Building the Best Arrow for Deer Hunting (2024)

When I first started shooting a compound bow many years ago, the technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today. I used a flat shooting tab instead of a release and aluminum arrows instead of carbon.

My arrows would often whip left and right as they traveled to the target. Legendary rock ‘n roll musician and veteran bowhunter, Ted Nugent, has often described the arrow’s flight as, “The mystical flight of the arrow keeps me forever in touch with the great spirit of the wild.”

I doubt he was describing my arrow flight as a youngster. However, a few years ago, I finally understood his words’ true meaning about the arrow’s mystical flight. I was able to watch my arrow fly perfectly and hit the mark on my number one hit list buck. The wide southern Missouri ten-pointer jumped the fence, spewing a well-visible blood trail, with only the fletching of my arrow protruding inches from behind his front shoulder.

After quick phone calls to my wife and a good friend, I waited patiently in my stand before climbing down to start a recovery. I was confident I made a good hit, yet I found no arrow to confirm my confidence for the first fifty yards of blood trailing.

As doubts and fears entered my mind, I tried to stay positive while staying tight on the trail. Dark had fallen, making the last few yards of the trail harder to find.

Finally, there was my buck lying face-first down in a steep ravine, my Easton FMJ arrow lying next to the deer as if someone had laid it beside him for me to find. I felt a strong connection between God and the success that had occurred.

After a quick thank you prayer, I found the meaning of what Nugent describes as the spirit of the wild.

Deer hunting with a bow is both an art and a science. The success of a hunt depends on the precision and effectiveness of your arrow setup.

Throughout the off-season, bowhunters often craft the perfect hunting arrow by focusing on three critical aspects: speed, penetration, and selecting the right broadheads.

When archers pay attention to these details, they become well-equipped and have an arrow setup that maximizes efficiency and success in the field, as I had that early October evening a few years back.

What does it mean to have the perfect arrow setup? Many factors can define the “best” arrow for deer hunting, such as weight, speed, materials, straightness, diameter, spine options, fletching, inserts, and much more.

Whether you rely on the pros or want to build your own arrows, here are some things to consider.

Bow Hunt or Die’s Justin Zarr says that building the perfect deer hunting arrow starts with identifying the weight he is looking for. Arrow weight and spine (stiffness) are critical for adequate penetration. Heavier arrows carry more kinetic energy, enhancing penetration. However, they must match your bow’s draw weight and length correctly. “The total arrow weight of my build will dictate which components and arrow shafts I will be looking at,” says Zarr.

He then added that for someone shooting a typical draw length, arrow length, and draw weight combination (29” draw, 28.5” arrow, 65-70 lbs), it provides a greater combination of speed and momentum so that you can use either a fixed or mechanical broadhead without worry.

Most manufacturers, such as Easton, provide spine charts to help you select the right arrow based on your bow’s specifications. “At 28.5″ long, I need an arrow weighing between 8.5 and 10.5 grains per inch,” he says.”

Zarr says the .204 ID arrow (5 mm) is the ideal shaft size for whitetails.It is thin enough to help reduce wind drift and aid penetration but not so thin that finding high-quality components like nocks and inserts is a huge issue. “I typically shoot a 340/350 spine arrow, which means the Easton Axis 5mm is right in my wheelhouse at 9.5 GPI for the 340 spines,” said Zarr. “The fact that they’re the only arrow shaft made in the USA and are as tough as they come makes them the ideal arrow for deer hunting.”

Zarr went on to explain his ideal arrow weight for deer hunting is 450 to 500 grains and that spine selection is equally important. A too stiff or flexible arrow won’t fly true.

Arrow speed, or velocity, is a crucial factor in bowhunting. Faster arrows have a flatter trajectory, which makes it easier to hit targets accurately at varying distances. This can be particularly important when a deer moves unexpectedly, often ducking the arrow, resulting in the hunter needing to adjust their next move quickly.

Faster arrows tend to arrive at their target sooner, reducing the likelihood of the deer moving out of the shot’s path. However, speed isn’t everything. Too much speed at the expense of other factors can compromise the overall effectiveness of your shot.

Finding the right balance between speed and weight is essential for optimal arrow performance. While lighter arrows fly faster, they may lack the kinetic energy needed for deep penetration. Conversely, heavier arrows penetrate better but travel slower. So, which one is best for you?

A general rule of thumb is to aim for an arrow weight that provides a good balance. Typically, this means an arrow weighing 400-450 grains for most bow setups. Experimenting with different weights will help you find the ideal balance for your specific bow and hunting style.

The materials used in arrow construction significantly impact speed. Carbon arrows are a popular choice due to their lightweight and durability. They are much better than my classic aluminum arrows, with which I began my bowhunting journey thirty-plus years ago. Brands like Easton, Gold Tip, and Carbon Express are renowned for their high-quality carbon arrows.

