For elk, consider the Titanium 2.1 available in both 100- and 125-grain versions. Good components (inserts, outserts, half outs, etc) are key to a tough, accurate arrow, Small diameter arrows (.204/5mm) are generally the best bang per buck and components are far less finicky than micro diameter arrows, Micro diameter outserts have to be aligned perfectly, so buy custom or build your own if you truly want the best, This above all else leads to accurate arrows, especially with broadheads. Minimum draw weight varies from state to state. Ricky Brule shows Bowhunter Magazine Editor Curt Wells the new Gen Integrate 8 and 8X Series arrow rests from Vapor Trail Archery. However, it will only help if you can control the pulling weight. 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. This bow provides another ready-to-go option for beginners. Each different diameter comes with a slightly different type of insert: The traditional weakness of micro diameter arrows (and to some extent, small diameter arrows too) is the insert/outsert system. Wasp is a name synonymous with modern archery history and their 100-grain Drone meets the specs for elk country. Its worth taking the time to pick a great elk arrow since it can make or break your hunt. For elk hunting, my optimal total weight of an arrow is somewhere between 450-500 grains but this will certainly depend on your setup. How you do it (3 fletch, 4 fletch, long/short vanes) isnt really. A good shot with a 400-grain arrow will kill any deer or elk in North America with a good shot, but if you want to reduce chances of failure, heavier arrows are recommended. If you want to fully understand the why just keep reading! Yes, some bows have an 80-pound draw weight or more, but does that make them any better? Best Arrows for Elk Hunting - Hunting & Archery Tips, News and Gear Reviews There are several mechanical broadheads to consider. A 55 lb bow can be enough for hunting elk, provided that your arrow setup is well-tuned, and your shot placement is accurate. Heavier draw weights and longer draw lengths make the other factors less critical, but they are still important. After your success you can replace the blades and be ready for the next hunt. If youre looking to master all the concepts, this is the place. Its way more important to shoot at the weight youre comfortable with rather than the amount of weight you are pulling., Start at 55 pounds. Visit a bow shop pro to chronograph your bow and then sharpen a pencil. That thickness means durability and strength when you need it most, Less wind resistance also means less arrow drop over distance. Unfortunately most factory made arrows dont come with helical or offset so youll have to pony up for a custom arrows or build your own set if you want those advantages. The same should go for you! PSE is a quality company with excellent customer service, as many customers report an easy return process for defective gear (which, by looking at the reviews, is a rare occurrence). Your preferred arrow weight for elk | Hunt Talk Best Hunting Arrows of 2023 | Outdoor Life The best arrow for elk hunting is built specifically for those requirements and so is this gear guide. When you can safely and accurately shoot from several positions at this weight, add five pounds to your pull, and repeat until you reach a weight that you feel comfortable holding for 1-2 minutes. This let-off makes it easier to hold the weight longer while you are at full draw. Its well worth building your own arrows to get some helical twist but it wont make or break your arrow. You may get a couple chances at whitetails over the course of a season, but you get one elk tag every so often and on a hunt you usually only get a single chance to draw back on an elk. I covered miles and miles only to come across more wolf sign than elk sign. Consider, too, that mechanicals steal some potential kinetic energyparticularly if you are shooting a low-poundage bow. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but consider the recurve archer who is shooting only 190 to 200 fps and using arrows of 600 grains and up. However, if you can achieve higher KE while maintaining accuracy, its always better. There is, however, no real winner and no easy answer to the discussion. attention too. If you do practice out to 100 yards (which I often do, even though Id never shoot an animal that far) you will start to notice a big difference as trajectory really drops off. The secret spot is right at the bottom of the thick, dark hair on a bull's neck where it comes to the point with the lighter hair. The Bloodsport Gravedigger series includes both a cut-on-contact and a chisel-head version. Leading the lineup is the 100-grain Trocar with a helix design to aid in flight stabilization. A heavier arrow tends to have a flatter trajectory, which can improve accuracy and make it easier to hit your target. Recommended Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Plan Read Article How to Kill an Antelope When They Won't Come to Water Read Article 16-Year-Old Arrows 428-Inch Arizona Bull Read Article Why Deer Tactics Help With Elk-Hunting Success Read Article To make matters more complicated, there