Successful elk hunters whats your setup?
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: cnelk
11-Oct-19
Ive been asked several times what bow/arrow setup I use to hunt elk, so I figured it would be a good thread for anyone who killed an elk in 2019 to share what their 'love potion' is.
Mine: Elite Impulse 31 - 64lbs. 27.5" GoldTip 340 arrow with a 50gr brass insert, 100gr Slick Trick Magnum and 40grs of trimmer line inside the shaft. 3" vanes. Total weight = 465gr
From: Bowboy
11-Oct-19
Hoyt Carbon Spyder turbo set at 65lbs @27. Easton axis 340s, Magnus Buzzcut 125 weighing in at 435grains. I use AAE Stealth Vanes.
From: Bake
11-Oct-19
I feel discriminated against. :)
From: nmwapiti
11-Oct-19
Hoyt Spyder 34 set at 68 pounds. Easton 330 FMJs cut to 29 inches with a 100 grain wac'em and blazers. Total weight 450 grains.
From: Brotsky
11-Oct-19
I can sure tell you what guys that missed an elk used this year!!
From: wyobullshooter
11-Oct-19
BowTech Realm SR6, 26” DL, set at 57#. 26 1/4” Easton Axis 340’s with 75gr brass insert, 5” wrap, blazers, 100gr Slick Trick Viper Trick at the business end. Total arrow weight = 460gr.
From: greg simon
11-Oct-19
Hoyt Carbon Spyder , 28.5"DL, 74#, 29" Easton FMJ 340 with 3 Blazer vanes, Nocturnal Lighted nock, and 125gr G5 Striker. Total arrow weight 505gr.
From: Bake
11-Oct-19
I'll have you know my setup missed an elk just as good as every one else's setup that missed an elk. . . .
From: COHOYTHUNTER
11-Oct-19
What if you killed a moose? Would that set up be applicable? Smirk*
From: ESP
11-Oct-19
Elite energy 35. 31” dL. 63 lbs. 452 grain gold tip 340 hunter XT. 125 slick Trick magnum 4 fletch blazers
From: BGbasbhat
11-Oct-19
Though no blood trail, I did kill my bull with the below setup and a good (not ideal, but good) shot./
2019 Mathews Vertix at 28.5" draw and 75lbs, 29" GT Hunter XT 340s, Magnus Buzzcut 100gr. 406gr setup, so a bit light at ~7% FOC./
Revamped Arrow Setup: 29" GT Hunter XT 300s, no wrap, 50gr insert, 125gr Magnus or Rage at ~469gr and 14% FOC.
From: Twinetickler
11-Oct-19
Elite Synergy, 29" draw, 70lbs 28" Easton Epic 340 with 4 Blazers. Tipped with a 100 grain Wasp Drone. Total arrow weight 448 gr.
From: midwest
11-Oct-19
Bowtech Experience, 60 lbs., GT Velocity 340 shaft, AAE Max Stealth 4-fletch on a 6" wrap, GT Accu-lite insert with a 50 gr FACT weight, Day Six Evo-X broadhead, 475 gr total.
From: Jaquomo
11-Oct-19
This year it was a Bowtech RealmX set at 58 lbs, 420 grain arrow package (Gold Tip Hunter 400), Iron Will 125 grain vented. But he was so close I could've killed him with a spear...
From: Willieboat
11-Oct-19
Realm X 66 lbs.. Easton ACC 3/71 think arrow weighs about 415 grains....used a Rage Hypodermic for the first time this year.....wont be the last time....looked like a f%cking crime scene !!
From: Zim
11-Oct-19
12 Year old RedHead Toxik @ 60#; GoldTip 340, Thunderhead 100 broad heads, whisker biscuit rest.
Punched out my bull at 38 yards, only went 100 yards. I think it’s about time for an upgrade, but this still groups pretty good.
From: huntnmuleys
11-Oct-19
Yellowstone Half Breed longbow 57@26 (I’m a runt),old Easton autumn orange 2117 arrows, Magnus stinger head. 18 yard shot down in sight.
From: 6x6 bull
11-Oct-19
Mathews Z7 29" 60# Goldtip 340 with a 7" reflective wrap 3 AAE vanes 50 grain brass insert on the business end was a 125 Iron Will! The older I get the more I like shooting my 60# bow!
From: JakeBrake
11-Oct-19
Morrison riser Border limbs 52@29 540 grain vapor 225 of that is up front
From: elkmtngear
11-Oct-19
Elite Pure 65lb limbs, 27.5" draw length, Easton Gamegetter 400 (aluminum), 6x1.25" vinyl arrow wraps, Flex Fletch FFP360 4 vanes, 2 blade Magnus Stinger 125 grain.
