What’s Your Max Bow Range for Elk?

[Elkfitness]

My max is 50 if ideal conditions, 40 for 95% of the shots, but I would take a 60 yd shot on a wounded animal that I was able to stop or close the distance on. Luckily haven’t had to do that in 35 years of archery hunting. Most of my shots have been 25-30yds. I shoot on field conditions on 3d targets at the range and feel confident to 60, I just mentally can’t get past the amount of time the arrow is in the air when I think about it.


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[MallardSX2]

My average shot on elk is probably 20 yards. That's the point of archery. Getting close.

 

[wapitibob]

53 years of tournament archery where you have all day to shoot, and you know how far it is, plus countless yootube videos, proves it's a lot less than half.

 

[Falconer0311]

practice 80, max ill shoot is 60

 

[Bushwacker44]

Practice offen and would shoot at 60 with good conditions. Pretty big target if conditions are right.

 

[jadkins223]

I haven’t arrowed and elk yet. If I shake as bad as I do with a whitetail then it should be 40 max haha!


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[LostArra]

I just mentally can’t get past the amount of time the arrow is in the air when I think about it.

This ^^^
My maximum range is 0.5 seconds of flight time whether it's traditional or compound. Elk take big steps.
My archery elk kills have all been 40 and under, usually under(compound) and under 25 (traditional).

 

[ColoradoCarp]

To me, the specific range is less important than the situation. 3D has helped me grasp this, a 50 yard uphill shot is a hard shot for me, I don't shoot that shot as accurately as I'd like. I'd feel more comfortable with a 65 yard level or downhill shot. I think other variables around the shot are as important as the distance itself.

 

[Woodman22]

50 max but closer is better when possible

 

[Russ]

Last bull was 55......but I could probably stretch it 10 more yards in the right conditions

 

[Fullfan]

Just w my response from 2022. That year we killed 8 bulls and one cow; furthest shot was 60 with the rest being under 30. In 24 we killed 4 bulls and one cow; furthest shot was 38 others were under 25.

50 is my new max.

 

[Bamf_Pa]

60 ish but I would rather be closer. But I might only get 1-2 opportunities a season so if 60 is the shot so be it.

 

[TradLife406]

40 with my trad bow. But it's gotta be the absolute best condition.

 

[fatlander]

My max is 50 if ideal conditions, 40 for 95% of the shots, but I would take a 60 yd shot on a wounded animal that I was able to stop or close the distance on. Luckily haven’t had to do that in 35 years of archery hunting. Most of my shots have been 25-30yds. I shoot on field conditions on 3d targets at the range and feel confident to 60, I just mentally can’t get past the amount of time the arrow is in the air when I think about it.


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This is pretty spot on. Me and my hunting partners each shot a 3 arrow 5” group at 85 yesterday and had this same discussion about flight time while pulling the arrows. Even if you make an absolutely perfect shot, you can very easily hit a bull in the ass beyond 60 yards just from him taking a step in the time it took the arrow to get there.


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