Mechanical Broadheads

Tom Updegraff, Holland,MI: "As I grow older -- I'm 67 -- I find that reducing my draw weight keeps me in the game. I'm now shooting 50lbs. I am concerned, however, whether 50 pounds will give me sufficient penetraton with mechanical broadheads. What do you suggest?

Broadhead choice is probably one of our most asked questions.

First, let me congradulate you on maintaining an active bowhunting career at your age! That's good to hear and gives me something to look forward to , as I'm only about 14 years behind you.

In your case, I wouldn't be overly concerned about shooting a 50-pound bow for deer. Properly tuned, your bow will get good penetration on deer, and complete penetration shouldn't be a prob;em on well-chosen shots. Of course, we all know not every shot is perfect, ans that's the criteria you should use to choose a broadhead.

I would recommend a fixed-blade broadhead with two blades, such as the Magnus Stinger. Or a replaceable-blade head such as the Rocky Mountain Blitz, NAP Thunderhead, G5 Striker, or Muzzy MX-3. As long as they're ultra-sharp, as all broadheads should be, you shouldn't have a problem

If you want to shoot mechanical, I'd recommend one that doesn't require too much of your kinetic energy to deploy. To that end , the Rage broadheads, with their "Slip-Cam" design, would work nicely. They open rearward, with the blades sliding backward instead of a jackknife action that tends to soak up energy. the Rae two-blade or the Rocky Mountain Snyper two-blade would be good choices as far as mechanicals go.

I've always felt it's better to be able to draw slowly, smoothly and in control prior to the shot than to be overly concerned about energy. You've obviously taken care of yourself and your shoulders, and going to 50 pounds is putting you in the same league as Editor Dwight Schuh and TV Producer Larry D. Jones -- and they aren't having any problems, even with the game larger than deer, Good Luck and Take Care.

Buck Urine

J.W., Flint, MI: How and when, if at all, would you use buck urine as an attractant?"

Buck urine can be used early season and during the rut as an attractant. What type of urine depends on the time of year. Early season, I would recommend using some type of young buck urine,which would act as more of a curiosity scent. As you get closer to the rut, you want to use dominant buck urine if a decent buck is in your area. He'll see the urine as a challenge to his territory. At this time, I would also recommend using rutting buck urine as well, especially in scrapes, both real and mock. Hope this helps. Good luck, and have a safe and successful season.