Yes, I used the stay sharp. I used a 500 and then a 2000 stone and followed up with stropping. I also sharpened the ferrule-tip like a 3 blade. I found that the metal used by QAD seems very sensitive to corrosion-dulling, so after I sharpened it I absolutely goober lubed it with chap stick to...
This season I was fortunate to take a cow with a similar setup.
Setup:
59# at 27.5"
430 grain total arrow weight (13% foc)
QAD Exodus (i sharpened all the blades individually)
Shot:
53 yards broadside
Result:
I caught both lungs high and exited the rear hip area (complete pass through)
Elk...
How much clearance between the jaw of your release and the nock? I've had issues in the past with using too small/short of a d-loop. The jaw of the release was contacting the nock at the release instant. Maybe try lengthing the d-loop.
Have you tried a different brand/model of release? Are you punching the trigger on your release? Might try wearing a slippery leather glove on your bow hand to try eliminating bow torque.
Have you verified and validated that your rest is timed correctly/reasonably? How about your nock fit? Is it perfect/reasonable? At full draw? Instead of 200 grns front, how about 125/150 grns front?
When Im that situation, I go back to the basics and put a microscope on my bow. Verify and validate the bow is as close to manufacturer specs as possible. ATA, BH, timing, cam bearings not binding and free-spinning, etc etc etc
Same experience here. I took my bow in for string/cable/tuneup and came home and found half the hardware on the cams were finger loose and the bottom draw stop was completely missing. I am my own pro shop now.
Ive been in that area several times for elk and mules and I highly recommend a vehicle with a better approach angle than my wife's subaru outback (19* or so). In my experience in the San Juans, your vehicle selection can really be the hindering factor for simply getting to the trailhead in first...
I use the real deal Nato can and spout. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes.
https://www.amazon.com/Wavian-USA-JC0020RVS-Authentic-System/dp/B011AJF0PE?th=1...
I personally would ditch the following. They are duplicative. This is from a backpacking-weight perspective.
1 Redhead Waterproof camo jacket (Cant remember which model, Not super thick, but not a flimsy thin rain jacket)------use your rain gear
1 Redhead synthetic quarter zip long sleeve...
I've used the following recipe over the past 4 years in Colorado (8k-12k elevation) with great success. It is perfect for me. Ive had it in several rain and hail storms and it is awesome.
1. Widest quilt with a closed footbox
2. Widest high R pad
3. eVent (or goretex) bivy
4. 10x10 flat tarp