Rookie looking for OTC advice in CO

[ElkNut1]

I agree with Whip that most elk are taken at aprox 25 yd mark or so & your setup is SO important when calling is needed that you force the elk into search mode, this means good cover to keep them coming & reducing a hang-up. But there's always the chance that you can be faced with that 30--32 yd shot! If not taken & you know in your heart you could make it then it will haunt you the rest of the year & into next elk season! (grin) You mention it's not the distance that's the issue it's your arrow speed! You have plenty, not to worry about that, with a razor sharp head & a loaded up front end you will have no issues. Food for thought!

p.s. what poundage & draw length do you have?

ElkNut1

 

[W.D. Crawford]

I would take a look at accessing the area you plan on hunting away from trail heads if possible. Depending on what unit you pick you could end up with a lot of other users, Mountain bikers, day hikers and such. And look for areas that other hunters might pass up, it doesn't take a whole forest to hide an Elk.

 

[Oobray]

I'm shooting a #50 Bear Supermag. It's prob more like #47 at my draw. I'm shooting a 504gr Goldtip traditional 500spine arrow cut to 28" with 225 upfront. Not sure what head I would use. For whitetail I've got the 4 blade Magnus stingers. Ones with replacement blades. I've really wanted to entertain the idea of some Simmons treesharks. I'd have to lower my insert weight though to match my total arrow weight. So you experienced Trad hunters think that's sufficient? Again, I feel pretty confident to 35yds as far as accuracy is concerned. My only issue would be penetration.

 

[ElkNut1]

Absolutely! We've also taken quite a few elk with trad gear. 3 of us hunted for several years with them & took bulls with zero issues. We were shooting a bit more weight but not enough to make a big difference! Your 47# will take care of business to 35 yards with those stingers! Razor them up good!

p.s. 4 of us are most likely doing trad again this year! It's a ton of fun! (grin)

ElkNut1