Whisker biscuit, bare bow, fingertab
Total Arrow weight I believe is around 520 grains. 45 yard shot, double lung, with penetration to the fletching.
From: 0hndycp
11-Oct-19
BowTech Reign7....31” draw at 71 lbs.....Easton Axis 250 tipped with a QAD Exodus 100 grain head.
From: 'Ike' (Phone)
11-Oct-19
Hoyt Pro Defiant 61# shooting CarbonTech Whitetails At 27 1/2” with 100gr G5 Striker...415gr
From: Bowboy
12-Oct-19
Have you noticed that most of the arrow weights are in the 400-500 plus range.
From: ESP
12-Oct-19
Also some reoccurring broadhead choices
From: MichaelArnette
12-Oct-19
I’m seeing 500 grains being a common thread here! Good stuff notice the average isn’t more than that because of trajectory issues that come with more
From: Dikndirt
12-Oct-19
Elite Energy 35 set at 62 lbs, Easton ACC 390, 27.25", 2" Blazer vanes and Slick 100 magnums, 2 bulls... both went less than 50 yards!
From: altitude sick
12-Oct-19
Surprisingly at most people’s self imposed effective range. 30-40 yards
500 grain arrows shoot flatter than most people would think.
The benefits outweigh the 2 inches of additional trajectory IMNTBHO
From: Jeff Holchin
12-Oct-19
53# Black Widow recurve, Beeman 400’s 9.8 gpi carbons with 250 grain Grizzly Bruins up front Think it’s about 650 grains total, but I don’t shoot much past 20 yards anyway. Shot his WY cow elk at 12 or so yards couple weeks ago. I like close shots!
From: cnelk
12-Oct-19
I’m surprised at all the low/mid 60s draw weight
From: altitude sick
12-Oct-19
Great thread.
Notice Ground-hunters 50# bow and 514 grain arrow gets pass throughs.
Momentum baby
From: Whocares
12-Oct-19
Hoyt RX 1 Ultra. HHA single pin slider. Hoyt drop away rest. Beman Ics Classic Hunter carbon 31" at 340 spine. G5 V2 Striker, 100 gr. Used the G5 Striker before and the new V2 is better yet. 65#. 460 gr.
From: Ucsdryder
12-Oct-19
Prime centergy hydrid, 28.25” at 82lbs. Easton axis 260, 5 grains up front, 125 grain German kinetic. Total arrow weight at 555 grains doing 276fps.
From: Teeton
12-Oct-19
I'd post my setup, but I didnt get a elk this year. :( so Cnelk, start a thread for us unsuccessful.elk hunters. Ed
From: Cornpone
12-Oct-19
Elite Synergy 60#, 28" Beman Bowhunter 340 spine arrow, 125 gr. Muzzy Phantom, feathers, 428 gr. total.
From: Ghost425
12-Oct-19
Carbon Spyder Turbo, 67#, 26.5 draw length, 400 grain Gold Tip, 100 grain Rage Hyperdermic, Nocturanal nocks
From: RIDGEMAN
12-Oct-19
Elite Answer at 60#, 29.5 draw, Victory VAP TKO 350 arrow with 125 Viper Trick. Total weight 480 grains with heavy outcert, Nocturnal lighted nock, 3 2 inch blazer vanes.
From: JTreeman
12-Oct-19
I didn’t get to hunt elk this year, but I like the feed back on this thread and hope others share, interesting to see the differences and similarities.
Hoyt RX-1 28” draw, 68lbs. ViperTrick 125, Day Six 300HD 28.5” with in/outserts. Total weight 529 grains I believe.
—Jim
From: Native Okie
12-Oct-19
Elite Impulse 34, 65#, Day Six 350’s 4 Fletch at 475gr with 125 Slick Trick Mag.
From: Geno
12-Oct-19
Matthews Switchback, 29 inch draw length, 70#, 50 grain weight behind the insert. Gold Tip 340 arrow, 100 grain Montec G5. Not sure on the exact arrow weight but it's mid 400s something.
From: Elkslaya
12-Oct-19
From: darktimber
12-Oct-19
Hoyt Vector 35 73 lbs @ 28". Easton Axis 300, 29". Steelforce 125 gr, 520 gr total weight.
From: carcus
13-Oct-19
Bowtech realmX 70 pounder maxed, 340 fmj, exodus BH, 485gr arrow if I remember correctly, I use the same setup for moose, for deer and bear I use a lighter setup
From: Dirty D
13-Oct-19
Matthew Drenlin - 70# 30" DL. Easton Axis 340, 125g Thunderhead. Total arrow weight 464
From: sukie
13-Oct-19
Hoyt Ultratec, 63#, 32" 3-60 ACC's, 3 fletch with 2" Blazers & 4" wraps, 125 gr Slick Trick standard broadhead. 490ish gr arrow weight.
