Inside Archery August 2022

INSIDE THE INDUSTRY LEADING ARCHERY MANUFACTURERS

Annihilator Broadheads
BY INSIDE ARCHERY STAFF
age inflicted. He knew they were onto
B oise, Idaho, based Annihilator Broadheads Micah and Brandon wanted to thor- something special.
is a relative newcomer to the broadhead oughly understand what was happening
This was proof positive the Annihi-
industry, but the company has changed the after broadhead impact. lator Broadhead was something spe-

way many bowhunters view broadhead lethality. A third-party engineer was hired, cial—a broadhead providing all the
things bowhunters wish for in a
who recommended modeling a fin- single head.
The bowhunting world took
Annihilator Broadheads was founded by ished, Annihilator-tipped arrow notice. Only a few months after
launching Annihilator Broad-
Micah Brown and Brandon Brodie. These and installing it into a software
heads, the brand won the Gold Metal
two passionate bowhunters met in an program. This testing program Award for Best New Archery Innova-
tion at the 2020 Archery Trade Associ-
elk camp in 2017. Following a campfire would run CFD simulations ation (ATA) Show. Micah and Brandon
had received their springboard, but the
discussion, Micah produced a drawing of and deliver analysis at the point realities of operating a start-up business
soon became a crushing reality. Manag-
the initial Annihilator concept. A hunter of impact on material density simi- ing production, incoming orders, con-
tinuing promotion, refining packaging,
in camp had wounded and lost a bull lar to live deer. This testing involved shipping product and managing cash
flow all require specialized expertise.
despite days of looking, so broadhead modeling six popular 100-grain broad- Brandon possessed experience as a pro-
cess solutions expert after a career in the
lethality was on all their minds. Micah heads (including standard three-blade, software industry, but the company still
initially struggled to meet abrupt de-
had contemplated the idea for years, single-bevel two-blade, hybrid three- mand for product, establish sound pro-
cesses and streamline production.
sharing it for the first time around that blade and a 2-inch mechanical) and Through hard work, dedication and a
not-so-insubstantial number of sleep-
campfire. Micah was a police officer at contrasting them against a 100 grain An- less nights, Micah and Brodie continued
to make progress, never losing sight of
the time with no experience in design nihilator to compare data. Simulations their need to serve their customers well,
while also attempting to make a living.
or manufacturing, but Brandon had the included a 450-grain arrow shot from a Meanwhile, Annihilator Broadheads
underwent continual refinement and
management and entrepreneurship ex- 70-pound bow at 270 fps. ongoing R&D efforts that gave the pair
additional confidence in their products.
perience needed to get the project un- Resulting data showed the Annihila- The driving force behind Annihilator is
to develop and launch products that are
derway. Brandon was so intrigued by tor produced a 5.56-inch compression highly unique to the bowhunting indus-
try and backed by science. Annihilator
Micah’s idea he offered to help him turn pressure wave followed by a 7.79-inch insists that every one of their products is
genuinely innovative.
his idea into a functioning prototype. low-pressure tension air pocket, caus- All Annihilator Broadheads are made
in the U.S.A., from U.S.-sourced materi-
Both bowhunters were not so much ing internal fluids to be simultaneously als. Each is investment cast from 4400
alloy, high-carbon steel and hardened
motivated by business—at first—but by pushed and pulled through the wound to Rockwell 52 hardness to prove nail
tough. The single-piece design, includ-
a curiosity to turn the idea into some- channel. This initiates rapid internal

thing unique. This would also have the pressure changes that ultimately pro-

real-world potential of promoting more duce quicker kills. This had been ob-

lethal wound channels, while proving served in the real world, but now they

field-point accurate, deep driving and understood the science behind it. Anni-

exceptionally durable. The biggest goal, hilator R&D continued for another 1 ½

though, was to create a head that pro- years before releasing the first commer-

duced aggressive wound channels that cial versions in 2019.

would not close, and a design that Brandon says he took his first ani-

would stand up to punishing impacts. mal with an Annihilator prototype

The concept start- in September 2018. It

ed with digital ren- involved a shot at a

derings, followed by high-scoring bull elk

3D printed models, and taken at 43 yards—the bull

finally investing in steel prototypes for taking a substantial step forward while

live-fire testing. There were beginning Brandon was pulling through his shot.

sceptics, as with any new idea, but oth- The arrow entered and exited guts. On

ers were willing to try the broadhead in impact Brandon noted a super-loud pop,

the field. What they found was a head described as a soda can being smashed.

that flew straight and penetrated deeply, This was the result of the air pressure

but most importantly, it produced con- induced. Remarkably, the bull made it

sistently quick kills. Though feedback less than 100 yards before piling up, after

and initial field testing proved positive, recovery Brandon marveling at the dam-

