I've used Muzzy blades for 15yrs. Ive only not recovered one deer but blood trails are usually hard to see dispite excellent shot placement and my eyes aren't getting any better.
Shooting a Bowtech Destroyer 350 with ICS Bowhunter 340 carbon arrows. I'd like to stick with a fixed blade but open to options.
I know this debate is like Ford VS Chevy but post what you use and why.
Shoot what ya like different strokes for different folks - I'm sold and have been for many years!
Bunch of deer and bear and no problems.
deadeye's Link
DRT - http://www.dirtnapgear.com/store/p3/Dead_Right_There_%28DRT%29_Broadheads_.html
So many heads on the market today and really most will all get the job done. At the end of the day its how much life do they provide for the $ spent.
The 2 above have lifetime guarantees and they are priced fair to start with. This is the reason they are the top of my list!
disclaimer: I shoot German Kinetic silver flames and will until I am out, I shoot these because I appreciate the craftsmanship that went into the originals. Now that they are no longer made that way the top 2 listed brands will get my $.
Hard to buy a bad broadhead these days! Hard to buy a bad bow these days as well.
Shoot what fits you!
They're broadheads ;^)
Thunderheads are good and I used them years ago but Slick Tricks are better. Here's a photo of the Magnum.
I've also killed a lot of elk and deer with Wasp SST and Boss fixed blade heads. I feel they're better than Thunderheads too mainly due to the better tip and blade retention system.
Cheesehead Mike's Link
They're also very popular with elk hunters.
Another thing to consider is if you decide to switch to mechanicals and hunt out west, some states do not allow them (Idaho for sure).
Yes, he made no mention of elk but there are elk and for that matter moose in Idaho.
Don't go jumping to any conclusions about a tape measure contest. And I did read and understand Bloodtrail's comment about Idaho, I understand that he feels that Idaho is behind the times and it's shameful.
The point I was trying to establish was how much experience he has with killing elk with a mechanical. And I'll ask you the same question since you think it's silly.
I have hunted Idaho and yes they prohibit mechanicals there for all species. It could just be that Idaho feels that mechanicals are not appropriate for animals as large as elk (and moose) and since it would be hard to just prohibit them for elk and moose they chose to prohibit them for everything.
I was just trying to figure out if Bloodtrail knows more about killing elk than the state of Idaho does.
It's pretty easy to sit in Wisconsin and second guess an entire state so I was just wondering what his experience was...
And yes, I do have experience killing elk with a mechanical.
The last time I hunted there the combo license allowed me to shoot an elk on the elk tag and a deer, bear or cougar on the deer tag. Therefore I was hunting 4 species of animals at the same time. If I had a moose tag it could be 5 species. It could become difficult and impractical to keep my broadheads straight depending on which species presented a shot if mechanicals were allowed for some but not all.
You're right, it's not about elk, it's about Idaho so don't go there if you don't like it.
I think it's funny when somebody sits half way across the country and criticizes another state when they may have no idea what conditions or factors the other state considered in making their decision.
Maybe Idaho is ahead of the times... ;^)
You think Idaho is bad, in Wyoming non-residents can't hunt big game in designated wilderness areas on federal land without a guide. We can hunt small game, fish, hike, camp or look at flowers but we can't hunt big game without a guide! Now that's something to be upset about!
I prefer the Razor Caps for a long time, just liked them
There are alot of great heads, as long as they shoot well out of your bows and are razor sharp.....
I have killed 2 bears with the yellow Bear Razor Heads and still like them, because they sharpen easy, but you have to touch them up.......
My biggest and only bull elk I got, I shot with the 125 grain 3 bladed muzzy..... Shot several cows with the Razor Caps....
Really there are so many........ I bought some Thunderheads this year, at the flea market, still new in the package, going to fool around with those....
Mechanicals - Know alot of guys who shoot deer and bear with the spitfires, they love them. I have never shot a mechanical...
I have some Ram Cats 125 grain, which I am going to try this year.........
Cheesehead - I hope to follow your elk hunt this year, when you post about it..... Good luck and be safe
So let's get started shall we?
Let me answer your first question - NO. I have never shot a Elk with a mechnical. And, no I have never shot a moose either.
On the other hand, I dont need to shoot myself in the head with a .357 magnum to know it wont blow at least half my head off! :^)
Re-read my post - all I said was it was "ashame" Idaho is behind the times in broadheads. That was it...nothing more, nothing less.
From that you make all sorts of assumptions including that if I dont like it dont go there. What?
