Mechanical broadheads on big game

[jpbowhunter]

I don't want to start a mechanical vs fixed blade fight but I was just wondering what peoples thoughts were on hunting big game with mechanicals?


I've shot fallow with them (similar to your whitetail in size) but not a red which is what I'm really hoping to do next year. With the bigger heavier body I'm not sure how they'll perform.
I've always been a rage two blade person but now I've been sponsored by an Australian archery company who do their own version of a rage, they also have given me a four blade fixed blade broadhead that is also really good. Just wondering what peoples thoughts were for next season for me?

I'm heading out this weekend to try for a red deer hind too so any advice before then would be great.


Cheers,


JP

 

[AWHunt CDAID]

IDK, they are illegal here in Idaho with the exception of turkeys. No can use on big game 

 

[jpbowhunter]

Really? that's interesting. What fixed blades do you use? what poundage bow are you running mate?


JP

 

[AWHunt CDAID]

I have been practicing with two kinds of broad head (G5 Strykers and Slick Tricks both 100gr) This is my first year bow hunting so I am shooting an economical Bear Legion 60-70# and is set at 65lbs. My arrows are Gold Tip Expedition hunters cut to 28 1/2 inches, not the best arrow but shoot good out of my set up because I have tuned the bow to the arrow.


Also, here in N Idaho our broad heads the blades must be perpendicular to the arrow, and must be (I think 7/8 in) cutting diameter.


I would be interested in trying the mechanical's on a turkey though.

 

[Beaveralum]

Here in Oregon mech's are illegal to use for big game animals and appears that our regulations are very similar to Idaho.  I do have to say even if they were legal I would probably still only use a fixed head.  There are so many things that can go wrong on a hunt I would be hesitant to use a broadhead that could potentially lead to any sort of mechanical error.  The setup I used this year was a Bowtech Tribute 70lb, CE Maxima Hunter 350's cut to 29.5 inches, with G5 Montech BH's.  Everything worked great together, but I have to say that I will be making some changes over the winter.  I do plan on buying some Easton FMJ's (for a little more arrow weight) because the Maxima's did get the job done, but I would have liked a complete pass through.  And the second thing I will look into is trying some Shuttle T's because there was a nearly non existent blood trail.  It was a short tracking job (50yds), but the only blood I was able to find was about 5ft from the elk.  Good luck on the Red Deer hunt!

 

[turbo1967]

been using mechanical's for 2 years and they work good , as far as the cut they make well my opinion is a razor blade is a razor blade they are going to cut either way , I shot fixed for 35 years and there is not a thing wrong with them , they work good.the only reason i switched is I now shoot out to 90 yards and theywere recommended for long shots.

 

[camosteve4colorado]

All I can say is check out DR. ED ASHBY'S reports on broadheads and performance and go from there unbiased opinion and tested and documented very helpfull information.  GOOD LUCK on your HUNT

 

[northwesthunter84]

I have used both types, been successful with both types and with the changes that have been made to fixed blades, I now prefer fixed blades.  Don't get me wrong the blood trails from 2" wound channels are impressive, but my feeling is that the added cutting diameter really only makes marginal hits more likely to result in a shorter blood trail.  I shot my bull with G5 Montecs CS this year and there was no question on the blood trail. I did get the G5 Strikers because I still thought a 2" difference in POI from field tips to broad heads could be better.  I am happy to say that my FMJ 340 at 29 1/2" tipped with 100g Strikers hit right at POA.  And that is all the way out to 80 yards.