Elk archery bow draw weights

[Dave2643]

I recently had surgery that left me too weak to draw my bow. I am 72 and have been fairly successful in bagging elk with a bow and still enjoy getting out that time of year. My bow was an Elite Hunter with a 70# pull. I am trying to regain my strength and have let the pull down to 60 lbs, which is all the local bow shop recommended I go. My question is what is the lowest weight of draw is an ethical pull for hunting elk? I may have to purchase a new bow.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

I'd hunt with a 50# bow. Heavish arrow and a small cut on contact fixed blade.

 

[Nick87]

I'd say you could go all the way down to
40 Pounds. It's just going to limit your effective range that's all. I am not and accomplished archery elk hunter though, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

 

[Jnasa]

I recently had surgery that left me too weak to draw my bow. I am 72 and have been fairly successful in bagging elk with a bow and still enjoy getting out that time of year. My bow was an Elite Hunter with a 70# pull. I am trying to regain my strength and have let the pull down to 60 lbs, which is all the local bow shop recommended I go. My question is what is the lowest weight of draw is an ethical pull for hunting elk? I may have to purchase a new bow.

60 lbs is plenty. That's what I hunt with and don't have shoulder problems. Many people are shooting heavier poundage than they need or can really handle.

Some states had a 50lb minimum for elk. So look to confirm

I think lighter is ok but will want to shorten distance which many people should anyway. If lighter lbs.maybe consider a fixed blade cut on contact broad head.

If using mechanical just look up if there are any recommendations with that specific one.

 

[Southern Elk]

With modern bows 50 is enough.

 

[Mallardsx2]

Minimal archery tackle brought this bull down. A LOT less than 60 pounds..

 

[blackbeard]

Following, I'm having shoulder/elbow issues. Wondering what I can drop to for draw weight and still be effective.

 

[Dan O]

Get a bow that has the 50 to 60 LBS range of adjustment. Start low and increase poundage as you go. Use a heavier arrow and a cut on contact broadhead. Keep the range reasonable and you should be fine. If 50 LBS is too much drop down to 40 to 50 LBS.

 

[kiwi hunter]

Get a bow that has the 50 to 60 LBS range of adjustment. Start low and increase poundage as you go. Use a heavier arrow and a cut on contact broadhead. Keep the range reasonable and you should be fine. If 50 LBS is too much drop down to 40 to 50 LBS.

50 is plenty enough, to 50 yrds. Had neck problems the last three months, 2 month in bed mostly and got home last week and my new 35 lb recurve was almost too hard to pull back, took two turns out and its manageable now, with luck i can increase to 40 , got new 40 limbs at same time.