Elk Hunting with a bow

Guess it is this time of year... we are all starting to think of hunting again as the days get shorter and the nights longer... nope, not deer hunting but Elk Hunting.

I am being asked by many what it takes to hunt elk with a bow and arrow. Beside this taking the skill, it simply requires a bow designed to kill a big animal.

This is really a special piece of equipment. So generally, one starts with a bow of a smaller model and then graduates slowly once it is decided to take up this sport on regular basis. A bow set at 53-60 lbs is fully capable of downing the largest of Elk, however, skill and shot placement are paramount to your success.

It is very essential to learn in detail about each feature and the capability of one's weapon including the arrow shafts, weights, type and broadheads that create massive wound channels. The arrows must be of a particular length and capacity (weight) to penetrate the tough skin and cartilage of the animal for an instant kill.

You need to prepare (practice) a lot to effectively shoot the arrow to kill the animal with a huge weight and practice at 45-60 yards is a must.

When hunting elk with bow and arrow, the hunter must pay full attention to every small detail. They do shooting practice in either coveralls or heavy coats and spend time learning about the food and water source for elk in the location. They also get to know their prey according to period of day and temperature and spend a lot of time reading local reports on wildlife activities in that area. In case hunter is utilizing tree stands for hunting, he can make use of two or three tree stands for gaining the right view of the location. All this will be done long before actual hunt starts. Ground hunting and stalking are the preferences of Western Elk Hunting, so practice at covering your smell is as paramount and vital as practicing with your hunting tools of the trade.

Those who take part in elk hunting with bow and arrow will definitely enjoy hunting, especially when it ends in winning a trophy. Even if they lose, they are satisfied with the learning experience. A good hunter is aware that learning is power which will give success in future in this field not matter the end result... after all it is hunting not killing...

CBJ