Matlabas Game Hunters - KE, Momentum & Bow Requirements

*Species*	*Kinetic energy (ft/lbs)*	*Min. Arrow Velocity (fps)*	*Min. Arrow Weight (gr)*	*Broadhead*	*Broadhead Weight (gr)*
Birds, Hares, Rabbits, Common Duiker, Steenbuck, Black Backed Jackal, Caracal, Vervet Monkey.	40	245	300	3 blade	75 - 100
Impala, Blesbuck, Nyala, Bushbuck, Warthog, Bushpig, Baboon, Kudu.	50	245	380	3 blade 4 blade	75 - 125
Blue Wildebeest, Burchell's Zebra, Waterbuck, Gemsbok, Eland, Red Hartebeest.	60	245	450	3 blade 4 blade	100 - 125
Giraffe	95	230	800	2 blade	220

The two most important factors that determine arrow penetration is Kinetic Energy (KE) and
Momentum. These two facets go hand in hand and the one does not mean much without the other in
terms of bowhunting and arrow penetration.
You need to know two things before you can determine what the KE and Momemtum of your arrow
is, namely: Arrow velocity measured in feet per second (fps) and total arrow weight (including
broadhead) measured in grains (gr). Your local pro-shop should be able to help you with this.

Kinetic energy (KE) is expressed in foot-pounds and is described as "the mechanincal energy a
body has by virtue of it's motion" and is calculated as follows: (V²)m / 450240 = ft/lbs.
V = Arrow velocity (fps)
m = Arrow mass (gr)

Momentum (force of impact) is described as "a property of a moving body that determines the length
of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force" and is calculated as
follows: Vm / 22,400 = lbs/sec.
V = Arrow velocity (fps)
m = Arrow mass (gr)

For easy reference, please use the following table to determine whether your bow and arrow setup will
be sufficient for your upcoming hunt. By meeting the required specifications for arrow velocity and
arrow mass for the animals you wish to hunt, sufficient KE and momentum will be obtained to
successfuly hunt your dream trophy.

Other factors that will influence arrow penetration:
- Ensure that broadheads are SHARP! Dull broadheads do not penetrate.
- Ensure the arrow spine is correct for your bow setup.
- Ensure your bow is tuned correctly so that arrows do not fishtail or porpoise.
- Ensure that arrows are straight and true.