I'm trying to get back into bowhunting and would like some thoughts on the lightest draw weight recurve for elk sized game.

State regulations will tell you..

What is the heaviest that you can shoot accurately?

"What is the heaviest that you can shoot accurately?"

-Raghorn

x2

i shot a bull last year 53lbs at 26 inch draw. double lung 20 inches of arrow penetrated the elk sharp 2 blade. worked great for me. its where you place the arrow that counts.

well made recurve that meets regulations,, and you will be good,,,i dont know the minimum weight where you are hunting

What is the regulations for bow weight in say Colorado?

Why do you guys assume the state regulations are what's best for hunting elk? The politically charged law makers are the last one's I would be relying on.

Raghorn and 36bound x3.........there is no magic # every setup is different.

Why do you assume that's what anyone stated, because they sure as heck didn't .

Well, You should do your best to be 'legal' as far as draw weight in the state you are hunting elk..or elk sized animals..:) in.. Moose are larger than elk and their regs will possibly vary..Never got to hunt moose.. Aaside from small horses there are NO other elk sized critters in North America..:) Deer don't count and are far easier to arrow-dead than elk. ( and pack out as well)

I could kill a big bull elk with a decent 35# bow I suppose..or a .22 single shot loaded with LR hollowpoints..but the 'several' bulls I have arrowed and recovered were shot with 70#+ longbows or recurves and flat shooting 730 grain arrows.. 'Several' being over 20 RM and Roosevelt bulls over 40 years of hunting them with the bow.

Cast-penetration of bow-arrow combo, sharp broadheads..and hitting them right are the keys.. As an earlier poster said: the heaviest bow you can control and shoot accurately is a good choice..Jim

for me,,I shoot a self bow,, lots of recurves shoot alot harder,,, example,,, if I am shooting 60# osage,,, 165fps with 500 grain arrow,,,I can kill elk with that bow,, a 45# recurve might shoot same arrow,,, 170 fps,,, and so on,,,, so it really depends on the bow and your set up,,, I would have to suggest shooting a 50# recurve,, based on my experience,, If that weight was legal,,

x 4 or 5 on the heaviest you can work into accurately and barring some age or injury you will be surprised how well and quick you work into a heavier weight. You can do it with less if you have too but why would you unless you had too? And regardless of poundage, shot placement is given. Good luck and God Bless

Whatever the minimum draw weight is for the state you are hunting in . Check your hunting regs.

I would not hesistate to hunt any north american animal with my 50lb long bow. With the right arrow and broadhead and within your yardage to place it in the right spot, no worries.

I disagree.. Buddy should pay attention to the regs.. Since it is the law.. He did ask the lowest weight right?

I think the minimum is 50# stamped on the bow. The other way is an arrow flight test. But I can't remember the distance or the weight of the arrow. This is all for Wyoming.

An elk may be a tall as a horse, but narrower. Maybe 18 inches. I believe a good many have been taken with draw weights in the low 40s. With a reasonable draw length I would think 45 pounds would do nicely. - lbg

tradmt, the minimum weights in each state were garnered through work with archery organizations early on. They have nothing to do with politics or revenue gathering. Back before the neotrads took over the world, there was an archery sport, and bowhunting....and organizations like the NFAA, Pope & Young, etc., worked with the state DNR's to work-out logical minimum weights......based on bowhunter experience and testing. Those weights weren't drawn out of a hat.

I hunt in CO every year and it is 35lbs to hunt elk. I use 48.5 to 50lbs at my draw with a 517gr arrow 100gr brass insert and tiped with a 125gr woodsman elite razor sharp broadhead on it at 174fps. But I do not think pound pull is the best measure. There is to many variables I think arrow weight @ X amount of fps is a better gauge. I had a 45lb acs that shot the same weight arrow as fast as my 49lb blackwidow and a 53lb blackwidow that shot the same weight arrow 4fps faster then a 55lb schafer I had. So you see lb pull does not mean everything there is other variables to consider like bow type, drawl length etc. Widow

"worked with the state DNR's to work-out logical minimum weights......based on bowhunter experience and testing. Those weights weren't drawn out of a hat. "

I'd buy that, but given that in most places they are the same number without reference to velocity, draw length, arrow type, game size, I wouldn't get to worked up about them. You could say the same thing about minimum speed limits. In my town with 14 lanes of traffic, 7 in either direction, average speed is around 70, and the minimum is 35. I'm not driving the minimum unless there is a whiteout and freezing rain, by some freak of the weather.

