Mechanical Broadheads

[chrisb]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I'm new to the site. Why are Mechanical broadheads not allowed for use in WA? Is there a reasonable explanation or logic behind it or like most things is it arbitrary?

[SunniCutt]

well, the new regs don't say you can't use them, but when you read the regs it states fairly clear about no barbs.  I'm no expert, but I do not know of  any mechnical broadhead that is soild from the outside cuting edge to the the shaft.  The 09 regs explain this in good detail in the equipment section. 

[Hoytstaffshooter83]

The oringinal reason was because when they first came out they had issues with the heads opening all the way on every shot, now with the rage that have a gurantee it is stupid we cant use  them, again we are one of the only states with this stupid  law

[Tom Tamer]

 

And the main reason I heard from the WDFW( So take that for what it's worth ) They said there os too much oposition from tradtional users to ever get it switched even with all the technological advancements?

 Not that I agree but that's the explanation I was given.

Now notice too that the reg. concerning broadheads only applies to Big Game, small game hunting is NOT affected, so Turkey and such ARE legal to use mechanicals. I use Rage myself for turkey.

[coldsteel3d]

I haven't done enough research, but if the new regs state "no barbs", I think and I have heard that NAP has an expandable that expands from like 1 1/8 to 1 1/2 when open and doesn't barb.  However from the research that I have done, you can't beat a good fixed blade, cut on contact head. It would be nice to have the 1 1/2 cutting diameter, but the heads I use do the trick and I hit just like my field tips all the way to 80yds. and beyond.  No need for anything else IMO.

[chrisb]

thanks guys. just as i thought its pretty arbitrary like most things the WDFW does... well at least i don't live in CA

[Tom Tamer]

thanks guys. just as i thought its pretty arbitrary like most things the WDFW does... well at least i don't live in CA

Close this is Northern Northern California

[SHANE(WA)]

pretty much

[Sneaky]

I've heard that mechanical broadheads are "too efficient" and give bowhunters too much of an advantage. I don't get it. it'd only make the kill more ethical in my opinion. I shoot 7/8" sonic heads and they fly straight as target points, so its not like a mechanical broadhead is going to give you the edge in accuracy over the current legal fixed blade. They just make a great big hole and kill the animal cleaner/faster as well as providing a better blood trail, leading to less waste due to unfound game. 

[SHANE(WA)]

right along the lines of the all lead for muzzy here for years, well technology has built a far better bullet, that stays together and dispatches game more efficiently.Finally changed this year

[KillBilly]

It is nothing to do with efficiency... it is described here and on page 62 of the regulations. The purpose is to use a blade that can come out or be pulled out by the animal if it is not found or does not die. Any shape that would keep an arrow embedded in the animal is considered to be inhumane. A broadhead that remains in an animal if not harvested causes infection, growths, sometimes loss of life later on.
It is not about technology or efficiency. See the highlighted portion of the text below, that is what makes mechanicals non compliant.


g. It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with
a broadhead blade unless the broadhead
is unbarbed and completely closed at
the back end of the blade or blades by
a smooth, unbroken surface starting at
maximum blade width forming a smooth
line toward the feather end of the shaft and
such line does not angle toward the point.

[Ray]

I agree no mechanical broadheads.

I don't view the technology as progress. Plus it's barbed.

Good law from my point of view.

[GoldTip]

Have you watched that video that was posted here not long ago?  I didn't see a single one of those expandables that didn't lose a blade as it passed through that section of ribs.  Not something I want to use personally, I don't have any problem with the law staying as is.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

The reason expandables are not legal in Washington is due to the regulation against barbed broadheads. A poorly hit animal can and will usually survive but if the arrow is barbed it will stay in and cause the animal to suffer a long and agonizing death. Arrows fall out or are pulled out (I have seen them do it) If they stay in they fester and get infected. A lot of bowhunters take shots they should not take thinking that they can hit a target at that distance, but when an animal hears a bow release they move and that results in poor hits. Most will result in a minor injury that is not life threatening. (sharp broadheads cut cleanly) I am not advocating taking shots you shouldn't just stating the facts.

 

[Ray]

To me the video doesn't matter. Nor does supporting evidence. There are a lot bigger issues to face hunters than lumenocks and broadhead choices regarding regulations. The important things hunters better keep their eyes on is the access and opportunities as well as the management and anti hunters.

The current rules really permit some lethal bow setups. I think there is enough for an archer to choose from when it comes to gear. Harvesting game with archery tackle happened before these broadheads.

*300 feet per second
*sights with pins for incremental distances
*drop away arrow rests
*whisker biscuits
*fobs
*having let off so that people can shoot bows they normally would not be able to and to bead on a target for long periods of time. Much like a rifle

The inherent accuracy of modern bows seems like the opportunities for equipment choices are broad enough in order to make a good kill to me.