Planning your first archery elk hunt out West - particularly in New Mexico - is an exciting decision. But success in the field starts long before the season opens. From properly setting up your bow to understanding broadhead performance on elk, there’s a lot that goes into making the most of your opportunity in elk country.

At LOH Outfitters, we guide bowhunters through some of the most challenging and rewarding elk terrain in the West. This guide breaks down key equipment considerations and archery preparation tips so you can show up confident, capable, and ready to make your shot count.

Bow Setup: Draw Length and Draw Weight Matter

The most important part of your setup is simple: your bow must fit you properly.

Draw Length

Your draw length should allow your anchor point to settle near the corner of your mouth, not behind your ear.
A kisser button or consistent anchor reference is critical for repeatability.
If in doubt, go slightly shorter. A draw length that’s too long will hurt accuracy and stability.

Draw Weight

A draw weight between 50-70 lbs is sufficient for Western big game.
You should be able to draw smoothly and quietly, without lifting your bow toward the sky or making exaggerated movements.
If you struggle to draw cleanly, lower your poundage and shoot more often to build the strength needed.

Modern compound bows from any top brand allow for adjustments in both draw length and weight. There’s no excuse for showing up with a poorly fitted rig.

Single Pin vs. Fixed Pin Sights: Pros and Cons

Single Pin Sights

Single pins have grown in popularity - especially out West where shots may vary widely in distance. These sights offer:

Clean sight picture at full draw.
The ability to dial to exact yardages, assuming you’ve ranged effectively.

Pro Tip: Find the “sweet spot” on your dial. For many archers, a setting like 33 yards will allow hits from 20 to 45 yards by simply adjusting holdover or under. This helps minimize movement when a bull is closing fast.

Downside? You may not have time to dial when seconds count.

Fixed Pin Sights

Multi-pin sights are more forgiving when:

You’re dealing with varied terrain.
Animals don’t give you time to range and dial.

Common setups include 3- to 5-pin configurations, often starting at 20 yards and increasing in 10-yard increments. The trade-off is a busier sight picture and the risk of choosing the wrong pin under pressure.

Whichever you choose, practice extensively with your sight system so that it becomes second nature.

Arrows: Get the Right Spine and Length

Arrow choice is more than brand or price - it comes down to spine, length, and durability.

Key Arrow Considerations:

Get the correct spine for your draw weight and length.
Cut arrows to the appropriate length to maximize flight consistency.
Use bright fletching for easier visual tracking after the shot.
Lighted nocks, where legal, can help identify the point of impact and improve recovery - but be aware they may slightly affect weight and string fit.

Work with a local pro shop or your outfitter to fine-tune your arrow setup well in advance.

Broadheads: Fixed vs. Expandable on Elk

This is where opinions vary - but the key is understanding how each performs on a large-bodied animal like an elk.

Fixed Blade Broadheads

Typically stronger and better for bone penetration.
Less prone to deflection from quartering shots or light brush.
Require more tuning for perfect arrow flight, but are reliable and durable.

Expandable Broadheads

Easier to tune and often fly better at long range.
Create large entry wounds, but may have issues on quartering shots or at lower draw weights.
Use extra energy to deploy, which could limit penetration on large animals.

If you're hunting elk, a well-placed fixed blade often provides better performance through thick hide and bone - but choose the head that you’re most confident shooting accurately.

Shot Placement for Elk: Broadside is Best

Elk are big - kill zones average 18 to 22 inches - but shot placement is still critical. We recommend:

Broadside or quartering away shots only.
Avoid frontal shots unless the bull is extremely close (inside 15 yards).
On quartering-away angles, aim for an exit path that double-lungs the animal.
Stay clear of the scapula and elbow area if trying for a heart shot.

High lung hits are often the most lethal, offering wide margin for error and quick recoveries.

Practice Like It’s Real

Gear and knowledge are only part of the equation. Your preparation matters most when you’re under pressure, heart pounding, with a screaming bull at 30 yards.

Field-Ready Practice Tips:

Shoot from kneeling, sitting, and uphill/downhill positions.
Wear your hunting pack and clothing while practicing.
Use a rangefinder to mark landmarks before the animal arrives.
Get out of breath - run, do burpees, or jumping jacks - then shoot one arrow. That one shot may be your only opportunity.

Simulating real hunting conditions in your practice sessions is the fastest way to build confidence and control under pressure.

Final Thoughts: Prepare Early, Hunt Hard

Your Western bowhunt for elk is likely to be one of the most exciting and challenging hunts of your life. Don’t let gear issues, poor fit, or limited preparation rob you of your opportunity.

What to Remember:

Get a bow that fits your draw length and weight.
Choose a sight system you’re confident and fast with.
Build arrows and broadheads for accuracy and penetration.
Focus your practice on realistic field conditions and single-shot discipline.

At LOH Outfitters, we’re here to help you prepare every step of the way - from gear selection to scouting to shot execution. If you're ready to take on the thrill of a New Mexico archery elk hunt, let us help you make it a hunt you’ll never forget.

Contact us today to plan your bowhunt, talk gear, or secure your spot for the upcoming season.

Thinking of Coming Out West for an Archery Elk Hunt? Here’s What You Need to Know