Draw Weight for Elk 2025 Guide [State Minimums + Best Gear]

You’re looking for the best draw weight for elk and have probably spent a lot of time online trying to get a straight answer from forums and hunting sites. This search can be a confusing and frustrating process. To simplify things, I put together this unpretentious guide to help novice hunters feel more comfortable picking a draw weight for elk.

This guide’s advice comes from lifelong archery hunters, and I included some great tips and gear recommendations for hunters of any skill level. So why hunt with a bow when you can use a rifle?

Hunting elk with a bow and arrow is among the most exciting experiences a hunter can have. Nothing is more exhilarating than a bull elk screaming out of the timber and storming within range of your bow. It’s essential that if you ever find yourself in this position, you’ve done your homework and put all the pieces together to take a safe and ethical shot. One part of that puzzle is picking a draw weight for elk that works for you. 

Elk vs Deer Draw Weight

You might wonder if you’ll need a more considerable draw weight than you’re used to when hunting deer. Well, for starters – and I don’t need to tell you this — elk are much larger than deer. You will need more oomph to get through that extra mass of hair, hide, bone, and flesh.

However, many hunters will use the same pound draw weight for elk and deer, as modern compound bows can take down most big game animals. That said, I recommend increasing your draw weight, arrow weight, and broadhead-cutting capabilities when stepping up from hunting deer to hunting elk. Extra force and penetration can mean distinguishing between a successful kill and watching your prize elk disappear.

For archery hunters, our biggest fear remains that we wound and kill an animal but never find it, which is the main reason why you need an adequate draw weight.

Important Note: Broadheads are integral to successful archery setups for elk. Please check out our best broadheads for elk guide for more information. 

Minimum Draw Weights For Elk By State

Each state that offers elk hunting has specific rules for draw weight. Some states have restrictions on the maximum let-off percentage. Your compound bow stores energy through its cams; the let-off percentage is the energy it stores while you are in full draw.

This let-off makes it easier to hold the weight longer at full draw. For example, a 50-pound draw weight with 80% let-off would feel like you are having 10 Lbs at a full draw. 

Here are the draw weight limits for elk by state:

Alaska – 50-pound minimum draw weight

Arizona – 40-pound minimum draw weight

Colorado – 35-pound minimum with a maximum 80% let-off

Idaho –  40-pound minimum with a maximum 85% let-off

Montana – No specific minimum but maximum 80% let-off

Nevada – 40-pound minimum with a maximum 80% let-off

New Mexico – No specific minimum draw weight or let-off

Oregon – 40-pound minimum draw weight

Utah – 30-pound minimum draw weight

Washington – 40-pound minimum draw weight

Wyoming – 50-pound minimum draw weight

It’s essential to check with the local fish and game before you hunt and verify the rules and regulations, as they constantly change. 

What’s Your Perfect Draw Weight?

The best draw weight will differ from hunter to hunter, but the draw weight will typically range between 45 and 80 pounds.

So, how do you pick a draw weight that will work for you?

Of course, each hunter will prefer a specific weight, so here’s the real question: What draw weight are you comfortable with, and how much control do you have at that poundage? Yes, some bows have an 80-pound draw weight or more, but does that make them any better?

You’ll get more accurate and deeper penetrating shots with higher-pound bows, but you’ll be in big trouble if you can’t consistently control your bow at that weight. 

Conversely, some people only have the strength to pull back 45 to 50 pounds. Will they be able to take down an elk at that weight? The answer is yes; however, they must have a much cleaner angle, a closer shot, and proper placement.

For beginners looking to hunt elk, start with a 50-pound draw weight, though one of our experts recommends you start at 55 pounds. When you can safely and accurately shoot from several positions at this weight, add five pounds to your pull, and repeat until you reach a weight you feel comfortable holding for 1-2 minutes.

For most hunters, once the muscles needed to pull back a compound bow are strengthened, they should settle in around 60-70 pounds. This amount provides plenty of draw weight to penetrate an elk. 

If you’re uncomfortable pulling back 70 Lbs, that doesn’t mean you can’t consistently shoot deadly shots into an elk, so don’t let your pride get in the way.

