50# should be fine for muleys. It’s marginal for elk since their hides and bones are so very much heavier and their bodies at least twice as wide. I believe it can be done and in fact will be hunting elk with 53# this year, but the ethical onus is heavy on us who shoot lighter bows at heavy game to do everything possible to assure lethal penetration even when shot placement is not perfect, as a great many times it will not be. In short, the lighter the bow, the heavier the arrow and higher FoC we need to use, with a proven two-blade head. My advice is to try your set-up on mule deer and see what sort of penetration you get. And if you can handle it, try a test shot through the dead animal’s scapula, at an angle, to see what you get … before going after elk. Also, the speed and thrust of a given weight bow can vary radically, so that poundage alone is no longer the most accurate guide. For example, I have straight wood longbows at 55 that shoot at around 150 fps while a Shrew d/r longbow of the same weight will get close to 170. Lots to consider, but it’s all fun if your attitude is right. dp
