(music playing)
Ask someone to draw an arrow, and it probably looks like this.
The target arrow probably looks like this.
Depending on what kind of archery you do,
you're probably using target points or field points.
Target points ar typically blunt, bullet shaped and are tended to minimise damage to the target.
Field points tend to be pointier and more durable for using in the field.
If you hunt, then you would be using broadheads.
This is a simple broadhead point.
The key difference is that the point features a bladed edge.
The broadhead will slice through flesh and sever blood vessels.
Which then cause the animal to bleed out
In contrast - target points will deliver a clean puncture wound.
Now what's annoying about broadheads?
Well the point isn't the point.
Rather it's where people use them.
A lot of places ban broadheads.
Firstly, it's potentially dangerous.
Now getting hit by any arrow is going to be dangerous, and there should be safety protocols to prevent that.
However, clubs have to deal with very fine print when it comes to insurance.
And the stipulation may be that broadheads aren't allowed.
More revelant, however, is the effect on the target itself.
Target points will leave very small narrow holes
Whereas a broadhead will absolutely shred a target.
Most clubs will use plastic or foam, or straw.
And if someone shoots a broadhead into these targets
the lifespan of the target itself will rapidly deteriorate.
If you shoot at an indoor range the effect may be on the back stop behind the target.
And look, repairing these things aren't cheap, that's why a lot of clubs will have blatant ban on broadheads.
But you always get people who do it anyway
and that is my gripe.
Depending on the club, the club grounds may be open to the public when not in use.
As is the case for many clubs around Melbourne, which are started on accountal reserves.
Often these clubs run only during weekends
leaving the field unsupervised and often members of the public shoot without permission.
Aside from being a general hazard
due to lack of training and being unsupervised
often these guys are bow hunting enthusiasts with broadheads.
And they freakin' destroy our targets.
We've always known that people have used our targets with broadheads after hours.
Last time that happened, the person, who shot these arrows, left their broadheads sticking in the ground.
Why would you even do that?
The point is that you should never ever leave arrows lying around, and especially not broadheads.
This is a public park. Kids play in this park. People walk their dogs past here.
You leave a broadhead in the ground and someone is bound to get hurt.
And the club is liable for that, even though it might have been an outsider.
Pick your own arrows up! And if you miss and it's in the ground somewhere - go and find it!
Even better - don't use broadheads on our targets.
And this happens everywhere
We were at a club across town doing a competition
and whilst looking for lost arrows we found this in the ground.
This doesn't mean that you should never ever use a broadhead
depending on the club and especially for bow hunting clubs
there may be designated targets for you to use broadheads on.
In any case - always ask!
Many clubs will ask you if you are using broadheads.
But if they don't ask, you have to ask if you can!
Often people will freak out the moment you pull out a broadhead, and next minute you're out.
Botttom line is - don't use broadheads on regular targets!
Alternatively you can use field points with matched weight tips to your broadheads.
So you can practice with your arrows and then replace the points with broadheads when you go hunting.
So remember - shoot safely and respect the rules!