52 INSIDE ARCHERY AUGUST 2022

ing non-vented, .038-inch-thick blades, recruit new hunters through their quality Annihilator Broadheads are offered in
ensures quiet flight. The rear back scoop gear. Brandon believes that more people 100- and 125-grain (.910-inch wide) and
design helps the head split atmosphere taking up hunting means more money 100-, 125- and 150-grain XL (1 1/16-inch
to create less drag for excellent accuracy. to invest in conservation. Annihilator wide) models. They retail for $56.99 to
This design also traps air on impact to Broadheads continues that quest through $66.99 per three and each head is backed
cause rapid pressure changes within the a true family-owned business that strives by a lifetime warranty against manu-
animal and huge internal hemorrhag- to leave a lasting impact, one happy cus- facturing defect. To learn more visit
ing by inflicting gapping, non-closing, tomer at a time. annihilatorbroadheads.com. IA
pass-through wound channels 1.5 times
larger than cutting diameters, even on
the largest, toughest game. The effect is
animals that frequently fall within sight
after properly-placed shots—despite a
seemingly conservative .910- to 1 1/16-inch
cutting diameter.

The one-piece design also proves eco-
nomical, lending itself to easy resharp-
ening with the use of a flat stone, allow-
ing bowhunters to use them again and
again on big game, or even direct them at
an encountered grouse or rabbit without
worry of damaging an expensive head.
The Annihilator works as well with tra-
ditional and compound bows as it does
with today’s high-performance cross-
bows, and it is particularly well suited to
today’s long-range goals.

Winning hearts and minds—particu-
larly brand-loyal minds—requires clear-
ly conveying a product’s winning vir-
tues. For Annihilator Broadheads, those
virtues align well with most customers’
wants and needs: a broadhead that guar-
antees field-point flight and accuracy
from a wide range of archery equipment
(you can’t kill what you can’t hit), reli-
able penetration and internal destruction
(broadheads kill through hemorrhag-
ing, after all) and ultimate durability (as
not all shots go according to plan, with
bone often encountered). Annihilator
Broadheads come with no trade-offs—
something that can not be said of most
broadhead designs. This is emphasized
not only through Annihilator’s scientific
testing and its partners’ passion for ethi-
cal bowhunting, but the countless unso-
licited reviews received from customers
touting the lethal nature of the design.

Micah and Brandon are determined
to continue developing gear their cus-
tomers want and need, and to reap the
rewards that come through helping to

AUGUST 2022 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 53

MARKET TRENDS BOW REPORT

Bear Archery ADAPT
BY PATRICK MEITIN

S ince its inception in 1933, Bear Archery able and deadly reliability crafted for
has been all about providing the work- the blue-collar masses.

This certainly describes the all-new
ing-man masses affordable but highly func- 2023 Bear Archery ADAPT, a middle-

tional and reliable archery equipment. ground 32-inch, single cam hunting

bow with 6.5-inch brace height. Such Bear Archery's new ADAPT is driven by a single-cam
system that provides buttery-smooth draw cycles
This is the legacy started by Fred Bear specs lend a bow a balanced compro- and easy tuning.

when bowhunting was in its infancy, mise between maneuverability, sta- The ADAPT draws easily with a solid
back wall, making it perfect for unpre-
and a tradition that continues to this bility and shooting forgiveness. This dictable hunting positions like crouch-
ing on the ground or hanging from a
day under the leadership of Escalade Bear Archery bow was designed in col- (tree) saddle. This bow was made to
hunt and that’s exactly what we intend
Sports. Bear Archery certainly designs laboration with the creators of the on-
to do with it.”
and produces cutting-edge flagship line public-lands-hunting video series
Adaptable Drivetrain ■ The
bows with technologies that compete called The Hunting Public (thehunting-
ADAPT is served by an ad-
head-to-head with the best in the busi- public.com). The Hunting Public crew vanced single-cam system
with 80 percent let-off and
ness, but Bear Archery’s mid- to budget- built their dream bow while drawing draw-length span of 24 to
31 inches. The cam system
price bows, particularly its all-inclusive upon many of the features provides a super-solid rear wall via
an optional limb-stop system and a
Ready To Hunt (RTH) packages, have found in some of their favorite buttery-smooth draw cycle ideal for
performing after hours of sitting in a
proven to be huge sellers in the archery Bear Archery bow releases. cold treestand. Bear representatives
say this system provides the industry’s
and bowhunting marketplace—afford- The aptly-labeled ADAPT is smoothest draw cycle. The single-cam
powertrain also proves extremely easy
engineered to do just that, to set up, a low-maintenance system
that tunes quickly and stays that way
adapt to nearly any adult over an intense hunting season. The
Throwback Tan riser combined with
shooter, with draw-length ca- Fred Bear Camo limbs promises to
blend in a variety of environments,
pabilities from 24 to 31 inches while RTH bows can also be ordered in
TrueTimber Strata, Veil Whitetail and
and draw-weight spans available from solid Olive.

