Patent Publication Number: US-6705808-B2

Title: Big game tracking arrow and apparatus for the manufacture thereof

Description:
“This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/874,620, filed Jun. 5, 2001, now abandoned.” 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed generally toward arrows and, more particularly, toward an arrow for improved big game tracking and an apparatus for modifying a standard arrow for improved big game tracking. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The hunting of big game, e.g., deer, elk, etc., with bows and arrows is becoming a popular activity in the United States. In fact, many states have special archery seasons during which hunting with a firearm is prohibited. While state of the art bows and arrows have made the average bow hunter more proficient in inflicting a fatal wound, harvesting big game, such as deer, elk, etc., with a bow and arrow is still less efficient than with a firearm. For example, deer hit with a shot to the vital region with an arrow may still run a considerable distance out of the eyesight of the hunter before deceasing. A problem that often arises with bow hunting concerns the tracking and locating of a wounded or “hit” animal for harvesting. 
     As previously noted, once a big game animal is hit by an arrow, it may run a considerable distance prior to deceasing. A hunter desiring to harvest the animal is thus required to track the animal, typically by following a trail of blood on the ground left by the running animal. At times, such a trial may become sparse and difficult to follow, and may merely consist of a drop of a blood every so many feet or yards. While a hunter hunting with snow on the ground may follow the tracks of the animal should the blood trail run dry, tracking an animal in this manner often proves extremely difficult when there is no snow on the ground. Even with snow on the ground, such tracking is difficult as tracks from other animals are typically dispersed over the ground surface. 
     A blood trail may run dry for a number of reasons. When hunting big game animals, such as deer, elk, etc., the arrowhead typically includes a broad head having a plurality of razor-sharp blades extending normal to the arrow shaft and head. These razor-sharp blades slice through the animal&#39;s skin upon impact. Big game animals typically have thick skins, or hides, which is the reason the razor-sharp blades are utilized. Upon an arrow becoming lodged in an animal which is hit, the animal hide and/or muscle or fatty type tissue typically located on the inside surface of the hide may close up around the arrow shaft. Such closure will often times prohibit blood from flowing out of the animal and on to the ground so that the wounded animal may be tracked by a hunter. While the animal will continue to bleed internally, no blood will flow to the ground for tracking purposes. Thus, even though an animal may be mortally wounded, a hunter will typically be unable to track and find the deceased animal, especially should the animal travel a considerable distance before decreasing. This may prove extremely disheartening to a hunter, and especially to a deer hunter when a trophy rack is lost due to the blood trail running dry. While a hunter returning to the area may ultimately find the deceased animal, this may not be until a day or two later during which time any meat that may be taken from the animal may spoil. 
     The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of the above-identified problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An arrow, according to the preset invention, is provided for improved big game tracking. The arrow includes an elongate shaft formed along a longitudinal axis and having a first end configured for attachment to an arrowhead, a second end having an arrow nock or other structure configured for abutment with a bow string, and a tubular wall defining a shaft cavity extending between the first and second ends. The elongate shaft includes at least one aperture formed in the tubular wall generally adjacent in the first end and in fluid communication with the shaft cavity. The elongate shaft further includes an additional at least one aperture formed in the tubular wall generally adjacent the second end also and in fluid communication with the shaft cavity. Typically, the elongate shaft has a cylindrical cross-section, with fletching attached to the elongate shaft generally adjacent the second end. 
     The at least one aperture formed in the tubular wall generally adjacent the first end preferably includes a first plurality of apertures and, similarly, the at least one aperture formed in the tubular wall generally adjacent the second end preferably includes a second plurality of apertures. At least one of the first and second plurality of apertures preferably includes two, three or four radially extending apertures equally angularly spaced about the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft. 
     In one form of the present invention, at least one of the first and second plurality of the apertures includes first and second portions of radially extending apertures axially spaced along the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft, with the first portion of radially extending apertures angularly spaced from the second portion of radially extending apertures. In a further form of the present invention, each of the first portion of radially extending apertures is axially and angularly spaced from each of the second portion of radially extending apertures. 
     An arrowhead, according to the present invention, is also provided for attachment to an arrow. The arrow typically includes a longitudinal aperture formed in the shaft first end and in fluid communication with the shaft cavity. The arrowhead generally includes an elongate body having a first end configured for attachment to an arrow, a second end defining a pointed end, and a cylindrical wall defining a body cavity between the first and second ends. The elongate body includes at least one aperture formed in the cylindrical wall in fluid communication with the body cavity. An aperture is formed, in the elongate body first end in fluid communication with the body cavity to permit fluid communication with the shaft cavity of the arrow elongate shaft and the body cavity of the arrowhead with the first end of the arrowhead attached to the first end of the arrow elongate shaft. 
