So this weekend I managed to sneak away for the weekend for the first bow hunt of year. After fighting the swarms of mosquitoes left by all the standing water from Irma I found myself in my blind being stared down by a Doe. She managed to work herself broadside at about 30 yards. I came to full draw settled my pin and let it rip. This is where things become bit strange. The arrow made contact and sounded like it a 2x4. I know this probably means BONE which is not the best case scenario. I gave it some time slipped out to find my arrow. Broad-head is missing, lighted nock is missing and very little blood on the arrow. The end of the arrow in packed with bone and a little hair. The arrow when compared to my other arrows are the same length minus the broad-head and lighted nock. Is it possible the broad-head came off in flight? I shoot a 125gr Ramcat head on a FMJ out of a HTR set at 70Lbs. I searched for several hours on two very small droplets of blood to no avail. So I guess all that was to ask if anyone has any input or experience with something like this. It is kind of driving me nuts.
Is the insert still in the arrow? hard to believe the head threads would fail to the point where the head would fall out?
sounds to me like you hit the shoulder bone square I have had this happen head is probably still in bone that's why nock flew off ! just like hitting a 2 x 6 board with your arrow, nock usually flies off backward don't worry deer will be fine but quite sore for awhile
Kind of what I was thinking. It just does explain the bone in the end of the arrow or maybe I am over thinking it
approx 475 grains out of a 70# draw weight, a does shoulder should be no match for that set up, not ideal but should penetrate.
I just watched a Bowhunt or Die episode where this almost exact same thing happened to Justin. It is season 4, episode 19. Check it out starting at the 11:40 point in the video. He hits shoulder, broadhead doesn't penetrate and it doesn't appear to be a lethal shot.
Thank you I'll make sure to check it out Sent from my GT-N5110 using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
I would venture to say that is excalty what happened. Hopefully I can get another crack at her. Sent from my GT-N5110 using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
Is the HIT insert still in the arrow shaft? Is it possible you forgot epoxy, didn't use enough, or it wasn't left to set for at least 24 hours? Maybe it was just a HARD smack at the right spot but the fact that both the nock and the broadhead came off is suspect.
Yeah that loud whack vice the distinctive POP is never a good sign. There is the chance that it was angled so when the head was torqued and came off the rest of the arrow get driving forward into the bone. The nock flying out is definitely another side effect of hitting something really hard. Sorry you lost your doe.
I'm sure the epoxy was good. I shot the day before to ensure proper flight. The arrow was bought at a pro shop and they put the insert in. Either way thanks for the input. Sent from my GT-N5110 using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
I love fmj's. Hard to believe a Florida deer whooped it's a--. I too hunt fl. I'm down south where r u located?
The nock broke off. Part of it is still in the arrow. It could have whipped from the angle when the arrow made impact. Thanks for the input. I was super bummed but there is always next time. Sent from my GT-N5110 using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
I would feel really bad about that lol. I at least made it to Ga. Sent from my GT-N5110 using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
At least for comfort, check to see if the insert is still in the shaft of the arrow. That way you know where the point of failure was. Not much of a consolation prize except it will help solve the mystery. Those shoulders sure can be tough, hopefully she lives and you might see her again. Then just give her one to the lungs