Just FYI... Fred Eichler of Easton's Bowhunting Television has killed 27 elk with his 52.5 lb. recurve with 485 grain arrows. Lots of em passed thru. He killed a grizzly bear last fall with the same setup, with just a bit heavier broadhead... 150 gr. broadhead i believe. Not to step on toes here, but you don't need to shoot logs to kill big game. I shoot a 125 grain head with a total arrow weight of 425 grains at 198 fps out of my Pittsley Predator, which generates nearly 40 ft. lbs of kinetic energy. (38.7, if my memorie serves me correctly). I get good numbers due to the fact that I shoot a 32.5" draw. Makes for a fast arrow, but has it's tuning difficulties too. Compared to a compound, that doesn't sound like much... but in the recurve and longbow world, that is a LOT of KE. Kinetic energy is kinetic energy, no matter how you achieve it. In the old days of Fred Bear and Howard Hill, a lot of guys shot heavy arrows, mainly due to slow bows, to get their kinetic energy. Not necessary any more. You do, however, need a meaty broadhead as some broadheads have a tendency to curl at the tips or break. Research a good broadhead and keep your KE where it needs to be and you will be fine. Like the poster above, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot an elk with a bow of 45-50 lbs. with the right broadhead and speed. I would not drop much below 425 on an arrow, as below 400 and you start loose your "oomph" as there is not enough weight to maintain the KE at a distance, just like bullets. You will get a lot of "expert" opinions here... some correct, some not. This is just from my corner.

Thanks for all of your input. I have read the state regs and know what they are but I wanted to know what would be the minimum best other than state regs. I'm recovering from a shoulder injury and getting back into shooting. I used to shoot heavy recurves and longbows but now I have to go down in weight. I first tried a 64# longbow, then a 57# longbow now a 55# recurve and am thinking about going down to a 50# recurve since I have a takedown and can get other limbs. I hope to stay at least at 50#.

I just can't believe that the states haven't manadated a particular percent of FOC that an arrow must have. That is just soooo unethical.

AWP,

"You can do it with less if you have too but why would you unless you had too?"

Excellent

"And regardless of poundage, shot placement is given."

More excellent...but it still is amazing how folks don't get that. I guess cause it just ain't possible to hit your spot with a heavier bow than thou's.

Manitou nailed it down well.

Richie, if you ever have anything new to share with us, other than your FOC doctrine, please let us know. You are a broken record, and have been on just about every thread. You do know that the sport was alive and well before the Ashby tests, right? We have seen your arrows many times...the same photo pretty much for the past year. We all know your line of thinking...and it is totally one-sided, and not accepting that anything else will work. It's almost laughable.

To you guys who simply don't understand context, the minimum is a minimum and a guideline. It says...."you can't use anything less than this number to hunt big game." ........That's all folks.

Now, no one that I heard here is recommending that anyone use the lightest weight. Go read the posts. I don't see anyone saying that. Folks are generally smarter than one gives them credit for. The heaviest bow that you can handle "comfortably and accurately." Arrow weights don't even need to be discussed unless you just fell out of the nest and have not acquainted yourself with the sport...other than on the Leatherwall.

Use the heaviest bow you can shoot accurately and comfortably. Learn to hit what you are shooting at on a consistent basis. Use somewhere between 8 and 12 grains arrow weight, per pound of bow weight....and get perfect arrow flight. How much FOC you like is up to you and will not hold you back on effectiveness if it's 18% or 40%. Perfect flight is the key, and accuracy is the final factor.