Aluminum arrows are still available. While heavier than carbon arrows, they offer excellent consistency and can be a good choice for hunters who prioritize penetration over speed.

The kinetic energy of a hunting arrow is determined by its mass, speed, and draw weight. The formula for calculating the kinetic energy of an arrow is KE= FPS x Weight Of Arrow. For example, my hunting arrow is Easton’s 5mm FMJ, weighing 370 grains, and a 100-grain NAP broadhead, equaling 470 grains. When shooting my Hoyt Carbon RX-8, set at 70 lbs, I am reaching speeds up to 280 fps. That makes my arrow kinetic energy, 81.84

The proper kinetic energy ensures the arrow can penetrate deep enough to reach vital organs for a quick, ethical kill.

Arrow weight and spine (stiffness) are critical for adequate penetration. Heavier arrows carry more KE, enhancing penetration. However, they must match your bow’s draw weight and length correctly.

Spine selection is equally important. A too-stiff or flexible arrow won’t fly true, compromising speed and penetration.

Most manufacturers provide spine charts to help you select the right arrow based on your bow’s specifications.

Selecting the right broadhead is important for effective deer hunting. There are two main types: fixed-blade and mechanical. Fixed blade broadheads have fixed blades that do not move.

They are known for their reliability and ability to penetrate bone. However, they can be more challenging to tune and may not fly as true as mechanical broadheads. Mechanical Broadheads have blades that deploy upon impact.

They typically offer better aerodynamics and fly more like field points. However, they may have a higher chance of malfunctioning and not penetrate as deeply as fixed blade broadheads.

Arrow weight can also be a determining factor when choosing broadheads. Zarr explains he likes to shoot 100-grain heads with either 50 or 75-grain inserts up front. He also shoots with lighted nocks (every bowhunter should do this), weighing about 25 grains.

Add 30 grains for 3 Tac Driver 2.75 vanes and an arrow wrap, putting him at 205 grains of accessory weight, leaving 250 to 300 grains for the arrow shaft itself. He added that a mid-range arrow weight works well with either fixed or mechanical broadheads, which is excellent for those who like to shoot both.

Zarr often keeps multiple broadheads in my quiver and uses them interchangeably throughout the season. At 450-500 grains total arrow weight, Zarr has never had an issue with penetration on any whitetail he’s ever shot, regardless of broadhead type or design.

The blade count and cutting diameter of broadheads can affect the lethality of your shots. Broadheads with more blades (3 or 4) can create larger wound channels, leading to quicker blood loss and a more humane kill.

However, more blades can also mean less penetration. Cutting diameter is also a key factor. A larger diameter increases the chances of hitting vital organs but requires more kinetic energy to penetrate effectively. A 1.25 to 1.75-inch diameter is typically sufficient for deer hunting.

Maintaining broadhead sharpness is also essential for ensuring clean, ethical kills. Dull blades can lead to poor penetration and prolonged animal suffering. Regularly check and sharpen your broadheads, and consider brands known for their sharpness and durability.

My personal favorites include NAP’s New Deep Cut Vented fixed blade broadhead, SEVR’s Titanium 2.0 mechanical broadhead, and the SIK Broadheads SK2 mechanical broadhead, all in a 100-grain weight.

Testing and Tuning – To achieve optimal arrow performance, thorough testing and tuning are essential. Here are some steps to follow:

Paper Tuning – Shoot arrows through a sheet of paper to analyze the tear pattern. Adjust your bow and arrows based on the tear to ensure they fly straight.

Field Testing –Practice shooting at various distances and angles to ensure your arrows perform well in real-world conditions.

Broadhead Tuning –Ensure your broadheads fly true by comparing their flight with field points. Make necessary adjustments to your bow or arrow setup.

• Fletching device – Bitzenburger, Arizona E-Z Fletch, AAE, Last Chance Vane Master Pro

• Adhesives – both for vanes (super glue) and inserts (two-part epoxy)

• Arrow squaring tool – Lumenok FAST tool

• Arrow scale – Last Chance Pro Grain Scale

• Arrow saw – X-Spot Pro Arrow Saw Carbon Express Arrow Saw (or you can order your shafts pre-cut from Lancaster)

• Arrow wraps (from BHOD of course)

• Q-tips and solution for cleaning inside of arrow shaft (Acetone)

Building your own arrows is not only rewarding, but it also allows you to hunt with confidence, knowing every detail for the shafts going into your quiver.

Watch the video below for 9 Steps to Building the the Most Accurate Arrow

Building the right hunting arrow for deer hunting is a blend of science and personal preference. By focusing on weight, speed, penetration, and the right choice of broadheads, you can significantly improve your chances of a successful and ethical hunt.

Regularly test and tune your arrows, and seek advice from experienced bowhunters or a pro shop professional to refine your setup.

With the proper preparation and attention to detail, you’ll be well-equipped to make every shot count in the field, and you too will enjoy the mystic flight of the arrow when it is headed towards your next trophy buck.