Success in bowhunting is about a lot more than shot placement
There are a number of key factors that contribute to your overall bowhunting success in the field, and while shot placement is certainly an important one, it shouldn’t be your only priority. There are several other elements to monitor and consider to get the most out of each and every shot, and overlooking any of them can lead to less-than-lethal results.
Here are a few other key points to track and stay on top of in order to ensure the best flight and impact for your arrows.
Broadhead type
This doesn’t just mean going with the best brand, but also knowing whether or not you should be using a mechanical or fixed-blade broadhead. Each one performs better in specific circumstances and when going after certain kinds of game, and the needs of your hunt will help guide this decision.
Fixed-blade heads typically achieve deeper penetration and performance when driving through bone, while the larger cutting diameter of mechanical blades provides more forgiveness on a less-than-perfect shot and can still take down an animal even if vitals aren’t directly hit.
Grain weight
100-grain broadheads have long been the standard in bowhunting, but heavier broadheads deliver added momentum and penetration at the point of impact, ultimately resulting in a more lethal shot in many cases.
Lighter broadheads have more speed out of the bow, but have been challenged by 125-grain and heavier broadheads in recent years. In addition to choosing a heavier head, you can also add weight to your arrow with fletching, nocks, or inserts.
Cutting diameter
Your cutting diameter should also be a top consideration when preparing for a hunt. Most fixed-blade heads have a cutting diameter of less than 1 ¼ inches, while most mechanical blades are larger to achieve increased surface area and friction.
A larger cutting diameter also provides a bit of forgiveness on a less-than-perfectly placed shot. Fixed blades with a smaller diameter don’t create as much of a blood trail but provide more penetration and perform better in taking down bigger-boned animals.
Kinetic energy
Kinetic energy (KE) is the factor that helps drive broadheads deep and delivers optimal penetration, starting at release and ending at the point of impact. You should use an arrow/broadhead combination that maximizes KE for best results. A heavier broadhead with a higher front of center (FOC) will maximize effectiveness in turning high KE into high momentum and impact.
Broadhead quality
While form and practice are also aspects that can’t be overlooked in your bowhunting performance, it’s hard to replace the impact of a truly quality broadhead. You should inspect your blades frequently to ensure they’ll still perform for you on any given shot. Common issues include:
- Arrow not flying straight
- Blades prone to bending or breaking inside the animal
- Mechanical broadheads not opening or otherwise failing
If you have any of these issues too frequently (even once is too frequent), it’s time to upgrade to a superior broadhead.
Get the most out of your shot with Wasp broadheads
There’s one thing that’s always true about those “big one that got away” stories: the hunter wasn’t shooting Wasp. There’s a reason our broadheads have been trusted by hunters and feared by animals for over 45 years. We give you unsurpassed accuracy, strength, and penetration so you can experience the best blood trails of your life. Stop blaming your broadhead and start shooting Wasp. Shop our products today.
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