Sponsored by: Grim Reaper Broadheads
If you want to get into a good debate, pack a room full of elk hunters and ask them if they are comfortable using a mechanical broadhead when bowhunting elk. Many will say yes; several will say no and some will ride the fence. There is no question: a good fixed blade head is extremely reliable, which is why many elk hunters prefer using a fixed blade head. Mechanical broadheads have come a long way in the last decade and more hunters are turning to mechanical heads because they are now extremely reliable and they offer some advantages fixed blade heads. Matt Bateman from Grim Reaper broadheads is sold on using mechanical heads. Grim Reaper makes mechanical and fixed blade heads.
“I like our Hades fixed blade head. It is tough and reliable, but I prefer mechanical heads because they offer a little extra cutting diameter,” said Bateman.
Bateman’s preferred head is the Grim Reaper Razortip. “Our Razortip with a 1-3/8” cutting diameter is my favorite. It is big enough to take down a bull quickly. It isn’t a really large head like our Whitetail Special, but it doesn’t have a small cutting diameter either. In my opinion, it is the perfect size for big bulls. Over the last several years, I have watched many bulls go down with this head. Most of them drop before they are out of sight.”
As you can see from the pictures, Bateman has killed many bulls with a bow. The success rate is many states when bowhunting for elk is roughly 10 percent. Bates experiences success by hunting hard and going where the bulls live. “I love hunting in the backcountry where I can get into bulls from the moment I get out of the tent in the morning,” said Bateman. “I like calling big bulls in but I will also spot and stalk if I need to. My goal is to get a bull so I am not against sitting near a waterhole or stalking.”
Bateman likes mechanical heads like the Razortip because he can sight them in easily with a practice tip at extreme ranges and take long shots in the field if needed. “I practice at 80 yards and beyond. In the field, I am not against taking 60 yard shots if it the shot opportunity is a good one,” Bateman explained.
More bowhunters are taking long range shots at elk and other large game because today’s bows and broadheads can get the job done. Everybody prefers calling big bulls in but the truth is pulling off a shot at a bull that is 50 or 60 yards away that is feeding in a meadow is often easier than pulling off a shot on a bull that is 25 yards away, alert, and looking for the caller. Practicing at extreme ranges and shooting bulls at 50 yards and beyond makes a lot of sense.
Are you going elk hunting this fall? Don’t be afraid to try a mechanical head like the Razortip from Grim Reaper a try.
For more please go to: Grim Reaper Broadheads
About the Author: Tracy Breen is a full-time outdoor writer, speaker and marketing consultant in the outdoor industry. He currently works with a variety of companies including Mathews Archery, Wilderness Athlete, Grim Reaper, Full Flight Technology and Schaffer Performance Archery. Learn more about him at www.tracybreen.com.