45-60 to 55-70 pounds. That covers a Adaptable Chassis ■ The ADAPT is

large portion of potential customers, based on a wide-profile, machined
aluminum riser with a well-balanced
save maybe the youngest of youth ar- 6.5-inch brace height—low enough to
provide some speed (320 fps IBO) and
chers or most petite females. The ADAPT high enough to ensure forgiving shoot-
ing characteristics. The bow holds a
is packed with modern features, yet re-

tails for just $479.99 as a stand-alone, or

$559.99 when equipped with a Ready To

The ADAPT by Bear Archery comes as a Ready To Hunt Hunt accessory package.
(RTH) package, including rest, sight, quiver, stabilizer, Aaron Warbritton, host of The Hunt-
peep and string loop, all by Trophy Ridge.
ing Public, provides some insight into

The Bear Archery ADAPT includes a string stop mounted the motivation for the Bear Archery
on a carbon rod. This makes the bow quiet and provides ADAPT: “First, we wanted a bow that
dead-even launch speeds. was easy to tune. Bowhunters like

shooting a variety of broadhead and

arrow combinations and the ADAPT

was designed to easily tune with most

of them. Second, the bow needed to be

accurate and forgiving to shoot. The

average whitetail hunter is taking

close-range shots in dynamic hunting

situations. We wanted the bow to be

dependable and forgiving in these ever-

changing scenarios. These two points

in turn lead us to the name, ‘ADAPT.’

54 INSIDE ARCHERY AUGUST 2022

Specifications Arrow Speed

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Bear Archery ADAPT set at 70.0 pounds at 30 inches.

Axle-to-Axle Length 29-inch Arrows/ Shaft *Finished Kinetic Arrow

32 inches 100-Grain Tips gpi Arrow Wt. Energy Speed

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Brace Height CX Triad 300 10.9 564 grains 90.1 ft. lbs. 268.2 fps

6.5 inches –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Easton T64 DF 7.9 tapered 528 grains 87.5 ft. lbs. 273.2 fps

Mass Weight –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

5.34 pounds (fully equipped) Bloodsport Evidence 300 11.7 518 grains 86.0 ft. lbs. 273.4 fps

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Let-Off Arrow Tech MT 12.2 508 grains 85.8 ft. lbs. 275.7 fps

80 percent –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory VAP-SS 300 9.9 473 grains 85.2 ft. lbs. 284.7 fps

Available Draw Lengths –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

24 to 31 inches CX Max RED SD 350 9.4 465 grains 85.1 ft. lbs. 287.0 fps

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Available Draw Weights Black Eagle Spartan 340 9.9 453 grains 86.6 ft. lbs. 293.4 fps

45-60 and 55-70 pounds –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory VAP 300 8.7 424 grains 84.1 ft. lbs. 298.8 fps

Available Finishes –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Throwback Tan riser with Easton Hexx 330 7.9 386 grains 82.1 ft. lbs. 309.5 fps
Fred Bear Camo limbs, RTH bows
also offered in TrueTimber Strata, –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The ADAPT riser is super-stale and made to be Veil Whitetail and Olive Black Eagle Carnivore 350 7.5 363 grains 80.4 ft. lbs. 315.7 fps
forgiving. The extra-long limb bolt allows a wide
range of draw weight options. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

new insulated BearPaw Comfort Grip, a MSRP Victory RIP XV 300 7.0 355 grains 80.6 ft. lbs. 319.7 fps
soft-touch design Bear says is their most
comfortable and ergonomic to date. This $479.99 alone, –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
grip is also a nod to Bear Archery’s famed $559.99 RTH package
grip design from the 1970s. Both left- and Liberty Archery 320 5.9 292 grains 75.8 ft. lbs. 341.8 fps
right-hand bows are offered in this mod-
el, which is rare in most budget-priced –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
lineups.
Arrows shot from a Spot-Hogg Hooter Shooter and velocity established using Caldwell Shooting Supplies’ Chronograph G2.
Adaptable Accessory Package ■ The
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (812) 467-1200, OR VISIT BEARARCHERY.COM.
ADAPT is a Bear Archery RTH offering,
though the bow can be purchased with- the top gripper can be removed to ac-
out the accessory package as well. The commodate fixed-blade heads in the
RTH ADAPT comes with a four-pin sight, protective hood. It includes a quick-
Whisker Biscuit V-style arrow rest, basic detach system to allow removing it
5-inch stabilizer and wrist sling, five- once installed on stand or in a ground
arrow dual-gripper quiver, peep with blind. A quality bowstring makes the
alignment tubing and preinstalled D- peep-alignment tubing superfluous,
loop—all from Trophy Ridge. but is a design many archers prefer. The
preinstalled string loop is a real time
The RTH package offers a solid line- saver and a nice touch.
up of serious hunting accessories, the The 2023 ADAPT was released to Bear
sight’s four pins backed by extended Archery authorized dealers and online
and wrapped fiber optics to allow con- July 18 of this year. Ready To Hunt vari-
fident aiming in low light conditions, ants will be offered later in the fall. The
the Whisker Biscuit V arrow rest a total- ADAPT provided particularly excellent
containment model that offers begin- performance with the mid-weight ar-
ning bowhunters bobble-free assurance, rows in the 473- to 424-grain weight
while providing experienced bowhunt- class and remained remarkably quiet
ers all the accuracy they could ask for. throughout the test arrow lineup. The
The stabilizer is fairly rudimentary, and ADAPT is by no means a performance
a little short for my tastes, a rubber-cov- monster, but what it does do is offer
er model that nonetheless soaks up riser a super-sweet-shooting and easy-to-
vibrations and holds the adjustable maintain package that is born to hunt
wrist sling in place. The five-arrow and highly affordable. With the addition
quiver includes double grippers ideal of a longer active stabilizer and drop-
for mechanical broadheads, ensuring away rest, this is a bow I will be happy
no prematurely deployed blades, though to drag into a treestand this fall after
whitetail begin to rut and cold tempera-
tures and flying snow dominate. IA

WebXtra ■ Take a closer look at

the Bear ADAPT inw action! Please go to
insidearchery.com/BearAdapt.

