Thinking small game

There’s an old Fred Bear video called Fins, Feathers, and Fur. Bear, often hailed as the pioneer of modern bowhunting, founded Bear Archery in 1933. The video showcases the remarkable versatility of bow and arrow in hunt­ing various game throughout the year. On top of pursuing big game like deer, moose, and bear, bowhunters can target coyotes, turkeys, squirrels, crows, groundhogs, grouse, rabbits, waterfowl, and more. They can even bow fish for carp or white suckers during their spring run. Personally, I hunt dragonflies on the wing for practice in the summer months. I don’t get many, but they sure are fun to shoot at. Don’t forget stump shooting is also great practice that keeps us shooting year-round. As a bowhunter, I have two main concerns. Firstly, it’s crucial that I have the right equipment for a swift and humane kill. Secondly, I consider the cost of arrows. I’ve noticed that my perfor­mance improves when I’m not preoccupied with the thought of money slipping away with every arrow released. Rubber tips: I use these when roaming and stump shooting. They bounce off tree stumps and logs. I don’t have to spend time digging them out of a tree. I don’t like them for hunting. Judo points: Made by Zwickey Archery, these are a standout option. They feature a blunt metal head equipped with a claw, wires, and springs. The claw snags onto grass and veg­etation, rendering the arrow virtually unlosable. Judo points deliver effective kills through blunt force trauma, making them suitable for squirrels, cottontails, and grouse. Notably, Judo points offer arrow flight akin to field tips, eliminating the need for bow-tuning adjustments. G5 SGH: This small game blunt tip with a solid metal claw is reminiscent of a broadhead. According to the company, “The blunt tip provides the shock and the curved blades provide the rip­ping action that also prevents the arrow from bur­rowing under the ground.” Broadheads: For coyotes and groundhogs, I always use the same set-up I use for large game. My motto is, if it works, don’t fix it. Broadhead stoppers: Birds like ducks, geese, and pheasants have tough feathers. Blunt force won’t kill them if they are hit any­where but their head. I pre­fer the cutting ability of a regular broadhead. You can get a judo-styled sleeve that fits on the arrow behind the broadhead, helping to pre­vent a complete pass-through of your arrow. When