yup yup yup - sharpster was right ( in my less than humble opinion) and Dozer too.
OK the scientific evidence that was shown does not ask what happens if a dull broadhead; or a head that just plain does not cut the lungs for whatever reason ( that might include something on the blade - like hair or tissue picked up on the way in). The science is based on the conclusion that a broadhead would cut the lung on the way through.
But a two blade on its side might not. I have seen this happen - where the lungs were NOT damaged - but a vein or artery on the top of the chest cavity WAS. So the chest cavity on this particular deer filled with blood eventually- and the lungs deflated.
It is possible for the lung to be cut- but not enough to collapse the lung- I happen to be a walking talking example of that.
I had a stilletto ( a two blade knife) stuck into my back that cut the vein leading out of my kidneys and cut my lung - but did not collapse it.
Now granted; I walked into a hospital and got treatment - and yes eventually my lungs collapsed from the bleeding inside... but if that vein had been missed- I probably would have not had the collapsed lungs.
I really hate to talk about the number of people I have talked to; both experienced bowhunters; and those that give the appearance of being experienced- and people on hunting shows; that shoot for practice: and then put the broadhead into the quiver and go hunting with it.
You cannot get a broadhead too sharp; but you certainly can easily hunt with broadheads too dull.
I think it is the biggest single thing we do that leads to a negative light on bowhunting.
I once hunted with a guy that I insisted on sharpening his broadheads for; and he shot a buck which got away despite a " perfect shot" as he described it. I asked him though- 'are you sure that arrow was shooting perfectly?' ( a set up question) and he replied "yes - I have been practicing with it all morning".
So in his mind - he did everything right; and the deer survived and bowhunting is a cruel activity: as bows cannot kill even with a "perfect hit". He does not bowhunt anymore because of it. No matter that I pointed out that he had NO DOUBT dulled the head that morning practicing with it; and that was the reason the deer was not recovered.
I completely believe that you should be shooting every arrow you hunt with; and then resharpening them before hunting; and too: constantly checking your broadheads for sharpness - and resharpening them.
Therefore it distresses me when I see 40 dollar a piece broadheads that if the shooter shoots to see if the setup works ( and one good arrow in a quiver does not mean all will shoot the same - or most importantly: acceptably). When resharpening that head means disasembly and sending it off to be resharpend. It just lends itself to misuse by some; and some... is too much.
In this case here; the guy accidently used a practice head. That happens. I shot a judo point in competition once and didn't know I did- things happen.
But the acceptance in any way. The propagation in anyway. That shooting a broadhead-- EVEN ONCE for practice - and then hunting with it: is ~totally unexceptable~.
That void area on most unrecovered deer: is ~probably~ IMHO a shot OVER the lungs; and through muscle; where the animal can recover.
Lets not overlook for one second - the response by this hunter to the situation. He thought he made a good shot; he watched the deer. When it did not expire when one would think it would.. when hit as he thought - he backed out and got some help -- from an apparently perfect source.
A BIG TIP OF THE HAT TO THAT !!
And the reaction worked - the deer was recovered.
I really think we need to be talking more about how to sharpen heads; and about the need to keep them sharp.
Part of the problem too; is 'white lies'. Lies which seem to hurt nobody and therefore are exceptable to our psyche.
When a person makes an imperfect shot - owe up to it. To say you hit a deer perfectly - when it was not- just gives bowhunting a black eye.
Deer can move so fast you can leave misses and bad hits: to their actions instead of yours. Be totally honest about it. We all have holes in 3D targets we wish were not there- if on a real animal it may not have killed the animal- things happen.
I once shot from a 20 foot up treestand; a buck- that heard my arrow coming ( last time I used that pattern I burned) and flipped over in an attempt to get away. I hit that deer on the bottom of its chest- and it came out over its opposite shoulder; and buried into the ground half a foot. I killed the deer - but it is an example of how fast they move!
And most often that movement is down; they as we - cannot stand still and jump up; before lowering ourselves; so a perfect shot can and does sometimes- hit high on the animal.
Keep em sharp; and be honest about hits and how it happened. Sometimes a white lie can lead to a black eye and that is not good for us in the long run.
I think the story is great; because everything was done so well - from beginning to end...other than that dull broadhead ! ( and the lack of a really effecient bow :p )
Topic: Your thoughts on "The Void" (Read 1311 times)
