The weight of a elk's arrow has been a source of debate for quite some time. With that said, I recommend increasing your draw weight, arrow weight, and broadhead cutting capabilities when stepping up from hunting deer to hunting elk. Is 500 grains enough arrow weight for elk? Many times, I would start to question whether there were even elk around, but then I would come across fresh elk sign. If the shooter cannot draw the bow 30 times the draw weight should be . Major arrow manufacturers offer roughly three different diameters of arrows for hunting purposes: While plenty of elk have been killed with standard diameter arrows, small and micro diameter arrows offer some pretty distinct advantages: The downsides of smaller diameter shafts are that they tend to cost more and the components can be much weaker and difficult to align (more on that in the next section). Curt Wells is hunting mountain caribou in the Northwest Territories and is entertained by a young grizzly along the way. English Springer Spaniel. Ashbys disciples argue for FOCs in the 20%+ range. I took a bull last year at 61 yards with a SEVR 1.5-tipped Easton. The best bow poundage for elk hunting usually falls within the range of 60-70 lbs. The difference isnt as big as you think but it is something you need to pay. This let-off makes it easier to hold the weight longer while you are at full draw. Moving parts, containment mechanisms, and proper deployment all complicate hole-punching capability. Mass produced micro diameter arrows often ship with misaligned outserts. Elk Arrow/Weight and Speed? | Trad Talk Forums Regrettably, like fixed blades, mechanicals do have some cons to consider. Everything You Need to Know About Scent Control, 10 Land Management Strategies for Small Whitetail Properties, Untunable Bow? Idaho. Mar 4, 2019 #8 Hilljackoutlaw 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. I can achieve this weight by choosing an arrow that weight approx. The newer, rear-deploying mechanicals offer much more penetration than earlier designs. Which would bring m up to 465g or go to to FMJ 340 @ 11.3GPI and be at 497gr. After your success you can replace the blades and be ready for the next hunt. For elk hunting, its generally recommended to use a full-metal jacket (FMJ) or heavy carbon arrow for better penetration and energy retention. : Broadheads are an integral part of successful archery setups for elk. Total arrow mass = 660 grains. 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. For elk, the debate can reach heated levelsespecially when it comes to broadheads and arrows. As this bull approached, my nerves were redlining. Montana - No specific minimum but maximum 80% let-off. This bow hurts the wallet a bit more as far as a beginners bow goes, but its certainly worth the money if you are considering making a long-term commitment to the sport of bowhunting. It was one of the craziest memories I have as an elk hunter, and we packed out of that public land on Cloud 9! 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? Good luck. Use a small fixed blade broadhead (< 1 inch) and you should be find with most commercial Bohning or AAE fletchings work fine, Helical/offset makes a big difference in stabilizing your arrow and is only available from custom builders or if you build your own arrows, The only way to know what works is to test options on your setup. Several factors influence arrow penetration when hunting elk, including arrow weight, broadhead design, bow poundage, and shot placement. In addition to target plinking in the backyard or clearing predators away from the chicken coop, these slingshots are the perfect tool for bowhunters needing to clear the woods of whitetails milling around a treestand at quitting time or cattle moving in to feed during deer hunting's prime-time hours. He loaded an arrow and we waited for the bull to come charging in, bugling, gurgling and glunking the whole way. Somewhat new on the block, SEVR has several models available for big game hunting. 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. how do you pick a draw weight that will work for you. But then again, its an admirable goal. [Bull & Cow Harvests Explained], How Much Does Elk Weigh? This bow provides another ready-to-go option for beginners. It works well for turkeys, and it certainly has worked well for me on elk too! Any suggestions??? The bull went 28 yards and tipped over. Hi! Visit a bow shop pro to chronograph your bow and then sharpen a pencil. Thats especially true for smaller diameter arrows since more of the insert has to move out of the inside of the arrow as it gets smaller. That couldnt be more wrong for archery. How important is arrow speed for elk hunting? Ill be creating an entirely different gear guide just for broadheads but its important to know that broadheads also influence your arrow choices. Debunking Myths & Facts, What are Black Spots on Deer Meat: Know Before Cooking, Discovering the Roman Nose Deer: Unveiling the Mysteries of This Rare Species, How Long Can Deer Meat Stay on Ice? Dec 20, 2022 #4 4 4rcgoat WKR Joined Dec 12, 2015 Messages 1,118 Location wyoming Easton axis out of 70# bow. Thats half the energy and the speed of a .22 rimfire cartridge, which is better known for killing for squirrels, not elk! These arrows are factory fletched and have a straightness tolerance of plus or minus .003" and a weight tolerance of plus or minus 2 grain. For years, fixed-blade broadheads were the sharp point of choice. 