Elk hunting Arrow Question

My dad is shooting Gold Tip Pro Hunters around 410-430 grains. He was shooting 59 pounds. His shoulder has been hurting and we have lowered his poundage to 49 pounds. 242 fps. Bow shop figured his kinetic energy at 53 with new poundage. Using fixed broadhead.

I know this set up is still fine to kill an elk. My question is what range would this still be an ethical shot for elk?

Anything we can be doing with his current arrow set up with inserts, etc to help effective range downrange? I'm worried about momentum downrange. I'm comfortable with him at 30-40 yards with this, but not sure about further.

Thanks for the help from those that know more!

 

Thanks for the link. Looking at getting some heavier arrows to help with the momentum. My dad is fine with getting some new arrows.

With his shoulder problem he is going to a crossbow for deer season, but can only use regular bow out west during archery season in Colorado. Tag has already been bought. Just trying to get best set up for the lower poundage. We can get some gold pro kinetic arrows which would add some weight. Just wasn't sure if adding some weight to existing arrows would be better?

He is going to be real disappointed if he can only shoot 30 yards, but it is what it is. He is already disappointed about getting a crossbow. He has been shooting 40 yards and hitting softball group or smaller. His shoulder feels fine after shooting awhile. First few shots he struggles with the shoulder hurting to pull back. He could probably still pull 59 if needed, but he said lowering the poundage has helped a lot.

 

My recommendation would be black eagle deep impacts, with a 125 grain fixed blade, that will get your weight and FOC up with a small diameter shaft


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I wouldn't be comfortable at 49# on elk regardless of what a chart says as too many things can go wrong in the field and we never shoot as good up and down, awkward twists and bends, etc. as how most of us shoot practicing. I think 49# would be a marginal shot under best case scenario.

Having said that, I am certainly no expert and I may be like every other internet blowhard, lol. So if i was gonna do it, it would definitely be with 125 grain broad head and heavy arrow. nothing wrong with an aluminum arrow. It wasn't that many years ago they were the cat's meow. Will definitely help in the arrow weight.

And yes, I would keep range distance close. A 50 yard elk shot in big country looks like a 30 yard shot, so discipline will be key. Just my opinion. Good luck. I am headed to N. Mexico for elk hunt next week as well.

 

Thanks for the response from everyone. Basically confirms what both of us think. We need to get a heavier arrow. Not worried about speed and momentum is key for him. COC fixed broadhead should do the trick.

We leave in less than 3 weeks. We aren't last minute planners, but him turning his bow down 10 pounds has changed things. I want him to be able to shoot new arrows before we go with new set up.

I'm not worried about his shooting ability at all. He has been shooting 40-50 arrows most days since spring. Might be part of the shoulder problem. He has gotten so much better. I hate to take away the extra distance he has worked so hard to gain. His shoulder gets better if he takes pain killers, but he doesn't want to take them unless needed. We will be hunting from blinds over wallows so he will have a very controlled environment. I have an extreme confidence in him making the correct shot placement because of the work he has done. I wouldn't have said that earlier this spring.

I would like to get arrows set up by this weekend with final broadhead. 2 weeks from this weekend is trip.

Someone please help me with the FOC needed for his set up and explain what FOC is to the average bow hunter. I know what it means, but explain the importance.

Thanks again for the help.


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I am going to offer the dissension. He will be just fine with his current set up providing he uses a small profile COC head like a VPA, magus, steelfoce, solid ect ect

 

if his shoulder is hurting I would suggest cutting back the practice to just a couple shots a day just to check that he is still on target and it will give his shoulder a break. Secondly he might try adjusting how he draws the bow. if he's right handed and his right shoulder is the problem, then use the left arm to push the bow away to draw it and reduce the pulling motion with the right. if he's not doing that already it can reduce much of the stress on the shoulder.

 

Those are both good suggestions.
Also, might be too late for this season, but has he considered switching righty/lefty? If he's got to buy a crossbow anyway he has already budgeted for a new bow. I understand being hesitant to do so but as a lifelong righty; I switched at age 35 to LH due to eye issues and was shooting just as tight of groups within a couple hours. Took me a couple weeks to get fully comfortable (reaching for arrows with wrong hand, etc.) but I was every bit as accurate.

Not to muddy the waters, I'm also inclined to agree with Trial, especially considering you're planning on hunting over wallows shooting at ranged distances. Aside from his suggestions, I'd also take a look at the Magnus 4 blade Hornet or Muzzy Phantom. One of those will probably be my choice next time I'm out on elk.

 

My dad seems to think it is arthritis. His diagnosis. Not a doctors. Just takes 5 shots to get warmed up. I've got him an elastic stretching band to use before drawing and that has helped a little too.


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I would agree with your judgment on the yardage, at this KE you don't want to take shots further than 35-40yds. I would mess too much with inserts at his poundage either. I think for his setup (poundage and speed) I would stick to fixed blade and keep your arrows as they are. Based on his setup, this should penetrate and kill an elk (if the shot is clean). Best of luck! P.s. you might want to consider getting him a crossbow if his shoulder keeps acting up.

 

Too late to switch because of time and he has already bought the crossbow. This elk hunt will be his last compound bow hunt. Just want to make sure we do everything in our power to do things right.

The elk I arrowed was hit well and still went 3/4 mile to die. I have a lot of respect for how tough they are.

Going to have him try some slick trick viper trick for broadhead. I used shuttle t lock and liked them. Fly very well, but again we want a true COC fixed broadhead.


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He will be just fine shooting an elk at 40 yds with his setup - a good, sharp "COC" broadhead is a must though.

For KE and p calcs both mass AND speed are used. Speed is important. Weight is important.

 

You can get f a c t system for gold tip arrows and ad weight to them. No reason to purchase new arrows.


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I had the shop add 50 grain inserts which gets him to 456. That is probably what we will go with. He is going to shot at shop Thursday through chrono to see if we are getting much better in the momentum area.


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Improved his arrow and set up. Definitely won't hurt. Thanks for all the help.


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