When it comes to broadheads for hunting, there are different options available for different game animals. Your choice will depend on factors like the size of the game, the desired penetration, and the type of hunting you prefer.
Here we shared some of the best broadheads you can use to take down different sizes of game animals in the US. Check to see if you can find your best match.
Broadheads for Large Game
Whitetail Deer
Use fixed-blade broadheads with a cutting width of about 1.5 to 2 inches. This will help you hit accurately and cause enough damage to bring down the deer. Good options include the Rage Hypodermic, Muzzy Trocar, and G5 Montec.
Elk
Since elk are larger animals, you'll need broadheads that penetrate deep and cut well. Look for fixed-blade broadheads with a cutting width of 2 to 2.5 inches. The Slick Trick Magnum, Grim Reaper Razorcut, and Ramcat Broadheads are popular choices.
Wild Boar
Wild boars are tough, so you need broadheads that can handle them. Mechanical broadheads with a cutting width of 2 to 2.5 inches work well. Consider the NAP Killzone, Rage Trypan, and G5 Havoc.
Black Bear
For black bears, go for fixed-blade broadheads with a cutting width of 1.5 to 2 inches. The Magnus Stinger, Wasp Boss SST, and Shuttle T-Lock are commonly used for bear hunting.
Moose
Moose are huge and have thick hides and strong bones. You'll need broadheads with exceptional penetration and cutting power. Look for fixed-blade broadheads with a cutting width of 2.5 to 3 inches, such as the G5 Striker, Slick Trick GrizzTrick, and Trophy Taker A-TAC.
Broadheads for Medium Game
Deer and Antelope
For deer and antelope, you can use fixed-blade broadheads with a cutting width of about 1.5 to 2 inches. These broadheads are accurate and cause enough damage to humanely take down the animals. Examples include the Rage Hypodermic, Muzzy Trocar, and G5 Montec.
Hogs and Boars
Hogs and boars are tough animals, so you need broadheads that can handle them. Mechanical broadheads with a cutting width of 2 to 2.5 inches are effective. Consider the NAP Killzone, Rage Trypan, and G5 Havoc.
Coyotes and Predators
For smaller predators like coyotes, you can opt for smaller fixed-blade broadheads with a cutting width of around 1 to 1.5 inches. This helps with accuracy and efficient takedown. Look for broadheads like the G5 Striker V2, Slick Trick ViperTrick, and Muzzy MX-4.
Broadheads for Small Game
Small Game Birds
For hunting small game birds like quail or pheasant, you would typically use small-game blunt broadheads or judo points. These broadheads are designed to stun or kill the birds without causing excessive damage to the meat. They often have rubber or blunt tips. Examples include the Saunders Bludgeon Blunt and Zwickey Judo Points.
Rabbits and Squirrels
When hunting rabbits or squirrels, small-game broadheads with a cutting width of around 1 inch or less are suitable. These broadheads are designed to deliver accurate shots and minimize damage to the game. Look for options like the Magnus Small Game Head, G5 Small Game Head, or Zwickey Eskimo.
Varmints and Rodents
For varmints like groundhogs or rodents like rats, you can use small-game broadheads with a cutting width of around 1 inch or less. These broadheads are designed for accurate shots and quick takedowns. Consider options like the G5 Small Game Head, Saunders Combo Point, or Muzzy Small Game Head.
Why Are Broadheads Not One Size Fits All?
A responsible hunter always focuses on making a quick and humane kill, and using the same broadhead to hunt down different types of game animals is against that because, for some species, this could be an overkill while for others, an underkill.
Here are some of the reasons you cannot do it.
Game animal size
Different game animals vary significantly in size and body structure. For example, a small animal like a rabbit or a turkey requires less force and penetration compared to a larger animal like a deer or a bear.
Using a broadhead designed for larger animals on smaller ones may result in excessive damage, destroying the meat or making retrieval difficult.
Shot placement
Different game animals have different vital organs and body structures. For ethical and effective hunting, it's crucial to place your shot accurately to ensure a fast and humane kill.
Broadheads are designed with specific features, such as cutting diameter, blade angle, or blade shape, to optimize their performance for certain shot placements. Using an improper broadhead on a specific game animal may result in poor penetration or ineffective shots.
Penetration requirements
The desired level of penetration may vary depending on the game animal. Some animals have thicker hides, heavier bones, or tougher muscle structures, requiring a broadhead with better penetration capabilities.
Using a broadhead designed for lighter game animals on larger ones may not achieve sufficient penetration to reach vital organs and deliver a lethal shot.
Regulations and ethical considerations
Hunting regulations often specify the type and size of broadheads allowed for specific game animals. It's important to adhere to these regulations to ensure fair chase and conservation efforts.
Moreover, ethical hunters aim to minimize the suffering of the game animal. Using the appropriate broadhead for each animal contributes to a clean and humane kill.
Now that you have some idea about which broadheads are great for different game species, we hope you will be able to make the right choice and take your bowhunting skill to the next level.