From: bartl17
13-Oct-19
Mathews NoCam Hunter 60lb, 28.5 inch draw. Easton Axis 400 shaft, Blazers, 125 gr G5 Striker, Nockturnal nock. 438 total weight. Pass through low and tight to shoulder. Elk ran about 30 yds.
From: midwest
13-Oct-19
Wow, sukie....good ol' UltraTec!
From: donnybowhunter
13-Oct-19
Mathews halon 32 , 70lbs, Easton epic, 420 grain, dirt nap bmf 100 grain. brought home a 7x7 bull. went less than 40 yards.
From: Lost Arra
13-Oct-19
Mathews NoCam (old arthritic shoulders) 60# 28" DL Arrows are Goldtip 400's with brass insert and ViperTrick on first cow, VPA 3 blade on second cow. Both arrows are right at 525gr
I take two bows, a recurve/longbow and compound. Hunting area determines my choice. Thick woods, treestand = recurve. Open rocky, sage brush = compound. I get my arrows set up so I use the same shaft but different broadhead for recurve and compound. Cuts down on how many arrows I take. This is the first year I've killed an elk with compound, others longbow. One at a distance I will never ever repeat, 46 yards. Pass thru and hepatic artery saved me.
From: David A.
14-Oct-19
47# Arroyo Recurve (at my draw), 520 gr. Beman Hunter Pro carbons w/150 gr. brass insert and 125 gr. Magnus Stinger 4 blades; my own STAR method nonmechanical release. Penetration up to feathers.
From: BullHunter
14-Oct-19
Hoyt Nitrum 30 @ 71 lbs, 27.5 DL, Easton Axis 340,6" Wrap, FF 360 vanes, Wasp Drone 125. Total Arrow Weight 439 gr
From: huntabsarokee
14-Oct-19
Bowtech realmx 30" draw @ 58 pounds GT Hunter 340s Magnus Black Hornets 125gr Total weight 435 gr Speed 269 fps
This is a new bow for me and was thinking the 60 pound limbs would max out at 61 or 62 but did not. Max is 58. I was a little worried as I typically hunted with a bow around 65 and when I was a little younger more like 70. To be honest I couldn't tell much of a difference at 58 in regards to trajectory or performance. I could really tell drawing the bow though and it was so much nicer pulling 58. I could shoot more and hold longer. Probably won't ever go back above 60 again.
From: elkstabber
14-Oct-19
Hoyt Defiant 65#, 29" draw, 30" Victory RIP 300 shaft, 75 grain East HIT insert, 100 grain Sevr mechanical, total arrow about 490 grains. Double lung complete pass through.
From: Brun
16-Oct-19
Elite Synergy 63 # 28.5 Draw length, Victory arrows. Slick Trick Viper Trick 125g. Total weight 434 grains. Two shots, both pass throughs.
From: Dale06
16-Oct-19
Hoyt Faktor 34 63 pounds Beeman 300, 31” arrows (500 gr total) Iron Will 125V 44 yard shot Double lung pass through Dead in 30 yards
From: IowaHawkeye
16-Oct-19
Hoyt RX1 Ultra. 70 LB. 29.5" DL. GT Hunter Pro 300's. 28.5" 4 fletch blazers, on a wrap. Nokturnal nock. Extra 20gr in the front with Exodus 125's. 490gr total weight
From: standswittaknife
17-Oct-19
Elite energy 35, viper tricks 100 grain. 65lbs at 29”. Bemam hunter pro 340s. He went 175 yards with an absolutely perfect hit.. couldn’t believe it, but he did. Not a great blood trail with these heads which surprised me. The arrow was buried 6” in the dirt 70 yards past the elk ( he was above me with not real back drop) impressive penetration, not so with the blood trail..
From: Trophyhill
20-Oct-19
2009 D350 is my instrument of death. GT XT Hunter 340's, 390gr, 70# 29" 100 gr RazorTricks currently
From: deerslayer
21-Oct-19
Hoyt Nitrum 34 - 80 lbs - Easton Axis Match grade 260 (5mm) - 50 gr brass insert with aluminum footers - 125 gr Rage Hypodermic- 580 grain total arrow weight
From: Paul@thefort
21-Oct-19
19 yard kill shot. Arrow entered behind left rib and poked out at rt shoulder.
19 yard kill shot. Arrow entered behind left rib and poked out at rt shoulder.
Mathews single cam set at 62 pounds.
Gold Tip arrow 400, tipped with 125 gr VPA 3 bld vented, BH with 12 gr brass collar = 500 gr.
From: PaWapiti
21-Oct-19
Elite Tempo 62# 29" with Easton FMJ Magnus Buzzcut 483 Gr. complete pass through.
