RE: HNI Thinktank: Arrow Coatings
And one more for your reading......
The following information relates to the use of Anectine®
(succinylcholine) better known as the "Pod"or "Drugged" Arrow.
.The Effects of Anectine® on Hoofed Animals
by Joe R. Bumgardner, M.D.
Summary
Deer (& all the hoofed animal family) are stated to be approximately 1000 times more sensitive than humans to Anectine®. Anectine® must be introduced into the blood stream to have any effect. The only scenario that Anectine® would possibly allow you to harvest a deer with a marginal hit is with a flesh muscular wound where the Anectine® powder is introduced into the blood stream via absorption by the muscular blood vessels. In addition to the National Bowhunting Educational Foundation, the Pope & Young Club, The National Field Archery Association, The Professional Bowhunters Society, and The American Archery Council are opposed to the use of drugged arrows.
Information on Anectine® (succinylcholine)
As a surgeon I have access to the pure biological grade of Anectine® (succinylcholine) and in my formative years as a bowhunter I used Anectine® and had the opportunity to witness its effects on harvesting deer. I soon realized that a properly placed shot in the vital zone would achieve a quick clean harvest before Anectine had a chance to take effect (as manifested by generalized muscular twitching). It is a potent muscle relaxant used primarily as a supplemental agent in anesthesiology during surgery.
This is the 'poison' used to load the pods that are secured to the arrow. Deer (and all the hoofed animal family) are stated to be approximately 1000 times more sensitive than humans to Anectine®. A human adult takes approximate 60 milligrams to produce complete muscular paralysis while a deer will require less than 1 milligram to accomplish the same paralytic state. Anectine® must be introduced into the blood stream to have any effect. It will usually not be of any benefit on a gut shot as it is diluted by the paunch and intestinal contents and rarely gets into the blood stream via the paunch.
The only scenario that Anectine® would possibly allow you to harvest a deer with a marginal hit is with a 'flesh' muscular wound where the Anectine® powder is introduced into the blood stream via absorption by the muscular blood vessels. After careful analysis of all available information and experience, the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) has taken the stand that it does not approve the use of drugged arrows or drug carrying mechanisms, such as the Pod. In addition to the NBEF, the Pope & Young Club, The National Field Archery Association, The Professional Bowhunters Society, and The American Archery Council are opposed to drugged arrows.
Another issue is that use or legalization of the pod on a widespread basis would lead the public to believe that our conventional bowhunting equipment is not effective enough to use without the aid of drugs. Nothing could be further form the truth, but the truth would not matter, if we send a totally different message. I personally no longer use Anectine as I don't want to give the anti-hunter any additional ammunition to assist in their efforts in banning bowhunting. I have too much passion for our sport.