GEAR
Make Your Archery Gear Work for You
by Brad Fenson
After overcoming miles of rugged terrain, unpredictable weather and the incredible adrenaline rush of chasing a bugling bull, the one thing you want when that bull is finally within range is equipment that you can trust. And in archery season where the margin of error may come down to inches or seconds, choosing the right gear can make the difference between success and heartbreak.
Silence matters when you’re within 30 yards of a wary bull elk. The first time I drew the Mathews Lift X 29.5 and shot, I could feel (and hear) the difference. Resistance Phase Dampening limbs and enhanced axle assembly reduce post-shot vibration and noise, making the bow whisper-quiet. The SwitchWeight-X cam draws like a dream, ending in a rock-solid back wall. Holding full draw at 80% to 85% let-off is nearly effortless—a game-changer when waiting for that perfect shot. In addition to being quiet, the Lift is built with an aluminum riser making it incredibly light, weighing in at just under four pounds.
And when it comes to speed, Mathews offers everything an elk hunter could want. At over 340 fps, the Lift X 29.5, priced at $1,359, delivers the speed and kinetic energy needed to punch through thick hide and bone. The MATCH bowstring will not stretch, and there is no worry about serving separation or peep rotation. The bow’s Bridge Lock Sight system accepts most dovetail mounts to reduce vibration and improve balance. Plus, Shot Sense technology is like having a personal coach in your hand. After every shot, it sends real-time data straight to your phone, helping refine your accuracy and consistency.
When tuning my bow setup for the upcoming archery season, I leave no stone unturned, from my release to my arrows. And when it comes to arrows, the Carbon Express Maxima Triad is a game-changer. Unlike standard arrows, the Triad’s patented three-spine design, called Tri-Spine/RED ZONE Technology, drastically reduces oscillation upon release. The result? Four times the accuracy of a single-spine arrow—it was incredible to see the difference with every shot at the range.
The Triad’s XSD—Extreme Small Diameter shaft—with its .166-inch inner diameter, delivers unmatched wind resistance and penetration. Plus the BullDog Nock Collars, made of aircraft-grade aluminum, are designed to protect the rear of the arrow from impact damage.
Carbon Express laser-checks each Triad arrow, sorting and matching for spine and weight, to guarantee consistent flight. Launchpad Precision Nocks ensure a flawless release when you have the most important shot of your life. Available in white or gray cock vanes with red vanes, the arrow not only performs but looks sharp in your quiver for $179.99 - $329.99 per dozen.
Whether I’m shooting fixed or mechanical, when it comes to broadheads, I’ve always been picky. Accuracy, durability and penetration are non-negotiable, and the fixed-blade Muzzy Trocar T1 checks every box. The standout feature of the Trocar T1 is its offset blade technology designed to maximize in-flight accuracy with ultra-sharp .039-inch-thick blades that can be adjusted to a right or left offset.
Muzzy has also engineered the T1 with a titanium ferrule, giving it an incredible strength-to-weight ratio. The deep-penetrating design is made to punch through bone and muscle with ease, ensuring devastating impact. Another feature I appreciate is the center blade retention system that locks the blades firmly in place for maximum reliability, both in flight and on impact.
Whether you’re shooting a vertical bow or a crossbow, the Trocar T1 starting at $49 for a three-pack, has you covered. It comes in a 100-grain option for vertical bows and 100-grain and 125-grain versions for crossbows, all with cutting diameters of 1.25 inches.
For mechanical broadheads, the Rage Black Series Trypan +P has earned my confidence on elk, helping me take a bull at 54 yards with pinpoint accuracy and unmatched performance. The sleek, hardened Titanium Tough ferrule and .039-inch-thick, razor-sharp 420 stainless steel blades are deadly. When the head hits, the Hypodermic tip punches through skin and bone with ease, creating micro-fractures that pave the way for the main blades to follow.
Shock Collar Blade Lock technology ensures broadhead blades will stay securely in place. The Trypan +P starting at $49.99 for a three pack comes with both Black and Red shock collars—the Black Collars are ideal for vertical bows while the Red Collars are designed specifically for crossbows. Each collar features six petals, giving the certainty of reliable blade deployment every time. With a 1.75-inch cutting diameter, the Trypan +P leaves gaping entry wounds and ensures fast, ethical recoveries. The +P design is also perfect for hunters using lower draw weights or shorter draw lengths, providing maximum penetration on even the largest game.
Every bowhunting setup includes a bow, arrows and broadheads, but I’ve also found a few pieces of gear out there that have quickly become staples in my hunting pack. Whether it’s about getting a bull in close or getting meat out of the woods, here are some other archery hunting essentials that I’ve come to depend on.
Montana Decoy has set the standard in backcountry decoys that work, and its newest offering is the Montana Decoy Elk Flasher, a lightweight decoy built for bowhunters seeking an edge in the field. Designed for ease of use and featuring a high resolution photo of a cow elk, the Elk Flasher employs a flash-and-disappear motion that mimics an elk’s natural behavior. The decoy weighs just 17 ounces with the included leg pole and unfolds to an impressive lifelike 42x20 inches yet folds down to a compact 18x13 inches to fit in your pack. The quick setup ensures you won’t miss a moment when an opportunity arises. For added versatility, the decoy can be attached to a tree or bush using the included straps. The Elk Flasher priced at $89.99 is great for those longer backcountry hunts, where you need added portability.
