Elk can be tough to kill. Use the heaviest bow you own and a quality two or three blade head. There really big and sometimes tough to achieve a pass through.

Taking an eighth inch off the front of those Hills would be easy.

It never hurts a to shoot as much as you can, with accuracy.

I prefer a pass-through with an arrow stuck deep in the ground over one that does not. But there comes a point that the poundage requires a lot of practice that your schedule might now permit.

Geez....hard to imagine a HH broadhead may be illegal in PA. I wonder what Howard would think?

Good Luck Bob!!

I never hunted elk. Not enought time and money when younger, now too old and can't physically do it.

But... bow poundage and draw length are the easiest and most common criteria indicated. Bow performance means a lot. I envy guys with a true 29" draw.

I shoot Borders and Morrisons which give really good performance so such compared to a Hill long bow or even the Black Widows give you something to think about as well.

Shoot as much draw weight as you can do with accuracy. Keep arrow weight up. 10-12 gpp. Shoot a two blade head. Get as close as possible.

I, myself am on the shorter, wider side, but I prefer my broad heads longer and narrower. Short, stubby broad heads, because it takes more energy vis-a-vis a longer, skinnier head to push them through a critter, aren't a good choice for traditional gear, IMO.

Make your own !

How about shorten the Hills to 3.25?

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

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.

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.

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.

Did you get a permit?

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

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.

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

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

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