Western bowhunting: optics, arrows and packs

Planning a western hunt

Read the guides for elk, mule deer and sheep and goat. Build your equipment list around the actual route, weather, access and retrieval plan.

NORC’s estimates concern West-region residents aged 16 and older who hunted big game, not specifically western bowhunters: In the West region, 44% of big-game hunters reported hunting elk and 44% reported hunting other deer such as mule or black-tailed deer^[1].

Stock counts and prices reflect the catalog data used when this page was built. They can change. Check each product listing for current details.

Where to check current hunting rules

Open the wildlife agency’s current regulations for the exact species, unit, weapon and season before applying or buying equipment. This guide does not publish unverified season dates, draw deadlines or tag availability. Point Blank Archery does not sell hunting licenses or tags.

Agency starting points: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wyoming Game and Fish Department. These links identify the agencies; they do not certify a particular date or hunt.

Glass: binoculars, rangefinders and spotting scopes

Compare binoculars, spotting scopes and rangefinders by the specifications of the actual models. Check the mounting interface before pairing optics with a tripod.

Arrow setup for elk and mule deer

Choose spine using the shaft maker’s chart for your bow, arrow length and complete point assembly. Check its measurement definitions before entering values. The broadhead guide gives a Gold Tip example and the checks to make before changing head weight.

Packing out: game bags and carts

Plan retrieval, transport and meat care before the hunt. Account for the terrain, your capacity, available help and the current agency requirements. A pack’s advertised capacity does not establish that one person can retrieve an animal safely.

Sheep and goat hunting in the West

The sheep and goat guide covers equipment and agency starting points. Check the specific hunt with the agency before making travel arrangements.

Calls and decoys for an elk hunt

Compare the call and decoy models below, then read the elk guide for the rest of the equipment list.