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. They can be difficult to tune and bow speeds enhance steering issues. Designed for 55 lb. Elk Arrow Weight? | Hunt Talk Try to use the heaviest arrow that will get you around 260-280fps. Here, Bowhunter Editor and Bowhunter TV host Curt Wells gets a firsthand look at the results: the new Slide Rock Hiker. For example, three shafts labeled 300 spine might actually measure at 294, 306, and 315. Is this enough arrow and draw weight for an elk at 30 yards? The all-steel construction of the Drone means it will take a beating, yet delivers a cutting diameter of 1 1/8-inches. The Perfect Arrow Weight For Your Next Hunt. 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. First, lets establish the number-one goal of every elk hunter a bilateral pneumothorax otherwise known as a double-lung collapse. But best of all, you sometimes get to be the hunted because bull elk can respond aggressively to a call. Further, new, out-of-the-package heads should be shaving sharp, but touching up used heads is a chore. Both died in seconds leaving a blood trail as easy to follow as a Hollywood red carpet. Heavier arrows are always better for a few reasons so better to err on the side of caution. 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. A fixed-blade broadhead and certain mechanical heads are next, and then comes the really wide-cut mechanical broadheads. 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. use the same pound draw weight for both elk and deer, as modern compound bows can take down most big game animals. In regards to draw weight, only use what you can pull and aim for 15 seconds steady, BUT remember, a legal minimum on a leopard hunt is 60 pounds, and a elk has a much more powerful engine than a leopard, so keep that in mind, also arrow weight and broad weight and size can make a huge factor, the MOMENTUM of the arrow will determine the penetration along with the speed, on elk, a heavy arrow of minimum 450 grains and a minimum 150 grain fixed broadhead is what I suggest, Your email address will not be published. Calculate the arrows speed in feet per second (FPS) using your bows specifications or a chronograph Location. Within seconds, he was done. Personally I would find a way to add a heavier insert system. he asked. Whats the best arrow for elk hunting? But well try anyway. Curt Wells is in New Mexico hunting elk from his ground blind, where he sees plenty of movement. Can You Deer Hunt with 350 Legend? First, get to know that that burly bull you hope to hurl projectiles at like your prehistoric ancestors. The only real advantage of four fletch is more clearance and more points to nock tune your arrow. The arrow used in general hunting has a six grain tip. Fortuitously, elk offer you a big target of vitals that accompany that big frame. The appropriate arrow spine helps maintain accuracy, penetration, and energy transfer when shooting at an elk. The Best Arrows for Elk Hunting [3 Things to Look For] Ball Archery owner Greg Summers about the Trident release, a model that is a high-end thumb release that automatically resets itself with no lag. 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. 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. FOC = 22%. I have had great results on elk and other magnum-sized animals with broadheads like the G5 Striker V2, Striker X, or Montec because . But as I hunted more, I learned to get after it when they were talking back. Diameter must be considered as well. The Best Lightweight Arrow: Victory RIP XV Xtreme Velocity Elite. I hunt with a Diamond Bow and can attest to the quality and craftsmanship of these stick throwers. Brass insert (60 grains). Top archery hunters can shoot accurately with a 90-pound draw weight, and the energy this provides is punishing for any big game animal.. If you made it this far I congratulate you! However, it will only help if you can control the pulling weight. Q: What is the best broadhead arrow weight for elk? A 55 lb bow can be enough for hunting elk, provided that your arrow setup is well-tuned, and your shot placement is accurate. Fixed-blade broadheads or mechanical broadheads with a large cutting diameter are generally preferred for elk hunting. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
To simplify things a bit, I put together this unpretentious guide to help novice hunters feel more comfortable picking a draw weight for elk. This extra power gives you an edge in cutting far through elk vitals, especially with the modest cutting diameter of most fixed blades. 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. Ones draw length can also come into play here. Like turkeys, elk may chose to be vocal for a brief period but then lose interest. The guide then went on to convince me that when hunting on the ground, perfectly level with an elk, that the frontal shot is a fine shot to make at a close distance. Smaller diameter means less surface area for the wind to drag on, so these arrows are less effected by the wind than normal, The critical factor here is that the shaft diameter is, To get the same stiffness out of an arrow (aka spine) you have to use roughly the same amount of material. This can help prevent the elk from jumping the string and ensure a more successful shot. You can choose between 85-, 100- and 125-grain models with a carbon steel option available in 100 grain. Do you want to bet the farm on an unknown? 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. G5 also has a solid reputation and its 100- and 125-grain Deadmeat 3-blade mechanical meets the demands of elk. However, it should not be prioritized over factors like arrow weight, broadhead selection, and shot placement. One such factor is the arrow weight. 