New Mexico Broadhead Regulations

[ElkRookie]

Hello,

First time poster long time reader. Thanks for all the useful info over the years. Heading out on a New Mexico elk hunt for the second season in September soon. My question is around the broadhead regulations. No where in the wording do I see mention against using a “barbed” broadhead. I searched far and wide for any forum on the topic and don’t see specific New Mexico detail, but many other states are discussed. I have found the QAD Exodus Swept broadheads to fly the absolute best out of my bow. I am wanting to know if any of you know if they would be permitted for use in New Mexico. Google AI says not allowed, but the NM Wildlife regulations do not mention anything about barbed heads that I can find.

Thanks in advance and good luck to all!!

 

[def90]

New Mexico game and Fish website:

Big Game Rules - NMDGF

New Mexico big game hunting rules including legal arms, harvest reporting, waste, proof, storage of game, donation & more. See also General Hunting Rules.

wildlife.dgf.nm.gov

"Arrows and bolts must have broadheads (fixed or mechanical) with cutting edges. Sights on bows and crossbows may not project light (lighted pins are acceptable). No drugs may be used on arrows or bolts, and they cannot be driven by explosives, gunpowder or compressed air."

 

[ElkRookie]

Yes that is all I can find as well, just the AI pop up on Google is what was offering a (confidently sounding) conflicting answer. I know AI can be wrong and it does not provide the source of the answer.

 

[def90]

Barbed doesn't show up anywhere in their online big game regulations booklet. They have a phone number, you can call them.

 

[ElkRookie]

Thanks for the extra set of eyes to help validate the regs. For sure calling them, just checking here as well since I know someone has had this question before.

 

[Jethro]

Exodus swept broadheads have cutting edges. That meets the legal requirements in NM.

 

[roadrunner]

Don't listen to AI. It's merely a function of its training...

 

[ODB]

Sufficiently vague to warrant a call, but I'll be honest i am surprised they make no claim. I wonder if is is to allow stone heads - for example neither do they mention the head must be made of steel.

 

[butcherboy]

They are allowed. That’s what I shoot. Don’t see how they wouldn’t be allowed with some of the new locking mechanicals out there.

Elk from 2024. QAD swept 100 grain.

 

[LostArra]

Pardon the interruption. What is the problem with a barbed broadhead like a swept QAD in general?

 

[ElkRookie]

The rear of the blade geometry (less than 90 deg angle with the shaft) could prevent a non-pass thru shot from easily falling out so the arrow could stay in the animal in some cases. It’s why swept blades will tear up your target when you pull out more than a full blade model. That said, it’s very scenario dependent and I want to ensure the cleanest shot trajectory I can to ensure a clean lethal, ethical kill. After testing many fixed blade options, these fly the best of those I tested especially at 40-50 yds. I did order the full blade model (which I haven’t tested yet) also and plan to test them this weekend against the swept model.