AUGUST 2022 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 55

MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORT

Scorpion Venom

3 Star Bow Maintenance Kit

BY PATRICK MEITIN

S corpion Venom has emerged as a custom bowstrings and buss cables.
go-to outlet for modern bowstring It has become increasingly common-

and bow-lubrication needs, offering cutting- place to install custom bowstrings and bundles, while also leaving a protec-
cable sets, seeking maximum perfor- tive, flexible coating behind. Each bottle
edge products for today’s high-performance mance, longer life, and more reliable includes an applicator for easy, mess-
free use, giving string surfaces a couple
archery equipment. peep rotation under the most demand- wipes, rubbing in lightly and allowing
it to dry before shooting. The formula
ing bowhunting settings. Custom string makes bowstring colors pop, greatly re-
duces friction for substantially longer
Their specialized archery lubricants sets can retail for as much as $175 to string life, and is 100 percent odor free.
Polymeric Bowstring Fluid also creates
include products engineered specifi- $200 per set. Scorpion Venom products a waterproof barrier to protect from wet
weather while bowhunting in demand-
cally to maximize the performance of help protect that investment by ensur- ing climates. Polymeric Bowstring Fluid

today’s high-energy compounds and ing maximum life for their purchase. can also be used in conjunction with
Polymeric Wax applied after the liquid
crossbows and to maximize the life of Three of Scorpion Venom’s top-sell- treatment for maximum effect.

ing and most important maintenance To finish the maintenance routine, I
apply Cam & Serving Lube to all friction
products include Anti-Venom String points, such as cam tracks and serving
contact points, cable slides and serving
Cleaner, Polymeric Bowstring Fluid to bow-parts contact points. Minimal
product is required to make a big dif-
and Cam & Serving Lube (MSRP $11.99 ference in arrow speed and even shot
noise, while also reducing peep rota-
each). These were once stand-alone tion. It provides lubrication without
wax buildup and won’t gather friction-
products, but are now offered in an causing dust. This formula is also com-
pletely odor free and waterproof.
all-inclusive 3 Star Bow Maintenance
No pro-shop work bench should be
Kit (MSRP $29.99), offering a nearly without these Scorpion Venom prod-
ucts, while performance-conscious
$6 savings compared to buying each customers will be asking for these
products by name. Check them out at
item separately. These are all products scorpionvenom-archery.com. IA

I’ve employed since their inception WebXtra ■ For more information on

to maximize my bowhunting equip- the Scorpion Venom maintenance kit, go
to insidearchery.com/ScorpionVenomKit.
ment’s performance and extend its life.

Using these products on an expensive

flag-ship bow or crossbow is akin to

regularly changing the oil in a high-

performance automobile.

Anti-Venom String Cleaner is formu-

lated from advanced chemical compo-

nents to pre-lubricate string fibers af-

ter removing all embedded dirt, grime,

old wax and grease from the bowstring

and cables to provide a clean slate for

fresh lubrication. It is applied gener-

ously and wiped up and down the

string surfaces with the convenient ap-

plicator. The cleanser is allowed to pen-

etrate a minute before wiping away. It

thoroughly cleans the string without

fiber or color degradation.

Polymeric Bowstring Fluid is superior

to traditional bowstring wax because it

penetrates deeper into the core fibers to

eliminate friction between individual

56 INSIDE ARCHERY AUGUST 2022



Patrick Meitin

58 INSIDE ARCHERY AUGUST 2022

One of the great attractions of archery is that our “ammu- 59
nition” is endlessly reusable—with ample care, some-
times over a period of years. To make this truth a real-
ity, the archer needs a quality target, something to safely
and authoritatively, but also gently, catch our speeding arrows
during tuning, sight-in and frequent practice sessions. At the
same time, targets need to allow reasonable extraction. Noth-
ing is more discouraging than expending more muscle pulling
arrows from targets than pulling bowstrings. The modern target
must also accomplish these goals while stopping ever-faster ar-
rows and bolts—something the straw bales of my youth would
fail miserably at.

Targets must also serve different needs, from basic backyard
duties, to broadhead tuning and sight-in to realistic preseason
practice using lifelike 3D targets. In these categories, targets
might be asked to capture low-energy target or youth arrows,
heavy hunting arrows shot from a high-performance compound,
or a crossbow sending bolts at more than 400 fps. Each serves a
unique portion of the overall archery market, and each requires
specialized construction to not only ensure safety and arrow/bolt
longevity, but also easy arrow extraction after the shot.