From: Elkpacker1
21-Oct-19
58 lb @ 29 Blacktail recurve , Axis 340 trads 75 gr brass insert. 3x5 fletching 200 grain VPA . 610 grains . total pass threw at 20 yards. performance was outstanding. shot a blacktail forky last week same set up and shaft was 10 yards other side.
From: Cheesehead Mike
21-Oct-19
Matthews Halon 6, 74#, 28.5" draw, Easton FMJ 300, Nockturnal, G5 100 gr. Stryker. Shot Slick Tricks the last several years and decided to give the Strykers a try, I like them.
From: Pickahair
21-Oct-19
60 lb reign 6, 28.5 dl 50 gr brass insert, axis 340, 100 gr viper trick, 2.1 fusion 3 fletch, 450 gr arrow, complete pass through, good blood trail!
From: Jethro
22-Oct-19
Spyder 34 @ 65lbs w/ 29" draw. GT Hunter 300 shafts. 125 Viper Trick. Finished arrow weight 445 grains.
From: Outdoorsdude
23-Oct-19
Used the same setup this year as the last 6 but didn't get a pass-trough. PSE Evo7 @70lb, 31in+dloop draw. Axis 300 with Magnus stinger 125 4blade. 505gr @289fps. (there are two arrows in the photo)
From: Teeton
23-Oct-19
Outdoorsdude, 31+ inches of penetration I'll count that as a pass thru. I did pretty much the same on one about 5 years ago. Mine made it to the tenderloin. Ed
From: 12yards
24-Oct-19
I've gone twice now and still haven't shot an elk but this was my setup. Last year I used an Elite GT500, 29/60, with the old Beman ICS Camo Hunters (10 gpi) with 150 grain Magnus Stinger. TAW of 486 grains.
From: Fdales Finest
13-Jan-20
Glad I found this thread being a Whitetail Hunter from NJ everything I have been reading and hearing on podcasts were touting heavy 500+ grain & 15%+ FOC arrows.
With what I read the bulk of the hunters here are shooting 58-63 pound bows with arrows between 4-500 grain total weight arrows with the bulk of that being about 430 grains. The arrow of choice is the Gold Tip Hunter and XT, followed by Beman hunters and the Easton Axis. The clear winner in broadhead was the Slick Trick primarily the Magnum and Vipertrick then the Magnus stinger and finally Rage Hypo although of all of the posts so far there were only 4 mechanical's used.
This makes me feel good about my equipment being a 60lb Elite pure at 30" draw shooting a 457 grain Beman Hunter with either the Vipertrick or the Magnus Buzzcut at approximately 268 fps.
From: Huntcell
13-Jan-20
From: Royboy
13-Jan-20
RealmX 29 1/2 inch draw set at 58 lbs. Like others said love the draw cycle and weight. Carbon express arrows with 100gr Wasp HV. Full pass thru at 50 yards
From: Dale06
13-Jan-20
Last Sept, I arrowed a big 5x5. It ran about 30 yards and collapsed. Hoyt Faktor 63 pounds, 31” Beeman Nightfall, 7” wrap, three 4” feathers, 125 Iron Will V. Double lunged pass through, with the arrow going about 20 yards behind the elk.
From: Surfbow
14-Jan-20
The bow I killed my elk with is a Mission Eliminator, 57#, 29", 31" Easton Axis 340 with 100gr. Carbon Express XT 4-blade, ~480gr total weight if I remember right. I split the near side shoulder blade clean in half and the broadhead still poked through the far side. My new bow is an Elite Energy 35, it shoots the same arrows but must faster...
From: Whocares
14-Jan-20
Hoyt RX1 Ultra. 65#. 100gr G5 Striker. Complete pass through broadside. 25 yards. Dropped within sight about 80 yds away. That's 7 bulls in a row with the 100gr G5 Striker. This year I used the V2 version of that same broadhead. Of the 7, 6 were pass throughs with short recovery and the 7th was a quartering away at 30 yds that entered in front of the hip and was protruding from the neck just in front of the opposite side shoulder. Previous bow was Hoyt Carbon Spyder 34. Use a single pin slider on this bow and the previous two bows.
From: Archer2
14-Jan-20
I am surprised by the lack of people using Black Eagle arrows in their elk set ups.
From: 12yards
14-Jan-20
Well if you are wondering, the average arrow weighs about 475 grains in this thread.
From: Whocares
14-Jan-20
The arrow I've been using is Beeman ICS carbon 340.
From: Jaquomo
14-Jan-20
I'd never heard of Black Eagle arrows until this thread. Just looked them up. The "Revelation" model sells for $299 a dozen, fletched. At that price they should be heat-seeking..
