Small Game: read an article that got me thinking...

[magnus]

Here's what I'm meaning by a tracer.
 

[slim_grim]

I guess after looking at them for more than a glance it wouldn't slow too much. I'd like some crazy bright ones. Look for PM.

[ronp]

I used an aluminum 1916 flu-flu with a judo on this critter:

 

[ronp]

On this grey squirrel I used one of my 3555 carbon deer arrows with a simple 125gr steel blunt.  He didn't move after hitting him in the ear:

 

 

[ronp]

Oh, by the way, I had about as much fun hunting squirrels this past fall as any hunting I have ever done!

[magnus]

It sure is fun isn't Ron. Introduced the boy to squirrel with the bow. He's addicted now!

[ronp]

[NothingHappenedToday]

Lately I've been using 125 grain steel blunts with the regular three 5" shield cut feathers. Plus, this is the same set-up that I use at the range (Our hay bales are really worn out -- all the shots with field points fly through with no resistance). Tried the 125 grain hard rubber/plastic blunts, but they made my shots erratic. I'm guessing the bad aerodynamics are throwing my shots off? Anyone else experience this?

Recently got some flu flus for limbed squirrels (six 4"), but they were making my arrows fly stiff. Put some 145 grain steel blunts on, and will take them out for a spin on Monday -- no hunting in Virginia on Sundays :/

On side note, one of the guys at the range gave me some home made blunts -- a wing nut and a screw. Flies great! Haven't tried small game with it yet, but I imagine it would do the job. Plus, the arms of the wingnut act like a Judo point in the grass/brush.

You guys with the tracers - do they slow the arrow down, or are they just there to make the arrow easier to find? With the name 'tracers" I always assumed it made the arrow easier to see in flight. Never used one, nor seen one in action. Thanks!

[magnus]

No the tracers don't slow the arrow down. It's a piece of rabbit fur about an inch long and it doesn't even register on my grain scale. Might weigh 1 grain with the thread. Yes it makes them easier to see in flight and after the shot. I like white but need some colorful ones now. Snow on the ground.

[Brianlocal3]

well between this thread and the snow and cold i went ahead and made up some small game heads. I have been shooting Hex heads on my woodies, and G5 SGH, judo, RFA Talons, and Hex screw ins on my alums and carbons.  

I just used 8-32 screws with a  1/4-20 wing nut and some 8-32 nuts to get weight and they fly wonderfully.  They whistle a little but not bad.  I may just stick with the homemades from now on.
 
Home made on left and right, G5SGH in middle

[ronp]

Nice work Brian.  I have to make a few of those up.  Thanks!

[slim_grim]

Those points look nice. I'll have to make a few myself. Thanks for sharing!

[Brianlocal3]

I think you will find they fly good and hit HARD. I cut down one screw just to see what happens and it didnt lock in well so I suggest keep them full length. I used 1 1/2".

Oh and THANK you for the comments

[ronp]

Thanks again Brian.  I will pick up some 1-1/2" screws and 1/4" wing nuts.  Sounds pretty cheap and deadly!

[longstiks]

I don't know if they still make them but the Game Nabbers are some nice heads. I make my own by taking a glue on field point and cutting about 1/8" deep around the base with a pair of tin snips. The snips roll the metal out and make a nasty cutting edge aroud the base. Not so good for shooting into trees but you can do the same thing with a glue on blunt tip. The spinning base works like a 1/2" drill bit when it hits and makes a nasty wound.
Denny