Bow & Arrow Specs for Big Game Hunting

[Zach Cockle]

#167774

Hi everyone,

I am interested in hunting elk with my recurve bow, but I’m having some difficulty in finding a straight answer online to some questions I have regarding gear specs. The main points of concern for me are draw weight and consequently the arrow weight to use. I live in British Columbia, and the bare minimum draw weight for hunting big game is 40#. Some people have assured me that is enough, while others say to go to at least 50#, and some others say even higher. Obviously the heavier the draw the more lethal the shot will be, but is there a middle ground somewhere?

Next comes the question of arrow weight. I have heard that a good rule of thumb is 9-11 grain per pound of draw weight. Does this line up with anybody’s experience, or do you have your own formula/method? Thank you for any recommendations made here, and I hope these questions can spark a good exchange of ideas.

[Brad Hammons]

#167777

Just my opinion. If you can shoot 50 lbs. And I mean shoot it well. That’s the way I would go. I would strive for TAW of 650 grains or more and FOC of 25% or  more.

[richard roop]

#167779

Greetings Zach from way south of you. Hope to see you around here regular.

In answer to your question; Long story less long …………….. there is no ‘right’ answer or ‘one size fits all’.

First and foremost above all other things; What weight can you shoot accurately IN A HUNTING SITUATION ????? One shot, no warm-up, possibly cold & wet, likely from a kneeling position.  Next, how dedicated are you ?? To me, 40# seems a bit on the light side. Going up in weight can involve $$. Five pounds at a time is about right to maintain good form. I buy used bows that catch my eye on eBay if the price is reasonable.  I can shoot my regular bow for a session then grab one 5 pounds heavier for a few shots, ending with another 5 more pounds heavier for a few less shots.  Gradual increases. Pulled muscles tend to be detrimental to form.

Arrows are a whole ‘nother can of worms. We can debate that until the camp fire burns low or we end up in a fist-fight.  Go with what’s the most accurate.

Good luck & keep in touch.

 

 

 

[Zach Cockle]

#167783

Hi Richard, I’m glad you think that 40# seems light, because I agree. Despite it meeting regulations as well as what I’ve heard from others, including one story I read online of someone killing a grizzly bear with a 40# bow, it just seems too low. I can go up to 50# limbs on my current bow, which definitely seems to be the way to go by the sounds of it, but I’m curious how much of a benefit I could get from going even higher. Are we in the realm of diminishing returns past 50# or is it a pretty linear increase in effectiveness as you go up?

And please, let’s debate arrows! Brad gave some recommendations that line up with what I understand from the Ashby studies, but I’d love to get your thoughts on the topic.

[ttash]

#167785

Hey Zach,

Like others have mentioned before, shoot the weight you’re most comfortable and accurate with, depending on the size of game you’re hunting. By that I mean, it takes less bow and arrow weight to drop a deer than a moose. I hunt elk in Idaho with 53# and a heavy arrow, about 750 gr. which includes a 300 gr. broadhead. But for mule deer I’ll use a 47# bow and a 565 gr. arrow with 175 gr. up front. At the range at which I’ll take a shot on those animals (20 yards or less) the trajectory drop and arrow speed just don’t matter.

[richard roop]

#167793

Ok …………………… Arrows;

This is the best advice that you’ll ever get;  TAKE EVERYTHING THAT YOU SEE, HEAR, READ, OR THINK WITH A COUPLE OF GRAINS OF SALT.  Including anything I tell you!!!  Then see how it applies to you and your situation.  What kind of shots are you likely to get ?? Close range in brush or farther shots on rolling hills ??? Practice like you’re going to hunt.

There are those who say that a F.O.C. at 10% to 12%  is good and therefore Extreme F.O.C. is extremely good.  More weight up front will mean more penetration but also put more arch in your archery.  This is something that you’ll have to work out for your ownself  for your own situation.

[Raymond Coffman]

#167821

Hi Zack

All good info from the members…

It sounds like you are up on the Ashby Studies.. you can scroll down and access them at the bottom of the page..

I believe an Elk can be killed by any legal ; Bow / Arrow / SHARP! Broadhead…in the right circumstances…

However ….due to the size and tenacity of elk,  one is better off shooting a heavier bow/arrow, provided of course you can master that set up..I always consider the possibility of edging/ hitting the shoulder(bone)…

I used to shoot a 60lb bow and 750 gr arrow w/  Razor Sharp Bhead ( grizzlies in ancient times, Tuffheads now). I liked having the extra umpff ( think shoulder edge)

But due to age and infirmities I now shoot 53lb bow and 695w arrow too maintain my accuracy requirements…

These days I find the taking of game is not as important as the quality of the pursuit. Thus I am not bothered by  having the more limiting shot opportunities of my current set up

Just my Humble Opinion…

Hitting elk in the vitals ( accuracy) and Sharp Bhead is most important….

Scout aka Ray

 

[Zach Cockle]

#167860

So it seems that most people are recommending arrow weights that are more in the realm of 12-14 grain per pound of draw weight. Is there a formula to follow here, or is it just experience/trial and error?

Lots of great info and insight here so far guys, it’s all greatly appreciated.

[richard roop]

#167862

As far as I know there is nothing in archery that is carved in stone from on high.  Again, no one size fits all.  I once had a guy order a set of 2219s  filled with sand. It gave him a point on distance of about 12 yards.  He had a killer tree stand right over a trail into a waterhole.  The shot was almost straight down and he was most interested in having an exit hole for the blood trail.  Not a set-up most of us would use but for him it was golden.

Here’s another thought on penetration;  Bow tune and a perfectly flying arrow will affect penetration more than a few extra pounds of weight and a less than perfect flight.  Form also enters into this.

Nobody ever said that this was easy but the greater challenge, the greater the reward.

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