As modern archery equipment advances at a near meteoric
pace, target manufacturers have been forced to devise ever more
clever ways to stop today’s ultra-powerful arrows and bolts,
while also allowing archers and shooters to retrieve their mis-
siles afterwards without inducing hernias. The industry delivers
with a wide selection of bag targets, molded and layered foam
blocks, realistic 3D animals and paper faces to spark imagina-
tions and instill healthy mental visualization. Come along as
we explore some of the latest and most useful targets out there.

AUGUST 2022 INSIDEARCHERY.COM

ArcheryTargets BIGshot Iron Man It features grommeted corners and a conve-
Kinetic 650 nient carry handle to make it easy to handle,
Bodacious Bags whether on the home range or traveling to a
Morrell hunting camp. All-weather construction, in-
BIGshot Archery ■ BIGshot has an answer to Yellow Jacket cluding a durable exterior casing, features
today’s most powerful compound bows and two-sided shooting and strategically-placed,
crossbows—the Iron Man Kinetic 650 bag Kinetic 1.0 high-visibility tri-color graphics that are off-
target. The design provides extreme stopping Hurricane Cat 5 set to avoid chewing up any single area of the
power by utilizing signature, high-compres- target. It also includes an integrated sight-in
sion Iron Man stuffing combined with a five- Rinehart Badger Bag grid for faster, more precise crossbow scope
stage, multi-layered aramid core engineered to Walk-On MarXman sight-in. The Hurricane Cat 5 is also priced to
stop heavy hitting arrows and bolts cold. As the move, with an MSRP of just $69.99. Learn more
name suggests, the Iron Man Kinetic 650 is rat- by visiting feradyne.com/hurricane/.
ed to 650 fps. It is made for field-point shooting
and guarantees long-lasting and easy-pulling Rinehart Targets ■ Rinehart’s Badger Bag Target
use. The shooting face also includes 95 aiming is super durable and budget friendly, while in-
points, so no single area of the target becomes corporating many of the arrow-stopping fea-
unduly worn. The target measures 20-by-20- tures found in the company’s premium Rhino
by-13 inches and retails for $189.99. Learn more Bag series, but with a retail price of just $44.99.
by visiting bigshottargets.com. This bag includes a dual-sided polypropylene
cover with a waterproof barrier and a burlap
Morrell Targets ■ Morrell’s Yellow Jacket Ki- stopping core to extend the target’s life. Shoot-
netic 1.0 Field Point Bag Archery Target is the ing faces sport appealing artistic vitals for
most durable bag target ever created by the quality practice, including a badger outline,
company—so tough, in fact, it has no arrow along with a variety of shooting dot sizes and
fps speed rating. The Kinetic 1.0 version is a colors. The flip side incorporates a unique vi-
100 percent new design unlike anything Mor- tals design to accommodate popular fiber optic
rell has yet created in the Yellow Jacket line. pins. The Badger Bag measures 21-by-21-by-9
Morrell goes so far as to call it the toughest inches and holds a nifty carrying handle for
bag target ever created. It includes two patent- easy handling. Corner grommets make it easy
ed floating centers that provide twice the stop- to hang for more versatile setup. Learn more
ping power of typical bag targets. Included are by visiting rinehart3d.com.
two shooting faces measuring 20 inches wide
by 20 inches tall by 14 inches thick. It is hand Walk-On Archery ■ Walk-On Archery’s MarX-
stuffed with premium material and weighs 65 man bag target is a cube design with two foam
pounds, so it will not tip over following high- faces, perfect for backyard shooting or pack-
energy hits, including those from the most ing to a hunting camp. The MarXman offers a
powerful crossbows. The field-point bag is not total of six shooting faces, four of these com-
recommended for use with outserts or field patible with field points, two of them allowing
points larger than shaft diameter, otherwise shooting broadheads for ultimate versatility
providing easy arrow removal. Learn more by combined with maximum durability for many
visiting morrelltargets.com. years of trouble-free shooting. The MarXman
is also approved for crossbow bolts pushed to
Hurricane Bag Targets ■ Hurricane Cat 5 bag 400 fps. Arrow removal is effortless, arrows
targets are engineered to take on arrow/bolt coming away free of residue. The 28-pound
speeds of up to 650 fps, making it one of the target is easy to transport, yet heavy enough
most extreme targets on the market today to stand on its own while shooting the most
with stopping power well ahead of the tech- powerful bows and crossbows. Learn more by
nological curve. The Hurricane Cat 5 includes visiting walkonarchery.com.
fortified Hurricane Tri-Core Technology built to
shrug off arrow speeds not yet witnessed in the Fabulous Foam
industry and eliminate pass-throughs from
the most heavy-duty equipment. The bag mea- BIGshot Archery ■ BIGshot’s new Titan 10X
sures 25-by-25 inches and is a self-standing de- block-style archery target offers unique 10-
sign. It is reinforced with Hurricane’s most du- sided shooting—two large, four side and four
rable fill and includes an eye-catching design.
Continued on Page 62
60
INSIDE ARCHERY AUGUST 2022



