A simple question regarding arrows

[kal]

I know that the subject of the "proper" arrow has been widely debated on AH, I have an arrow question that I have not seen asked. How many arrows should be taken with on a South African safari? I will be on a 12 day plains game hunt in SA this year. I have chosen the Victory VAP's as the arrow I will be using but I cant seem to come up with the proper amount. If my hunt is blessed I will be taking ten plains game and a lioness, I will also fling an arrow at any incidentals (jackal, baboon, ecx) that come within range. My arrows rarely break but I know it is best to plan for the worst case of one arrow an animal. So is one dozen sufficient or should I add another half or go with two dozen? More?

 

[observe]

11 x animals [+ PRACTICE]--I would say bring [min] 20 arrows
[-undamaged arrow heads could maybe be resharpened or the blades replaced, but I would also recommend to use a 'fresh' arrow shafts for each animal- ]
I would love to read about it afterwards!
happy hunting

 

[BRICKBURN]

The nice thing about arrows is that you can bring them home with you.

If you are planning on "flinging arrows" at whatever presents itself, as well as your list, I'd be bringing at least two dozen.

 

[bluey]

gday kal , I would/will be taking 2 dozon arrow sticks , for sure , mate

 

[Diamondhitch]

I was thinking 2 doz as well and plenty of broadheads/extra blades. I would also take a plastic arrow spinner to confirm that used broadheads were still perfectly straight.

 

[kal]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I was leaning in favor of the two dozen although the thought of spending another $200 on arrows is not something I want to do. But it is better than having to borrow a friends arrows. A follow up question for everyone is how do you travel with the arrows? A two bow SKB case doesnt seem to have the proper room.

 

[Nicovl0604]

i would take as many arrows as you can afford without risking the whole travel...
2 doz. should be just alright.
look at them very carefully after you used them... reuse only if you are 100% sure that the shaft is in top condition.
have fun and all the best.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I was leaning in favor of the two dozen although the thought of spending another $200 on arrows is not something I want to do. But it is better than having to borrow a friends arrows. A follow up question for everyone is how do you travel with the arrows? A two bow SKB case doesnt seem to have the proper room.

Standing in Africa with no arrows or $200? I spent the money. Just like buying premium bullets.

As long as you are not going through Amsterdam throw half in a tube in your luggage, the other half spread in the case.
I pushed my dangerous game broad heads into the foam in my rifle case. The rest in a container with guards on.

 

[Diamondhitch]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I was leaning in favor of the two dozen although the thought of spending another $200 on arrows is not something I want to do. But it is better than having to borrow a friends arrows. A follow up question for everyone is how do you travel with the arrows? A two bow SKB case doesnt seem to have the proper room.

$200 worth of arrows is a small pittance compared to the rest of your safari, however for the same reason I get why you don't want to pay more than you have to, that money could go to another critter but not if you don't have enough arrows - nasty circle there.

I looked at the SKB website and I saw that the single bow cases are designed for 1 doz arrows and the 2 bow cases are designed for none. I would try to fit a tube in with the bow or as Wayne has said in your luggage depending on airline regs, etc, build yourself a tough PVC tube if you do this though.

 

[jeffb]

I have an arrow case that holds 18 arrows, made by Plano, it has 2 lock tabs for locks and even though I have not traveled with it internationally yet, I believe it would do just fine for travelling. I am currently planning my trip to Namibia for 6/15 and will be bow hunting. I will be taking at least 2 dozen arrows myself, 6 in my bow case in the quiver and the other 18 in my arrow case.

 

[Bushman10]

I have chosen the Victory VAP's as the arrow I will be using but I cant seem to come up with the proper amount. ?

I would be less concerned with the amount of arrows as opposed to the type of arrow that you are using. The Victory VAP is in NO WAY suitable for hunting plains game in Africa. The shaft is only 5mm in diameter and depending on your arrow spine only weighs in at 300 (8.9 gpi), 350 (8.1 gpi), 400 (7.1 gpi), 450 (6.8 gpi), 500 (6.1 gpi), 600 (5.5 gpi), 700 (5.7 gpi).

Lets say our draw length is 26" and 400 spine (assumption) and 125 grains broadhead then your total arrow weight will fall way beneath the legal South African requirement for most plains game animals. At minimum you should be looking at a 500 grain total arrow weight with a 60lb or more bow.

