Elk hunt help?

[elkslayer54]

I have hunted elk all of my life, BUT not with a bow, So here is my set up, mathews Q2 carbon arrows,

1) Thinking of going with the wisker biscut? should I???
2) What broadhead should I use?? Right now I am using Muzzy and Thunderheads??
3) What broadhead do you recomend?
4) What gr??
5) 3 blade or 4???

FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU! Walk soft and carry a 300 RUM,

 

[Bugler]

Slayer,
I used carbons in the past but felt like the penetration was not adequate. I went back to an aluminum shaft to fix this problem, although a fraction slower I get better pass thorugh shots. I also use to use a fixed blade head but have switched to rockets, the mechanical heads are great and i have seen serious damage taht they cause when creating a wound. They also fly just like my practice arrows so i don't adjust my sights like I usually ahve to do when shooting fixed blades. I use 100 gr heads 3 blade, I switched from 100 gr. thunderheads which i used for everything, these just fly better.
I do not knkow anything about the whisker rests so i can't comment. Good luck.
Bugler

 

[BOWHNTG]

ES54,
The best advise I'd ever gotten was "Shoot whatever you shoot best and keep it as simple as possible". I can't comment on "Whisker biscuts" since I've never used them but prong rests and pin sights are pretty reliable. the archery world is full of gadgets and gizmozs but when it comes right down to it you're still launching a stick from a string. I have a Mathews ultra max and am shooting redline 410 cabons w/ 100gr muzzy 3-blades. I took my bull last year at 40 yrds, clean pass through, and he went less than 100yrds so I know that set up works pretty damn good.....Shoot straight my man and good luck.........

 

[IDhornhound]

If you have never shot an animal with a bow start NOW! Ground squirrels rabbits, heck even a bug on a wild flower. Just get practice shooting at something that doesn't have a "ten" ring on it.You'll need the distance judging skills moreso now than ever with a gun.Don't get all bummed and give up when you miss your first shot at a bull.No matter how easy the shot seamed.In 25 yrs of bowhunting myself and 15 yrs of guiding bowhunters,I don't recall any new-to-bowhunting first timers connecting on their first try! Don't get me wrong some do I'm sure, but alot can happen fast when you are 20 yrds or less from a seemingly rut crazed bull!And your weapon isn't as forgiving as the old bullets are.Shoot what you shoot best. As a traditional hunter who's killed numerous bulls with a longbow and recurve,(and missed probably three or four times that)I can tell you historically your bow is overkill to begin with.Just learn to shoot it well and don't give up. In bowhunting your knowledge of the animal is more important than what kind of bow or setup you use.Also, don't expect you quarry to hump up and fall over! Bow shot animals will invariably run, and run hard.Tracking is a skill you'll need now more than ever also.Bull elk can leave a blood trail you wouldn't believe, and then they put a bandaid on and go some more.Make your first shot count. As close as possible and go for a broadside lung shot, you'll be in for a marathon tracking job if you don't.Pick a spot, wait till you are too close to miss, and good luck!!

 

[elkslayer54]

IDhornhound,
Like I said I have hunted elk for 22+ years. and I think that could possibly be some of the best advice I have ever been given thanks and I will do just that. Thanks again. Bill

FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU! Walk soft and carry a 300 RUM,

 

[c3]

Yes, that is some great advice above.

I have been hunting elk with a bow for 22 years and still have never killed a bull! Unbelievable is all I can say.

I have won many archery tournments, shot perfect Vegas rounds and have archery medals lying all over the place. It all means nothing or relatively little when you are out in the woods after the elk.

I could write a few books on how to blow an elk hunt in 30 seconds flat

Work on your hunting skill and getting close. Those things are much more important than which rest or broadhead you have.

Hunting skill and instinct are the two most important parts of bowhunting. It appears that I have neither.

Cheers,
Pete

 

[roland]

Here is a little more info that might help.

1) I'd recommend a trophy taker shakey hunter. You'll more than likely need to nock and arrow draw and shoot in 3 seconds or less. I would practice this like religion. Also practice shooting from a kneeling position. Case in point watch any outdoor show and count how many times the hunter is standing. My guess is less than 5%

2) Muzzy 4 blade, exceptional broadhead and has more cutting surface than a three blade and it is quiet in flight. 100 grain will work fine.

3) Know your sight window. Most misses on elk are caused by the arrow hitting a twig, limb or tree not misjudging the distance.

4) Arrow. I like the Axis arrow, small dia. equals better penetration. Not the straightest arrow in the world and you'll have to spin test them to get the best 4 or 5 out of a dozen, but they'll make up for it in out right penetration.


Shoot straight and good luck

 

[Bura Nut]

Idaho & Roland Thanks for emphasizing what really matters instead of the the equipment gizmo's. Experience and experiences from guys like you will help those that want to listen.......I hope he sticks one at about15 yards and pee's his pants.......LOL.....best of luck and hopefully I get to chase one this year (tag in hand)........ Allen Taylor......

 

[IDhornhound]

Thanks, it's nice to know that all my time in the mountains chasing elk can benifit some that don't get the experiences I have been blessed with.I love elk and elk hunting and really enjoy helping newcomers appreciate the hunt as well as the critter and country.Success is only the icing on the cake! I think I enjoy the misses as much as the hits, and I never get enough!

 

[elkslayer54]

LAST EDITED ON Jul-09-04 AT 11:32AM (MST)[p]I know I rember the misses more than the ones I have laid down.
;-)
FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU! Walk soft and carry a 300 RUM,

 

[roland]

Bill,
I'm with you on that one............I tell myself that every year. Best equipment, practice, practice and more practice and get ready for that one chance that will more than likely happen in less than 10 seconds. Helluva thing when you think about.

 

[antlerrick]

These guys are good! It is all excellent advice, and especially the practice, practice, and practice some more, and when you get good at it, practice again. Shoot until everything feels natural to you. That doesn't guarantee a hit on the first shot or two, but that will come. Spend as much time as you can getting close to big animals before the season so when the moment of truth arrives, you will be used to the size of the animal. Learn to "BREATH"! When that moment starts to happen, and the adreniline starts the old heart pumping, the best way to settle down is to "breath". Take long deep breaths and keep the oxygen coming and you will do a lot better under the stress of that monster you are drawing on! Being able to calm myself down played a major part in my success last year during a LE archery Elk hunt. I was pretty proud of how cool I was under the pressure!
Good Luck to you, and keep us posted how the hunt unfolds!
a*r
A bad day hunting is better than a Good Day at Work!!