First year bow hunting question

[Winchester670]

So for my birthday my grandpa gave me his old hunting bow. I've been practicing a lot and am pretty decent at about 30 yards, I only plan to do bow season for elk this year but something i was told is that a 60 pound draw bow can only kill an elk at a maximum of like 20 yards? that sounds kinda wrong to me but since its my first year i have no idea. So my question is what would be the maximum range i could shoot and effectively kill an elk?

[bow4elk]

So for my birthday my grandpa gave me his old hunting bow. I've been practicing a lot and am pretty decent at about 30 yards, I only plan to do bow season for elk this year but something i was told is that a 60 pound draw bow can only kill an elk at a maximum of like 20 yards? that sounds kinda wrong to me but since its my first year i have no idea. So my question is what would be the maximum range i could shoot and effectively kill an elk?

Whoever told you that was clueless, sorry....PM me and we'll set up some time to talk.  I'll get you on track with straight information and am willing to do some shooting coaching as well. 

[lokidog]

You are fine at 30 and even to 40 (imho), if you can hit where you are aiming, EVERY time using a good sharp broadhead.  Sometimes you can tighten the limb bolts and get a few more pounds out of the bow if they are not already tight.  Be sure to mark the bolt and turn each one the same amount.

Listen to bow4elk.

Good shooting.

[croix]

a 60 pound draw bow can only kill an elk at a maximum of like 20 yards

i do not believe that is an accurate statement. it's not just about draw weight either; it's about kinetic energy which depends on speed and arrow mass. there's some really good info on huntersfriend.com in their carbon university section.

http://www.huntersfriend.com/carbon_arrows/hunting_arrows_selection_guide_chapter_5.htm

as a "guideline" you need about 42-65 ft. lbs. of KE for Elk so with the right arrow weight 60 pound draw weight on your bow should be more than adequate out to 30 yards.  

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

The arrow is the most important part...
The bow is just a delivery system.
Cut on contact Broadheads, that are SHARP and arrows that fly correctly, and are put in the right place , will kill an elk out as far as you can responsibly hit one ( that varies with the individual)
But the fun in Trad Archery is getting as close as you can.  

[Winchester670]

Awesome thank you guys makes me feel a lot more comfortable about bow hunting.

[yakimarcher]

You're good out as far as you can hit it with 60#.

[D-Rock425]

I would take your bow down to a local archery shop and have them watch you shoot a few arrows then maybe get your bow tuned to you.  Maybe have them set you up with the proper arrows and broadhead for what you want to hunt.  As for as poundage you should be just fine shooting elk at 60 pounds.  Keep practicing all sumer long and good luck

[carpsniperg2]

yep you will have no problems with 60lbs and a sharp broahead. but like with all archery hunting try to stay away from the big shoulder bone that is the biggest arrow stoper on a animal.

[rasbo]

practice practice practice...that 60lb will be fine..40 max with a well placed shot is what I would say.practice your stealth,and watch your wind at all times..you owe it to the animal to put it down asap..40yards was my max with every bow I used..Shoot only the distance you are good at...have a blast,its not always about getting..oh don't think pie plate size as OK for accuracy,think hard ball

[ELKBURGER]

Tons of great advice from the guys on here.....Once the season begins and you get in close, you'll get a rush that beats the rifle experience for sure! Enjoy the sport.

[monster10]

Your bow is fine.If it sat for a long time take it to a pro shop and give it a check-up.My hunting partner took his deer last year@54 yards with a 45lb pull.Just remember,only shoot in your comfort zone.It sucks to wound a deer and loose it,but it happens to all of sometime.Happy hunting  Greg( Welcome to archery)

[Recurve-Elk]

The arrow is the most important part...
The bow is just a delivery system.
Cut on contact Broadheads, that are SHARP and arrows that fly correctly, and are put in the right place , will kill an elk out as far as you can responsibly hit one ( that varies with the individual)
But the fun in Trad Archery is getting as close as you can.  

+1 to that.  Think about the native americans from back in the day.  Their equipment wasn't even near what we have these days.

[olefisher]

I think you could kill an elk up to 40 yards with the bow, its a matter of arrow placement if you hit what they call the kill zone, the elk will eventually go down, if you hit the shoulder or neck or gut, you are going to hope you have a trail to follow, and you will have to shoot him again if you get the chance. By the way if you want to upgrade, I can't bow hunt anymore due to illness, I'm on oxygen 24/7 but I have an extremely nice Martin Magnum Warthog compound bow complete with all accesories 2doz arrows and hardside carrying case for $300.00 so if you or anyone you know is wanting a good bow it's agreat deal for someome, e-mail me at edoredm@yahoo.com and we'll work out something.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

if you want to upgrade

"upgrade" is a matter of opinion, but I am sure it is a nice bow...
Still a bow handed down from Grandpa, and a 60# at that, is probably pretty decent.
What kind of bow do you have ?
I recently tried to unload a Martin Lynx, with "speedflite" cams, sagittarius quiver (bowmount) T.M. "Hunter" rest, with "Fineline" sights, and it is worthless,
but had no problem selling some older ('60's) Bear recurves......
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...