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. Building the ultimate elk arrow will make you a far more effective hunter. FOC is simply a measure of how much of the arrows weight is in the front half of the arrow. to get through that extra mass of hair, hide, bone and flesh. Colorado - 35-pound minimum with a maximum 80% let-off. For example, a 50-pound draw weight with 80% let-off would feel like you holding 10 Lbs at full draw. He then explained that the convergence of the heart, its major arteries and the windpipe is almost the size of a volleyball or pie plate. They have a bad habit of bending, breaking, or just pulling out the arrow. Selecting the right arrow weight for elk hunting is a crucial decision that can affect the accuracy, penetration, and Optimal Arrow Weight for Elk Hunting . 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. A 500 grain arrow is not too heavy for hunting big game animals like elk. The reason for this simple statement lies in the explosion of technology introduced into archery within the last several decades, particularly the last 10 years. After a lot of experimenting, I settled on an arrow setup that has a FOC of 13%. 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. A heavier arrow creates less noise during flight, as it causes less friction with the air. Yes, if your draw weight and arrow speed are exceptional (well over 300 fps), you might get by with a lighter, flatter arrow, but I still wouldnt go below 400 grains under any circumstances. Use the following formula to calculate your arrows kinetic energy: They can easily shoot through a mattress and leave the fletching unharmed. The weight of the shaft largely depends on its material and size. Leading the lineup is the 100-grain Trocar with a helix design to aid in flight stabilization. With an affordable price point, the exclusive patented ladder design features a ComfortMAX seat, a durable powder-coated finish, oval steel construction, and much more. We looked across the far meadow and a 320-class bull was on a dead run at us, bugling while he was loping. Without any deployment of blades, a fixed blade begins cutting without having to unfold. What factors influence arrow penetration for hunting elk? Like a football, an arrow is much more accurate if it rotates as it flies. My eyes got about as big as many of yours are right now, and I said, "WHAT? The vital zone measures approximately 15 inches in circumference. This means that even at longer ranges, your arrow will still have enough kinetic energy to penetrate deeply and effectively take down an elk. Give a Gift
They provide good penetration and create larger wound channels, resulting in a higher likelihood of a quick, ethical kill. Stick with the 100- and 125-grain models for elk with their 1 1/8-inch cutting diameter and option to re-sharpen. The G5 SnapLock system guarantees blades stay in place until needed. You can use this bow to hone in your draw weight and get comfortable with form and proper mechanics. However, to ensure a successful hunt, its essential to consider the factors that affect your gears performance, specifically your arrows. However, while elk are ALOT bigger than whitetails, they're not moose. North Dakota requires a minimum draw weight of 50 pounds. 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. 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. 417 is not a heavy arrow. Try many different draw weights and, EatElkMeat.com is dedicated to elk meat and elk hunting. So, I waited about 20 minutes and called again. |
Best Arrows for Elk Hunting - Hunting & Archery Tips, News and Gear Reviews I gradually worked my way up to the 65 pounds that I shoot today. Lets examine the key reasons why arrow weight matters: Achieving optimal penetration is crucial for a successful bowhunt. 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. It Depends. |
From Amazon: 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. 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. Dec 12, 2016 #3 Gunner46 Well-known member Joined One is the 100-grain Rage Hypodermic. Unveiling the Truth. To ensure your arrows have sufficient kinetic energy and penetration to achieve an ethical kill, its essential to calculate the total arrow weight and kinetic energy (KE). 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. A heavier arrow retains its energy more effectively over distance. Elk are very different animals than deer: theyre far bigger, their hide and bones are tougher, and theyre strong enough to go long distances when wounded. The Best Hunting Arrows of 2022 | GearJunkie 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! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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. 1. This comprehensive guide to shooting covers: how to get started in archery, the costs involved, choosing and using equipment, and the basics of shooting; setting up your equipment and initial tuning; the biomechanics of shooting; the tactics and preparation work involved in archery competitions; physical fitness, nutrition, and psychology; arrow selection and preparation; making bowstrings; and shooting techniques, improving performance, and the fine-tuning of equipment.. If youre looking to master all the concepts, this is the place. That results in long rods that are cut down to arrow length. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:100%;}
