This is a follow up to my buck I bagged last night (see at http://forums.bowhunting.com/showthread.php?t=10531 ) I was able to remove the old arrow from the buck this morning. All indications show that the arrow entered much like the picture shows: Seems to have been a drastically quartering away shot that struck only the upper shoulder blade - and terrible penetration! There was 13 total inches of arrow (camoclad carbon) with an 85 grain G5 Montec. I could move the arrow in and out - head was not lodged in any bone, but had a heck of a time getting it removed back out through shoulder blade...here is removed arrow: I'm 99% sure this was shot by an outfitted hunt as we are surrounded by one of the biggest outfitters in the area - and this was the buck's home range as we have seen him prior to injuries this season. Since this outfitter charges $4450 for a 6 day hunt - I'm assuming the hunter has decent bow/equipment to go with his nice arrows/broadheads. What I'm getting at is this - doesn't matter what you shoot or how much $ you spend...the following factors are more important: 1)get as close as you can to animal 2)broadside or slight quartering shot 3)practice all you can and know your limitations - Pick a Spot!
I also think it's No. 1 on the penetration list.... 1. Shot placement 2. SCARY sharp BH's 3. Sufficient Energy produced 4. Proper marriage between bow/arrow (tune) You can get away with "some" deficiencies in No.'s 2, 3 and 4..... if you pay attention to No.1. Blow No. 1....and the others "might" save you. They also might not. Interesting photo.....Interesting kill. Great buck. Congrats.
Shot placement is most important but, as we all know, sometimes we don't make the perfect shot. In this particualr case an arrow constructed to be more forgiving of a bad shot may have made a difference. An 85gr BH suggests a less than good FOC and arrow weight. Light and fast may be what people want but it is not forgiving at all. An arrow weight of 6-7 grains per pound and a FOC of a minimum of 12% can really help with a marginal shot. Of course, it is never as "cool" as 5 grains per pound, 8% FOC and 300 fps but, it is exponentially more forgiving
Bruce: NO IDEA what my FOC is. But I had better results (5-for-5 on pass-thrus, this yr) with an arrow weighing 500gr., traveling 180fps.....than I did with an arrow weighing 375gr., traveling over 100fps. faster. I'd surmise, there's merit to what you're saying.
But one thing never to forget is that: 4.) Stuff happens... Could have been the perfect shot by the most conscientious hunter. That deer could have ducked the string and turned at the same time. You just can't shoot any bow fast enough to outrun a whitetail's reflexes.
Totally agree...don't want to sound like I'm better than that - It has happened to me...just taking the chance to answer the couple guys who asked for details on this arrow in my deer, and to remind those that might need reminding: with so much that can go wrong on a shot at a live animal - at least be prepared to do everything right that you can (guess I could have just said that and been a lot easier)
There's merit In what Bruce Is saying. FOC shows more when talking bigger bones such as blades and etc. I wonder though If that arrow would have passed through the blade If he would of even got a lung. Might have been a tad forward with that angle. Who knows I guess.
Bruce, grains per pound or grains per inch? Here's my theory: The arrow was launched from a bow set up by a spouse/father. The shooter was female/youth and was pulling somewhere near 35-45 pounds. The setter upper thought light and fast would make up for the lower draw weight. The shooter nails targets quite regularly/well out to 30 yards and this was the distance, that morning, to the deer. The setter upper failed to recognize Illinois deer are much larger in body mass than those found in his home state. All in all, the shooter made a good effort but came up tremendously short. I hope he/she and setter upper take that which they have learned and grow. Again Matt, I'm happy you got the deer! Yeah, they are tough buggers!
Will, grains per pound (GPP) of DW. I like your theory but, IMO, if that were the case, then it is even more important to have a higher GPP ratio. I posted this thread a while back to show the damage that can be done 1. by the BH, 2. by a higher GPP, high FOC setup, especially at low DW and somewhat slower speeds. http://forums.bowhunting.com/showthread.php?t=9926