I like Idaho - I'm even thinking of getting a "I Love Idaho" bumper sticker! So now I should'nt go ther because I think it's ashame they are behind the times?
As our resident "elkologist", I would venture to guess you would know why the State prohibits the use of mechinicals and other States allow them for elk? There are states that allow mechinicals for elk are there not?
For the record, I think ever State and every licensed guide that prohibits the use of Mechnicals is nutz!
I have witnessed over and over what these devistating broadheads can do on large whitetails and black bears - it's nothing short of devistating!
So if you can kill an elk with a fixed blade no doubt in my mind you'd kill one with a mechinical - but then again - I have never shot an elk!
Shot was a steep quartering shot - he bled so bad Ray Charles could have tracked that deer!
Looks like perhaps only one blade original opened untill the broadhead slammed home and deployed.
I think you’re a little too obsessed with disagreeing and arguing with me regardless of what I say…
All I did was ask you a simple question about your experience with elk and mechanicals in an attempt to establish your level of expertise. After all, you of all people should know that it’s important to establish the credibility of a witness…
I don’t know why Idaho chose to outlaw mechanicals but I’m guessing they based their decision on more than the fact that you killed a whitetail buck with a mechanical or your very intelligent statement about what a .357 magnum “wont” do to your head. And by the way, if your .357 wont blow at least half your head off I have a .44 magnum you can borrow that probably will blow at least half your head off. ;^)
“All sorts of assumptions”, I don’t think so. I speculated about possible reasons why Idaho prohibits mechanicals but I made no assumptions and my comment about not going to Idaho was part of my conversation with Howatt, not you…
Answer this for me please; what does a guy who shoots whitetails and bears out of a treestand in Wisconsin know about all the conditions, factors and possibilities of hunting in Idaho?
Bottom line is that Idaho made a decision and neither you nor I know what it was based on or what conditions, situations or evidence they considered. For some reason though, you think you’re smarter than the State of Idaho because your .357 wont blow at least half your head off…
Your killing me Mike really - but heh, dont quit your day job!
Pretty funny stuff with the come back on the .357! Wow - and no openings for employment opportunities with "Saturday Night Live." Damn!
I know it "wont" blow at least half my head off - it will blow "most" of my head off! Just like I know if I shot a deer in Idaho, it will die just like it dies here in Wisconsin. That's the analogy Mike. Just an analogy.
Mike, all I did was mention that Idaho was behind the times and it was "ashame"....so then you ask about how many elk I have shot! Answer: None, zip, nada - nothing Mike! But then again - like a fellow bowsiter pointed out to you - I never mentioned Elk did I? You did that and that I guess, its OK....if we were talking about elk Mike - but we were not!
I dont need a "level" of expertise to make that statement Mike. Idaho is behind the times and yes, it's ashame! Infact I might just have a bumper sticker made stating that as well. I could place that one right next to my "I love Idaho" bumper sticker! I've killed a boatload of deer and enough black bear to know the devastating wound channels they produce.
You know my point Mike - I dont need to shoot an elk with a mechanical - either a Rage or NAP Spitfire to know it's not going to kill an elk or a moose! Ya think nobody has done that before? Well at least not in Idaho, legally I would think. But somewhere, someplace I'm pretty sure it's happened.
Here's the problem with Idaho or any guide out there that doesnt allow them in camp! First - their nutz! Secondly, they have no idea - not a clue, how deadly these broadheads really are - take a gander at the buck posted above? It looks like it's left side exploded - typical of a Spitfire or Rage.
And I'll answer your question Mike, cause I gotta get back to the "smokin hot" wife - (your not the only one that hangs with cute woman.)
First off - sometimes I shoot my whitetails from ground blinds - but anyhoot -
I really know nothing about the conditions, factors and possibilities as well as acid rain, the rain forest situation or taking long walks on a beach or nuclear reactors in the State of Idaho.
What I do know Mike, is that I dont have to drive out to Idaho to know that the simple act of screwing a Rage broadhead onto an arrow shaft in Idaho will not alter any chances of anyone killing a bear, deer or turkey in that great State! Just like it wont in Michigan, Minnesota, Alabama, California, Texas...you get my point!
Kinda like me shooting myself in the head - whether I do it in Wisconsin or Idaho - the results will be pretty much the same! Dead.
Great talking with ya again Mike! Remember, hang onto that day job now!! :^)
Tell Lester I said "Hey". Let him know I liked his piece on Horseshoe Moutain! Very nice.
Good Hunting Mike!
Guess what - I'll be damned some are shooting mechanical broadheads and get this - they are killing elk!
I guess I should have looked earlier, but my gosh, I had no idea.