was a stiff breeze blowing and the bull took a step toward one of his cows just as I released my arrow. Because this setup delivers plenty of energy and momentum, I can shoot most any quality broadhead from fixed blades to heavily built mechanicals like the Rage Trypan and not worry about penetration. Several 3-blade models to consider in the fixed-blade category include the ever-popular G5 Montec. Even at night when I was sleeping in my camper, I never heard a single bugle. Shoot three arrows and use the average of the three shots. It stands to reason that you will need a little more oomph to get through that extra mass of hair, hide, bone and flesh. he asked. However, theres a few reasons I dont recommend that: it hurts long range trajectory, can actually hurt penetration in wind (the arrow flies crooked with fletching blown to the side), and it can be very difficult, expensive, and time consuming to find the right spine with so much point weight. The innovative product caused quite a stir at the 2023 ATA Trade Show in Indianapolis, winning 1st place in the New Product Introduction category. how do you pick a draw weight that will work for you. If I can shoot a fixed-blade design as accurately as a mechanical, then it is a coin toss and I may choose a fixed blade over a jackknife-style mechanical. Curt Wells hooks up with the gang at New Mexico Hunting Adventures to pursue big bull elk. Easton, Carbon Express and Gold Tip, all offer arrows that meet elk demands. The weight will be between 450 and 500 grains depending on shaft length and vanes. Bulls, Cows, Spikes? Please browse our list of the worlds best elk meat vendors if you want to get your hands on some high-quality elk meat. Please check out our, 35-pound minimum with a maximum 80% let-off, 40-pound minimum with a maximum 85% let-off, No specific minimum but maximum 80% let-off, 40-pound minimum with a maximum 80% let-off, No specific minimum draw weight or let-off. But best of all, you sometimes get to be the hunted because bull elk can respond aggressively to a call. Christian Berg talks with T.R.U. A bow is far quieter when heavy arrows are used instead of lighter arrows, The heavier (and therefore slower) the arrow, the easier to tune a broadhead since there is less wind resistance. I go very deep in the details in these Gear Guides, so I put my recommendations and a summary up top. I was gearing up for a Montana hunt but also had a few antelope tags I was trying to combine with my road trip. The bull immediately bugled one time, and I gave him a hot cow call. Try for 7-10 grains of arrow weight per pound of bow draw weight (GPP). Users report that this lightweight bow is easy to draw, which helps you get over that learning curve faster. Petersen's Bowhunting Editor Christian Berg provides an overview of the Phase 4, Mathews' flagship hunting bow for 2023. Arrowheads, also known as broadheads, come in various weights, shapes, and designs. The weight of the shaft largely depends on its material and size. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. At a 30-yard, safe-space distance, the bull braked hard and cranked broadside to seemingly see if his aged eyes were playing tricks on him. If you do, its devastating. I saw the arrow go directly into a rib, right in line with the liver. They can be extremely vocal at times, and when they are fired up, you need to take control. arrow weight for elk at 50lb draw | Rokslide Forum It's been my experience that when it is hot, you better strike with intensity and efficiency. For example, a 480 grain arrow divided by a 60 lb bow = 8 grains per pound. Yes, 500 grains is generally considered enough arrow weight for hunting elk. That said, no arrow can overcome a poor broadhead choice, FOC helps with accuracy up to a point (pun intended) but its far less important than many believe (and extreme FOC has serious downsides), Aim for 10-15% and youll see great results. 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. It works well for turkeys, and it certainly has worked well for me on elk too! Heavy arrows lose relatively less speed and energy at long ranges compared to light arrows (think high ballistic coefficients [BCs] in bullets). Youll get more accurate and deeper penetrating shots with higher-pound bows, but if you cant consistently control your bow at that weight, youll be in big trouble. 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. Thats hard since most manufacturers dont list a spine tolerance and spine testing machines cost hundreds of dollars. Here are some inexpensive recommendations for getting your feet wet: Good to hunt out of the box. Subscriber Services. Regrettably, like fixed blades, mechanicals do have some cons to consider. 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., The best way to hone in on your perfect bow hunting setup is to get out there and start shooting! The best way to do that is use solid (not vented) broadhead blades and to use quiet vanes, Almost every manufacturer makes good nocks these days and you can easily swap nocks from one arrow to another (with the same ID), What is important is how well a nock fits your bows nocking points and serving, but thats another article, Elk are dichromatic which means they cant see red/green. This means that even at longer ranges, your arrow will still have enough kinetic energy to penetrate deeply and effectively take down an elk. | Well, for starters and I dont need to tell you this . 