hello folks this will be my first elk hunt in September 2017.we are going archery I shoot a older Mathews dxt at 65#.was wondering what weight arrows and broadheads would be a good choice.i also have a crossbow haven't looked to see if it is able to be used during the archery season or not so don't know to bring it along or not.and also any other recommendations on gear and such would be very helpful.im looking forward to getting to Colorado ive wanted to go for along time and finally going to do it.thank you and hope to hear some info
first time going elk hunting
- Thread starter kurt72
- Start date
backcountry_hunter
New member
- Aug 8, 2016
- 213
All going to depend on your draw length but you'll be somewhere in the 400-340 spine ball park. Nothing wrong with a DXT... those were good bows.
ok thanks for the info.i believe my draw is set at 27".i bought the bow new and don't remember exactly what it was set at.i still have the arrows I bought then they are 400 gold tips.i currently shoot 100 grain heads.should I stay at same grain and any suggestions on what broadhead to use?thanks
backcountry_hunter
New member
- Aug 8, 2016
- 213
broadheads can generate a debate we can all disagree on 
.... that said I've been shooting slick tricks out of my compound set up and can't say enough good things. I used to shoot mechanical's in states that would allow it but slick tricks fly as close to field points, if not closer, than rage's. I shot G5 Montec's for years with no complaints other than the noise they made flying through the air and they rusted easy on an extended hunt if it rained. Guys that are shooting solid broadheads have nothing but great things to say. 100 or 125 is personal pref but if you're shooting a 400 spine arrow you might want the little extra weight/KE/FOC of the 125, although the 100 will give you a flatter trajectory.
I'd maybe thinks about trying 1/2 dozen of the 340's just for the extra gpi. If you don't like them you're not out much but they'd carry a bit more kinetic energy than your 400's. Although a well placed shot with either and the elk won't care....
.... that said I've been shooting slick tricks out of my compound set up and can't say enough good things. I used to shoot mechanical's in states that would allow it but slick tricks fly as close to field points, if not closer, than rage's. I shot G5 Montec's for years with no complaints other than the noise they made flying through the air and they rusted easy on an extended hunt if it rained. Guys that are shooting solid broadheads have nothing but great things to say. 100 or 125 is personal pref but if you're shooting a 400 spine arrow you might want the little extra weight/KE/FOC of the 125, although the 100 will give you a flatter trajectory.I'd maybe thinks about trying 1/2 dozen of the 340's just for the extra gpi. If you don't like them you're not out much but they'd carry a bit more kinetic energy than your 400's. Although a well placed shot with either and the elk won't care....
BowhuntElk
New member
- Mar 10, 2017
- 3
I shoot a 400 grain arrow with a solid Montec 125 grain broadhead SS. I love them because unless your bow is REALLY out of tune they fly like a field point (that I hope your practicing with a lot). Kinetic Energy, or PUNCH as I call it is really important on an elk. There is a lot of bone, even a rib can stop an arrow from doing what you want it to. Ive taken deer, hogs, elk and turkey with this set-up. The most important thing I'd like to say for a new elk hunter going out west is: Shot placement is critical!!!! A double lung hit bull can go 100 - 200 yards easy and wont necessarily bleed much the first 80 yards. In thick elk cover you can lose an elk in that distance, hard fact. A single lung or other less than great hit might have an elk travel 1/2 mile or more in a matter of a few minutes. You see people shoot 60-80 yards on TV and in hunt videos sometimes, but I tell you, its risky, a LOT can happen in that span of space. I try for less than 50 yards, less than 30 is ideal. Its also the most fun! Good luck.
montanaelk31
Member
- Mar 18, 2014
- 307
I'd go a 340 spine and 100 gr tip. Just a little extra oomph.
Broad heads wise, think penetration. 2 blade out penetrate 3 blades of the same cutting width. I've shot elk with mechanicals and fixed. My favorite are the ones that make 2 holes. Fixed or mechanical. I would not go with a 2 inch cut, however.
Broad heads wise, think penetration. 2 blade out penetrate 3 blades of the same cutting width. I've shot elk with mechanicals and fixed. My favorite are the ones that make 2 holes. Fixed or mechanical. I would not go with a 2 inch cut, however.
