Calling all "experts"

[Jeremy Holden]

#6891

Good Morning to all,

I have this dream to one day bowhunt the mighty wapiti. I’d like to use a longbow. I curently have a 45 lbs. longbow. I’m wondering if this bow would be sufficient assuming I got an arrow tuned properly and heavy enough up front. What I have in mind is tapered cedar shafts and a single bevel, 200gr Grizzly. Or, I have a 53 lbs. recurve. I’m confident I have enough weight there. But I’d really like to take my longbow. The reason I ask is that I’d like to find the right set up and shoot it so I get proficient. This way I’ll have no doubts about it’s ability to kill. Just doubts in my ability. So, those that have killed elk before, what do you say. Thanks!

-Jeremy

[T Downing]

#56031

Jeremy, I am definitely no expert but I do have some strong opinions on this subject. In my opinion, 45lbs is way to light for elk, please reconsider your set up. I posted this comment back in January on a previous thread and I believe it to be true.

“I have bowhunted elk for the past 27 years. A lot of time with trial and error. What has always worked for me is 55lbs and up. I think that 46lbs is too light for elk. Now I know that there have been bowhunters like Connie Renfro who have taken elk with 45 lbs bows. That said, elk are extremely tough animals when that shot is not perfect. You have a 50% chance of hitting bone every time you shoot at an elk. I have seen wounded elk do some incredible feats of strength. I respect the accuracy argument yet I take it a step further with big game like elk. Accuracy is paramount, add in 55+lbs, heavy arrows (650g+), and single bladed broadheads. That will get the job done especially when that shot is just not right.”
T Downing

[Jeremy Holden]

#56154

T-

Thanks for responding. That’s the type of opinions I’m looking for. I’ve got planty of time before I’ll make out to elk country. But like I posted earlier, I’d like to find my set up and shoot it so I know I’ll be ready. Thanks again for your opinion. That’s what makes this place , country and internet, so great! So, is 53# that far from being heavy enough? You say 55#, assuming I’ve got all the other factors down, arrow set up, accuracy, shot placement, broadhead, etc, is my 53# gonna work? Thanks!

-Jeremy

[sagebrush]

#56945

I’ve shot a few elk in the past. I would agree with T. I shoot the heaviest bow I can shoot comfortably. I would not go with a bow under 55 pounds and prefer 60 on up. If I can’t handle the weight I shoot more until I can. It can make all the difference when everything isn’t perfect. I also only use two blade heads. Lately I have been shooting the single bevel tusker concorde. With elk it is all about accuracy and penetration. If you have one quartering away from you and you hit it a little far back you may need to get through 3 feet of body to reach the chest area. Gary

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