417 is not a heavy arrow. 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. The arrow used in general hunting has a six grain tip. If you start with a well-tuned bow, there is no question the best penetrating broadhead is a cut-on-contact, fixed two-blade design like a Muzzy Phantom, Magnus Stinger, or Iron Will broadhead. 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. Location. Ive taken multiple elk with both the Carbon Express Maxima Red and Easton FMJ. Of course, each hunter will prefer a specific weight, so heres the real question: What draw weight are you comfortable with, and how much control do you have at that poundage? Wicked Ridge Announces 2022 Crossbows & Accessories. The Best Arrows for Elk Hunting [3 Things to Look For] Both sides have merit, but overall arrow selection again comes down to your draw weight and draw length. Curt Wells is hunting mountain caribou in the Northwest Territories and is entertained by a young grizzly along the way. The trend is toward a smaller diameter arrow and again much of that comes down to matching your personal bow specifications. The art is matching the right amount of drag of the fletchings with the drag from the broadhead (which destabilizes the arrow). My setup stays the same for deer, bear, and elk. The Trident continues T.R.U. 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. The ideal combination of these factors can result in deep penetration, maximizing the chances of a quick and ethical harvest. Before he had time to figure out precisely what was going on, my broadhead buried itself behind his shoulder. Location. Measure the individual components weights (shaft, broadhead, fletchings, nocks, inserts) Curt Wells can't pass up this opportunity to hunt mountain caribou in the Northwest Territories. Heres why: The whole point of fletching is to create enough drag to stabilize the arrow. Here, Bowhunter Editor and Bowhunter TV host Curt Wells gets a firsthand look at the results: the new Slide Rock Hiker. Arrow weight No other factor has as much influence on penetration, which is everything in elk hunting. 8.8 grains per inch cut at 27.5". For hunting elk, a minimum of 40-50 ft-lbs of kinetic energy is recommended. If you have a very light draw (40lbs) aim for ~10 GPP. A fixed-blade broadhead and certain mechanical heads are next, and then comes the really wide-cut mechanical broadheads. A few of the cows and calves responded quietly, and then the bull whistled faintly. What Is The Optimal GPI For A Deer Hunting Arrow? Messages. Mass produced micro diameter arrows often ship with misaligned outserts. No problem going to the 125s. However, to ensure a successful hunt, it's essential to consider the factors that affect your gear's performance, specifically your arrows. Many guys will go from a 100-grain broadhead to a 125-grain broadhead for elk hunting. This moderate-weight arrow shaft is paired with Vector's OPC (one-piece component) which caters to a more lightweight system . Josh Riley lives in Colorado with his wife, Mary, and their three wild and crazy children. Add the weights to determine the total arrow weight (measured in grains) For me, accuracy is the biggest factor. It was a devastating setup that pulverized any bone in its way. Match that profile with reduced vane size like the popular Blazer and your arrow should act like a rocket, not a hang glider. English Springer Spaniel puppies and dogs in Elk Grove, California But with features like rugged construction from lightweight aluminum, built-in foot traction, and hunter seat comfort, this brand-new treestand is sure to be a winner as it hits production this year. 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. How to build heavy hunting arrows - Lancaster Archery Supply The Best Arrow for the Money: Gold Tip Hunter XT. Scott Cool, via e-mail. I have the ability to screw a 50gr weight to the inside for elk to get the whole arrow to 494gr. Drop a comment below or reply to my newsletter and Ill do my best to help out. Idaho - 40-pound minimum with a maximum 85% let-off. 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). Some models even deliver 3-inch cutting diameters, but remember that too much of a good thing can reduce penetration. No other factor has as much influence on penetration, which is everything in elk hunting. Rear-sliding blades, however, use exponentially less kinetic energy when the slicing begins. While there are tuning methods to try to fix this (none of which works that well), the most important thing is to buy arrows with tight tolerances. Brass insert (60 grains). Fortunately, the bugs have been worked out of the leading mechanicals and you rarely hear of one bombing on a hunt anymore. Proponents claim that FOC makes arrows more accurate and penetrate far better. there is nothing wrong with my current setup but I always feel the need to tinker and tweak it. Increasing