Well I finally got drawn for my states elk hunt, I put in for Bull gun and cow archery...well im sure you guessed which one I got haha I am a female so my bow is made for weaklings, Hoyt Kobalt 40-50lb. I shoot 50 for whitetail but can get it up to 51 or 52 maxed out if needed. I am looking for a recommended setup to get the best performance for elk I guess. Arrows, broadheads, draw weight, ETC and was hoping someone on here could help me out. Also I was just wondering if anyone knows of any female bowhunters that have taken an elk with similar poundage. I am really nervous about if my bow is going to make the cut, i really dont want to use a crossbow but its definitely not out of the question. Thanks
I know nothing about shooting an elk with a bow, but congrats on the draw. What zone/Ehu did you choose? I deer hunt several counties in the elk zone. Good luck
Congrats on the tag! First off, your bow is more than enough. keep your shots under 25 yards or so. 50#'s is fine, but if you could squeak a few more it will certainly not hurt. There will be probably be a few options recommended to you but this is about what I would do... Easton FMJ 400@25" (arrow length is pure assumption, but I'm guessing it would not need to be any longer) 100gr Brass insert 3" Fusion vanes 100grn Magnus Stinger 2 or 4 blade Total arrow weight: 488grn +/- This would yield good FOC and give you the weight needed to penetrate with low poundage. Broadhead must be a COC and preferably a 2-blade. Good luck and keep us updated as your choose your setup!
You'll be fine in the low 50's... Because of shoulder injuries I only pull in the low/mid 50's too. Ted Nugent talks all the time about how he does his big game hunting in the 50's... Do suggest shooting a smaller 3 blade broadhead though - IMO - stick away from expendables (some states its not even legal on elk) or 4 blade BH's or even really aggressive 3 blade heads as the harder your arrow has to work to punch through, you loose penetration - and you want to make sure you have enough oomph to punch threw bow lungs - or at least as deep as you can get... The FMJ's like Backcountry suggests would be a fantastic arrow... Something like: WASP SST http://reviews.basspro.com/2010/48024/wasp-boss-sst-100-fixed-blade-broadheads-reviews/reviews.htm Muzzy 100's http://reviews.basspro.com/2010/10036/muzzy-muzzy-3-blade-fixed-blade-broadheads-reviews/reviews.htm Shot this bull with a 100gr 3 blade muzzy, had plenty of penetration - didn't make it 100 yards. Make sure you stick away from the front shoulder, safer bet to go for the double lung shot.
Your bow is up to the task. Shot placement and getting close will be the key factors in the arena of success. You have been given good advice. Heavier arrows that are well 'tuned" are better than light arrows and a moderate cutting diameter fixed blade will get the job done. If you are really concerned you could use a two blade with bleeders (or without). Congratulations and good luck.
50lbs is plenty...Colorado DOW only requires 35lb draw weight for Archery Elk season. I would add a 100 Grain insert, tune properly, and any reputable broadhead will work just fine with proper shot placement. Good Luck!