How much is enough for Elk?

That is heavy enough to kill elk. Make sure u practice out to 40 yards. 40 yards for elk is like 20 yards on a deer. I hunted with 52 lbs at 26 inches. With 580 grain arrow. With single blade head . That setup in my opinion will kill anything in America. Just my opinion. I have not killed a elk. I have seen people kill elk with 42 lbs setups. Good luck

I agree, your good in the bow department. Remember, ITA (Its The Arrow). 😀

You’ll be fine with what you already have. Shot placement is paramount!

My answer to this question would have been a lot different 25 years ago when I first started hunting elk with traditional bows. Back then my lack of experience, and advice given to me by misinformed, or an educated experts would have me shooting 60 to 70lb Bows. These days i hunt with bows in the low 50’s at my 26.5” draw. My arrow weight in between 500 to 550 grains with a two blade broadhead. I personally think from what I have seen with my own eyes your 47 or 48lb bow at your draw will give you plenty of penetration on an elk. That said, I think you need a new bow. It’s almost Father’s Day, everybody needs a new bow, A special hunt deserves a special bow. I would call your favorite bowyer tomorrow morning just incase You draw that tag. Always be prepared.

You’re good to go with what you have if you hit him in the right place! I killed a 54” kudu with my 48# longbow. I watched 2 other guys kill a full grown bison bull, one with 52# and the other with 47#.

Bisch

I really think a more important factor is your arrow flying straight at the distance you intend to shoot. A wobbling arrow loses tons of penetration.

I think you need a new bow a half pound heavier. :>)

I agree with the other posters that you have plenty bow. I have only killed 3 elk with Trad bows and none were over 50# at my 26-1/2” draw. My longbow is only 43# at my draw and I killed my biggest bull with it. but hey a new bow is justified for a hunt like this lol

I agree with the other posters that you have plenty bow. I have only killed 3 elk with Trad bows and none were over 50# at my 26-1/2” draw. My longbow is only 43# at my draw and I killed my biggest bull with it. but hey a new bow is justified for a hunt like this lol

I am reminded by what John Schulz said, when asked why he used a file instead of "XYZ" to sharpen his broadhead, he replied, "I want to kill it not shave it". By using a file to get the bevel even and flat on both sides of the blade, it is easier to sharpen in the field, and putting a serrated edge on with the corner of the file, it will cut like a flaked obsidian head, or sharks teeth. IMO the broadhead and good flight are #1 followed by bow weight. Check the game laws and make sure your equipment is legal in that state.

I think the "official" Traditional Archery rule book requires that a brand new elk hunter must, repeat must get a new bow. At least that's the argument I'd use with my wife if the topic came up. I have several bows in the mid 50 lb range and would feel confident using any one of them. As stated, a well tuned, very sharp arrow that is placed properly will do the job. True, I've never taken an elk, but over the years I have read many hundreds, possibly over a thousand, accounts of successful hunts with bows in that range. I tend to believe that much evidence.

Since you guys weren't any help in justifying me buying a new bow, I got to thinking about broadheads. Here are the official PA rules for archery gear.

"A bow with a minimum draw weight of 45 pounds....The broadhead must have an outside diameter of at least 1 inch, and the length may not exceed 3.25 inches."

Out of curiosity, I measured a Howard Hill broadhead, Hunters Head, VPA, Iron Will, and several others that I normally use. I was expecting some to be too narrow, but nothing measures under 1". The only one that may not be legal are my old Howard Hills which came in at a length of 3 3/8". If I were going to use them, which I am not, it would likely not be an issue.

While I was playing with my broadheads, I did get to thinking about the diversity of shapes out there and the issue of preferred broadhead style. Are you a long, narrow guy or a short fat guy? Some vendors like VPA give you both options. Others like Iron Will only have one style. While I shoot both styles, I have to say I prefer long narrow broadheads and only hunted with Hills for probably 20-25 years.

How about shorten the Hills to 3.25?

Grizzly is a proven head that won't break the bank.

Make your own !