change my set-up for Caribou ?
 

I just confirmed that I'lljoin a group hunting Caribou in Northern Quebec this fall. We get 2 tags each to fill in 4 days, won't be hard to do (with a gun) if the migration has reached the camp.
I'm thinking of taking the bow just in case conditions are perfect and critters are around every corner. I've heard that Caribou are thin skinned so I'm wondering if my whitetail setup is enough, or if I should add some weight and play around with my bow.
I'm only shooting 55lbs (short draw length = small bow) but have had great success dropping deer.
What would y'all do, stick with tried and true, or pump it up a bit?

RE: change my set-up for Caribou ?
 

Of course caribou are larger than whitetails but shot placement can certainly play the major role along a good sharp broadhead. If your capable of shooting more poundage by all means, crank it up a bit. If your satisfied with your setup, limit your range to closer effective ranges and have a great trip....one of the hunts I want to do in the near future.

RE: change my set-up for Caribou ?
 

I have been up to Quebec for caribou a few times and any setup suitable for deer will suit you fine for caribou. If you are making any changes keep in mind that your shots will be typically longer than on deer here in Ontario. I would work on up to 50 yd shots. Caribou are not as big as many would think. A good bull will weigh less than 300 lbs on the hoof and most will be closer to 250 lbs. The long legs and and bigger racks make them look a little larger than life. For example my last bull skinned and with legs cut at the joint and head removed weighed 162 lbs. Also realize that they really have no where to hide after the shot if you're above the tree line in Aug/Sept and if doing the winter hunt in Nov/Dec then you are on snow and in many cases in treed areas. Feel free to pm if you want more info on bou hunting.

RE: change my set-up for Caribou ?
 

Terry summed it up well. They aren't any tougher than whitetails but the distances are typically longer. I like expandables for caribou because they increase my effective range out to 40 yards with nice tight groups. Also practice ranging in open country. Distances become deceiving in the wide open.

RE: change my set-up for Caribou ?
 

So expandables shoot further than regular braodheads?

RE: change my set-up for Caribou ?
 

Your set up is marginal at best for expandables. I wouldn't even think of using them with that low a poundage. You're marginal to begin with in my opinion at that weight and as you say SHORT draw length.(you didn't tell us what it was) You should stick with cut on contact. Tune it up and go hunting. Personnally, I think you could crank up another 5 pounds by fall without much trouble. It may throw you into another arrow, but I think the gains far outweigh the cost. 4 days is an awfully short hunt after traveling all that way.[&:]

RE: change my set-up for Caribou ?
 

Not further, just more consistant and tighter groups.

RE: change my set-up for Caribou ?
 

My brother and I have been looking into doing a caribou hunt and everything I've seen recommend 45# minimum draw. If it was me I'd leave my bow the way it was.

RE: change my set-up for Caribou ?
 

There's a BIG difference between shooting 45 pounds with a 30 inch draw and shooting with a 27" draw.