ArcheryTargets BIGshot Titan 10X life, whether shooting a high-performance
Morrell High Roller compound or crossbow. The Big 8’s geometry
Continued from Page 60 American Whitetail provides a larger shooting area compared to
Predator square targets, giving shooters confidence to
corner faces—to provide maximum durabil- stretch yardage without fear of missing the
ity. The 10 shooting faces offer 150 different Delta BIG 8 target. This target utilizes a new premium
aiming points to make practice more engag- BLOCK Infinity competition-grade “self-healing” foam devel-
ing and fun, while also increasing durabil- oped in conjunction with the ASA Pro 3D tour-
ity for years of arrow-stopping service. BIG- nament circuit. This new foam withstands
shot’s Titan 10x is molded from proprietary even heavy tournament use, lasting up to
easy-pull foam that ensures arrows and eight-times longer, while also ensuring eas-
bolts are easily extracted during practice ier arrow or bolt extraction. The Big 8 is com-
to make shooting more enjoyable. The tar- patible with field points and broadheads. The
get measures 20-by-20-by-17 inches to offer portable targets are offered in 16- and 20-inch
long-range confidence whether shooting a models (the latter with replaceable core), both
crossbow, compound or traditional bow. Just self-supporting and both including integrated
as importantly today, BIGshot’s Titan 10X is carry handles. Aiming points are provided by
in stock and ready for immediate delivery to green and white shooting spots. Learn more
independent archery dealers and outdoor re- by visiting dmtargets.com.
tailers. The supplied kickstand stabilizes the
target while shooting it in “Tree Stand Mode.” BLOCK ■ The BLOCK Infinity was designed to
Learn more by visiting bigshottargets.com. stop arrows and bolts at speeds of more than
500 fps. This makes the already popular BLOCK
Morrell Targets ■ Morrell’s High Roller Foam design compatible with the most modern
Target has remained one of the company’s equipment, while maintaining the brand’s
best-selling products due to its highly durable, long-lasting durability, easy-pull character-
self-healing solid foam and incredible arrow- istics and six-sided shooting. BLOCK’s PolyFu-
stopping abilities, combined with easy-pull sion Technology includes a high-density lay-
characteristics. Morrell says thorough testing ered-foam inner core encased with an exterior
has revealed that the High Roller target pro- foam wall that boosts durability while shoot-
vides exceptional life and can be counted on ing field points and prevents slivering while
to stop compound arrows and crossbow bolts shooting fixed or mechanical broadheads.
sent at speeds of more than 450 fps. The red The layered design stops arrows with friction,
foam target includes white spots arranged not brute force, so it ensures easy pulling af-
like a dice, providing different aiming spots ter the shot. The six-sided exterior provides
that spread impact zones for even more tar- six shooting surfaces, including five unique
get longevity. The cube target measures 13 designs strategically placed to offset impact
inches per face and weighs 10 pounds. The areas and extend target life. The BLOCK Infin-
E-Z-Tote carry handle makes transport to the ity 20 measures 20-by-20, the BLOCK Infin-
backyard or hunting camp easy. Learn more ity 22 22-by-22 inches and the BLOCK Infinity
by visiting morrelltargets.com. Crossbow 16 and 20—which include beefed-up
cores—16-by-16 and 20-by-20 inches. BLOCK
American Whitetail ■ The Predator High Per- targets are 100 percent designed and manu-
formance Target was designed for high-per- factured in the U.S.A. Learn more by visiting
formance bows and crossbows. Dimensions feradyne.com/block/.
are 16-by-16-by-12 inches, using high density
DynaFOAM rated to 450 fps. All six sides can Animated Animals
be shot, and it is compatible with both field
points and broadheads. It is totally weath- BIGshot Archery ■ In the world of backyard
erproof and includes a carry handle. These 3D targets, it is difficult to beat BIGshot’s full-
targets retail for just $69.95. Learn more by sized Double Duty Pro Hunter Buck. This in-
visiting archerytargets.com. novative target provides two-sided shooting,
while also promising effortless arrow and
Delta McKenzie ■ The new Delta BIG 8, part bolt extraction through EZ Pull Field Point
of Delta McKenzie’s premium foam Back- Vitals on the front side of the deer. The rear
yard Series targets, was designed for seri-
ous bowhunting practice. The Big 8 includes INSIDE ARCHERY AUGUST 2022
a hexagon shape that provides eight shoot-
ing faces, thereby greatly increasing target

