Charting each arrow

[jme]

Some of my hunting buddies think I'm a little over the top. During September I start charting the performance of every arrow. Each arrow is numbered and then I record its performance on a chart. After 20-25 shots you get a good feel for the 'personality' of each arrow. The ones that don't hit where they're aimed aren't used for deer hunting. Usually, I end up with one or two favorite arrows and they're the ones that are nocked when I'm in my stand. Last year, arrow #3 took down a 7-point with a clean pass-through and looks like it's going to be first choice again this year. (A picture of the chart I use is in my gallery, if you're interested.)

Does anyone else do stuff like this?

Can't wait,
John - Ypsi

[Thunderhead]

LOL Yup, I do the same thing. Lett'em laugh.
I'm chuckling all the way to the taxidermist. :coolgleam

[codybear]

Hey, I do something similar and always have one arrow that ends up in the bull more than others and thats the one that sits on my rest opening day :lol:

CB

[Sprytle]

Yep i do the same...like your chart, a little bit more advanced then mine.
Last year mine was on the side of a cardboard box.
Like Thunderhead said....Let em laugh!
Just shows your'e more serious than they are.....and it will show in the longrun!!

[TnRidge]

Me too . I tend to favor those arrows with a little dried blood on the vanes , as long as they are still in good condition .:)

[Zulu]

I never got that sophisticated about it, but I do shoot all my arrows to get the feel for which fly better. I agree that each arrow has different characteristics and tendencies depending on your set up, etc. Never made a chart before, but there are only 3 arrows that "make the cut" as starters before opening day, the rest go to the practice squad!

[sullyxlh]

Yep Gotta Find The True Flyers, Out Of A Dozen Arrows Less Than Half Them Make The Cut.i'll Take A Sharpie And Number Them On The Vane As To Which Flies The Farthest Best,by The End Of The 3d Shoots In The Summer I Got A Good Handle On The True Arrows Than I'll Add Broadheads And Hopefully Get 2-3 That Fly The Way I Like.so Out Of Two Dozen Arrows If I Can Find 5-6 To My Liking For Hunting I'll Be Happy.

[HoytRLWinstonGuy]

Ive got the vanes nubered 1-8. My number one has killed a deer and a coon.

[ArcheryBowdoctor]

YEP SAME HERE!!!

Target Archers did this years ago! And it still is a good idea today!

Heck why not the bows shoot faster and different than years ago.

Let your buddy's laugh all they want.....

[Joe Archer]

Nope. <----<<<

[Gobblerman]

Yes I do the same, just completed last night. Tonight #2 arrow just killed a P&Y Rinehart buck in the back yard.:lol:

[bucknduck]

Here is how I have my arrows charted:
P = Practice Tip or "B" Broadhead
L= Low, "H"High,
R = right, or "L" of X
1-6= number of inches from X

I run two rows down the arrow, one row of information for practice tip data and the other row for broadhead data. The measurements are based on 3 shots taken at 30 yards.

An arrow might read as follow
P
H
-
2
The arrow with a practice tip will shoot 2 inches high directly above X.
Between another 2 feathers, the codes might read as follows:
B
L
R
1
The arrow with a broadheads shoots Low and to the Right 1 inch from X etc...

Information for both practice tips and broadheads are included on each arrow. This is a system that has worked well for me.

[Sib]

Yeah, number each arrow on the cock vane and monitor the performance. Never really charted per se, but I do monitor and after numbering you can quickly pick out the flyers our of the group. I'll check the chart in your gallery.

[john warren]

i do tend to set aside arrows that don't perform well for stump shooting. if an arrow isn't hitting where i aim it doesn't stay in my quiver long enough to chart it though.
i have a question, and its not meant in a mean spirit just curious.
i keep things very simple in my equipment and approach to hunting and shooting sports. do you get enjoyment out of detailing things to the level of charting arrows? or is it something you feel you can't be succesful without?
i guess i'd have to also include what your trying to accomplish? are you a trophy hunter? a meat hunter?
i know a lot of guys love the details of equipment and gadgets, im sure not nocking that. just trying to understand it.

[TnRidge]

I spin test each arrow with broadheads before shooting them . Miss aligned inserts are most likely the cause of fliers when shooting broadheads .