Another great option from Montana Decoy is the RMEF Cow Elk priced at $119.99. Proceeds from each RMEF Cow Elk decoy help to permanently protect crucial elk winter and summer ranges, migration corridors, calving grounds and other vital areas while focusing on securing and improving hunter access throughout elk country.
The best moments in elk country happen when the woods come alive with sound. Having spent countless mornings chasing bugles through the forest, I’ve learned that the key to success often comes down to the right call or a diversity of calls. The Riven Rebel Series 3-pack at $48 is hard to top when you need to produce a variety of realistic calls. The ROSIE call is the easiest and purest-sounding cow elk call I’ve ever used for lifelike mews and estrus sounds. The TREMOR produces everything from guttural growls to ear-splitting bugles. And the RS1 provides the volume you need for long-range calling on windy days.
No call set is complete without the right bugle tube and the Riven Cambium Elk Bugle Tube, built from premium black walnut, brings warmth and depth to calling that plastic tubes cannot match. Priced at $329.99, the Cambium’s acoustic clarity and resonance create unparalleled realism, whether challenging a herd bull or mimicking the low growl of a satellite.
Another exceptional calling option is the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls (RMHC) GTP 3-pack—perfect for sounding like different elk to entice a wise, old bull out of cover. The pack includes Black Magic, Reaper and Spellbound diaphragms that allow you to speak fluent elk, with all the sounds you need to mimic the real deal. At $34.99 it is great value to boot.
Once an elk is on the ground, the RMHC Game Bags have become my favorites to get quarters out of the field, home clean and ready to process. Priced at $81.99, four synthetic quarter bags fit in an extra meat bag that folds into a small stuff sack. The washable and reusable bags pack easily, weighing just 18 ounces, but are sizable enough to fit bone-in quarters. A reflective strip on each bag helps you find them in the dark. The bags will let heat out and protect against the elements, unwanted debris and insects, keeping your meat cool and clean for the pack out.
After several seasons using the Bow Spider, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer for any archer. Its simple-yet-effective design relieves the strain of carrying a bow, keeping your muscles fresh for the draw. Bow Spider offers models for any compound bow or crossbow.
The Bow Spider system attaches your bow securely to a belt, backpack, optics harness, or even your vehicle’s headrest for transport. Installation is easy—a durable aluminum post bolts to your bow’s riser, and the quick-release knob drops into a gravity-locking receiver—additional receivers can be mounted at home for safe, organized bow storage. Your bow is always secure and within reach.
Available in green, tan, or black, the Bow Spider also offers a RMEF-branded option at $95.95 through its exclusive license agreement with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation—a fantastic way to support wildlife conservation while giving your muscles a break on those long days of archery hunting.
When you’re perfecting your aim preparing for bow season, Morrell Targets offer backyard durability and performance to get you ready for the shot of a lifetime.
You never want to roll the dice with your archery marksmanship and that means constant practice. With the Morrell BIG High Roller you can get it. Priced at $219.99, this target stands out with its eye-catching red dice design, including six shootable sides for maximum longevity. Constructed from self-healing solid foam, it handles high-speed arrows exceeding 500 fps, and the density ensures easy one-handed arrow removal. It can handle field points, mechanical blades and fixed-blade broadheads, making it ideal for practice sessions and broadhead tuning. And at 16x16x16 inches, the BIG High Roller is easy to reposition for different practice shots or to pack away for that trip to hunting camp. After five years of steady use, my BIG High Roller still stops arrows like the first day I tried it.
When it comes to a portable target that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Morrell RMEF Outfitter is a top choice. And priced at $69.99, it is a great value as well. Measuring 23x10x23 inches and weighing 25 pounds, the target is designed for compound and traditional bows with speeds up to 350 fps. A weather-resistant polypropylene bag ensures longevity, and the easy-tote handle makes moving from one spot to another simple. Plus, RMEF branding showcases your support for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, making this target a perfect addition for conservation-minded elk hunters.
The first time I used the Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph, I knew it was going to change how I track the speed and performance of my arrows and bullets. Compact and powerful, the C1 Pro uses Doppler radar to provide accurate velocity readings from 100 to 5,000 fps. At just 3.03x2.38x1.36 inches, it’s incredibly portable and the setup couldn’t be simpler.
With a straightforward button-operated design and seamless Bluetooth compatibility, the C1 Pro connects to the ShotView App, displaying all critical data in real time. The C1 Pro mounts securely on its compact tripod, staying out of the way and never interfering with rifle zero or barrel harmonics. Priced at $599.99, its water-resistant build means not worrying about unpredictable weather, and the rechargeable battery offers up to 2,000 shots or six hours of continuous use.
When I think about selecting gear for my elk hunts, the first thing I look for is dependability. Whether you’re looking for a new bow, target or other accessories, put your faith in equipment that won’t let you down.
