BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[Taku]

I've been hunting with rifles in the Yukon for many years....

I would love to try my bow. It's nothing fancy....a Poppa Bear....something like that...it's pretty damn good actually....and I can shoot it fairly well up to about 40-45 yards max. I'm not sure exactly what it is set at...I would guess about 66-70 lbs and I'm practising with 125 gr. tips and recently broadheads...

My question is this.....what range is this effective to. I have a range finder and would be reluctant to shoot past 40 yards. I've hunted for close to 30 years using canoes...I can get close....is a bow with 125 gr pulling around 66-70 enough to get the job done if the shot is placed well?

just wondering...any help would be greatly appreciated

cheers,

taku

[CVC]

I think it will be fine for hunting.

[Taku]

Thanks for the feedback....I appreciate it

I just noticed that I neglected to write that it was moose I would be using the bow for....obviously an important factor...sorry about that!! :oops:

what range would a set up like that be good to? I have no intention of taking a long shot....if it's too far for my "confidence level" I'll use my rifle....but I'm just wondering what the effective range would be.

thanks

[ADKBEAR]

Might want to read the "matching bow to arrow" thread. Also take the whole set up to a reputable archery shop and have them go through it. Sounds like an old compound (?) and I would have it checked out and make sure you have the correct spined arrows for what you are shooting.
As far as distance much of that is up to your ability. I tend not to take shots over 30 yds. That works here in the East. Seems from what I have read, out West longer shots are the norm?

[fuzzybear]

Any properly tuned bow with 50 lbs of draw weight or better with a properly spined arrow that you can shoot comfortably and accurately from any shooting position is a good bow to use. Age of bow or type of bow has nothing to do with it.
It's best to keep your shots within 30 yds with most longbows, recurves and older wheel compounds. The new hybrids can throw arrows with a bit more energy.

[Taku]

Thanks for your input....I appreciate it.

I'm still practising...shooting comfortably from 30-35 yards.....I think the bow will do the job at that range. I'll practise for a week or two more and then out we go in earnest for our family hunt. Then, if history is any indication, I'll see a nice bull and shoot it with my rifle ::-k

But you never konw....I'll have the bow with me for sure....

thanks again.

[CVC]

Couple of suggestions.

Try practicing at yardage longer than you actually plan to shoot. This does two things - it better shows flaws in form or set up and it builds confidence. If you can shoot well on a target at 40 or 45 then 30 or 35 yard shot will seem easy.

Also, be sure to pick a spot when you shoot with the bow. It is easy (speaking from experience) to shoot at the whole animal. Shot placement is critical with the bow.

And lastly, have fun :thumbsup1:

[Taku]

Great advice...thanks!

Once in awhile I step back to 40-45 and some shots are right on and some, well...are about 8-10 inches off the mark....this occurs much less at 30-35...I've just put it down to needing to work more at it. I've even purchased a rear site for the bow string but, in all honestly, I dont think I'll use it this year.

Shot placement, well...over the years hunting with a rifle I've pretty much learned that part of things....I know where I will want to hit the moose with the arrow...but will such a shot present itself? That's the fun part!!

Can't wait....

cheers

[cam69conv]

One thing I havnt seen commented on since you told us is that you are going for moose. This is a very large and very heavy boned animal (even in the rib cage) and since you dont know the speed you are shooting at then its a little hard to gauge the kinetic energy that it will produce with your setup. That being said, even with my top of the line 300+ setup on a moose I would not attempt a shot past 30 yards for the simple reason of penetration. Even with a perfectly placed lung shot, the arrow will still have to get through them ribs. I, unfortunatly, have yet to draw a moose tag, but my experiance with large bull elk has taught me the value of that lesson. Poor penetration will often result in injured and unrecovered game. One thing you need to do is take your rig to a reputable bow shop and get it chronied to know the speed that you have. That way you can formulate the kinetic energy and get somewhat of an idea of your effective range for penetration. Kinetic energy is often dissmissed with rifles and is a hotly debated topic of importaince. But its a whole different world when it comes to archery and is extreamly importaint. Good broadheads, Properly spined and weighted arrows, and confidence. Know your equipment and what it is capable of as well as what you are and you will have a blast. Good luck to you and happy hunting.

[cam69conv]

Just saw this link a couple of places down... It has alot of VERY valuable info on it and should help you greatly.

http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowselection.htm

[josef2424]

It all depends on your own confidence with yourself. That poundage is enough to kill a moose at 60 yards. But if you do not practice at that range enough your confidence will not allow you to make those shots. Keep in mind that a moose's vitals are about 5 times as big as a deer's. Be sure to use a cut on contact broadhead. Good luck :thumbsup1:

[donahue5668]

if you are shooting 40-45 yards go to 55-60 and practice there for a bit. it will help you get a better group. the farther you shoot the smaller the target gets. so if you practice and start getting a pretty good group at 55 your confidence wil be higher and your group will be better at 40-45