What wieght bow do you use for Elk Hunting.

if i was gonna, it would be 50-55#'s.  

TTT

I am surprised by the number of over 60#ers. I'm feeling a little puny at 55#!

same here, WOW! I think 50Lbs is more then enough and makes the shoot easier as well .

In Oregon you have to have 50# for elk. So, I went with 55#.

It's an empty question without first establishing what your arrows weigh, what sort of broadheads you use, how good a shot you are when a 600-pound deer with a tree on its head is blowing snot and screaming in your face and you've just climbed a steep slope at 10,000 feet altitude ... and how close you can get. Answer those Absolutely Essential Questions, and we can then intelligently and ethically discuss what weight bow to use. And only then.

For what's it's worth, this year I'll be shooting 55# with 610 grains of wood at 170 fps, 2-blade broadheads, and proven ambush set-up for 14 yards. Through long practice, this is a sure thing for a pass-through and quick kill (to heck with "bleeder blades for good blood trails" if you can get them down within sight) ... unless I shoot 3 feet over the monster's back from staring at the antlers even while chanting "pick a spot! pick a spot!"

Why bring a sandwich to a banquet? Come prepared. Return home guiltless, even if not always "successful." dave

Well said as always Dave, I am a big fan of yours and your "philosofies"... I am shooting a 57# (at my 25.5" draw), spitting out 575gr arrows.  

Why bring a sandwich to a banquet? Come prepared. Return home guiltless, even if not always "successful."

Perfect, Dave, perfect.

Dave: with all due respect and I'm serious about respect.        

Your state is going to be covered up with flatlanders like myself that have no idea how we will respond to that 600# deer blowing snot until it happens. (Gosh, I hope it happens.) But if we can't shoot our bow accurately at home it's doubtful we will improve at 10,000 feet. I would be real surprised if anyone responding to this poll on this site did not have appropriate arrows and broadheads when they left for their elk hunt.      

Thanks for your contributions Dave.

I don't think anyone would disagree with the importance of arrows, what broadhead for best results, being prepared physically and mentally, etc.  I checked this out to due to curiosity of what the average draw weight was for elk. The draw weight is just a starting point.

I only shoot 50# but my arrows weigh 630 to 640 with 125 grn Magnus vented 2 blade heads.  Have never shot an elk but I would trust my setup to 20 yards.  

QuoteOriginally posted by xia_emperor:
same here, WOW! I think 50Lbs is more then enough and makes the shoot easier as well .

It probably is enough, with the proper shot. But what's wrong with shooting more wt. if you can, fairly easily even in the cold. Been shooting for over 25 yrs. and still have no problem with heavier weights (yet). I say shoot as much as you can easily when it counts.  

Dave I just wanted to see what type of bow weights are being used. I just figured people are shooting a Med to Heavy arrow. So it is not empty question, just a simple one.
Dave, I love sandwiches, and never feel there is a wrong place to eat one.

I am not saying it is wrong to shooting heavy bows, but everyone talk about proper shoot placement, and arrow being the most important, so would it not be better to make a more comfortable shoot. That equals better chance for success and better chance for a well placed shoot. More is not always better, if I can hit the Nail every time with a lighter hammer and still drive it into the wood then that is what I will do.

I am not here to upset anyone and I am not looking for a fight, so put your gloves away. Thanks!

Dave one more thing. why would you need to bring a Sandwich to a banquet? A banquet is a large public meal or feast, complete with main courses and desserts. a Sandwich would be over Prepared? so that is good?

The bow I'll be carrying (YIPEE) is 63@30.

I purchased a used set of BW limbs that are 60#@28 and have been shooting them for a month or so getting used to the #age. I was shooting pretty good but seemed to be a little overbowed. I was leaning towards shooting my ACS 53# with 600 grn Sitka/Stos or Ace 2 blade when the draw results came in. NO elk hunting this year for me in NM    .... John

I will be shooting a 55# longbow and a POC tipped with a magnus, total arrow weight of 550gr. First elk hunt for me and I can't wait!

I gotta put my 2 cents worth in here even though i've never taken an elk with a trad bow...YET! I will this fall, i'm sure.

The state of oregon requires a minimum of 50 pounds....i believe that to be a wise minumum weight myself too....Those ribs on an elk would stop an arrow at 35 pounds if you were unfortunate enough to hit one dead center...the advantage of a high poundage bow shooting a heavy arrow is kinetic energy....ideally something powerful enough to bust a rib going in.

the more punch you get get out of that arrow when shooting elk, the better in my opinion...shot placement dont mean much if you cant get through the rib cage...Kirk

well what does it take to punch throuth an elk rib? KE (kenatic energy) I am more interasted in facts then personel feelings.

I would agree that arrow weight plays a big part.

I am a little light shooting 520 grains but it is out of a 74# draw at 210FPS.

It works ok.