Longbows Are Back: The Arrow Numbers That Actually Kill Deer

More hunters are putting down compounds and picking up longbows and recurves. Part of it is the challenge. Part of it is that a stick bow is simple, quiet and makes every deer feel earned. But a trad bow gives you far less margin than a compound, so the arrow has to do more of the work.

Here's the good news: the arrow science is better than it's ever been. The most cited work comes from Dr. Ed Ashby, who spent decades testing arrows on real game. His findings line up with what experienced trad hunters see in the field.

Heavy arrows penetrate better. A longbow pushes a heavy arrow almost as hard as a light one, so the heavy arrow carries more momentum. A good starting point is at least 10 grains of arrow weight per pound of draw weight. On a 50 pound bow, that's a 500 grain arrow or heavier.

Put the weight up front. Front of center, or FOC, is how far forward the arrow's balance point sits. Ashby's tests found penetration jumped once FOC passed about 19 percent. Most hunters aim for at least 15 percent, using a heavy broadhead or a brass insert.

Use a tough, simple broadhead. Cut-on-contact, two-blade or single-bevel heads in the 125 to 200 grain range are the standard for trad hunting. Leave mechanical heads for compound shooters.

Here's what that looks like in numbers. A 500 grain arrow at 165 feet per second carries about 30 foot-pounds of energy and 0.37 slug-feet per second of momentum. Step up to a 650 grain arrow at 150 feet per second and you get about 32 foot-pounds and 0.43 of momentum. The heavier arrow leaves the bow slower but hits harder and drives deeper.

Pick a bow you can control. A bow you can hold at full draw for three seconds without shaking is better than a heavier one you fight. For deer, most hunters shoot 45 to 55 pounds. Check your state's archery rules — some set a minimum draw weight or broadhead width.

Keep the shot short. For most trad shooters, 20 yards is the honest limit, and many of the best stay inside 15. Wait for broadside or slightly quartering away. Never take a quartering-to shot with a stick bow.

Practice with what you'll hunt with. Field points and broadheads can fly differently. For the last month before season, shoot your exact hunting arrow and head, from a seat or a stand, in your hunting clothes.

A longbow won't put more deer in the freezer. It'll make the ones you get mean more.