"I just can't believe that the states haven't manadated a particular percent of FOC that an arrow must have. That is just soooo unethical."

sapcut, i recently heard some states are considering making single bevel broadheads a requirement for elk. i have not heard about FOC, but i believe your line of critical thinking is having an effect on others. no doubt you are on to something.

you should consider writing a white paper or position paper on FOC, footing carbon and single bevel broadheads, and distributing it to all the states.

thank you in advance for your ethical approach to the sport we share.

You guys are sooo much fun.

George, :))) That post was totally in jest, mainly for roger's benefit. I actually figured you would have seen it coming but your sensative skin was irritated before his I guess.

Speaking of broken record.....Bear bow, Bear Greenie, been doing it for the last 5 decades and nothing today is any better...I guess in your opinion, all possible arrow improvements were maxed out in 1952.

Richie, that's fine you like to joke around, hell, I enjoy it. But, what these guys are trying to tell you is that these FOC rants have become sickening and are starting to take away from just about every equipment related thread there is around here. BTW, "lawmakers" aren't usually(or at all) involved in deciding minimum draw weights. This 'generally' falls under the regulatory controls of the respective game commisions. And, you weren't joking in your first post when you stated that we assume that "lawmakers" know what's best. Obviously, we don't, as we're the ones who comprehend how really uninvolved they are.

X2 on what George said. The question is "what's the minimum", not "what's the best" or "what's your opinion". The state regs show the minimum. No opinions there just fact.

The originator of this thread plainly said he wasn't asking a mandated minimium, but wanted opinions. God Bless

roger, Yes it was a joke because I know you get ruffled when discussions aren't what you happen to prefer....and it was funny.

"This 'generally' falls under the regulatory controls of the respective game commisions."

Basically correct here in Alabama. The game LAWS are initiated by advisory board. They decide what the regualtions will be and what becomes a game LAW. So yes, I would say they are lawmakers.

My point is I have dealt with this board on many occasions and they are clueless at making informed decisions because most are not informed nor qualified.

The advisory board and said game laws in Alabama are politically and financially motivated, not scientifically nor biologically motivated.

Stix, I do see where Buddy's first post can be confusing but he clarified it in his next post.

"Thanks for all of your input. I have read the state regs and know what they are but I wanted to know what would be the minimum best other than state regs."

Yeah, but your still not getting it, Rich. I've stated on a number of occassions that I believe in choices and am an advocate of 'doing it your way', so flipping the script on me isn't going to work. My feelings regarding these things are well documented here, and so are yours. I'm not the one who continually badgers people with "...yea, but will your head perform in worst possible scenerios, like mine..." Nor do I make ridiculous claims that my equipment will shoot through brush, or my arrow has the ability to kill multiple animals with one shot......that's your gig Rich, not mine and you can't deny what you've wrote.

My opinion is that the minimum should be at least what the state regs say where you are going to hunt. What will kill an elk is a completely different matter. Any bow that will push a razor sharp head into the lungs will kill one. that could be a childs bow under the best circumstance. Adequacy would probably be in a high performance bow of the 40 lb class with a good two blade and broadside shot.

A good performing bow in the close to 50 lbs and up would be my personal reccomendation .

The heaviest bow that you can accurately shoot would be the best when teamed with a 500 plus gr arrow and razor sharp head.

God bless you all, Steve

roger, you still ruffled?

Believe me...I got it. And am not the one getting offended by what others have that aren't my preference. Isn't this a grown up forum? Whatever you do, please don't badger me about using a three blade broadhead because it will cut up a deer's guts better than a single bevel two blade. Acutally that may be true but I prefer the latter, in case you missed that.

Appaqrently many of you have many differing opinions on the same question. However I would assume that most states have gotten together with archery groups and done some logical testing to come up with a logical draw weight minimum. Although there may be more ways and maybe better ways now to figure the best minimum draw weight, The process needs to be something that everyone can understand including the guy enforcing the laws. If folks have found a better way to meet the minimum wieght and are complying with the law thats great too. But also keep in mind 80% of people are non hunters 10% are hunters so in regards to laws the 80% also needs to be able to easliy understand things too.That 80% is a bigger influence than our 10%.

