Stone point penetration test on a deer (HD)

In ancient times hunters often tipped their arrows with very small stone points. Oddly these points are found all across North America and similar stone blades (called microliths) were used in Europe. Because of their small size collectors here in America theorized that they were used for hunting birds, earning these tiny points the nickname "bird points". But recent studies have proved that these tiny points were actually used for hunting big game. Always a skeptic, I often wondered how a tiny stone point could penetrate deep enough to be effective on large game. So I set up a test in which I shot a freshly killed deer with lightweight reed arrows tipped with tiny stone bird points that I chipped out of flint. Did the ancient people who used these weapons have enough punch to bring down a deer? Watch the video to see the results.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Flintknapping
• bird points
• archery
• primitive archery
• survival
• bushcraft
• archaeology
• experimental archaeology
• deer hunting
• primitive bow hunting
• arrowhead
• arrowheads
• clovis
• paleo

[karido013]

great video, but may i ask how many yards away were these shots taken, and do you think the change in yards would make a significant change on the shot outcome?... but do keep up the good work man. peace

[primitivepathways]

@karido013 I was 10 yards away from the deer. Yes I think longer distance would affect penetration, so I would prefer to be close if I was using this bow for deer hunting.

[evansepicpwnage]

didn't think they would do full penetration

[Mrgreed004]

what a great video mate .... i was impressed on how the flint arrow head penetrates that deer ....  thanks for this informative vid.

[godzilla20000000000]

wait, wont the length of the bow effect the strenth? the one at 1:45 looks a little short, that might just be me though

[The09121971]

I make stone arrowheads too and yes the have great penetration with my 48lb Osage long bow. Love your vid. Good job.

[44gavin44]

i feel the tip thats what she said

[Diveinwinetanks]

G'day ppw, an interesting topic and great to see the penetration of a napped flint head.

Have you done a video on the napping itself, would appreciate a link if you have.

A little off topic, but adds to low pound bows. I had a 32 lb 16" draw Osage bow that I called "Splinter", using metal blades, I took several wild goats (soft skin) distance ranging from 5 meters to 15 meters. At short range, complete pass through. Though on a pig, just broke the skin due to low arrow weight, no stored energy.

[roundweego1]

unbelievable . i would of never thought it be that deadly

[TheMojavegreen1]

Granted the deer might run and break the arrow, but I would think the arrows and tips would have been made to retract so the arrow was intact. Great vid thanks.

[ZeroWolfAlfa]

this rise a question, about broader points, they should get less penetration, due to there broader surface area. And maybe hit ribs, instead of sliding past them. or?

[ilikesuzuki]

@primitivepathways so maybe in a real life scenario the results will be different.