The only arrowhead that can be used for big game hunting in the United States is the broadhead arrowhead.
The specialized arrowhead is uniquely designed for hunting large animals like deer, elk and moose and guarantees a humane and ethical kill.
The arrow has a razor-sharp, deep-penetrating design which causes significant bleeding. Essentially, it kills the animal swiftly and is therefore the only choice for ethical hunting practices.
In this article, we’ll give you everything you need to know about the broadhead so that you can become a more educated hunter.
Let’s get into it!
The Two Types of Broadheads
There are two different forms of broadheads: fixed-blade and mechanical.
Fixed-blade broadheads are known for their durability and consistent penetration and have the blades firmly attached to the ferrule.
Mechanical broadheads feature more retractable blades that kind of expand upon impact with the animal. This offers a better flight from release and deeper penetration into the animal as a result. I much prefer the mechanical broadheads, but there’s no hiding that they’re significantly more expensive.
Both fixed-blade and mechanical are made out of lightweight and sharp steel, and are excellent in pretty much any weather condition.
It’s Not Just Preference, It’s Ethics
It’s a very important consideration to keep in mind that using broadheads isn’t just a matter of preference, but also one of legal and ethical compliance.
Pretty much every US state enforces strict laws specifying the minimum diameter and number of cutting edges for broadheads, which means that the hunter can engage in a successful, humane and legal hunting experience.
Also, broadheads are designed to strike a balance between kinetic energy for deeper penetration and friction to prevent the arrow from passing through the animal, reducing unnecessary suffering.
The Evolution of Arrowheads
Arrowhead designs like barbed, swallowtail and curved broadheads have been used for ages to cater to the sheer size and toughness of larger game. In the US today, this is now the only legal arrowhead for big game hunting, and that is a wonderful testament to just how unparalleled the design truly is.
It’s incredibly fascinating to think about the long evolution of arrowheads throughout the last few hundreds of thousands of years. Hunting is the oldest sport in the world, and humans have crafted weapons for just as long.
No doubt the evolution of arrowheads reflects a journey of technological innovation and changing needs over centuries upon centuries.
Prehistoric arrowheads were naturally crafted from the materials they had access to at the time, like Blint, bone and metals such as bronze and iron once that became a thing.
Nowadays, arrowheads (and especially broadheads), showcase beautiful and precise engineering. The heads feature retractable blades with steel.
In a way, you can track all of human evolution solely based on which arrowheads they’d use.
Which Broadhead To Go With?
Selecting the right broadhead just comes down to the game size. Larger and tougher animals require heavier broadheads with greater cutting diameters to ensure effective penetration. In contrast, the smaller game will do just fine with lighter broadheads to reduce damage to the animal.
When hunting animals like moose or elk, you’re going to have to opt for heavier broadheads to ensure deep penetration and a bigger wound channel.
When going for smaller animals, it’s more important to prioritize something light that will help with flight and accuracy. The smaller the broadhead, the faster and straighter the arrow will fly.
Remember that weight and design have a high impact on arrow flight and accuracy. Choose your arrowhead well, and you’ll have a much higher chance of success.
Check out the video below to learn how you can choose the right broadhead for your next hunt!
The Bottomline: The Only Arrowhead That May Be Used For Big Game Hunting Is The Broadhead
Broadheads are not only the only legal arrowheads for big game hunting because of their effective usage, but also because they’re the only arrowheads that allow for an ethical and legal hunting practice in the US today.
Additionally, they’re a beautiful testament to just how far technological advancement has come. When you’re hunting anything with a bow, you’re following in the footsteps of hundreds of thousands of years of great men before you, who dictated the way for both hunting and bows!
Broadheads are the result of ethical and elite hunters throughout the years, and that’s something that’s worth celebrating.
Happy hunting!
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