Having followed Doc Ashby's research articles, I'd only wish to weigh in on clarifying one point, at least from my perspective.
He and I aren't "best buds" by any means---as many folks here are much closer, but I've come to admire his tireless efforts.
As I read him in his published articles and emails to me, I do NOT believe he's trying to sell or condem anyone for their choices--just trying to share interesting data.
My take on his input is he's providing more data than most of us get from our own hunting...and he uses some basic research principles in trying to limit some, and I mean "Some" of the variables in any shot/recovery. After all, many of us at one time in our career, lost an animal! Can't hardly find out what went wrong when we've "lost" the critter, so some of us get nosey about what might have happened... Doc's work kinda gives some ideas on how things work when they "don't work" so good.
I've looked at the single bevel broadhead and matching feather orientation this way:
First, I went to carbon arrows for hunting to elminate as many variables outside of the chunk of variables I throw in the mix each shot I make... that is to say, I practice a lot but I make SURE my arrows are straight so I don't feel I have to get anal about checking them constantly.
Second, it sorta's like when I lived in MT...buds used to say, "If'n ya ain't never been throwed offa horse, ya just ain't rode much!"
Most of us have had "marginal" hits happen...many, many reasons---and lost a critter or two. We read it here all the time!
I look at the bevel vs. feather thing this way.
IF...and only IF... you think it's worth it, then this new "data" helps folks find ways to MAXIMIZE the things we CAN control to get the ultimate amount of penetration IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES...by getting involved in some of the results Dr. Ashby has shared.
I will continue to tune arrows, shoot all my shafts w/ broadheads prior to hunting at varying ranges to ensure they fly well, shoot from tree stands this summer at varied distances and angles, etc.
I'll also stick with all my left wing feathers, but---but this year, just to help if I should happen to get a bad shot and hit shoulder or something, or the critter moves tween release and arrival... I'll now use what I've learned about feather orientation and single bevel broadheads by shooting left bevel broadheads to match the left wing feathers I shoot.
Am I saying it's "unethical" to not do so?
Heavens NO! I don't think Doc Ashby thought so either. None of us should judge another. I take it he's just sharing interesting information about arrow flight, characteristics of broadhead strength and now, the effects of single bevel cutting edge on tissue and how feather orientation affects that...
So, nope...doesn't matter a whit if you do or don't! Just interesting information and for me, it's kinda like stickin my finger in a light socket...Once I learned that ain't a good thing, I don't do it.
I like to "tinker" and I sure feel obligated to minimize my own screw ups, and I have a bunch...so I will opt to do anything I learn that increases my bow's efficiency, my arrows flight or how to improve penetration SHOULD something go wrong. Meanwhile, I keep trying to learn how to shoot better and make better shot choices, too.
I'm not trying to fan flames. Just the opposite. Doc's not around to share his own feeling and it just seems that somehow his shared input has gotten ramped and possibly interpreted that he's on a campaign to change folks... and I just don't read that in his writings.
Just another viewpoint. Peace out...
Topic: grizzlies and Left wing fletchin (Read 282 times)