     The elongate body of the arrowhead is typically configured for attachment to a plurality of razor-sharp blade elements extending substantially normal to the elongate body. The at least one aperture may include a plurality of radially extending apertures formed in the cylindrical wall of the elongate body between the razor-sharp blade elements. 
     An apparatus, according to the present invention, is provided for modifying an arrow for improved big game tracking. The apparatus includes a jig member having a body portion with spaced first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The body portion includes an outer surface and inner surface, with the inner surface defining a first aperture extending through the body portion along the longitudinal axis. The first aperture is sized to receive a shaft of an arrow. The body portion further includes at least one second aperture extending through the body portion from the inner surface to the outer surface. In a preferred form, the at least one second aperture includes a radially extending aperture having a diameter ranging from {fraction (1/32)}″ to {fraction (5/32)}″ and, preferably, having a diameter of {fraction (1/16)}″. 
     The at least one radially extending second aperture preferably includes a plurality of radially extending apertures. In one form, the plurality of radially extending apertures includes 2, 3, or 4 radially extending apertures equally angularly spaced about the longitudinal axis of the body portion. 
     In another form, the plurality of radially extending apertures includes first and second portions of radially extending apertures axially spaced along the longitudinal axis of the body portion, with the first portion of radially extending apertures angularly spaced from the second portion of radially extending apertures. 
     In a further form, the first and second portions of radially extending apertures are coaxial. In still a further form, each of the first portion of radially extending apertures is axially and angularly spaced from each of the second portion of radially extending apertures. 
     The jig member preferably includes a securing member disposed generally proximate at least one of the first and second ends. The securing member is configured to engage an arrow shaft, extending through the first aperture to releasably secure the jig member to the arrow shaft, and also to center the arrow shaft within the first aperture. Preferably, the securing member included a plurality of set screws extendable through radially extending threaded apertures formed through the body portion from the inner surface to the outer surface. 
     In an additional form, the jig member includes a plurality of longitudinal slots formed in the body portion between the inner and outer surfaces. The plurality of longitudinal slots include an open end at the body portion first end and extend generally longitudinally along the body portion. The plurality of longitudinal slots are preferably equally angularly spaced about the body portion longitudinal axis. Typically, the jig member will include three or four equally angularly spaced longitudinal slots. 
     An apparatus, according to the present invention, is provided for modifying an arrowhead for improved big game tracking. The apparatus includes a jig member having a body portion with spaced first and second ends, and a step bore extending into the body portion along a central axis. The step bore include an innermost bore having a first diameter and an outermost bore opening at the first end and having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. At least one aperture extends through the body portion of the jig member and opens into the step bore at the outermost bore. Preferably, the at least one aperture is a radially extending aperture. 
     In one form, the at least one radially extending aperture includes a plurality of radially extending apertures equally angularly spaced about the central axis. Typically, the plurality of radially extending apertures will include 2, 3, or 4 radially extending apertures equally angularly spaced about the central axis, depending upon on the type of arrowhead to be modified. For securing the arrowhead in the step bore, the innermost bore typically includes a threaded inner surface for mating with threads typically included on an end of an arrowhead. 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide an arrow for improved big game tracking. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an arrow for improved big game tracking which lessens the chance that a blood trail may dry up. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an arrowhead for improved big game tracking. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for modifying an arrow for improved big game tracking. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for modifying an arrowhead for improved big game tracking. 
