Safety Critical Document
Read Before You Shoot.
Arrows are purpose built projectiles that carry lethal force. Used correctly they perform flawlessly. Used incorrectly they can injure or kill. This page exists because your safety and the safety of everyone around you, depends on it.
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Mandatory reading Never shoot an African Reaper arrow or any arrow without first inspecting it using the checklist below. A damaged arrow can shatter on release and cause serious injury. Do not skip this step.
Critical Warnings
Know the Risks.
These are not suggestions. Ignoring any of the following has resulted in serious injuries and fatalities in the archery community worldwide.
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⚠ Danger — Lethal Risk
Never shoot a cracked, damaged or compromised arrow
A carbon arrow with even a hairline crack can shatter explosively at full draw or on release. Shards travel at hundreds of metres per second and have penetrated hands, arms, faces and eyes. If in doubt, destroy the arrow. No arrow is worth your eyesight or your hand.
⚠ Warning
Minimum draw weight requirement
African Reaper arrows are rated for specific draw weight ranges. Shooting a heavy hunting arrow from an underpowered bow can cause arrow failure. Check your setup matches the shaft specification.
⚠ Warning
Never dry-fire your bow
Releasing a bowstring without a nocked arrow sends all limb energy back through the bow — destroying equipment and potentially causing serious injury. Always ensure an arrow is nocked before drawing.
⚠ Caution
Broadhead handling requires extreme care
Fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads are surgical-grade sharp. Handle only with cut-resistant gloves. Never reach into a quiver blindly. Use arrow wrench tools for threading at all times.
⚠ Caution
Know your target and what is beyond it
An arrow that misses or passes through a target continues a significant distance. Never shoot toward a ridgeline, slope, or any area not confirmed clear of people and animals.
Pre-Shoot Inspection
Check Every Arrow.
Perform this inspection on every arrow, every session. It takes less than 60 seconds per arrow. A compromised arrow must be removed from service immediately.
01
Flex Test
Hold the arrow at both ends and apply gentle flex in both directions while slowly rotating it 360°. Listen and feel for any cracking, clicking or unusual resistance. Any abnormal sound or feel, discard immediately.
02
Visual Inspection — Full Shaft
Rotate the arrow slowly under bright light. Look for cracks, splintering, dents, cuts, abrasion damage, or disruption to the carbon weave. Pay close attention to the area behind the insert and near the nock end where stress concentrates.
03
Insert & Point Check
Confirm the insert is fully seated and has not worked loose. Thread the field point or broadhead and ensure it is tight. A loose point can pull free on impact. Use a wrench, not bare hands, for broadheads.
04
Nock Inspection
Inspect the nock for cracks, chips or excessive wear. A fractured nock can snap on release, causing the arrow to leave the string unpredictably. Press-fit nocks should be fully seated and not rotate loosely.
05
Fletching Condition
Check all vanes or feathers are fully bonded and undamaged. A detached vane causes erratic flight, especially critical when hunting with broadheads. Re-fletch or retire the arrow if any vane is compromised.
06
Post-Impact Inspection
Always inspect every arrow after retrieval. Carbon fibre can sustain internal damage not visible externally. An arrow that has struck bone should be flex-tested before re-use. If there is any doubt at all — retire it.
Safe Shooting Practices
In the Field & Range.
At the Range
- Always shoot in the same direction as all other archers on the range.
- Never walk downrange while others are shooting or could be drawing.
- Call loudly before anyone retrieves arrows — ensure all bows are down.
- Never draw toward another person, even without an arrow nocked.
- Keep arrows in a quiver when not shooting — never carry loose in hand.
- Do not shoot at hard, flat surfaces — arrows can bounce back unpredictably.
Equipment Safety
- Match arrow spine and weight to your bow’s draw weight and length.
- Never use arrows that are too short for your draw — draw-through is fatal.
- Store broadhead-tipped arrows in a sealed quiver with individual head covers.
While Hunting
- Confirm your target is legal, ethical and within effective range before drawing.
- Be certain of what is beyond the animal — an arrow passes through.
- Never draw on an animal when other hunters are downrange of the target.
- Carry arrows point-down in a covered quiver at all times while moving.
- De-nock your bow when climbing into or out of a tree stand.
- Never attempt to retrieve an arrow from a live or wounded animal.
Who Should Not Shoot
- Anyone under the influence of alcohol, medication or substances affecting coordination or judgment.
- Minors without direct adult supervision from a qualified archer or guide.
- Anyone experiencing arm, shoulder or wrist injury without medical clearance.
Storage & Maintenance
Care for Your Equipment.
Store Dry
Moisture exposure compromises adhesive bonds at inserts and nocks. Store in a dry environment. Dry thoroughly after use in rain or humid conditions before storing.
Store Flat or Vertical
Store horizontally in a rack or vertically in a quiver. Avoid angles that place constant lateral stress on the shaft over time. Do not pile other equipment on top of stored arrows.
Avoid Heat & UV
Excessive heat softens adhesives and causes inserts to shift. UV exposure degrades carbon fibres. Do not leave arrows on a vehicle dashboard or in direct sunlight for extended periods.
Cover All Points
Field points and broadheads must be covered when not in immediate use. Use individual covers or a sealed quiver. Exposed blades present a serious laceration risk during handling.
Track Arrow History
Mark each arrow with a unique identifier. Note any impacts against hard objects or bone. Retire arrows with significant impact history earlier than those used only on soft targets.
Keep Away from Children
Arrows must be stored completely out of reach of children. A quiver hung at height or locked in a gun safe is the minimum standard where children are present in the household.
Legal Disclaimer
African Reaper Arrows (Pty) Ltd provides this safety information as general guidance only. It does not constitute a complete or exhaustive list of all risks associated with archery equipment. The user assumes full responsibility for safe handling, inspection and use of all archery equipment. African Reaper Arrows accepts no liability for injury, death or property damage resulting from improper use, inadequate inspection, or failure to follow applicable local laws and regulations. Always comply with all applicable South African and regional hunting and archery laws, and obtain all required permits before hunting.
Shoot Safely. Shoot Well.
You’ve read the brief. Now put it into practice — inspect your arrows, know your target, and hunt with confidence.