In fairness, some report they would never use one on an elk, but yet there are hunters using them and reporting dead elk!
I find that interesting!
But like I've said many time before, shoot what you have confidence in. Many, many great broadheads out there. I just happen to love my mechanicals! And that's OK!
Well there ya go, now you really are an expert.
You should run for President of Idaho...
So it may behoove you to just be a tad more aware of my outlook on things here on bowsite! Just saying!
Good Luck Redclub!
Do you really think your outlook is that important to me or anybody else...?
You'd never be able to keep up with us... let alone catch us in Idaho!
Mike - your not lowering yourself to name calling are you?
Konk - Now that's funny!
You see my name is Patrick and so Mike thinks to make me look feminine or lady like he chooses to refer to me as: Patricia! Pretty snazzy Mike! Where do you come up with all this material man? Wasting all that talent walking around marking property lines? Wow!
Your a clever fella. But ya see Mike, I graduated high school back in 75' and so not so much into name calling anymore - but Thanks just the same!
My "outlook" - that was simply a "tongue in cheek" reference Mike. I know you dont care...that's a gimme! Your the kinda guy that cares about one thing in life.....yourself. I get it!
As far as keeping up with you and Lester? Your right I wouldn't be able to keep up with you such a dynamic duo! Your both so much stronger and better than me.
Funny, but I could be wrong here, but I dont remember ever asking to chum along with you and Lester? Hmmmm?
Oh well - Good hearing from ya again!
Good Hunting!
Bloodtrail, your name is shown as "Pat" I just followed your lead and made an assumption about a name and got it wrong just like you did...
"Your the kinda guy that cares about one thing in life.....yourself. I get it!"
Very nice Pat, you think you know me...? You're going beyond tongue in cheek jabs here...
Have a nice life...
My intent was to save said person or anybody that reads this from a possible headache. Finding out something like a head restriction at the last minute before a trip could be a tad stressfull.
With that said...I fully intend to shoot an Idaho bull this weekend and use the same fixed blade broadhead on a WI whitetail come November!
You must be referring to me referencing Lester - I have always called Lester..."Lester" - since day one! And let me say, he was a tad easier to get along with too! Not much...just a tad! :^)
I guess I could call him Les, if that bothers him or you. Sorry!
I like the name Lester, I had a pet rabbit once and my sister named it Lester. That rabbit was better looking than Les and his hair was a smig shorter!! :^)
Mike - I dont personally know you - so I shouldn't make assumptions (you know what they say about assumptions)!
That was a little harsh as I reflect back! Sorry Mike!
As far as that "life" thing - yuppers - going pretty good cant complain too loud. The wife has been working a ton of hours lately. Me...not so much! Be alot better once bear with the bow gets underway!
Wish me luck! I'm polishing those mechinicals Mike! LOL
Remember to tell "Les" I said "Hey"....He always said he was quite the bear hunter - is he hunting this year? If so - Good Luck!
"You must be referring to me referencing Lester - I have always called Lester..."Lester" - since day one! And let me say, he was a tad easier to get along with too! Not much...just a tad! :^)I guess I could call him Les, if that bothers him or you. Sorry! I like the name Lester"
That I don't understand, assuming "Les" is short for "Lester" I don't see why Mike would take offense to that and go off the deep end protecting his little friend? Anyway who cares if I understand it you two girls back in the ring and get the hair pulling/kicking/biting/scratching under way!
Your right - shoot what you think works best for you -my belief all along. Fixed - expandable whatever!
Years ago I would listen to nothing but badmouthing the expandables! All the time I was killing deer with them and thought what's the problem? I love my NAP Spitfires and Rage! Shoot em both and never had one problem - ever! But again - YOU have to shoot what YOUR confident with! It has to work for YOU - the hell with me! :^)
Yes, and I have said "shot placement" many, many times. I also said I could kill a deer with a target point based upon a well placed shot! I really think I could!
And seriously, I should not have called Les, Lester if that was a problem - I always did thou when we would banter back and forth in the day!
HunterR - while your at it - get busy over to the "Who are you" thread and post yourself with a bio! It can only spruce it up!
they are shooting right with my field points and seem like a good broadhead.
I'm glad your guts hurt from laughing - nice to see it doesnt take a whole hellva lot to amuse you!
Perhaps a piece of string and a paper clip next time? That should put ya in a comma!
"It looks to me like a shit shot"
FIP, shame on you!!! Didn't your Mother ever teach you - "If you can't say something nice about someone, dont say anything?" I expected so much better of you -and I bet Mom did as well? Oh well!! :^)
Seriously, I'm scratching my head here, but I really dont recall asking you personally what the hell you thought. That would include "the shot" or anything else on this planet!