     Other aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the application, the drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an arrow according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the arrow of FIG. 1 taken along line  2 — 2  in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a left-end view of the arrow  10  shown in FIG. 1 incorporating three equally angularly displaced sets of apertures; 
     FIG. 4 is a left-end view of the arrow shown in FIG. 1 incorporating four equally angularly displaced sets of apertures; 
     FIG. 5 is a front view of an arrowhead according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a top view of the arrowhead shown in FIG. 5 incorporating two blade elements; 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of the arrowhead shown in FIG. 5 incorporating three blade elements; 
     FIG. 8 is a top view of the arrowhead shown in FIG. 5 incorporating four blade elements; 
     FIG. 9 is a front view of an apparatus for modifying an arrow for improved big game tracking according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a right-end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a front view of an additional embodiment of the apparatus for modifying an arrow for improved big game tracking according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is a right-end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 13 is a front view of a further embodiment of the apparatus for modifying an arrow for improved big game tracking according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a right-end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 15 is a front view of an apparatus for modifying an arrowhead for improved big game tracking according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 16 is a left-end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 15, 
     FIG. 17 is a right-end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 18 is a front view of an additional embodiment of an apparatus for modifying an arrowhead for improved big game tracking according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 19 is a left-end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 18; 
     FIG. 20 is a right-end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 18; 
     FIG. 21 is a front view of a further embodiment of the apparatus for modifying an arrowhead for improved game tracking according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 22 is a left-end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 21; and 
     FIG. 23 is a right-end view of the apparatus shown in FIG.  21 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an arrow for improved big game tracking according to the present invention is shown generally at  10 . The arrow  10  includes an elongate shaft formed along a longitudinal axis  13  and  12  having first  14  and second  16  ends. The first end  14  is configured for attachment to an arrowhead (see FIG. 5) and typically includes an internal threaded portion  18 . The second end  16  is configured for attachment to a conventional arrow nock (not shown) or other structure for abutment with a bow string (not shown). The elongate shaft  12  further includes a tubular wall  20 , which defines a shaft cavity  22  extending between the first  14  and second  16  ends. Fletching  24  is typically affixed to the elongate shaft  12  generally adjacent the second end  16 . Generally, the arrow  10  will be made of aluminum, fiberglass or carbon fibers, however, any material having sufficient strength and rigidity may be used for the arrow  10  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     A first plurality of apertures  26  are formed in the tubular wall  20  generally adjacent the first end  14  in fluid communication with the shaft cavity  22 . The first plurality of apertures  26  includes a first portion of apertures  27  axially spaced along a first line  28  substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis  13 , and a second portion of apertures  29  axially spaced along a second line  30  substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis  13 . The first portion of apertures  27  is angularly spaced from the second portion of apertures  29  about the longitudinal axis  13 . Additionally, each of the first portion of apertures  27  is axially spaced a distance “d” from each of the second portion of apertures  29 . Preferably, the distance “d” ranges from 0.5″ to 1.0″. In this manner, the structural integrity of the arrow  10  is maintained. 
     Preferably, the first plurality of apertures  26  includes pluralies of axially spaced portions of apertures equally angularly spaced. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, if three portions of axially spaced apertures are provided, they will be angularly spaced 120° apart. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4, if four portions of axially spaced apertures are provided, they will be angularly spaced 90° apart. When using two or three portions of axially spaced apertures, maintaining the structural integrity of the arrow  10  is not of particular concern. However, when using four portions of axially spaced apertures, it is preferred that each aperture in adjacent portions be axially spaced from one another, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     The arrow  10  also includes a second plurality of apertures  32  formed in the tubular wall  20  generally adjacent the second end  16  in fluid communication with the shaft cavity  22 . Each of the second plurality of apertures  32  are axially spaced along the longitudinal axis  13  and are typically provided between the fletchings  24 . Thus, if three fletchings  24  are provided, the second plurality of apertures  32  will include three portions of axially spaced apertures between each of the fletchings  24 . If four fletchings  24  are provided, the second plurality of apertures  32  will include four portions of axially spaced apertures between each of the fletchings  24 . As previously noted, in order to maintain the structural integrity of the arrow  10 , if the second plurality of apertures  32  includes four portions of axially spaced apertures, it is preferred that the apertures of adjacent portions be axially spaced the distance “d” from one another. Further, whether the second plurality of apertures  32  includes three or four portions of axially spaced apertures, the portions will typically be equally angularly spaced. 
     A third plurality of apertures  34  are also formed in the tubular wall  20  in fluid communication with the shaft cavity  22 . The third plurality of apertures  34  are positioned along the length of the shaft  12  such that they are spaced from the first plurality of apertures  26 . While the third plurality of apertures  34  are shown in FIGS. 1-2 positioned generally in the middle of the arrow  10 , the third plurality of apertures  34  may be disposed at any position along the length of the shaft  12  spaced from the first plurality of apertures  26  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The third plurality of apertures  34  are axially spaced and angularly oriented in the same manner as previously described with respect to the first plurality of apertures  26 . 
