[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: CO Elk Help Needed #19680

turtlebunting wrote: is a 52 pound longbow enough to use on a elk? and what is a good arrow weight to use one them?

I would look at your second question first, as I tend to think that the arrow is more critical than the bow – 600 gr. is the minimum I would personally use for elk, with as much of that weight forward as possible.

With that in mind, back to your first question – will your longbow handle such a 600 + gr. arrow accurately and well, with good penetration? If so, then yes.

I know that in theory, any #50+ bow should be capable of handling such an arrow, but in reality I find that some handle them better than others…

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: carbon arrow broke upon release #19041

Is it possible that the arrow had taken any hard hits, weird deflections, etc. previously?

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: New to Archery #16387

You can often find a dozen Gold Tip Hunters for around $50 at sporting good stores. They are perfectly fine, durable target arrows for getting started.

And like Steve says, setting up a target to minimize arrow damage/loss will make a difference.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: New Kanati #15822

vintage archer wrote:

I got thinking about bows and my hand stated quivering and made me double post LOL

Haha.

Thanks, all. Here is one more, next to my Bark River Canadian Special, which it just happens to match quite nicely…:wink:

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: MA and FOC in Sioux buffalo arrows #15599

David Petersen wrote: This sure would beat shooting bison with “bird” points!

No kidding. A little hard to tell in the pic, but the fletching seems long, but also quite low profile?

Tell Alex to swing by more often. I always enjoy his contributions.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Goals #1 and #2 achieved! I AM TRAD. #15576

Great gobbler, and well done all around! Congrats, Tombow!

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Longbows and demon birds from hades #53242

Congrats!!!

Is that a Kanati longbow?

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: ATVs on public lands #47614

Backcountry Joe wrote:

It would be a shame to lose this battle due to folks not wanting to stand up for what they believe in.

Bottom line.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: ATVs on public lands #47202

wahoo wrote: Dave your right. Here in ID it’s a mess roads everywhere and all people bitch about are wolfs — go figure

Yup.

What drives me crazy is the prevalent attitude amongst people who think that being able to ride their ATV anywhere they want is actually some sort of inalienable “right,” no matter what the impact on others, on habitat, and on wildlife.

Unfortunately, in my experience, politicians in DC may as well be on another planet when you try to discuss Western issues with them. They generally seem to have no idea what life is like in the rural West (much less anywhere else outside the narcissistic Beltway). And western politicians at the state level are terrified of upsetting those hunters who have big lobbying groups behind them (like the ATV lobby).

There continue to be outstanding death threats (not an exaggeration) against the FS officials in our valley, for closing two roads in one of our local mountain ranges that were getting torn to hell by ATV abuse. Two roads that were getting hammered, when there still exist a multitude of other roads that are open to ATVs in that area. That was 6 years ago, and those officials still fear for their safety, and the safety of their families.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Elk hunting tips #35027

Agreed about keeping calling to a minimum. I only carry a cow call with me, and try to use it sparingly.

When a bull is bugling nearby but doesn’t seem to be moving, staying put isn’t always the best solution. Sometimes closing the distance helps.

If you’re calling, be ready. Be set up where you want to be, anticipate which direction the bull will come from, and be ready to draw. And don’t be surprised if the bull that comes in is not the one you hear bugling.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: ASAT CAMO ANYONE? #34427

I like it. It’s similar in it’s approach to Predator, VIAS, etc, and I use them all interchangeably. “All Situations All Terrain” is a pretty accurate description, imo.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Thanks, Dave! #27626

Your wry humor, sage advice and unabashed personal perspectives will be sorely missed, Dave.

I guess the rest of us better step it up – we’ve got some big shoes to fill.

And the eastern Idaho offer will always be there, compadre.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Tanto Point? #25429

Indeed. The broadheads that Larry is referring to are the VPA Penetrators. I’m pretty intrigued by them, and will probably be picking some up soon. I’ve been really impressed with VPA quality so far (the Terminators are the most indestructible 3-Blade I’ve used), and they come in a broad variety of grain weights.

All other things being equal, a Tanto tip will be more durable than a fine-pointed tip, and I can’t see it affecting penetration.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: My gear… #23919

pewanogo wrote:

We sometimes take our hunting for granted until we realize how difficult it is for some guys to actually take part in this great sport of hunting with bow and arrow.

No kidding. It’s easy to forget just how good we have it.

It’s also great to have people from other countries on this board. The more different perspectives the better! Thanks for sharing Wexbow.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Concerns regarding speed and kinetic energy #20787

Cameron wrote: 140fps just sounds slow and I was not sure it would have the necessary force to effectively take larger game.

Heavier arrows will tend to be slower. But heavier arrows will also pack a lot more punch, or momentum. Despite the popular bumper-sticker jingo-ism, speed isn’t actually what kills. Speed is one factor of momentum, and it’s momentum that kills.

My advice is not to get too hung up on chronographs. I used to graph my bows, I really couldn’t care less any more. I shoot a #57 recurve, with a 600+gr. arrow (24% FOC) and a 2-blade broadhead. I know it’s a very powerful combo that packs a whallop, and I have no concerns about having sufficient penetration on N. American ungulates or pigs.

Rather than speed, I’d suggest paying attention to the amount of penetration you’re getting with that setup at normal hunting distances (and increased FOC will help with that). You can even buy a side of meat (ideally w/bone), and shoot into it at 10, 15, 20 yds. and see what happens.

But in the end, keep in mind that many, many animals have been killed with bows that aren’t any “faster” than yours.

[Author]

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