Me and my dad booked our first elk hunting trip. We decided on going to Montana with a guide service for 6 days starting on thanksgiving weekend. We are both very excited!
I am going to bring both my bow and gun. I'm going to read the situation, and If I feel that I can get close enough to make an ethical shot, I will use my bow for sure. If not I'll use my gun. The problem is I'm only pulling 40 pounds. I think it ca be done if done right though.
Not to burst your bubble but 40# is way to light for elk. Elk are tough animals and you need a lot of energy to propel that "fixed blade" broadhead into the boiler room of such a magnificent animal.
congrats on a hunt opportunity of a lifetime. especially with your Dad. I've not shot elk and can't speak to it but the other folks here have and are the experts. 40 pounds seems light to me. I'd focus on a gun hunt this time and just have a great time with it. making the decision early will eliminate the angst and simplify the decisions once you get up there and are on the hunt. Just my 2 cents worth. Again, congrats and HAVE A GREAT HUNT and enjoy the time with your Dad.
Congrats. I agree 40 is a no go for elk. If I was planning elk I would go with 55 as a minimum. Even then I would want a 500 grain arrow minimum with a single bevel, scalpel sharp head Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Congrats on the hunt, don't focus on just trying to kill an animal. Success rates vary but in large part a pretty low irregardless of where you go. From experience I would say first and foremost enjoy the experience, the time in the woods, the time with your Dad. If you or your Dad are successful then it is a bonus. Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the whole we paid a lot of money so I have got to kill something thing that we miss the beauty of it all. I would agree that 40# is too light for elk. Stick with the gun for this trip.
A late Nov Elk hunt will most likely be second or third season in a lot of units. The end of sept marks the end of archery elk hunting in the majority of states and units, with the rut well past. Elk have seen pressure by then and most hunters will be gun hunting. Since your already booked skip carting the extra weight of the bow and stay with your rifle. If your set on bow hunting see if you can change your dates to the archery season.
