Few animals possess the captivating presence of the rocky mountain elk. A mature bull, standing nearly five feet tall at the shoulder and weighing seven hundred pounds, is a monumental game animal. Hunters live for the chance to pursue one of these massive ungulates in their natural environment.
From traversing mountain drainages to dark timber, an elk hunt is a hunt of a lifetime. We have broken this article into several sub-sections to provide as much information and content as possible for new and veteran elk hunters.
First is the required education and minimum legal gear for bowhunting in the four most popular elk states. Second is our recommended archery equipment needed for elk hunting. Last but certainly not least are the seasons and availabilities for each state.
Draw Weight
The minimum legal draw weight depends on the state in which you are hunting. The minimum legal draw weight for Idaho is 40lbs with no more than an 85% let-off. While the minimum legal standard s 40lbs, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Between 60-70 lbs draw is a much better standard for puncturing a thick elk hide at 40 yards.
Here are a few more Western states’ standards to give you an idea of what the legal draw weight is for a bow hunt.
We understand from the information above that the bar is set attainably low and, in some cases, not set at all. So what is the draw weight most hunters use? The answer to that question varies based on the hunter.
Some hunters who have advanced stalking abilities choose to use a lighter draw bow; as an example, a modern compound bow with an 80% let-off at full draw will result in a hunter only holding 9 pounds. Conversely, a hunter who wishes to hunt in terrain where shots may be longer distances or with a traditional bow like a recurve often chooses a heavier draw to reassure that the arrow will find its mark even at 40 yards.
A good recommendation is to shoot the heaviest bow you can comfortably shoot if your bow can be adjusted to 50 pounds; excellent. If you can achieve consistent accuracy with a 60 lb draw, all the better for guaranteeing a fatal shot.
Setting Up Your Bow For Elk
Now that a bow has been selected, it’s crucial to understand the elements that make a complete bow setup. The bowhunting rig consists of a bow, sights, arrows, broadheads, and a release. Each aspect of this rig should be carefully considered. With game laws being different between states, it is important to consider variations from what is permitted in your chosen state when planning a hunt.
Sights
For western elk hunting, bow sights come in two varieties: single and multi-pin. Single pins are respected for their simplicity and allow a hunter to compensate for the distance inside or outside the pin’s preset range.
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This freedom to compensate is its largest detractor, too; excited hunters who have ranged the target can still find themselves over or undershooting because the animal appears much larger than expected. The second and most popular option is the multi-pin setup. Hunters can set three pins like on the CBE Engage Hybrid 3 Pin. Each pin being a different yard marker.
A five-pin like the Spot-Hogg Fast Eddie Sight. Some hunters prefer a vertically positioned pin, whereas others prefer a horizontal pin. The horizontal pin is the more common, and I grew up shooting it, so it has been my go-to.
Arrows
Arrows are often overlooked as a critical aspect of the bowhunting rig. Of the western states mentioned above, only Montana has a posted minimum overall weight for an arrow. Three hundred grains total is easy to accomplish, but many hunters prefer a heavier arrow. 450-500grains is a respectable total arrow weight to ensure good penetration with most hunting bows.
For bows that are shooting at a slower velocity, like an older compound or traditional bow, a 600-grain arrow will help counteract the effects of the projectile moving slower. While the trade-off isn’t perfectly equal using the equation F=Mass X acceleration, we can see that a hunter can create roughly the same results using a slower, heavier arrow as they can with a lighter, faster arrow. Bear in mind before we start sending telephone poles down range that the heavier arrow will drop faster than the light arrow.
Broadheads
Broadheads are required for all large game animals. With any of the states mentioned, the maximum size of a fixed broadhead with a size no less than 7/8 of an inch and has at least two cutting surfaces. Colorado requires at least two blades, and to restrict the use of serrated blades, the rule specifies that “Each cutting edge must be in the same plane for the entire length of cutting surface.”
While the classic two-bladed broadhead remains popular for its ease of sharpening and heavyweight, many hunters opt for a multi-blade design. Multi-blade broad heads provide more cutting area in a lighter-weight package, ideal for faster shooting bows.
The Grim Reaper Hades is an excellent example of a three-blade broad head designed to deliver tremendous cutting area in a lightweight head. With a cutting area of 1-3/16 inches, even the 100-grain head will provide a substantial blood trail.
Many states do permit the use of broad mechanical heads. For example, Montana’s archery laws permit the use of mechanical broadheads “Expandable broadheads as long as when expanded they are at least 7/8 inches at the widest point, and weigh no less than 70 grains.”
Mechanical broadheads have had their share of controversy in their initial release; however, in the decades since they have become as reliable as their fixed-blade counterparts. In the case of the SEVR Titanium 1.5, the blades can be locked closed, and a hunter can practice using the same arrow with which they plan on hunting.
Archery Release
While not attached directly to the bow, the release in the lynchpin between shooter and bow. A sticky or uncomfortable release will only hinder a hunter. For hunting, especially in more adverse conditions that elk hunters routinely find themselves in, a trigger-style release is the best option.
Some target shooters find the hinge release to be a better solution by ensuring the string is released with a twist of the wrist instead of a trigger pull. If this style suits you better, then more power to you; however, a majority of hunters prefer a thumb or index finger-activated trigger that they can quickly pull when an elk stops his charge broadside to survey an area.