62

end of the target also gives bowhunters a BIGshot Double Duty the target out. The main body has vitals
Broadhead Tuning Target option to help Pro Hunter Buck and universal score rings great for every-
prepare for the hunt. This makes the tar- Morrell 3D day practice, plus a handle for transporta-
get a value-packed option providing a full Transformer Buck tion ease. The target can then be convert-
size and solid backstop combined with a ed back into a 3D buck with a 360-degree
realistic 3D target with exceptional dura- rotating head in less than 5 seconds. The
bility to provide reliable arrow and bolt target is designed to absorb shots from
stoppage for shooters wielding any type bows or crossbows at speeds of up to 500
of equipment. Undue wear to any single fps. The target measures 33.5-by-12.5-
side of the target is eliminated by sepa- by-28 inches and weighs 30 pounds. Learn
rating the field point face from the broad- more by visiting morrelltargets.com.
head tuning target, while providing a fun
and exciting 3D option. Learn more by vis- Delta-McKenzie ■ Delta-McKenzie’s Chal-
iting bigshottargets.com. lenger Deer Archery Target includes an
affordable $148.99 MSRP and generous
Morrell Targets ■ The 3D Transformer Buck 32-by-41-by-10-inch dimensions. The
by Morrell is molded from the company’s target holds IBO scoring rings and the
famous High Roller Foam. This foam for- replaceable, self-healing foam core is
mula was engineered to withstand any compatible with field tips, and fixed or
bow, any tip, at any speed and still provide mechanical broadheads. The target can
easy arrow extraction. The Transformer handle arrow speeds of up to 300 to 350
label comes from the ability to turn the fps, while allowing easy arrow removal.
3D target into a stand-alone High Roller This target series is also offered in the
Foam target within seconds, after remov- Bloodline Buck XL (MSRP $213), Blood-
ing the head and sliding the main body of line Buck ($139.99) and Howling Coyote

ArcheryTargets

Delta-McKenzie GlenDel Rinehart
Challenger Deer Full Rut Woodland Series

Moose

($157.99), just as examples. These targets Woodland Series, offering a more afford- tournaments are produced exclusively
are in stock and ready to ship. Learn able 3D target providing realistic practice by Maple Leaf, while they also provide
more by visiting dmtargets.com. at shorter ranges—simulating a 60-yard targets for the NFAA, Vegas and Rush-
shot at the backyard range of 20 yards. more Rumble as the only official sup-
GlenDel 3D Targets ■ An oldie but goodie, This moose target incorporates realistic plier. Maple Leaf takes the responsibility
GlenDel 3D Targets have remained steady sculpted features and painted details, of serving these tournaments very seri-
sellers due to a unique design that helps while standing just 36-inches tall to the ously. Like nearly everyone in the print-
them last longer. GlenDel offers four dif- top of its antlers and 31-inches long. The ing business, during the past two years
ferent full-size 3D deer targets with re- target retails for $224.99 and is molded Maple Leaf Press has experienced severe
placeable body inserts. This core is made from Rinehart’s solid FX Woodland Foam paper shortages, along with large price
from high-density compressed foam lay- with a replaceable core made from Signa- increases. Some stock, like the 9-point
ers to extend target life, but also make ture Series foam. This provides a backstop vellum Maple Leaf uses, has become un-
pulling arrows easier. The GlenDel Full Rut that can absorb impacts from the fastest available for purchase. This will affect
stands 37 inches at the shoulders, making arrows, is self-healing and ensures easy Maple Leaf’s target lines. Stock substi-
it one of the largest whitetail targets on arrow removal. This foam is also resis- tutions may become necessary (either
the market. GlenDel targets have stood the tant to UV rays and harsh weather. The temporarily or permanently) to guar-
test of time because they are portable, easy replaceable foam core includes Rine- antee that Maple Leaf can continue to
to maintain, realistic and long lasting. The hart’s fast and simple patented locking supply industry and tournament target
four-sided core is also designed to provide insert system. Learn more by visiting needs. Any changes in material or items
proper aiming points from various shoot- rinehart3d.com. on backorder will be discussed/advised
ing angles, such as out of a treestand or before Maple Leaf Press fills an order.
quartering away, without affecting the life Fantastic Target Faces Maple Leaf says they will strive to keep
of the target, whether shooting compound as many target faces as possible in cir-
bows or crossbows. Learn more by visiting Maple Leaf Press ■ Maple Leaf Press is culation for as long as possible, and
feradyne.com/glendel/. renowned for producing a wider array of will continue to offer options for tour-
official archery targets than any other naments, shops or clubs. Maple Leaf
Rinehart Targets ■ Rinehart’s 1/3-Scale manufacturer in the business. Targets says they will also work to keep prices
Moose Target is the newest addition to the used in World Archery/FITA and IFAA as affordable as possible despite paper
and polypropylene prices increasing up
to 100 percent in the past year. Maple
Leaf Press says it has been their honor
to serve its customers for more than 50
years, and they look forward to taking
care of their customers’ archery target
needs for years to come.

Maple Leaf’s newest offering includes
a reduced target line with a 3-spot verti-
cal 4.25-by-13-inch size. The new spot tar-
get was reduced 50 percent of full size to
simulate the view of standard targets at
10 yards. They can be bought individually
or in 25 packs, each with a UPC code for

64 INSIDE ARCHERY AUGUST 2022

Maple Leaf Press alistic image, pulling the arrow and flip-
.30-06 Outdoors Masters Series ping it over to see how the shot lined up
with real-world vital areas. The vertical
and horizontal targets measure 18-by-25
inches and are printed on quality paper
to resist tears. They are not only suited
to archery, but rifles, pistols or air rifles.
The whitetail photos are posed at various
shot angles, from broadside to twisted,
serving as an important educational tool.
Masters Series Whitetail Targets retail for
$11.95 per five pack.

