dumb question

[Bofire]

Why are those broadheads that open on contact illegal? I saw one on TV called a Swacker or something, cut a hole like an Axe. Look like they would kill well. I am not a bow hunter, just curious.
Carl

[Woodchuck]

Welcome to WA, you will have more 

[Crunchy]

I believe because the expandable broadheads are not 100 percent reliable as to opening upon contact, and F&G worry about wounding animals..

[washelkhntr]

 

[bowhuntin]

Expandles also act like a barb... it would make it hard for an animal that wasn't hit well to pull it out or for it to work its way out.

[Gringo31]

The people in the Dept of F&G that I talked to about it told me that is was to keep archery as a "primitive" weapon.  Same reasoning for not allowing scopes on muzzleloaders.

[lokidog]

The people in the Dept of F&G that I talked to about it told me that is was to keep archery as a "primitive" weapon.  Same reasoning for not allowing scopes on muzzleloaders.

Not even close to the same issue.  Scoped muzzleloaders increase the effective range by as much as 2X.  Expandable broadheads fall under the "barbed" category as someone mentioned.   

[halflife65]

The people in the Dept of F&G that I talked to about it told me that is was to keep archery as a "primitive" weapon.  Same reasoning for not allowing scopes on muzzleloaders.

I would think that having a wheel/cam on your bow would have a lot greater effect on the the shot than the expandable broadhead (I'm a bowhunter and I have a compound - not arguing that only bow longbows and recurves should be used.)  I don't think that the "primitive" argument holds much water as far as expandable broadheads go when compared to the effect of compound bows and, in fact, it's possible you were talking to someone who didn't really know why they're illegal.  I think the argument that they could fail and not expand or act as barbs sounds a lot more plausible/realistic. 

Even in states that allowed expandables, I would stick with fixed blade, anyway. But that's just my preference.

[alanger]

shwacker expandable broadheads. they are good but this is washington. 

[PA BEN]

Back in the day when these first came out, there would open and if it hit a rib going in the arrow would deflect and wound the animal. I would think the new heads these days are a lot better. But, F&G won't look into it. There OK for small game, Turkey, grouse, etc.