Typical Shooting Distances in CO
04-03-2007, 07:25 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 5
Typical Shooting Distances in CO
This will be my first season of bowhunting in CO, and I'm expecting to draw an elk tag.
I've been practicing on a Block at distances ranging from 20 yds to 60 yds. Does anyone have an opinion on what ranges are typical for bowhunting elk in CO?
Thanks,
Michael
I've been practicing on a Block at distances ranging from 20 yds to 60 yds. Does anyone have an opinion on what ranges are typical for bowhunting elk in CO?
Thanks,
Michael
04-03-2007, 07:34 PM
#2
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location:
Posts: 1,251
RE: Typical Shooting Distances in CO
There is no such thing as a typical distance for any animal, you are at the mercy of the terrain and the animal.
Practice from 1-60 yards, and know how to judge those distances perfectly.
Be able to hold your draw for two minutes plus, without moving, and still make a good shot.
Most importantly, KNOW YOUR LIMITS!!!! If you cant shoot at 50, dont shoot at 50.
Make a bad shot on an elk, and your nightmare has just begun.
What unit did you apply for in the draw? Many of those units are pretty competitive? Did you have preference points?
Practice from 1-60 yards, and know how to judge those distances perfectly.
Be able to hold your draw for two minutes plus, without moving, and still make a good shot.
Most importantly, KNOW YOUR LIMITS!!!! If you cant shoot at 50, dont shoot at 50.
Make a bad shot on an elk, and your nightmare has just begun.
What unit did you apply for in the draw? Many of those units are pretty competitive? Did you have preference points?
04-04-2007, 06:09 AM
#5
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location:
Posts: 3
RE: Typical Shooting Distances in CO
As already written, there is no "typical" with CO. elk hunting. Your not in a stand above a trail. I practice at 20 - 50 but don't recall ever taking a shot past 35 yards. Know where to aim at half distances as well. If an elk comes in on your side through dark timber you may only get a shot at 10 yards or so if they make it past you in front or back. Anytime I talk to an "old" bow hunter, they always tell me no-one has any business trying a shot past 40 yards - but I would say it depends on how much you have practiced at long shots and just how good you really think you are. The longer the shot the more things can effect the flight and get in your way. And that adrenaline always get me a shaking a little when that elk shows up! I would suggest spending more time learning to get closer to an elk rather than hoping on a longer shot.
04-04-2007, 07:13 AM
#6
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location:
Posts: 1,251
RE: Typical Shooting Distances in CO
ORIGINAL: nakedhunter
As already written, there is no "typical" with CO. elk hunting. Your not in a stand above a trail. I practice at 20 - 50 but don't recall ever taking a shot past 35 yards. Know where to aim at half distances as well. If an elk comes in on your side through dark timber you may only get a shot at 10 yards or so if they make it past you in front or back. Anytime I talk to an "old" bow hunter, they always tell me no-one has any business trying a shot past 40 yards - but I would say it depends on how much you have practiced at long shots and just how good you really think you are. The longer the shot the more things can effect the flight and get in your way. And that adrenaline always get me a shaking a little when that elk shows up! I would suggest spending more time learning to get closer to an elk rather than hoping on a longer shot.
As already written, there is no "typical" with CO. elk hunting. Your not in a stand above a trail. I practice at 20 - 50 but don't recall ever taking a shot past 35 yards. Know where to aim at half distances as well. If an elk comes in on your side through dark timber you may only get a shot at 10 yards or so if they make it past you in front or back. Anytime I talk to an "old" bow hunter, they always tell me no-one has any business trying a shot past 40 yards - but I would say it depends on how much you have practiced at long shots and just how good you really think you are. The longer the shot the more things can effect the flight and get in your way. And that adrenaline always get me a shaking a little when that elk shows up! I would suggest spending more time learning to get closer to an elk rather than hoping on a longer shot.
This will be my first year hunting elk, but I have read 4 books now and spent countless hours watching Elk Hunting DVD's, and am pretty certain than all too often people are way to willing to just chuck and arrow rather than sit tight and wait for the bull, or cow, to come in close.
04-05-2007, 09:34 AM
#8
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 5
RE: Typical Shooting Distances in CO
Thanks for the feedback. Campo, we put in by Creede with the expectation that we would not get our preference, but score the points and then hunt Areas 80/81 near Alamosa.
Again, I appreciate the feedback from folks. I'll keep practicing from 20 - 60 yds, with a core focus at the 20 - 40 yd range and practicing half distances and a variety of positions.
Again, I appreciate the feedback from folks. I'll keep practicing from 20 - 60 yds, with a core focus at the 20 - 40 yd range and practicing half distances and a variety of positions.
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