S.C. Mercer. I like approach as well. Also makes it much easier for a law enforcement guy. "OK shoot and arrow as far as you can" and then he measures the distance. What it says on the bow for info @28" is pretty meaningless if I guy/kid can't pull it.

Problem with state laws is the vast difference in bows. I think they are thinking more of the compound when setting the laws. Like Brad stated if you shoot a osage longbow I think you would need to bump up the poundage to achieve what a good 40# recurve is shooting.

One that you can shoot the best under hunting conditions. Be sure to have a perfectly tuned arrow and a 2 blade traditional razor sharp head.

Personally 45# is the lightest I'd elk hunt with in regards to trad gear! For compounds I'd got to 40#

ElkNut1

My son and I have both killed Elk with 50#@28 I would not go any lighter; and in the off season my son has gone up to 55#.

Thanks for all of the input and I wish you all the best and shoot straight.

Here are the regs from the 2012 Colorado booklet. 35# minimum draw weight but no mention of minimum arrow weight...

WARNING - You may want to double-check your equipment to make sure you aren't exceeding the 80% let-off and remember NO electronic devices or explosive arrows!

Colorado is obviously focused on the 95% of bowhunting archers who are shooting compound bows. That is where the revenue is..and truth be told, 95% of those who hunt in Colorado for elk do not kill and recover and butcher elk anyhow.

For the original question: Check the regs in the state/hunt you intend to participate in.

I kinda like stickbows that are of the heavier efficient sort that cast a sharp two blade broadhead on a 9-10 grain total arrow weight per pound of draw weight out to 65 yards flat and fast.

Min 65# and arrows 600 grains and bows that are not slugs..

Gotta hit any critter well tho so shoot whatever is legal and shoot it well.

BUT I am sorta old fashioned.. I have also arrow-killed and butchered a bunch of big bulls in trhee states in 45 years..Jim

Yep 35# that makes perfect sense. The plains Indians bows were 40# or less at 24" as they drew to their chest. I think they knew what was enough for elk and buff.

Would anyone like to translate D above?

Sounds like you can not use a mechanical device to hold your arrow at full draw.

"D" says there shall be no overdraw, channel, shelf, etc., attached to the riser, past the undrawn string or brace height of the bow. ie, your overdraw cannot exceed the brace height or undrawn string of the bow. So, if your brace height is 8", you may not have an 8-1/8" overdraw. 50#@28", 500 grain arrow w/ proven, razor sharp broadhead for elk.

The plains Indians bows were 40# or less at 24" as they drew to their chest.

Some Indian bows may have been,but i wouldnt be so bold as to profess that all were in that range.

Nevada says the bow must cast an arrow of a given weight a select distance. No miminum weight designated, just performance

Let us not get states doing more regulations to satify someone's personal crusade. Do we not have enough regulations? Quit suggesting or joking as the idiots in all congresses will take up any cause to get on the front page.

Would a healthy male, actually use a 35# bow for elk? Why? because they are too lazy to train? too lazy to practice? too weak to work for something as "heavy" a 50# bow? strange.....

Well here's the opinion satisfied as the lightest possible bow draw weight on elk. Its been pointed out the state guide lines for minimal that's it, no more science nonsence.

Now lets say we have a child or a woman hunting elk with the minimal exceptable weight requirement bow and they don't full draw? Throws the legalities off now don't it? Bow says legal on the weight but what are they actually pulling? Anyones guess.

Now your shooting say 42 pounds at 28 and the bull comes in close and you don't full draw him also throws the equasion off also.

You can take a feild point and kill that elk in the lungs, liver or stomach or any main artery for that matter. So why aren't they legal then? Because all game departments know as a whole the conditions vary from shot to shot and the best possible senario is to cut on contact an artery and open an gash size hole that will only be done by a broadhead to cut through things. If its not sharp then thats a differant story.

If I were guiding or outfitting I'd inspect each broadhead for sharpness on any of my clients not be so concerned with bow weights as much.

The shots usally are very close and a lot of times full draw may not be an option. The last elk hunt I nearly got a shot and was shooting 65 pounds @ 28 and that shot would not had been at full draw for me maybe 25 or 23 draw because I was laying on my back in a meadow with high grass nervous about snakes and the elk was walking to me before he got to me he spoked. The outfitter spoked him the elk saw him on the woods line looking for me he popped his head up. So their are variables to consider also.

