Accuracy is the most important aspect of a bowhunting set-up. It matters little how fast the arrow flies at any range unless the broadhead strikes point-of-aim. Penetration is a close second. Unless your hunting arrow penetrates the vitals, the harvest will not occur. Generally, the more kinetic energy behind an arrow, the better it penetrates — but draw weight is not the most important variable. I have a 275-lb. crossbow that gets about the same penetration as my 60-lb. compound on a GlenDel rutting buck target. The crossbow launches a thick arrow with a short power stroke, while  the compound fires a micro-thin Easton shaft and a very pointy field point. Broadheads make a difference as well. Generally speaking, mechanical heads will not penetrate as well as a cut-on-contact head of similar diameter because the mechanical expends energy in the opening process. If this sounds a bit theoretical, here’s my experience. Using a Limbsaver Proton compound bow set at #55, Easton Injection shafts, and NAP Big Nasty broadheads, I took two animals on a recent safari with Agagia Safari Company. The first opportunity came when a mature oryx bull came to our blind. It showed up so quickly I didn’t have time to get excited. Literally in seconds, the arrow was on the way and passed completely through both shoulders of a 500-lb. animal. Ironically, in the next ten minutes a big bore warthog rushed in to drink and gave the classic quartering away shot. I put the shaft behind the front shoulder and the Big Nasty nearly cut through the other side and left a blood trail like a highway. Shooting 65, 70, and up to 80 pounds certainly adds kinetic energy to arrows, yet that kind of energy can come at the cost of a shaky draw, sore shoulders, and greater bow vibration. Max out the penetration gear and you can have great success with a moderate, accurate, and comfortable set-up.

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