I was thumbing through the current issue of Traditional Bowhunter Magazine at the book store while my lovely wife and I were doing a little post Christmas spending and I read a couple really interesting articles about small game. I'm curious to know what you seasoned guys use for the smaller stuff when the deer season ends. I've been stumping a lot since I moved back to NC using aluminums with six 5" full height feathers but seems like they slow down a bit too much. I've taken quite a few shots at squirrel with the same setup but the few times I have actually hit my mark the squirrel has beat me. So what do you guys use for squirrel, pheasant, bunnies, etc.? :dunno:
You can trim those full height feathers down a little to speed them up
I shoot regular fletch at squirrels and rabbits, and steel hex head blunts, judo points or old broadheads. Flu-flus slow the arrow too much. Squirrels often get out of the way before the arrow gets there or there's not enough energy left in the arrow to do the job with flu-flus. I try to limit my shots to on the ground or those in which a tree limb or trunk is behind the squirrel so if I miss, the arrow usually comes bouncing back toward me. I only use broadheads for ground shots when I'm alone.
Heads:
* RFA Talons for most shots
* Judo points for ground shots where there are thick briars or grass behind the game
Arrows:
* Regular fletched arrows for ground shots or shots with tree trunk as backstop
* Flu-Flu arrows only for squirrels under 15 yards that are bellied down to a limb playing bump on a log AND in a location that I can't get a good backstop for my arrow
Reasoning:
Blunts work better in my experience than Judo's and I don't want to tear the meat up with larger broadheads so I use the RFA Talons as much as I can on squirrel and rabbit but will throw a Judo at them if it's a shot that is almost guaranteed to loose my arrow in weeds if I miss. Regular fletched arrows shoot more consistent in wind, faster, and more quiet than flu-flu's. This translates into more kill shots but I do keep a flu-flu for the occasional limbed tree rat because they are MUCH easier to find when you miss after being lobbed out into the middle of nowhere.
I practice with both regular arrows and flu-flu's and use the same arrows and weighted heads as I use for target work. If I am taking out my bow-quiver I usually bring 3 Talon tipped regular arrows and 1 Judo tipped flu-flu. If I am taking my back quiver it's usually because I plan to both hunt and stump shoot, then I'll usually take 8 Talon tipped arrows, 1 Talon tipped flu-flu, 1 Judo tipped arrow, and 2 Judo tipped flu-flu's.
I'm thinking I might try making some flu-flus with just 3 full height feathers. I also saw a picture of regular arrows with a full length feather wrapped around the shaft just in front of the knock, looked like it'd work pretty well. Those RFA talons look pretty wicked.
I use the same arrows I would use for deer, except with blunts or hex heads.
I just use reg 5" feathers and what ever old heads I have laying around, hex head blunt, old broad head, judo
I know some don't like rubber blunts but they work for me at close range. If a squirrel gets caught between my blunt and a tree trunk it is lights out, plain and simple. For longer shots I would use the hex head or hammer or the game nabber. I have some magnus blunts that I have yet to try with the bleeder blades. They look wicked and fly great. I use regular fletch, as others have mentioned, flu flus might slow down too much and make too much noise. I like to find where they are feeding and sit and wait by a runway such as an old log. I might move slowly from place to place often getting shots from "chasers" as I move along. Right now in NC it is the squirrel rut and they are chasing.
Squirrel rut! I think I'm gonna go stalk some squirrels in Uwharrie tommorrow. Judo points and regular arrows seems to be a reasonable approach. I'll have a flu-flu in the quiver for the ones sticking to the limbs. Maybe it'll be squirrel stew for supper tommorrow. Thanks for all the info guys.
The small game quest is best!,,, I use my normal 4 inch high back arrows. I use wood and just recently got some pink GT's for ease of location. I hunt rabbits, quail and grouse. The points i use vary. Judos are great until you have to shoot thru rose bushes. 9mm cases on 100 grain points work. I have some ancient points from 30 years ago. All work as do rubber blunts and commercial steel blunts
flu flu work on short range targets on the ground or air. I have to face it, i love hunting
SMall game. Went this morn at 27 degrees and two inches of fresh powder
I like flu flus with 3 feathers instead of six good compromise. Vpa sgt for heads
I like flu flus with 3 feathers instead of six good compromise. Vpa sgt for heads
Duke I have a traditional cut feather chopper that makes a slightly larger feather. It may be something for you to consider instead of flu flu's. Just a thought
Traditional cut feather chopper? Do tell. Sounds like a trip up north to me.
