhilarating than a bull elk screaming out of the timber and storming within range of your bow. The Best Lightweight Arrow: Victory RIP XV Xtreme Velocity Elite. Until you can shoot at this draw weight, I would consider another hobby. If youre looking to master all the concepts, this is the place. I have had great results on elk and other magnum-sized animals with broadheads like the G5 Striker V2, Striker X, or Montec because . 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. Top archery hunters can shoot accurately with a 90-pound draw weight, and the energy this provides is punishing for any big game animal.. They are super tough and durable. Best Arrows for Elk Hunting. Here are some inexpensive recommendations for getting your feet wet: Good to hunt out of the box. This section could be a book in itself (yup, they exist). The ideal combination of these factors can result in deep penetration, maximizing the chances of a quick and ethical harvest. 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. 2. It comes out of the box with a 53 Lb draw weight, a perfect starting point for new hunters. That couldnt be more wrong for archery. I covered miles and miles only to come across more wolf sign than elk sign. Then I would move about 100 yards very cautiously and cow call a few more times. Mark Kayser North Dakota requires a minimum draw weight of 50 pounds. For 90% of elk situations, you dont have to worry about arrow noise. A successful archery hunt begins long before you step foot into the field. I have looking at the Full Metal Jacket 400 @ 10.2 GPI. But then again, its an admirable goal. 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). Its essential to check with the local fish and game before you hunt and verify the rules and regulations, as they constantly change. Minimum Draw Weight for Elk in North Dakota. 300, 325, 350, 400, and 500. Nevada - 40-pound minimum with a maximum . You dont need broadheads wider than 1 1/4 for elk, so avoid those and your arrow should be easy to tune. 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. Before he had time to figure out precisely what was going on, my broadhead buried itself behind his shoulder. Unveiling the Truth. My last four bulls all expired in full view for an ending that tops any Broadway hit. Its important to know that arrows of different grades are actually made the exact same way and with the exact same materials. Topping the list of reasons to ponder using a mechanical broadhead is the fact they are, well, mechanical. Arizona - 40-pound minimum draw weight. Arrow placement is most important, your arrow weight is fine. |
This simplistic design removes moving parts, thus eliminating any surprise malfunctions during the hunt. Their field-point profiles make them easy to tune. This amount provides plenty of draw weight to penetrate an elk. I can achieve this weight by choosing an arrow that weight approx. G5 also has a solid reputation and its 100- and 125-grain Deadmeat 3-blade mechanical meets the demands of elk. Several 3-blade models to consider in the fixed-blade category include the ever-popular G5 Montec. If youre not comfortable pulling back 70 Lbs that doesnt mean you cant consistently shoot deadly shots into an elk, so dont let your pride get in the way. 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. Another valuable lesson I learned is when to be aggressive. There are many factors to consider: draw weight/length, arrow speed/weight (both kinetic energy and momentum), and broadhead construction. If you cant maintain proper form throughout your shot, youre almost sure to make a bad one. On many occasions, I made a hunt end in my favor by being aggressive on my feet and closing the gap while a bull was talking. 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. 417 is not a heavy arrow. Although your current archery setup likely can handle an elk, you need to understand the distinct differences between elk and deer. 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. Idaho. A 10 grain difference is only good for about an inch or so at that range. No other gear question is as important as this one. English Springer Spaniel. A: Thanks for your e-mail. You have the body size and massive antlers that take more than one arm to hold up.
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