Minimum draw weight for Recurve and Elk Also max Range?

SHTF

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Just got back into the traditional Game. Im shooting 41# at 31 inch draw right now and its easy for me. But I started light so I could get my form in order. I want to make the jump to some heavier weight limbs but that are still comfortable for me to draw and hold for at least 15 to 20 seconds. What would you guys consider the absolute minimum draw weight for Elk? I know shot placement is key as with any bow and that I need to use cut on contact broadheads. What draw weight do you shoot recurve or longbow for hunting Elk? Love to hear from you guys who have taken down Elk with a stickbow. Also Im considering the max distance of shot will be no more then 30 yards? Anyone dare take a shot at 40 Yards? Looking for real world experience. Im pretty good at the instinctive game within 20 yards. Anyone use a single pin sight for longer range shooting? Thanks in Advance fellas. Appreciate any feeback.
 
>>What draw weight do you shoot recurve or longbow for hunting Elk?<< 50-55# , my go-to is 53# R/D longbow

>>Anyone dare take a shot at 40 Yards? << No (exception would be a follow up shot on a wounded animal or a foam animal or a hay bale).

>.Anyone use a single pin sight for longer range shooting?<< No. Sights are a distraction to me when hunting at normal hunting distances.

>>still comfortable for me to draw and hold for at least 15 to 20 seconds<< Thankfully I've never had the need to do this. While I've been bow hunting for over 45 years, I've never owned a compound where this might be a more common practice.
 
Thanks LostArra appreciate the feedback. What would you say the longest shot youve take at an animal is? 25 to 30?
 
In Idaho the bow has to be 40# minimum, I'm trying for about a 45# or so to hunt with. My first bow came out at 36# and that's what I'm learning with so far. What's the minimum in Colorado?
 
In Idaho the bow has to be 40# minimum, I'm trying for about a 45# or so to hunt with. My first bow came out at 36# and that's what I'm learning with so far. What's the minimum in Colorado?

Rizzy and SHTF,

The minimum weights are set so that youth and women can also hunt. They will work IF you are shooting a heavy arrow and IF your shot is perfecft and IF your shot isn't too far. I would suggest you go with the above recommendation of around 50#. We all need to remember that elk are big and thick animals with a thicker hide than a whitetail or mule deer. As a result you need to get good penetration, about ten inches, for the broadhead to do its job effectively and quickly.

Since I mentioned a heavy arrow I would suggest that you go with an arrow (excluding the broadhead) that weighs at least ten grains per inch of arrow length so that it will absorb as much energy as your bow will generate and will have retained more of it for use in penetration when it gets to where it is going. You want to have an arrow for a traditional that comes in around 500 grains or more for elk. So a 30 inch arrow would weigh at least 300 grains plus a broadhead of 125 grains would make a 425 grain arrow.

Keep your shots within 30 yards definitely to maximize your energy/momentum at impact, AND to minimize the chance that the elk will take a step before the arrow gets there. Remember, one step on an elk can move the point of impact a foot which will put you outside of the vitals and into the paunch.

Larry
 
Agree with Larry - #50 pound or more - my arrow weight comes in at 417 grains plus 125 grain broadhead. I always shot a pretty heavy arrow at #50 and knocked down a number of elk and lots of mulies and whitetails. Which reminds me SHTF I need to come to the range with you and measure the draw weight of the bow I got from you. It's not to fancy but I like shooting it. Plan to hunt with it this year in the haystack. I personally never shot past 30 yards at game but that's all I am comfortable with. I try to stay within 20 yards. I've seen elk taken past 30 yards with a traditional bow with a heavier draw weight but I am not that good or strong - and now I'm old so that's not happening. Just say'n - and just my opinion. Smarter guys than me around here so take what you like.
 
Heaviest weight you can comfortably handle and can shoot well.

Depending on how you shoot, the chances of having to hold a traditional bow back for more than ten seconds are rare. Its more "fluid" than compounds and the need to sit there at full draw is a rare one. There just seems to be less overall movement when drawing a stick bow than a compound.

You were smart to start light while working on form.

But, if you can comfortably handle a 50-55lb bow, I wouldnt purposefully drop to the 45-50 range just because you may be able to hold it back for a few more seconds.

My "sweet spot" is 54-56 lbs at my draw length (29.5"). I can handle it comfortably, shoot that weight well, and it maximizes my "oomph" behind my heavy arrow.
 
SHTF,

I am shooting a 65lb Hoyt Gamemaster II and cut my arrows to 29" I try to keep them at about the 10gpi as it was mentioned. I also use a four fletch, which seems, to me, to help stabilize a big broadhead easier. I feel comfortable taking shots out to forty yards and often practice it. I don't think I'd actually take a shot at forty yards though, I just don't have the blazing speed that I'd need to make it there before the elk moved. I have called and stalked close enough to elk and deer that getting the twenty and under shot is the goal. I went with a higher draw weight so that my hunting buddy and I could use the same arrows if need be. He shoots a compound, I shoot a recurve, no issues so far.
 
Since you asked---------------
50 to 55 pounds and I am a 30 yards or under guy. Just too much variables past that. And you are way smart in starting light. Too many folks overbow themselves and I made that mistake also.
One other mistake that I made and I regret it today----I shot righthanded for many many years because of my right arm being dominant. I have a VERY dominant left eye (I shoot firearms left side) and since I made the switch about 4 years ago, my accuracy and confidence has improved 10 fold.
Now, if I could just get those animals to hold still.....................:)

Randy
 
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