     The above-described arrow  10  has a distinct advantage for hunting big game. When the arrow  10  is lodged into a big game animal, the first end  14  and the first plurality of apertures  26  will be disposed inside of the animal, while the second end  16  and the second plurality of apertures  32 , and perhaps the third plurality of apertures  34 , will be outside of the animal. Blood from the animal will flow into the first plurality of apertures  26 , through the shaft cavity  22 , and out the second  32  and/or third  34  plurality of apertures falling to the ground and enabling a hunter to track the wounded or “hit” animal, Flow of blood in the manner will continue even if the hide of the animal closes around the elongate shaft  12  of the arrow  10 . Further, even if the second end  16  of the arrow  10  is broken off, blood will still flow out of the shaft cavity  22  and onto the ground. Thus, by utilizing the above-described arrow  10 , the chance that a blood trail will run dry is lessened, thus increasing the chance that a hunter will be able to track and eventually harvest an animal shot with the arrow  10 . The first  26 , second  32  and third  34  pluralities of apertures may include diameters ranging from {fraction (1/32)}″ to {fraction (5/32)}″, however, it has been found that optimum blood flow and arrow  10  integrity are achieved with apertures having a diameter of {fraction (1/16)}″. If the apertures are too large, the arrow  10  will whistle and the structural integrity of the arrow  10  will be comprised. However, if the apertures are too small, the flow of blood through the apertures is impeded. Various aperture diameters have been tested, and a {fraction (1/16)}″ aperture diameter has provided the best results. 
     Referring to FIGS. 5-8, an arrowhead for improved big game tracking according to the present invention is shown generally at  50 . The arrowhead  50  includes an elongate body  52  having a first threaded end  54  configured for attachment to the arrow  10  and a second end  56  defining a pointed end. The elongate body  52  further includes a cylindrical wall  58  defining a body cavity between the first  54  and second  56  ends. A plurality of razor-sharp blades  60  are attachable to the elongate body  52  and extend substantially normal to the elongate body  52 . A plurality of apertures  62  are formed in the cylindrical wall  58  extending into, and in fluid communication with, the body cavity. Preferably, the apertures  62  extend radially into the cylindrical wall  58 . The first end  54  includes a longitudinally extending aperture  64  formed therein and also in fluid communication with the body cavity. While it is preferred that the apertures  62  and  64  have diameters approximately equal to {fraction (1/16)}″, other aperture diameters may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     When utilized with the arrow  10  shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1-4, the arrowhead  50  aids in improving big game tracking. With the arrowhead  50  lodged in an animal, blood from the animal will flow into the apertures  62 , through the arrowhead body cavity, and out the longitudinal aperture  64 . Blood flowing our of the longitudinal aperture  64  flows into the shaft cavity  22  of the arrow  10 , and out the second  32  and/or the third  34  plurality of apertures and onto the ground for tracking purposes. 
     Preferably, the apertures  62  are equally angularly spaced and provided between the blade elements  60 . Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, if the arrowhead  50  includes two blade elements  60  the apertures  62  are formed on either side of the elongate body  52  and spaced 180° apart. As shown in FIG. 7, if the arrowhead  50  includes three blade elements  60 , the apertures  62  are spaced 120° apart. As shown in FIG. 8, if the arrowhead  50  utilizes four blade elements  60 , the apertures  62  will be spaced 90° apart. 
     Referring to FIGS. 9-10 an apparatus for modifying an arrow for improved big game tracking according to the present invention is shown generally at  100 . The apparatus  100  includes a jig member  102  having a body portion  104  preferably made of solid plastic. The body portion  104  is formed along a longitudinal axis  106  and has spaced first  108  and second  110  ends. The body portion  104  further includes an outer surface  112 , preferably cylindrical in shape, and an inner surface  114  defining a first aperture  116  extending through the body portion  104  along the longitudinal axis  106 . The first aperture  116  is sized to receive a shaft of an arrow. A plurality of securing members, or set screws,  118  are disposed generally approximate the first  108  and second  110  ends. Preferably, four set screws  118  are equally angularly spaced about the longitudinal axis  106  at each of the first  108  and second  110  ends, and are threaded into correspondingly threaded apertures  120  formed in the body portion  104 . The set screws  118  are utilized to not only releaseably secure the jig member  100  to an arrow, but also to center the arrow within the first aperture  116 . In order to accommodate arrow of varying sizes, the first aperture  116  typically has a ⅜″ diameter, however, other size diameters may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     A plurality of apertures  122  are formed in the body portion  104  and extend from the outer surface  112  to the inner surface  114 . Preferably, the apertures  122  extend radially with respect to the longitudinal axis  106 . As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of apertures  122  includes a first portion of apertures extending axially along a first line  124  substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis  106  and a second portion of apertures extending along a second line  126  substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis  106 . As shown in FIG. 10, four such portions of apertures are provided in the apparatus  100 , with the additional portions of apertures provided along lines  128  and  130 , also substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis  106 . As shown in FIG. 10, each of the four portions of apertures are equally angularly spaced about the longitudinal axis  106 . 