If you can’t maintain proper form throughout your shot, you will probably make a bad one.

Advice From Successful Archery Hunters

Here are some lifelong archery elk hunters on choosing a draw weight for elk hunting:

Lance Fitzgerald, Colorado Bow Hunters Association Lifetime Member:

“I started shooting as a teenager at 45 pounds of draw weight. I gradually worked up to the 65 pounds I shoot today. It’s more important to shoot at the weight you’re comfortable with rather than the amount you pull.”

Kyle Clarke, Lifelong Elk Hunter:

“Start at 55 pounds. I would consider another hobby until you can shoot at this draw weight. So, get comfortable shooting this weight consistently as a beginner.”

Mike Schwarzenbrenner, Expert Archery Hunter:

“Don’t think you have to be Mr. Macho and go out there and shoot 80 pounds. But then again, it’s an admirable goal. Top archery hunters can shoot accurately and at mind-boggling distances with a 90-pound draw weight, and the energy this provides is punishing for any big game animal.”

Gear Recommendations 

An important thing to consider is that you’ll need a bow with adjustable draw weight when getting started. Going out and buying the “Cadillac” of bow setups might put you on the wrong footing. Here are some inexpensive recommendations for getting your feet wet:

Xpedition Archery Xlite

The Xpedition Xlite is a perfect bow for shooters trying to hone their draw weight for elk.

You’ll need to be somewhat able to pull back a bow as the Reflexion features an adjustable draw weight from 55-80 Lbs. You can use this bow to hone your draw weight and get comfortable with proper form and mechanics. This is Xpeditions’ flagship bow, for those who demand the absolute best.

Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package

This bow provides another ready-to-go option for beginners. With an adjustable range of 5-70 lbs of draw weight, beginning hunters can hone their craft with this bow. I hunt with a Diamond Bow and can attest to the quality and craftsmanship of these stick throwers. It comes out of the box with a 53 Lb draw weight, a perfect starting point for new hunters.

PSE Archery Evolve Compound Bow Package

This bow hurts the wallet a bit more as far as a beginner’s bow goes, but it’s certainly worth the money if you are considering making a long-term commitment to the sport of bowhunting. It has an adjustable draw weight of 50-70 Lbs, making it perfect for those looking to refine their draw weight for elk. PSE is a quality company with excellent customer service, as many customers report an easy return process for defective gear (which, by looking at the reviews, is a rare occurrence)

Archery: The Art of Repetition

Proper technique is necessary when perfecting your form while honing your draw weight. I read this book, which helped me hone my discipline and skills. It’s certainly worth downloading and reading. 

From Amazon: “Written by an acknowledged expert, this invaluable book is aimed at archers of all levels, from those starting in the sport to those taking part in competitions at the highest levels. The author analyzes shooting techniques and tuning and emphasizes the development of mental toughness; he argues that this goes hand in hand with the mastery of the physical aspects of the sport. This comprehensive guide to shooting covers: how to get started in archery, the costs involved, choosing and using equipment, and the basics of shooting; setting up your equipment and initial tuning; the biomechanics of shooting; the tactics and preparation work involved in archery competitions; physical fitness, nutrition, and psychology; arrow selection and preparation; making bowstrings; and shooting techniques, improving performance, and the fine-tuning of equipment.” 

Rinehart Targets 18-1 Broadhead Target

While perfecting your craft and getting comfortable with draw weight, you’ll need to do a lot of practice shooting. I like this target because it is highly visible and easy to aim at; you can shoot it from different angles and faces. Finally, the self-healing foam means you can use this target repeatedly.

Conclusions On Draw Weight for Elk

The best way to hone in on your perfect bow-hunting setup is to get out there and start shooting! Try many different draw weights and broadheads to find combinations that work for you. A successful archery hunt begins long before you step foot into the field. Harvesting an animal is about putting all the pieces together at the right time, and getting comfortable with a draw weight is one of the most essential pieces.

I hope this informative write-up clarified your priorities in deciding the best draw weight for your upcoming elk hunt. 

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