So, I’m pretty sure I know what those knowledgeable (experienced with regard to such a hunt) are going to say, but I’ll ask the question anyway. My cousin lives in Colorado. I’d like to do an elk hunt with him this autumn. My main squeeze is a Sunset Hill longbow, 50# at 28” (the length to which I draw). It is the only bow I shoot (it really is a dream to draw and release with this bow). Question: Would you consider 50 lbs. marginal for elk, enough, or more than enough? I shoot a cedar and spruce arrows with a 160 grain Hill broadhead. Please chime in. Thank you.

50# at 10gpp is fully adequate for elk hunting in my experience. More( draw weight and arrow weight ) is always better though, as long as you can shoot it accurately.

Whatever you are most confident with to put an arrow in the pump station. You have more than enough horsepower but the confidence is what gives you the edge.

use that bow!

Plenty good!!!

I shot my bull last year with 50# and 10gpi. He was 20 yards and my arrow went all the way thru. He only went another 60 yards before he died. 50# is plenty!

That'll work from the back of a pickup or in the Backcountry.

its nor the draw weight that is the deciding factor but it's the performance of the bow. I've talked to guys who have actually killed elk with trad equipment and for me I wont shoot an arrow setup that isn't at least 145fps with 650 grain arrow. If I can get that with a 45# recurve or 65# longbow it doesnt matter but that is my limit. dont get hung up on bow weight

Far more important than the draw weight of the bow is the tune of the arrow and the broadhead on the end. Y

You want the best flying arrow you can construct, and the sharpest broadhead that you can get. And the ability to put it in the right place.

There have been a zillion Elk killed with bows drawing 50lbs. and under.

Some day it will sink in that bow weight is just a number but folks still swear by it. My 45# Browning Wasp will shoot an arrow as fast as my 55# selfbow...same weight arrow. Using proper low stretch strings and matching arrows that fly "perfectly" will go far to equalize the balance of power from lower weight to higher weight bows. And of course, you should be able to hit what you're shooting at...an issue not many pay as much attention to as they should.

Thanks guys.

Growing up here in Minnesota the minimum for deer was always 40 lbs draw weight. Today it’s been dropped to 30. I figured 50 lbs would do it on elk but needed some confirmation from those who’ve been there, done that.

I've shot elk with 50 pound Tribe longbows. In all honesty, didn't feel right about it. Yes, I've killed them, but still like my 57 pound recurves a lil more. Build a good arrow with good foc, that's what's going yo help you. And don't expect to shoot clear through an elk, unless it's small bodied. A good solid broad head will help you in penetration. Keep your shots in close and make sure of broadside or slightly quartering away and you'll be fine.

Hey griz .just show the elk that sunset hill and they'll fall over ??

I've got a better Idea. Go buy you a heavier bow and sell me that Sunset.

The Sunset Hill is an absolute gem. I’d love to get another from Nate, 60-65 lbs draw (the one I have is at 50 lbs because back then I’d just had shoulder surgery). As best I know, however, Nate isn’t currently making bows (or maybe has such a backlog that he’s not taking orders...not sure).

Yes, They are mighty fine bows. It's about a 2 year wait once he gets started again.

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