Archery Set Up For Elk

[TJRNER]

Hey folks,

I know that this subject has been covered a million times. However, I would like to get your honest opinions and thoughts, especially from those who have similar set ups and experience on elk.

I am an avid whitetail and pig bowhunter. After switching from aluminum to carbon arrows a few years ago, I experienced the occasional issue with poor penetration using various 100 gr BHs and 370-ish gr arrows.

This past season, I increased the weight of my arrow, BH, and F.O.C. to the below specs. This combo is very accurate, and the trajectory is fairly flat even with with my short DL. My bow is tuned well. Last season, I had excellent results and complete pass throughs on the deer and pigs that I shot. The 4 pigs weighed from 180-220 lbs. Ranges were from 13 to 35 yards. All shots were broadside or slightly quartering away. Everything died within 100 yards, and all had good blood trails except for 2 of the bigger boars. I think that the combination of the mud covered hides, thick shields, and fat kept most of the blood in the chest cavity as they were full of blood. However, I was able to recover them.

I will be going on my first western archery elk hunt this year. To say that I am excited is an understatement!

I want to ensure that what I am using is sufficient for elk. However, I have a lot of confidence in this set up and am apprehensive to change anything.

I fear that if I increase the BH cutting diameter, I will not get complete penetration. If I increase the TAW, the trajectory will suffer.

My current set up is:

Bow: Mathews VXR-28

DW: 63 lbs (I hope to increase to 65lbs or more prior to the hunt as long as my accuracy is not affected)

DL: 26.5”

Arrows: Gold Tip Hunter XT 300 spine cut to 27.5”

BH: Slick Trick Standard 1”, 4-blade, 125 gr (I do touch up the tips to increase the sharpness)

Total arrow weight: 428 gr

F.O.C.: 13%

Speed: 255 fps


I don’t have many experienced archery elk hunters within my circle of friends to discuss ideas. So, I really appreciate your thoughts and time to respond.

 

[bohntr]

No issue with that set up for elk.

 

[Dakota Dude]

Don't over think it. You're good to go!

 

[TJRNER]

Thank you!

 

[Next Ridge]

It’s good to go

 

[hobbes]

Agreed...... you'll be fine.

 

[TJRNER]

Thanks!!

 

[Marble]

I think that set up would be just fine. But for me I'll shoot 70 lbs. Just a preference.

I also like a pretty beefy broadhead with strong blades. I'm not a fan of blades that are razor type material for the heavier boned animals as they can break.

I do not have personal experience with the slick tricks but I do with some similar heads.

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[theddguide]

Yup it'll work. Use good judgment on shot distances

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[TJRNER]

I think that set up would be just fine. But for me I'll shoot 70 lbs. Just a preference.

I also like a pretty beefy broadhead with strong blades. I'm not a fan of blades that are razor type material for the heavier boned animals as they can break.

I do not have personal experience with the slick tricks but I do with some similar heads.

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I appreciate the suggestions.

 

[WBrim]

That will do it. Keep us posted on how it works when the time comes!

 

[TJRNER]

I certainly will. Thank you all for the responses. You have certainly boosted my confidence in my set up.

 

[Vaquero 45]

Good set up , I always like too practice a couple shots barehanded now and then in my case I lose my tab in the woods or left it in truck or base camp . I "am a recurve guy in your case it would be your glove .

 

[Elkhntr08]

Shot placement is more important than what you hit’em with. If you hit big bone, it won’t matter what head you have.
Practice and shot placement, and don’t just stand at 40 slinging arrows. Move around, kneel down, different angles.
Above all, have fun.

 

[OCHO505]

I work in a shop and the biggest mistake most hunters make not shooting enough before a hunt. Not shooting unmarked targets like 3D targets, always shooting dots and lastly not shooting under pressure. If you can try to do the listed above and shoot every broad head before your hunt you have nothing to worry about. These are bigger issues than most peoples set ups! Good luck on your hunt!

 

[TJRNER]

Good set up , I always like too practice a couple shots barehanded now and then in my case I lose my tab in the woods or left it in truck or base camp . I "am a recurve guy in your case it would be your glove .

Yes, I agree. I always carry a spare release in my pack when I hunt.

 

[TJRNER]

Shot placement is more important than what you hit’em with. If you hit big bone, it won’t matter what head you have.
Practice and shot placement, and don’t just stand at 40 slinging arrows. Move around, kneel down, different angles.
Above all, have fun.

Great, I've started doing that some already and plan to incorporate it more in my practice.

 

[TJRNER]

I work in a shop and the biggest mistake most hunters make not shooting enough before a hunt. Not shooting unmarked targets like 3D targets, always shooting dots and lastly not shooting under pressure. If you can try to do the listed above and shoot every broad head before your hunt you have nothing to worry about. These are bigger issues than most peoples set ups! Good luck on your hunt!

I have been known to " loose it" occasionally due to buck fever.
I read on a few other posts to do some sort of exercise like jumping Jack's, burpees, or sprints to get your heart rate up to simulate the adrenaline dump that often occurs when elk hunting and using a timer. Do you have any other suggestions to simulate shooting under pressure?

 

[OCHO505]

I have been known to " loose it" occasionally due to buck fever.
I read on a few other posts to do some sort of exercise like jumping Jack's, burpees, or sprints to get your heart rate up to simulate the adrenaline dump that often occurs when elk hunting and using a timer. Do you have any other suggestions to simulate shooting under pressure?

Simple. Go to your archery range. Wait till everyone is waiting to go pull there arrows and start your shooting. Every single person in that shop will be starting at you and it becomes kind over matter. Your brain will have to decide to run through your shot process all while fighting the pressure of knowing everyone is watching everything you do and your whole mission is don’t embarrass yourself of what most people get worried about.

High stress is an overwhelming amount of thoughts and focus/distraction and you have to navigate through the weeds and learn to go close loop. The more you deal with it the better you will get and the more you will see what works and what doesn’t.

 

[Maverick1]

@TJRNER - Your setup is fine. I know people that have successfully killed many elk with a very similar setup. I also know people that have killed many elk with a "lesser" setup. Go hunt.