It has always amazed me, why some people after like 50 posts on a thread - decide to come out of no where - inject themselves into a thread - talk smack and play the fool! What drives a person to do that FIP?
Say, before I go - nice contribution to the "who are you" thread! Yep, some pretty classy stuff there my man!
Hey, why dont you post some of your great bucks that you...oh, that's right...sorry!
Hunt Safe!
Hopefully the bully/ hard arse (everyone better agree with me) mentality that often accompanies the majority of your posts is not a reflection of how you handle yourself in everyday life ;-)
In Alaska you can only get a brown bear tag once every 4 years. He is a pilot and Wasilla resident, so he can fly his super cub, and do all of this a DIY....
Now that has to be a good head. His last bear was a 10 footer, the hide alone weighed 163 pounds. I have followed him, on his Super Slam, very humble guy, who is a pilot for UPS.......
You should ask him about the head. His name is Frank Noska... maybe thru GSCO or I know Tom Miranda knows him, they have web sites, I think....
good luck
That being said - fixed blades will do the same to a point - my experence.
I buy my expandables online for a lot less than what one would pay for them from Cabela's or Scheel's. If you look you can save as much 10-15 dollars in the "off" season! Your right, they are sometimes crazy expensive and I wouldnt pay that!
Again - I suggest shooting what works best for yourself! Confidence in your equipment is huge in archery.
At the end of the day - it's all about shot placement!
Razor - I am not familiar with those - I'll give em a look - see!
HunterR - When ya dish it out..("girls in the ring"..."hair pulling/biting/scratching") YOU gotta be ready to take a little kidding! A little friendly banter. If I was such a "bully" or "hard ass" would I have asked you to post on the "Who are you" thread and saying you would spice it up? That's a bully/hard ass? That is a compliment!
I apologize if I offended you! I was clearly funnin'! Sorry!
Some mornings I cant do anything right!
Shoot what your comfortable with. Confidence in your equipment is paramount!
I have paid dirt cheap prices on my broadheads. But ya know what - If I like them and they shoot good for "me" - cost is not a factor - at the moment of truth - when the cards are on the table - I know I'm going to hit where I am aiming!
A 160" buck at 15 yards with a broadhead I have confidence in and has proven deadly to me time after time - priceless!
I love my expandables, they serve me well!
So ya need to shoot what ya like! And I do understand what your saying - good points to consider I believe!!
Gotta do what's right for you the bowhunter!
How can you say the shot was "poor" when the deer is dead? I dont get that! If it was poor, it would be still running through the woods!
I originally posted that picture because people would claim that expandables "on steep quartering shots" bounce off the rib cage - deflect - dont open, yada, yada, yada!
That picture is proof positive that steep quartering shots with a NAP spitfire can be devastating and very do-able!
So, now that we have that out of the way FIP - let's see some posts of your deer and your shots. I would be very interested in evaluating them, much like you have mine!
I'll wait - but I wont hold my breath!
Good chatting again!
Shoot straight!
I took no offense and no apology necessary, just stating my opinion of what I've noticed with several of your posts in many different threads on this forum.
Is that the right approach - perhaps not!
But when you make fun of Mike and I for acting like girls (ect) I felt the need to respond and I did it in a funning manner and paid you a compliment as well.
Should I have said some of the things I have in the past - not so sure - the good folks on this site thankfully outweight the bozo's!
I count you as one of the better folks!
Not only was it an outstanding shot it plainly shows the devastation delivered by a NAP Spitfire! The wound channel delivered was massive.
You wernt there FIP so you really need to get over it! I've been bowhunting more than 40 years FIP - I know a good shot when I see it. And ah ya...that's right - you didn't see it!
But of course you pass judgement from your computer - you really are something else.
Now that we have that cleared up for the 10th time, -how about some of your shots? Do you have any? Being the "shotologist" you must have something you can share with us! Post away my friend!
If ya havent made a bad shot in 10 years you must have scores of pic's to share!
Still waiting!
Is that the right approach - perhaps not!
But when you make fun of Mike and I for acting like girls (ect) I felt the need to respond and I did it in a funning manner and paid you a compliment as well.
Should I have said some of the things I have in the past - not so sure - the good folks on this site thankfully outweight the bozo's!
I count you as one of the better folks!"
Bloodtrail, nice post. You make a couple good points and when I think about the overall picture, I consider you one of the good guys also. Happy hunting to you.