 

[jeffb]

I agree, arrow type is a definite. I am personally taking Easton's FMJ infused carbon core 300, 31" @ 11.5 GPI for 356.5 with muzzy 130 grain 3 blade chisel tip w/lighted nocks which brings my arrows to just over 505 grains. Should have no problem there. From my understanding, most Plains Game should be at a minimum 465 grain

 

[Diamondhitch]

I would be less concerned with the amount of arrows as opposed to the type of arrow that you are using. The Victory VAP is in NO WAY suitable for hunting plains game in Africa. The shaft is only 5mm in diameter and depending on your arrow spine only weighs in at 300 (8.9 gpi), 350 (8.1 gpi), 400 (7.1 gpi), 450 (6.8 gpi), 500 (6.1 gpi), 600 (5.5 gpi), 700 (5.7 gpi).

Lets say our draw length is 26" and 400 spine (assumption) and 125 grains broadhead then your total arrow weight will fall way beneath the legal South African requirement for most plains game animals. At minimum you should be looking at a 500 grain total arrow weight with a 60lb or more bow.

Im not sure I understand what you are saying about draw length?

Draw length, without the use of an overdraw, simply dictates the minimum arrow length usable. I have a 29.5" draw length with a mini overdraw but have shot full length arrows for years. Full length arrows will stabilize easier than short ones as well as requiring heavier spine at the same draw weight.

 

[kal]

I appreciate the concerns on arrows, I am more than confident in the arrows I have chose. With a 100grn head the total arrow comes in at 403grns. At 293 fps they will punch a hole on both sides. I got a full pass through on a cow elk at 67 yards last year. Again I completely respect the heavy arrow set-up also. . That's why archery is so fun, there is never a shortage of equipment options.

 

[Diamondhitch]

I appreciate the concerns on arrows, I am more than confident in the arrows I have chose. With a 100grn head the total arrow comes in at 403grns. At 293 fps they will punch a hole on both sides. I got a full pass through on a cow elk at 67 yards last year. Again I completely respect the heavy arrow set-up also. . That's why archery is so fun, there is never a shortage of equipment options.

That is very similar to my set up. 418gr with 100gr heads at 282fps. I have put 2 straight through a moose at 50yds. However the same setup stopped dead on the upper leg bone of a huge black bear from 12 yards. I seriously doubt if an extra 47 grains would have made any difference there, I simply should not have taken the quartering towards shot. I was too cocky that I could slip it by that big bone. Live and learn.

 

[Grady]

Lets say our draw length is 26" and 400 spine (assumption) and 125 grains broadhead then your total arrow weight will fall way beneath the legal South African requirement for most plains game animals. At minimum you should be looking at a 500 grain total arrow weight with a 60lb or more bow.

Bushman10 - Since you mentioned it, what is the minimun legal South African requirement for plains game animals and where is that minimum stated? Thanks

 

[BRICKBURN]

Bushman10 - Since you mentioned it, what is the minimun legal South African requirement for plains game animals and where is that minimum stated? Thanks

There is no standard for RSA. Each province has its own regulations.

"Although no regulation regarding draw weight exists it is recommended to use..."

KZN suggestion:
minimum draw weight is 40 lbs
broadheads must have a minimum of 2 cutting edges and a minimum width of 28 mm.
recommended minimum arrow weight per pound of draw weight is 7.5 grains

 

[kal]

Diamond, I doubt an extra 100 grains would have helped on a big bear. I was shocked at how dense the bone structure was when I butchered my first black bear. Shot placement is everything. Jeff, I will definitely take a look at that Plano case. How did you travel with it? I assume just pack it in my checked luggage bag.

 

[Bushman10]

The Western Cape province has issued a formal Bow Hunting proclamation that is legally enforceable. As I understand it the same has been done in the Eastern Cape and in the Northern Cape. I am not sure about all the other provinces as I am not a registered PH in those. I attach the minimum requirements as gazetted in the Provincial Ordinance.

View attachment 24980

You will see that an arrow less than 415 grains can only legally be used on smaller game. If you plan on shooting anything bigger than a Blesbuck then your registered PH is bound by the law to report the incident unless you are hunting a province where the legislation has not been affected yet. Also note that there are two conditions in the law - a KE requirement AND an arrow weight requirement.

Minimum requirements are there for a reason and that reason is because you can not assume that shooting an African animal is the same as shooting one of your local animals. I (we / government) have seen too many animals lost due to thin low weighted arrows such as the Victory VAP. PM me with your email and I can send you the entire Ordinance.

 

[jeffb]

Kal, I will send you a few pics of the arrow case to give you a better idea of the case. It is relatively light with 18 arrows and probably weighs no more than 4 pounds