arrow weight from 325-grains to 425-grains decreases velocity by almost 10% to 271 fps, but increases both KE by 6.6% and momentum by 18%! The answer is yes; however, they will need to have a much cleaner angle, a closer shot, and proper placement. Christian Berg talks with Dyson Renn of Kinsey's Outdoors Brands about the Pennsylvania company's new Alpine quiver series' color options for 2023. So, I waited about 20 minutes and called again. Nearly all of my pins covered the sweet spot and the bottom of the "V" of the dark brown hair. Several years ago, I almost made a mistake that could have cost me a mega bull. Read Next: 7 Secrets for Bowhunting Bull Elk. In almost any scenario, a heavier arrow will penetrate better on a live animal. The difference isnt as big as you think but it is something you need to pay. 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. | I have shot close to two dozen bulls with my bow. That noted, an overall thinner diameter on the arrow mated with smaller vanes show that a smaller diameter arrow penetrates better and catches less wind due to their smaller overall profile. Joe chirped the cow call one more time and the bull looked up and came right to us. With the arrow weighed, your next goal should be to calculate the bows kinetic energy. Lets examine the key reasons why arrow weight matters: Achieving optimal penetration is crucial for a successful bowhunt. Since the elk weren't talking at all, I focused on still-hunting. You have the body size and massive antlers that take more than one arm to hold up. 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). My guide, who was a veteran elk hunter, then asked me, "Can you NOT see the bulls when they are coming in?". Search for an English Springer Spaniel puppy or dog. They fly accurately, even at long range due to their wingless nature and tendency not to catch the wind like a fixed blade. Dec 12, 2016 #3 Gunner46 Well-known member Joined We will add Easton's 75-grain stainless steel insert, and then screw in a 175-grain Northern Wide Cut. 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? Nevada - 40-pound minimum with a maximum . Then I add 200 grains of weight up front including my broadhead along with about 30 grains with the . Large range of adjustable draw length 18-31", draw weight 0 -70 lbs without needing a bow press. Since I was filming, I took the camera from Joe and wanted to film him blowing a few cow calls the same way he did before the shot. Over the years, I've had the privilege of hunting in some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes this world has to offer. . Personally I would find a way to add a heavier insert system. The Bowhunter team relives successful past elk hunts with Cross Mountain Outfitters. For example, if you buy the high end arrows youll get +/- .001 straightness and +/- 0.5 grains (or something close). Now that you understand the importance of arrow weight and its components lets delve into the factors thatll help you select the ideal arrow weight for your next elk hunt: First, consider your bows draw weight and strength. That means the vanes are slightly bent like a propeller which causes the arrow to spin in flight. For example, three shafts labeled 300 spine might actually measure at 294, 306, and 315. Broadhead weighs 428 gr. Enter speed and arrow weight data into the calculator. Want to understand why? The best draw weight will differ from hunter to hunter, but draw weight will typically range between 45 and 80 pounds. Give a Gift The perfect elk arrow is deceptively simple: its accurate, penetrates like crazy, and is tough enough for the job. Bowhunting geeks love analyzing gear. Choosing Arrows and Broadheads for Elk Hunting - Bowhunter Many hardcore elk hunters will tell you there is no place for mechanical broadheads in elk hunting, but I disagree. To top it off, the spine of an individual arrow changes depending on how its rotated. Elk Arrow/Weight and Speed? | Trad Talk Forums Theres a term for that retained energy: momentum. Somewhat new on the block, SEVR has several models available for big game hunting. But well try anyway. You need to choose the proper arrow and broadhead to make it count, By While you can use the same arrows for hunting elk that you use for other big game species, many hunters choose to use heavier arrows with larger cutting diameter broadheads for elk hunting. G5 also has a solid reputation and its 100- and 125-grain Deadmeat 3-blade mechanical meets the demands of elk. I couldn't believe it! Youre looking for the best draw weight for elk and have probably spent a lot of time online trying to get a straight answer from forums and hunting sites. So why hunt with a bow when you can use a rifle? Yes, using arrows with the correct spine (stiffness) is important for hunting elk. Try many different draw weights and broadheads to find combinations that work for you. Personally, I tend to vary my arrow weight according to the species I am hunting. One thing that does make a big difference in accuracy is the helical or offset of the vanes. Facts About Arrow Penetration 11 Best Hunting Arrows 2023: Top Carbon for Deer, Elk & More - Eat Elk Meat