Stupid Elk Question

[M.E.B.]

Stupid question I know, variables involved.

I am torn between bringing my recurve good to about 30 yds on an elk as compared to my compound good to 50 yds on elk.

What are the average shot distances are you guys getting?

[M.E.B.]

Dang thought I was on Campfire.

[Bisch]

I would LOVE to find a stupid elk to shoot my longbow at!

I have been elk hunting 3 times and have yet to get a shot, soooooo, my average would be "0"!

Bisch

[M.E.B.]

I would LOVE to find a stupid elk to shoot my longbow at!

I have been elk hunting 3 times and have yet to get a shot, soooooo, my average would be "0"!

Bisch

With a guide all three times?

[SwampGhost]

I've only got two shots at elk and one was 30 yards ( missed) and one at 20 (dead elk).
It's only 20 yards effective range between your trad bow and recurve. Not that big of an advantage to carry that heavy compound lol
Good luck on your hunt no matter what your bringing!

[Bisch]

With a guide all three times?

No! Guided only once. It was the hunt I saw the LEAST elk on and again, had no shot opportunity.

My "guide" could not get lost in those mountains, but he could not find an elk to save his life!

Bisch

[M.E.B.]

No! Guided only once. It was the hunt I saw the LEAST elk on and again, had no shot opportunity.

My "guide" could not get lost in those mountains, but he could not find an elk to save his life!

Bisch

Maybe he was more of a hiker than a hunter.

[SwampGhost]

No! Guided only once. It was the hunt I saw the LEAST elk on and again, had no shot opportunity.

My "guide" could not get lost in those mountains, but he could not find an elk to save his life!

Bisch

Now Bisch you know what they say?

don't guide the guide lol

[stayfit]

Killed bulls at 12, 18, 20, 30, 40, 60. Standing, sitting and kneeling. Missed bulls too. Had biggest bull walk by me at 1 yard. That's in 20 years of elk hunting - so if you want a shot opportunity IMO take the compound. It's hard hunting and you'll pay your dues for being a flatlander. I want to be ready with something that can get me a shot op.
After you kill a couple of elk - then take the recurve.
It will be your best hunt ever if you go to a good place.

[Restless]

Kill one with a wheel bow at 20 yards and you will wish you used a recurve, miss one at 30 yards and you'll wish you had the wheels. You pay your money you take a chance, for me it will be use a Longbow or a recurve,

[SwampGhost]

Kill one with a wheel bow at 20 yards and you will wish you used a recurve, miss one at 30 yards and you'll wish you had the wheels. You pay your money you take a chance, for me it will be use a Longbow or a recurve,

I missed at 30 but never wished I had wheels. It only made me more determined to try to get closer. Elk or no elk, it's worth the trip just to be in that country...

[Tracker0721]

I've switched to traditional only. Got rid of all my wheels and have 2 recurves. Adding a longbow or selfbow next. Getting up close and personal is half the hunt

[Txnrog]

It depend a little bit on how/where you hunt. You will hunt a little differently with the shorter range, but I don't think there is a huge difference between 30 and 50 yards in heavy timber in central CO. If you're hunting more open stuff like New Mexico juniper, western CO oak brush, or wyoming sage, there is a big difference between 30 and 50.

I haven't missed my compound since I started elk hunting trad, but I have only been at it 2 real seasons.

[Chunky]

I have been about a dozen times, and like my buddy Bisch, I have no elk...so if you were to use my experiences, don't carry anything and save the weight.

[Bisch]

Mike, I will add this -

If you go up there with your compound and shoot an elk at 15-20yds, you will be kick yourself in the butt for not using your stick!

Just something to think about.

Bisch