     When four such portions of apertures are utilized, it is preferred that apertures in adjacent portions be axially spaced from one another a distance “d” as shown in FIG.  9 . Thus, apertures formed along the line  124  will be coaxial with the apertures formed along line the  128 , but axially spaced a distance “d” from the apertures formed along the lines  126  and  130 . Similarly, the apertures formed along the line  126  will be coaxial with the apertures formed along the line  130 , but axially spaced a distance “d” from the apertures formed along the lines  124  and  128 . The apertures  122  may have a diameter ranging from {fraction (1/32)}″ to {fraction (5/32)}″, and preferably have a diameter of {fraction (1/16)}″. Preferably, the distance “d” ranges from 0.5″ to 1.0″. However, other aperture diameters and axial distances may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The apparatus  100  may be utilized to modified an arrow for improved big game tracking as follows. A shaft of an arrow is extended through the first aperture  116  and is releasably secured to the apparatus  100  via the set, screws  118 . Preferably, the apparatus  100  is secured to the arrow shaft generally approximate the end configured for attachment to an arrowhead. A drill bit sized to fit through the apertures  122  is extended through the apertures  122  and ultimately through the arrow shaft forming a hole in the arrow shaft in fluid communication with the arrow shaft cavity. A user continues this process until holes are formed in the arrow shaft corresponding to each of the apertures  122  in the apparatus  100 . The arrow that results from such modification has a plurality of the apertures formed in the shaft corresponding to the placement of apertures  122  on the apparatus  100 . 
     Similarly, the apparatus  100  may be moved along the arrow shaft to a position away from the end configured for attachment to an arrowhead, and appropriate apertures may be formed in the arrow shaft at this location in the same manner as previously described. While FIGS. 9-10 illustrate an apparatus  100  having four equally angularly spaced portions of axially extending apertures two, three, five, etc. portions of equally angularly spaced apertures may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, while the various portions of axially spaced apertures have been described herein as equally angularly spaced, such equal angular displacement is not necessary to practice the present invention. 
     In order to provide additional apertures along the portion of the arrow shaft where the fletching  24  is attached, as shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus  100  requires modification in shown in FIGS. 11-14. The modified apparatus  100 ′ has a plurality of longitudinal slots  150  formed in the body portion  104  between the inner  114  and outer  112  surfaces. Each of the longitudinal slots  150  has an open end at the first end  108  of the body portion  104  and extends longitudinally along the body portion. Radially extending apertures  152 , similar to the apertures  122 , are formed in the body portion  104  at areas of the body portion  104  between the longitudinal slots  150 . As shown in FIGS. 11-14, the set screws  118  at the first end  108  are removed, such that securing the apparatus  100 ′ to the arrow shaft is accomplished via the set screws  118  at the second end  110  only. 
     The apparatus  100 ′ may be utilized to modify an arrow for improved big game tracking as follows The arrow shaft is received in the first aperture  116  and the apparatus  100 ′ is slid along the arrow shaft until it reaches the portion where the fletching  24  is attached to the arrow shaft. The slots  150  are aligned with the fletching  24  and the apparatus  100 ′ is further slid along the arrow shaft so that the fletching  24  is received within the longitudinal slots  150 . The apparatus  100 ′ is secured to the arrow via the set screws  118  at the second end  110 . A user may extend a drill bit through the apertures  152  to drill holes in the arrow shaft at an area between the fletchings  24 , as shown in FIG.  1 . The apparatus  100 ′ may include three (FIGS. 11-12) or four (FIGS. 13-14) equally angularly displaced longitudinal slots  150 , depending upon the number of fletchings  24  utilized on a particular arrow. When utilizing four longitudinal slots  150  as shown in FIGS. 13-14, four portions of apertures  152  will be formed along the body portion  104  in the areas between the longitudinal slots  150 . As previously noted, in order to maintain the structural integrity of the arrow, it is preferred that apertures in adjacent line portions be actually spaced from one another by a distance “d”. 