The Paper Tune-It System from .30-06
isn’t exactly a target, but it does make
paper tuning any bow a breeze. This is a
highly-portable paper tuning station that
is affordable—less than the cost of an ar-
row—and easy and effective to use. The
folding cardboard frame holds recom-
mended tuning instructions to correct
for various arrow tears, helping archers
bring their own bow into perfect tune.
It is lightweight and compact enough to
take to hunting camp. The Paper Tune-It
System comes with the tuner frame and
10 sheets of tuning paper—additional
tuning paper sold in packs of 20. The sys-
tem includes an MSRP of $12.95. Learn
more by visiting 30-06outdoors.com.

NIceTargets NiceTargets ■ NiceTargets archery faces
stand apart through waterproof, recy-
individual sale. Learn more by emailing clable plastic construction that stands up
[email protected], or calling to wet weather and extended exposure to
them at (616) 846-8844 to discuss options. sunlight, so they can be left outside for
.30-06 Outdoors ■ Masters Series White- long periods without ill effects. NiceTar-
tail Targets from .30-06 Outdoors are gets are printed using UV Resistant inks,
as entertaining as they are instructive. so they will not fade after being left out-
Each package includes one each of five side for weeks or months. NiceTarget’s
different whitetail images. On the front high-definition animal images are set
is a full-color printed whitetail photo, in natural surroundings (shot by wildlife
on the back a grayscale overlayed vitals photographer Eric Dresser) to provide a
view. This allows shooting the photo-re- realistic shooting experience that better
prepares bowhunters for real-world en-
counters. Signature Vanishing Kill Zones
are not visible beyond 15 to 20 yards, but
make it easy to get instant feedback while
pulling arrows. All NiceTargets are made
in the U.S.A., offering quality targets at an
affordable price. NiceTargets also offers a
wide variety of engaging archery games,
like “Huntin’ Camp,” Dart Board, Deck of
Cards and Pool Table, that provide hours
of fun while sharpening shooting skills.
Learn more by visiting nicetargets.com. IA

AUGUST 2022 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 65

INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 5Q

Five Questions with Buck Bourbon

For more than a decade, Buck Bourbon has blended, tested and refined its sweet-smelling attractants to them into an affordable package. It
had to be silent with no Velcro or zip-
provide a nutritionally complete, all-natural feed that deer devour. We spoke with George Cummins, owner per, and it had to be easy to set up
and use. Then, it had to be a blind
and founder, to learn more. our customers. It doesn’t matter if a that customers can afford to top it all
customer shot his or her first buck, or off. All of these features at this price
T ell us about Buck Bourbon’s they shot that 190-inch giant they’ve are unheard of.
background: What inspired been hunting for
the creation of the company, and four seasons. Each What are Buck Bourbon’s long-
what motivates you today? ■ Origi- and every one of term goals, and how will you
nally, I developed Buck Bourbon 110 those stories are get there? ■ Our goal is to be the
Proof just for myself and my good the reason why we
friends. The goal was to provide my do what we do. No. 1 attractant brand
friends with that shot of a lifetime in the industry, and
by effectively attracting deer, and I What do you we want to bring
also wanted to produce the healthi- anticipate for 2023? ■ back the camp com-
est and biggest bucks in Kentucky. It In 2023, without spoiling radery to deer camp.
didn’t take long for word to spread. anything, we are looking at We want hunters of
I was soon mixing up batches for developing an even more nutrient- all walks to shoot their
friends of friends, and then I was do- rich feed that deer crave, along with best buck over Buck Bourbon and
ing it for their friends and neighbors. a few other flavors of liquid attrac- then tell stories over a campfire
That’s how Buck Bourbon was born. tants. No matter what, it’s going to sipping a glass of great bourbon.
It has been a wild ride to get to be a great year to come. The full circle!
where we are now. I would be lying if
I said 2022 has been a cake walk. Ev- Tell us about your recently released What ultimately sets you apart
ery business has some sort of strug- Rack House 300+ ground blind: from the competition? ■ Saying
gle, but we continue to grow, and our How was it developed, and what that our product actually works is
success is found in the stories we makes it special? ■ It was a natural what everyone says, but it is true
hear from with Buck Bourbon, and it’s also
progression that we would beneficial to the deer to eat. The
want hunters to not only proof is in the success stories we
use Buck Bourbon to bring hear from our customers. We also
that big buck in, but we also accept all the feedback we receive,
and we receive a lot. We operate
wanted to give them Salt River Outfitters in Kentucky,
an option to use guiding nearly 100 hunters through
a Buck Bourbon our property annually, and we use
blind to harvest these men and women to help us
one out of. When develop the best products. On top of
we started to de- that, we have found a way to utilize
velop the Rack a byproduct from all the bourbon
House 300+, we distilleries in area, turning some-
wanted to take thing that was once waste into a
the best fea- nutrient-rich feed that deer love.
tures from all Buck Bourbon was born from real
the best ground bourbon! IA
blinds and put

66 INSIDE ARCHERY AUGUST 2022