I like high back banana's for rabbits and squirrels in the tree's. They don't go as far as my deer arrows but still pack a punch.
I'll cut some up for you so you can try them out. Oh if you want to I am going to a 3d shoot this weekend. Pm me if you would like to go.
Magnus I just put a few of your feathers on a Christmas present of mine. Man I love the way Turkey feathers look on a wood (looking) shaft. They're gonna be hard to find one day I'm sure but it's a small price to pay for elegance. I'm gonna be in touch with you down the road.
Glad you like them. Try a fur tracer. Makes them easier to see. I use white but they come in many colors. I also offer dyed natural feathers.
I forgot all about the shoot Todd. I've planned a trip with my lovely wife before school starts up. :rolleyes: I'll definitely try a few feathers though. Maybe next time I try to whack pheasants I'll have better luck. :laughing:
My father in law just bought some used feathers and some had tracers, it blew my mind. Kinda like a mini flu-flu, or just for ease of finding afterwards? Seems like a bright pink would help find my beautiful arrows. Now I just have to sneak over to the flamingo exhibit at the zoo.
Here's what I'm meaning by a tracer.
(http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb472/mwgtrad/1356366176.jpg)
I guess after looking at them for more than a glance it wouldn't slow too much. I'd like some crazy bright ones. Look for PM.
I used an aluminum 1916 flu-flu with a judo on this critter:
(http://images.imagelinky.com/1356786795.JPG) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1356786795.JPG)
On this grey squirrel I used one of my 3555 carbon deer arrows with a simple 125gr steel blunt. He didn't move after hitting him in the ear:
(http://images.imagelinky.com/1356787163.JPG) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1356787163.JPG)
(http://images.imagelinky.com/1356787098.JPG) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1356787098.JPG)
Oh, by the way, I had about as much fun hunting squirrels this past fall as any hunting I have ever done!
It sure is fun isn't Ron. Introduced the boy to squirrel with the bow. He's addicted now!
:thumbsup:
Lately I've been using 125 grain steel blunts with the regular three 5" shield cut feathers. Plus, this is the same set-up that I use at the range (Our hay bales are really worn out -- all the shots with field points fly through with no resistance). Tried the 125 grain hard rubber/plastic blunts, but they made my shots erratic. I'm guessing the bad aerodynamics are throwing my shots off? Anyone else experience this?
Recently got some flu flus for limbed squirrels (six 4"), but they were making my arrows fly stiff. Put some 145 grain steel blunts on, and will take them out for a spin on Monday -- no hunting in Virginia on Sundays :/
On side note, one of the guys at the range gave me some home made blunts -- a wing nut and a screw. Flies great! Haven't tried small game with it yet, but I imagine it would do the job. Plus, the arms of the wingnut act like a Judo point in the grass/brush.
You guys with the tracers - do they slow the arrow down, or are they just there to make the arrow easier to find? With the name 'tracers" I always assumed it made the arrow easier to see in flight. Never used one, nor seen one in action. Thanks!
No the tracers don't slow the arrow down. It's a piece of rabbit fur about an inch long and it doesn't even register on my grain scale. Might weigh 1 grain with the thread. Yes it makes them easier to see in flight and after the shot. I like white but need some colorful ones now. Snow on the ground.
well between this thread and the snow and cold i went ahead and made up some small game heads. I have been shooting Hex heads on my woodies, and G5 SGH, judo, RFA Talons, and Hex screw ins on my alums and carbons.
I just used 8-32 screws with a 1/4-20 wing nut and some 8-32 nuts to get weight and they fly wonderfully. They whistle a little but not bad. I may just stick with the homemades from now on.
(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q618/brianlocal3/file-68.jpg)
Home made on left and right, G5SGH in middle
Nice work Brian. I have to make a few of those up. Thanks!
Those points look nice. I'll have to make a few myself. Thanks for sharing!
I think you will find they fly good and hit HARD. I cut down one screw just to see what happens and it didnt lock in well so I suggest keep them full length. I used 1 1/2".
Oh and THANK you for the comments
Thanks again Brian. I will pick up some 1-1/2" screws and 1/4" wing nuts. Sounds pretty cheap and deadly!
I don't know if they still make them but the Game Nabbers are some nice heads. I make my own by taking a glue on field point and cutting about 1/8" deep around the base with a pair of tin snips. The snips roll the metal out and make a nasty cutting edge aroud the base. Not so good for shooting into trees but you can do the same thing with a glue on blunt tip. The spinning base works like a 1/2" drill bit when it hits and makes a nasty wound.
Denny