Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: Winchester670 on June 17, 2010, 03:24:14 PM

Title: First year bow hunting question
Post by: Winchester670 on June 17, 2010, 03:24:14 PM: 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?
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: bow4elk on June 17, 2010, 03:34:51 PM: Quote from: Winchester670 on June 17, 2010, 03:24:14 PM
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.
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: lokidog on June 17, 2010, 03:35:35 PM: 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.
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: croix on June 17, 2010, 03:38:46 PM: Quote from: Winchester670 on June 17, 2010, 03:24:14 PM
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 (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. :twocents:
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on June 17, 2010, 03:43:38 PM: 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. :archery_smiley:
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: Winchester670 on June 17, 2010, 03:46:23 PM: Awesome thank you guys makes me feel a lot more comfortable about bow hunting.
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: yakimarcher on June 17, 2010, 04:27:17 PM: You're good out as far as you can hit it with 60#.
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: D-Rock425 on June 19, 2010, 10:21:39 AM: 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
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: carpsniperg2 on June 19, 2010, 10:44:40 AM: 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.
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: rasbo on June 19, 2010, 01:20:43 PM: 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
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: ELKBURGER on June 19, 2010, 01:36:57 PM: 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.
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: monster10 on June 27, 2010, 04:20:49 PM: 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)
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: Recurve-Elk on July 04, 2010, 11:56:32 PM: Quote from: STIKNSTRINGBOW on June 17, 2010, 03:43:38 PM
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. :archery_smiley:

+1 to that. Think about the native americans from back in the day. Their equipment wasn't even near what we have these days.
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: olefisher on July 31, 2010, 01:26:12 PM: 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.
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on July 31, 2010, 02:54:59 PM: Quote
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...
Title: Re: First year bow hunting question
Post by: Snapshot on August 01, 2010, 10:25:03 AM: Quote from: STIKNSTRINGBOW on July 31, 2010, 02:54:59 PM
Quote
if you want to upgrade
"upgrade" is a matter of opinion
:yeah:
Your simple old hunting bow is better suited for up-close-and-personal elk hunting than modern gear loaded with accessories. While elk hunting the steep, forested mountains and thickly overgrown river bottom around your hometown you will one day find yourself almost flat on the ground with a bull about to bust through the brush and nearly step on your toes; then is when the versitility of the simple hunting bow will reveal itself to you. So practice while standing, sitting, kneeling and crawling... even while laying flat on your back. It will pay you dividends further down the trail.