For hunters wishing to use a thumb release, the UltraView Button is an incredibly well-designed release. The UltraView started its design as a target release focusing on a clean and consistent release. The large thumb lever is textured to provide traction in even the slickest conditions. Most thumb releases do not come with a wrist strap like index finger releases. With the possibility of a shot occurring whenever and often at the least opportune time, it is highly recommended that you purchase a wrist strap for your release. Straps can be anything from woven paracord to full cuffs like the Wrist Assist from Trufire.
Index finger or “trigger” releases are the most common release style and are still preferred by many hunters for their ability to be set for a consistent draw. One word of caution when selecting an index release for elk hunting is to avoid Velcro.
Velcro is lightweight and inexpensive, but it cannot let a hunter consistently attach the wrist strap to the same place on their wrist. A wrist strap with a buckle system like the Trophy Ridge ArchX gives a more consistent draw by guaranteeing the strap is in the same spot on the wrist, and thus your draw and peep sight are in the same place every time.
Accessories
Bow sling
Elk live in places that can be far off the beaten path. What this means for a bow hunter is long stretches of hiking without needing your bow to be at the ready. The bow sling was invented for long hikes and times when both hands are needed. Much like a rifle sling, a bow sling allows you to carry your fully kitted bow over your shoulder or across your back.
A bonus of the sling over having your bow lashed to your pack is the string and cams are covered, protecting them from damaging branches or rocks in case of a fall. When the time is right like when preparing for a stalk, all that is needed is to unclasp the bow from the sling and start hunting.
There are many low-cost options on the market for bow slings; we would advise looking into the higher-end bow slings as dropping a bow that could cost upwards of $1000 on a once-in-a-lifetime hunt, miles in the backcountry doesn’t sound like cost savings in the long run. The Sitka Bow Sling is a completely American-sourced and manufactured sling that comes in a variety of sizes based on the overall bow size.
Bow hunting education requirements
Understanding bow hunting requirements should be considered the first step when planning an elk hunt. While it certainly is the basis for all hunting, we chose to put it here to provide a more concise explanation of the four states we have been covering.
A hunter safety course is a requirement for any state. The bowhunting safety courses offered by your individual state will offer a wealth of knowledge in all things bowhunting.
Beyond mandatory education, taking courses focused on elk and archery hunting is wise. Elk hunting “courses” can be found from a wide variety of educators. Nearly every hunting influencer and gear company offers an “Elk 101” or similar course. Larger organizations like REMF or even state agencies like Colorado Parks and Wildlife offer the broadest range of information without being too gear-focused. Both organizations provide excellent information on elk habitat, scouting, and even some locations to try and hunt.
Bow hunting seasons and application
Each state has slightly different seasons for bowhunting to correlate with the peak rut. Generally speaking, archery season is first, so hunters can capitalize on love-struck bulls that respond well to calling. With the lower success rate for bowhunters, tags are usually easier to acquire, whether through a lottery system, so select units or OTC or over-the-counter general tags.
Colorado
Colorados arechery elk season is September 2-30. A hunter may choose to hunt with a bow in muzzleloader and rifle season, but they must possess a tag for that season. Hunters must also follow the rules and regulations for later seasons, such as a minimum of 500 square inches of fluorescent orange or pink. Hunters looking to take a cow elk can find even greater opportunities by purchasing a cow tag. A cow tag limits the hunter to only killing cows. Still, these tags are offered at a discounted rate over the counter for many units.
Montana
Montana’s elk hunter has an archery season running from September 2 to October 15. Like Colorado, bow hunters may hunt with a bow in rifle season extending into December. These late-season hunts are challenging as elk have become skittish from hunting pressure and are no longer looking to assemble for the rut. Montana also has “shoulder” seasons that can occur as early as August to help cull the antlerless/ cow elk population before the rut begins. Shoulder season changes in date and distribution from year to year, so it is important to check the fish and wildlife department frequently before the season.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s archery season is from September 1 to 24th and again from January 1 to 15th. It should be noted that some management areas, including private land, may not be open to hunting for the entire season. Read regulations carefully before and after applying for units and tags.
Idaho
Idaho’s elk regulations are more nuanced than the other states. With a general elk tag and not a management tag, a hunter in the panhandle zone can hunt from August 30 to September 30 and again from October 25th-29th and December 10th-16th. The Palouse zone is August 1st-September 30th. Many others, like Dworshak and Salmon Zone, are the standard August 30 to September 30.
Now Get Out There
An elk hunt is a bucket list item for many hunters. With the concerted effort of state agencies and sportsmen’s advocacy groups, elk are again a major presence on the landscape in most of the West. Hunters have a prime opportunity for Rocky Mountain elk in Colorado, Montana, Idaho, and New Mexico. For hunters looking to add to the challenge, increase their odds, or experience peak rut activity, bowhunting is the best way to hunt these incredible animals.
If you ever need any help with setting up your bow, your local sportsman shop likely has a bow department that can do the technical work for you. There also may be a local bow specialty shop that can be of support as well. I always recommend joining online groups such as those on Facebook to connect with like-minded hunters who can point you in the right direction when you need to ask a quick question.
If you enjoyed this article, here are some more helpful articles from Pinetrees And Solitude.
- What You Need For An Idaho Mule Deer Hunt
- Catch Mule Deer While They Are Active
- What Should I Bring Elk Hunting? Idaho List
- Hunting Elk In Timber: Tactics To Even The Odds
(This article was originally published on Pintreesandsolitude.com. If it is now published on any other site, it was done without permission from the copyright owner.)