Bow setup, elk vs deer

rhendrix

WKR
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Aug 6, 2012
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Ok gents, my bow is currently set up for shooting deer, I assumed that I'd be hunting mulies out west since I couldn't find a reliable hunting partner to hunt elk with. But all that's changed, so...what should I change about my bow set up right now to go hunt elk in the fall?

2014 Hoyt Carbon Spyder 34
MBG Ascent single pin
10" b-stinger with 3 ounces
400 grain arrows
 
Joined
Mar 1, 2013
Messages
308
Location
Canada
Not a thing, although I'm sure a lot of guys will say a heavier arrow.

I used to shoot 434 grains for everything and I just shortened my arrows (and switched from GT to black eagle) to get a better spine match, and now I'm at 410 grains. I'm not sure yet if I'll switch to 125 grain heads to get back in the 435 range, but don't think it would make or break things either way. I primarily hunt deer and elk.

I have the MBG pure gold single pin, ascent single pin, and pure gold custom 4 pin slider. I prefer the 4 pin slider the most. Alleviates the need to dial below 50. Past that I'm definitely taking the time to range and dial the precise yardage.
 

StrutNut

Lil-Rokslider
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Jun 11, 2014
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Blaine, MN
I too say stick with what you have. I am shooting just a little heavier and had no problem with the set up when I went elk hunting. A good sharp broadhead and you are all set.
 
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rhendrix

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Aug 6, 2012
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Interesting. I thought for sure I'd need to make a heavier arrow and go to a fixed pin.
 

jmez

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Piedmont, SD
You don't need a fixed pin but I wouldn't take a single pin slider. If you are going to be calling you make have seconds to take a shot from 0-xx yards. You won't have time to be moving a single pin. Also not a good scenario to try to gauge distance think about where your pin is set and then figure the hold over/under that you will need to make the shot.

I would shoot a heavier arrow but 400 will work fine.
 
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You don't need a fixed pin but I wouldn't take a single pin slider. If you are going to be calling you make have seconds to take a shot from 0-xx yards. You won't have time to be moving a single pin. Also not a good scenario to try to gauge distance think about where your pin is set and then figure the hold over/under that you will need to make the shot.

I would shoot a heavier arrow but 400 will work fine.

agree, multi-pin slider is where it's at, best of both worlds!
 

bz_711

WKR
Joined
May 7, 2012
Messages
825
Your setup is fine...400 gr arrow is plenty (unless you are below 50lb draw...which I'm assuming not).

Confidence & ability in your setup is far more important than arrow weight, draw weight, broadhead, etc...CO regs require only 35lb for archery elk:)
 

BSeals71

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Mar 14, 2012
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Ok gents, my bow is currently set up for shooting deer, I assumed that I'd be hunting mulies out west since I couldn't find a reliable hunting partner to hunt elk with. But all that's changed, so...what should I change about my bow set up right now to go hunt elk in the fall?

2014 Hoyt Carbon Spyder 34
MBG Ascent single pin
10" b-stinger with 3 ounces
400 grain arrows

if you're shooting 100 gr broadhead now, I'd say maybe go to a 125 gr broadhead if your arrow spine will allow.
 

Manosteel

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Jan 24, 2013
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Alberta, Canada
You will be fine with that set up. I have been shooting big bulls with arrows from 390gr to 430 gr and haven't seen any real world difference in penetration. None of the elk I have harvested have ever complained that my arrows were to light.
 
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MattB

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Sep 29, 2012
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5,743
The only thing I would consider changing is potentially your BH depending on what you currently shoot. My preference is a COC for larger, longer haired animals like elk.
 
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