Arrows and broadheads

There are many options when it comes to choosing arrows and broadheads for turkey hunting.

If you already hunt big game, you can use the same arrow shafts for hunting turkey.

If you’re new to bowhunting and buying arrows for the first time, select an arrow shaft made of a lightweight, fast-moving material like carbon fiber. An arrow that weighs about 6 to 8 grains per per pound of draw weight (on a compound bow) is a good guideline. This will maximize kinetic energy, accuracy and penetration.

There are three styles of broadheads popular with turkey hunters:

• Expandable, or mechanical, broadheads. These are the most accurate because the blades are tucked tight to the arrow shaft, decreasing air resistance and drag. Upon impact, expandable broadheads open up, creating a large cutting area and resulting in consistently lethal shots.
• Fixed broadheads. The same broadheads used in big game hunting can be used for turkey. The cutting surfaces on fixed broadheads are not as large as those of expandable broadheads. However, fixed blade broadheads are more durability if your arrow hits the shoulder or thigh bone of a turkey.
• Guillotine-style broadheads. With cutting diameters up to four inches, these broadheads are designed to shoot a turkey in the head and neck. This can result in a quick, clean kill – if you connect.

However, the long blades of a guillotine broadheads can get caught up in twigs, branches and fingers. And by aiming for the turkey’s head, you’re picking the smallest available target. These wide-cutting broadheads will not penetrate the body of a turkey.

Whatever broadhead you choose, be sure and practice with it once in a while. Designate a practice broadhead so you’ll know exactly how it flies and expands the point of impact. The best broadhead for hunting will be the one you can shoot most accurately.