As often happens, we are discussing only draw weight.  Bows of the same draw weight can differ dramatically in performance.  I have bows that differ by 5-6# in draw that shoot the same arrow at the same speed.  So depends on bow design.  A high performance recurve or hybrid will tend to be an entirely different thing from a slow self bow (not implying that all self bows are slow     )  .  Draw weight alone is only one factor.

No problem with 50+ at 30 inches.  Heck I hunt Alaska moose with 51 @ 30.5 and John is 52 @ 31.  He killed his big bull with a quartered away shot.  Both lungs and lodged into the far shoulder bone.

Mike

Upfront, I have never hunted Elk with a bow. That said, the other day I chronographed a 620 grain Douglas Fir arrow out of a 64" Toelke Classic Whip which is 53 lbs. @29". They flew 167 f.p.s., a 660 grain shaft went 164 f.p.s., results with my 5 lbs. heavier Super D were identical. I suspect with a sharp 2 blade broadhead set-ups like this are sufficient for just about anything on this Continent.

Thanks for the positive replies.

Good question, and I don't feel this is beating a dead horse. You need to be confident in your set-up. I know Mike Lapinski recommends a bow of at least 60 pounds, and I have a hard time arguing with the guy. However, I think if you are shooting a well tuned arrow at your long draw you will be fine, but I also don't know much.

P.S. I recommend all the books by Mike on hunting elk with a bow. Great reads.

I think Mike wants to limit the pressure on his elk hunting spots:)  Lots of elk hunters would have to stay home if it required 60# to hunt elk.

QuoteOriginally posted by Braveheart Archery:
Your 30+ inch draw is a huge advantage.  It would likely take a bow over 60 pounds at 28" performance wise to equal your low fifties bow at over 30 inches.
   

Yeah, that draw length is like cheating and having an afterburner. You are good to go. Short armed guys like me (27" draw) usually default to heavier weights.

I've never hunted Elk either, but know a chap that hunts them religiously with a 50 something pound d/r longbow. He's probably killed more elk with archery tackle than I've had hot breakfasts and he has reported exceptional results over the last several years using heavier (around 700 grain) arrows with a heavy 2 blade head. Lots of complete pass through's and reasonable results even when hitting heavy bone.

Good luck  

Jim

i think this is a great topic..i do agree with every one..but does every one agree if it was a selfbow..if have some self bows and they feel to light..SO,i have pasted on hunting elk with them..and maybe i have been wrong..SORRY FOR HI JACKING THE TOPIC..john

Stay away from leg bones. You can shoot thru ribs on both sides with that 30" draw.

Definitely!

No problem.

Kris

I got my elk last year with my Bushbow, #55 @32" Arrow weight is a little less than a VW, 625gr. My Sasquatch is being made to the same specs, good for elk , deer, or zombies.

Again, I will harp on the draw length here. Arrow speed and weight is relevant, not draw weight.

I shot a deer recently with a 44# @ 25" recurve. that flings a 500gr arrow just about 150fps. at 31" you'd likely only need to be shooting 32.5#. thats assuming 8" brace height and equal effeciency of the bow.

so your 50# @ 31" is like me shooting 67# @ 25".

So if I asked if you though 67# was enough at 25" draw to shoot an elk ... probably everyone would have wondered why I even bothered to ask.

Long story short, you have no problem here at all ... good 2 blade and you'll probably be shocked.