elk setup opinions

[naturegirl]

I am currently shooting a Mathews Passion 60 lb. I use gold tip XT arrows with WAC'em broad heads 80 grain. there is zero change when I switch from field point to broadhead, which I love. I definitely practice a lot now that my broken wrist has healed. we have 3 acres and just shoot in our backyard. I'm very comfortable out to 50 yards but that's my limit and, of course, the closer the better. Someone once told me to practice 10 yards farther than your Max shot because u may just need it. I wouldn't shoot anything over 50. I also took someones advice about practicing 10 yard and under shots. good thing cuz that's how far my pig was this year :0)

 

I've never had an Archery elk hunt and I've got an early bull tag this year. I took my bow down and had the string replaced and asked them their thoughts on my setup for elk. I asked 2 experts and got 2 opinions. one said to switch to a 2 blade cut on impact (increased kinetic energy etc) and the other said to leave my setup as is.

 

I know practice and shot placement are probably 80-90% of the game but I always like to be as prepared as I possibly can be which is why I want to make sure my equipment is the best it can be.

 

Just curious if anyone wants to share any opinions/thoughts with me.

 

PS- I don't ever see myself shooting mechanicals. Just not something I'm interested in.

[AZP&Y]

I say leave well enough alone. Leave the set-up as is. Work on trying to get between 30-40 yards or closer. I blew my muzzy 3 blade 100 grain through my P & Y Bull at 21 yards. He went 60 yards. Both lungs were shredded. With your setup and shooting regularly , I'm sure you will be well prepared to hunt the bugling beast!

 

If you get 10 yards or under, that's fantastic. It's a true statement that most don't practice at such a close range, But more than likely the elk will be 20 + yards and you will already be at full draw.

 

Best of luck and practice some calling (i say that sparingly) so when the time comes you are comfortable calling and shooting...

 

AzP&Y

[BowhunterAZ]

You have PLENTY of kinetic energy at 60lbs; I would just leave your setup the way it is. Remember, the indians used to kill bison with much much less than what you are shooting. With proper shot placement you will kill anything in North America with a 60lb bow. Good luck on your tag!

[azslim]

Practice with the broadheads you plan on hunting with, number them so you can tell them apart, put your best fliers in the quiver where you will grab them first, sharpen them up after practice and go put your tag on an elk.

[naturegirl]

thanks for all the advice. I'm thinking ill leave it as is! just work on increasing my poundage and lots of practice.

[naturegirl]

thanks for all the advice. I'm thinking ill leave it as is! just work on increasing my poundage and lots of practice.

[tjhunt2]

thanks for all the advice. I'm thinking ill leave it as is! just work on increasing my poundage and lots of practice.

 

Now that you've decided not to change your setup, lots of practice and scouting is in order. Good advise from everyone however it might not be for you. I don't know any of my archer friends who shoot the same setup and they all like to argue their's are the best. Your setup sounds just right for you and it's all about being comfortable with what you shoot. Uping your poundage is good but don't take it to a point of feeling uncomfortable. Feeling comfortable will increse your confidence level which in turn will increase you odds of being successful.

 

Practice your calling skills but just don't rely on it alone to be successful. Those who know me know my ability with close range. I'm just the opposite of the long range shooter's mentality you see on here. Not saying there's anything wrong with it, it's just not for me. When scouting, keep in mind where would be a good setup spot if an area seems to be heavily used, like a water hole, wallow, or trail crossing. Mix up the way you approach your hunt to increase your odds.

 

My last 5 archery elk kills have been 13yrds or closer. Your wac'ems will work well. I've killed a few bulls with them and last year's cow with a swacker mechanical, which I said I would never use, and it did the job as well. I still lean towards fixed blades. If you were to sit a ground blind, which has become my favorite setup as of lately, a comfortable chair, patience, and last but not least scent control.

 

I like the passion you show for hunting and can't wait to read your post after your hunt. Good luck and shoot straight.

 

TJ

[azshtr]

Don't go nuts on the poundage. Can you hold what you have for 30 seconds or a minute? That's a long time on draw. You may need to do that.

[naturegirl]

yes I can and have been hunting at 60 lbs for years. I have a lot of upper body strength (for a girl...lol)

[buffhunter]

My wife shot her first bull shooting a pse vendetta xs at 53# 24.5 inch draw with goldtip. 55/75s and a rocket ultimate steel 100grn fixed 3blade. She shot her bull at 52yards with a clean pass through!!!!! You have nothing to sweat just put it through the lungs and your bull will die under 100yards!!!!!! GOOD LUCK SHOOT STRAIGHT AND LEAVE A GUT PILE!!!!!!!!