The rear-sliding blades finish the slice with a 2-inch cutting diameter. 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. It was a devastating setup that pulverized any bone in its way. The big decision is to choose between fixed-blade and mechanical heads. Minimum draw weight for elk | Hunt Talk You dont need broadheads wider than 1 1/4 for elk, so avoid those and your arrow should be easy to tune. First, make sure your broadhead blades are solid, not vented. To determine your bows kinetic energy, take the velocity squared and multiply it by the weight of your hunting arrow. 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. Both sides have merit, but overall arrow selection again comes down to your draw weight and draw length. 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. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. A well placed shot allows a 398 gr arrow at 82 yards on a cow elk, a 70 yard shot on a muley to pass thru. My recommendation is to choose a broadhead that groups dependably and has a proven track record for great penetration. I have looking at the Full Metal Jacket 400 @ 10.2 GPI. The Trident continues T.R.U. Please browse our list of. The Importance of Arrow Weight in Elk Hunting, Choosing the Right Arrow Weight for Elk Hunting, Calculating Arrow Weight and Kinetic Energy. In addition to arrow weight and draw weight, the broadhead you choose plays a huge role in determining your penetration. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable English Springer Spaniel puppies and adult English Springer Spaniel in Elk Grove, California. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Like the compound bow of yesteryear, mechanical broadheads are gaining steam throughout all bowhunting genres. Its essential to check with the local fish and game before you hunt and verify the rules and regulations, as they constantly change. 100- and 125-grain Deadmeat 3-blade mechanical, Your 3-Part Game Plan for Elk Bowhunting Success This Fall. Two hours later, we had a bull respond to our call from nearly 400 yards away. If you can't hold proper form or struggle to pull heavier weight, then lower it to what you can manage. The best way to hone in on your perfect bow hunting setup is to get out there and start shooting! 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. Be sure to pick one up and see it for yourself! Yep, elk hunting is the bomb, and I've been very fortunate to fill more than my share of tags over the past decade and a half. 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). Nearly all of my pins covered the sweet spot and the bottom of the "V" of the dark brown hair. For elk, consider the Titanium 2.1 available in both 100- and 125-grain versions. He came in to give me a perfect shot. Their rugged nature and non-mechanical approach combined to fell many elk in the Rockies. 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). 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. Shoot three arrows and use the average of the three shots. Limited Life-time Warranty on main parts after your registration within 30 days of purchase. Available in 100- and 125-grain, these one-piece heads are durable and slice through leaving a 1 1/8-inch wound channel. Elk requires arrows with 8 grains per pound with 70-pound bows. The bull went about 30 yards and stopped. 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. If an arrow goes too slow, it drops very quickly which can lead to less margin for error for range estimation. Heres a step-by-step process to do so: 1. I have the ability to screw a 50gr weight to the inside for elk to get the whole arrow to 494gr. But I continue to say that if the shot is very close and the chest is level to the arrow, it is absolutely devastating. 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. So if youre going to be shooting hardcore target archery in practice or competitions, go for a higher grade. A higher draw weight generally provides more arrow speed and penetration but is not always necessary for elk hunting. Keep in mind that using a heavy broadhead might require you to adjust your bows setup to maintain accuracy. 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. One thing that does make a big difference in accuracy is the helical or offset of the vanes. For hunting elk, a minimum of 40-50 ft-lbs of kinetic energy is recommended. You cant test it without expensive machines (and nobody lists these specs) but make sure to do your research, Step one is choosing the right spine from a spine chart, but thats true for any arrow, Theres so much here Ill write another Gear Guide just for broadheads! Give a Gift
Ball's continual push to design award-winning accuracy for archers in the field and on the competition range where big bucks and gold medals are the goal. Where Do I Put My Feet When Tree Saddle Hunting? You can choose the best bow for your hunt and hunt by joining now and asking . Three big fletches might present more surface area (and therefore more drag) than four small fletches. Arrows are made by wrapping carbon cloth around a metal mandrel like rolling a carpet around a pole. You need to choose the proper arrow and broadhead to make it count, By Published Aug 14, 2019 10:50 PM EDT. They are rugged, especially if they are of one-piece construction. His bull whirled around and fell dead within 20 yards of mine. 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. 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.
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