Hoping to head west this fall and have a quick for you folks that have done it.
What have you found to be your average shot distance on elk? I would assume around the 30 yard mark, but I've learned to not assume anything. I plan too practice out to 40, but idk that I will ever get comfortable out there.
Any practice tips or anything that I should think about?
I searched trying to find other threads that might have the info but didn't find anything. If this has already been discussed in depth feel free to paste that one up!
Thanks in advance!
Cody :shaka:
I haven't killed a lot of elk, but all but one have been inside of 20 yards. Just because you may be able to see farther in the Western terrain compared to Midwest or East, doesn't mean you necessarily need to shoot farther. I'd also note that there's a humongous difference between being good on paper at 40 yards and being good on animals at the same distance. It's just not the same shooting at a critter under hunting conditions. Under hunting conditions, most folks self prescribed effective range is about half of what they think it is. Good luck on your hunt.
A shot Elk is tough like no other animal, just me but I would limit to being under 30 with a good setup. Personally my limit is under 20. likely elk are the toughest animal in north America once shot..they just take off, without a good placement and penetration they will never be seen again unless you have couple extra horse shoes.
You can take or leave this advise but...
Have fun and take in the experience.
You can expect to beas close as five yards in some cases.
I have taken one with my tradbow at 27 yards, and seen many hang up at 45-55 yards. My compound buddy has taken one at 16,21 and 40 yards. We take turns calling for each other, go figure I do a better job calling than him. :knothead:
My 3 bulls were 5, 7, and 12 yards. Getting close is the fun part. They are pretty tough, but run one through the chest and they go down quick. Shot mine with big Snuffers from 57, 60, and 65 lb bows. 2 holes on all of them shot thru the ribs, penetration to the fletching or beyond.
R
Best advice I have is either run a hundred yard dash, or run in place for a minute, then take your practice shot. Most elk shots I have taken have been when out of breath and trying to get my heart rate down. Lastly, I missed shots that I attribute to not practicing with my broadheads prior to the hunt, and found out my tuning was good enough with field points but not with the broadheads I was using.
Honestly the answer can vary so much in the elk woods. I was in a spot last year with bulls going crazy less than 20 yards away and couldn't even catch a glimpse of them it was so thick. However you catch them in the open and sometimes you can't get within compound range. In my opinion get to where you are proficient to 30 yards keep the wind in your face and call it good. Just know your limitations and stick to them.
Thanks for the info guys! Just what I was looking for.
30 yds and under is good advice.