If it were me I would select the heaviest draw weight I could acuratly shoot in all situations comfortably. My broadheads you could just look at them and cut your finger thats the most important tool. They have to be that sharp.

Glenn / Cat

I disagree on the field point suggestion as I once tried a field point tipped arrow on an eight point buck after I had dropped it with a spine shot. The bow was a 1992 PSE Elite compound, 50# @ 28". The arrows were Easton 2117, the shot was aprox. eight feet. The arrow bounced off the rib cage.

It depends as many have stated.....if you are going to the 35# lower end limit I hope you have the personal restraint and self awareness to get within 10 yards of the animal or you dont pull it back...and that you have a draw length to reach that minimum weight and choose a slightly heavy arrow with a cut on contact broadhead.

Otherwise, I would be practicing and building strength all year to see how heavy I can shoot accurately in my back yard at a given distance.....and then either drop the bow weight 5-8 pounds or realize your max distance is less than your target practice distance with same gear.

instead of asking what is the lightest you can get away with...why not ask what is the heaviest you can shoot accurately out to 20 yards minimum....and base your determination on your own skills and strength. I can pull a 100lb bow but cant shoot it and expect to hit anything smaller than my shed. Instead of asking how far you can shoot....look at it differently and ask HOW CLOSE CAN I GET BEFORE I SHOOT to ensure a good accurate and clean shot.

keep em sharp,

ron herman

Something I wonder about. If you're looking for the lightest draw weight to get the job done, then what? If you can only draw 40# what happens when you are standing over a dead elk? Can you physically handle the work of getting that elk out on your back?

Well, Before a fellow can skin, butcher, bone and pack out a dead elk and then east the fruits of his hunting..tan the hide, save the sinew for bow backing....

he has to find them and hunt them and arrow them and kill them and find-recover them.

Those are 25 words or less that either make or break a truly successful elk hunt.

Best plan for every piece of that task...

If one doesn't plan his work and then work the plan..SOMETHING will bite him in the arse big time.. The weight of the bow( if legal) is way behind all the other considerations a man should make before he goes after elk..Jim

Alot of Eastern hunters who've never killed an elk( or even hunted them) will tell you how well their favorite 45lb bow would work on an 800lb bull so I'll chime in too.I've hunted elk only a couple of times, but up close they's big ! When you get to elk country look at a few and take a good look at the carcass of one.Look at the ribs and scapula and compare them to your deer back home.Now use your search function here to look through the old threads on this subject and take the advice of those few who've killed a couple dozen.What weight do they use ?

Heaviest you can shoot accurately. ×10

I got a complete pass through with my 47lb @ my 29-1/2" draw, Dalaa shooting a GT with two blade BH, this last season.

https://www.gearheadarchery.com/pages/regulations

How big is the elk and how far away. A calf is the same size as a whitetail. A big bull is the same size as a small moose. I hunt elk with 60 pounds plus of draw weight and I am 67 years old. If you are younger and want to hunt elk learn to shoot a lot of draw weight accurately.

DDave

My draw is 26” and I wouldn’t think of going below 55# personally and I’d prefer heavier like 60-62. I’m not sure why people can never just answer this question, we all know what is being asked.

this thing still going,, I read most of it,, if I didnt know nothing, I would have to assume most agree 45# is good,,some bows shoot harder than others,, but if I was up close I would give it a try with a razor sharp head,,,sure want to pull that thing all the way back too,,,I hope I draw a tag ,, whew,,,

I hunted elk with 62 and 65# recurves ...and wouldn't use less. Elk are thick,and I want pass-thrus....which I got shooting Bear Razorheads on Ash arrows.

State regs minimal and you have the lightest.

Sharp heads. If you can push a wooden dowel into lungs and kill a beast then whats that tell you. Field points not allowed because states want cut on contact and you can't get that out of a field point.

Hunters take out buffalo guns when poachers use 22's whats that say?

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