     Referring to FIGS. 15-23, an apparatus for modifying an arrowhead for improved big game tracking according to the present invention is shown generally at  200 . The apparatus  200  includes jig member  202  having a body portion  204 , preferably made of solid plastic, with spaced first  206  and second  208  ends. The body portion  204  has a generally cylindrical outer surface. The apparatus  200  further includes a step bore  210  extending into the body portion  204  and having a central axis  212 . The step bore  210  includes an innermost bore  214 , a middle bore  216  and an outermost bore  218  opening at the first end  206 . The innermost bore  214  is threaded and has a first diameter. The outermost bore  218  has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The middle bore  216  has a third diameter which is smaller than the second diameter but greater than the first diameter. A longitudinal aperture  220  is formed in the body portion  204  extending along the central axis  212  and having openings at the innermost bore  214  and the second end  208 . 
     Apertures  222  extend through the body portion  204  from the outer surface and open into the step bore  210  at the outermost bore  218 . The apertures  222  preferably extend radially through the body portion  204  with respect to the central axis  212 . However, a variety of aperture  222  configurations are contemplated and may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the apparatus  200  may include two radially extending apertures  222  formed in opposite sides of the body portion  204  and spaced 180° apart. As shown in FIGS. 18-20, the apparatus  200  may include three radially extending apertures  222  formed in the body portion  204  and equally angularly spaced 120° apart. As shown in FIGS. 21-23, the apparatus  200  may include four radially extending apertures  222  are formed in the body portion  204  and equally angularly spaced 90° apart. It should be understood, however, that any number of radially extending apertures  222  may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The apparatus  200  is typically utilized to modify an arrowhead as follows. Arrowheads typically include a pointed end and a threaded end distal the pointed end. The threaded end of the arrowhead is received in the step bore  210  and threaded onto the threads in the innermost bore  214  to secure the arrowhead within the jig member  202 . The arrowhead is rotated until the apertures in the body portion  204  are aligned such that they are between the sections of the arrowhead where the blade elements are positioned. The user can extend a drill bit through the aperture  222  to drill a hole in the arrowhead body. Similarly, a drill bit is extended through the longitudinal aperture  220  to drill a longitudinal hole in the distal threaded end of the arrowhead Once all apertures  222  and  220  have been utilized to drill holes in the arrowhead, the arrowhead can be removed and utilized with the arrow  10  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to provide an individual with improved big game tracking capabilities. 
     Typically, the number of blade elements utilized on a particular arrowhead will dictate the number of apertures  222  to be formed in the body portion  204 . For example, an arrowhead which utilizes two blade elements disposed 180° apart could be modified utilizing the apparatus  200  shown in FIGS. 15-17. The arrowhead would be inserted in the step bore  210  and rotated until the two apertures  222 , which are spaced 180° apart, are aligned with the body portion  204  of the arrowhead between the sections where the blades are attached. Appropriate holes would then be drilled in the arrowhead utilizing the apertures  220  and  222  as guides. 
     For arrowheads utilizing three blade elements equally angularly displaced about the arrowhead, the apparatus  200  shown in FIGS. 18-20 could be utilized to modify the arrowhead. The arrowhead would be received in the step bore  210  and rotated until the three apertures  222 , which are spaced 120° apart, are aligned with the body portion  204  between the sections of the arrowhead where the blade elements are attached. Appropriate holes would then be drilled through the arrowhead utilizing the apertures  220  and  222  as guides. 
     For arrowheads with four blade elements equally angularly displaced about the arrowhead, the apparatus  200  shown in FIGS. 21-23 could be utilized to modify the arrowhead. The arrowhead would be received in the step bore  210  and rotated until the four apertures  222 , which are spaced 90° apart, are aligned with the body portion  204  of the arrowhead between the sections where the blade elements are positioned. Appropriate holes would then be drilled in the arrowhead using the apertures  220  and  222  as guides. The apparatus  200  shown in FIGS. 21-23 could also be utilized with arrowheads having two blade elements by utilizing only one pair of oppositely displaced apertures  222  to drill appropriate holes in the arrowhead. 
     Typically, arrowheads do not incorporate more than four blade elements. However, if an arrowhead utilizes more than four blade elements, the apparatus  200  shown in FIGS. 15-23 could be incorporated with five equally angularly displaced apertures  222  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the apertures  220  and  222  are preferably {fraction (1/16)}″ in diameter, other aperture diameters may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     While the present invention has been described with particular reference to the drawings, it should be understood that various modifications could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.