Here is our take on the ethics of lighted nocks.
By FeraDyne Staff
Lighted nocks, why not?
For years, there was a silly question on the ethics of lighted nocks, and even some states deemed them illegal for bowhunting. Today, though, lighted nocks are legal to use in all 50 states, and the talks of them being unethical seem to have subsided. For many, the ethical questions didn’t make much sense because they didn’t aid in being able to make shots in the field. Those in favor of lighted nocks argued that they only made it easier to see shot placement and could plan the trailing of an animal according to where it was hit, and it’s hard to argue with that logic.
Even though the legal and ethical reasons seem to be in the rearview, there is still a large number of hunters who choose not to shoot them. Let’s dive into why and maybe look into why you should.
It’s not all Pros.
To accurately discuss this subject, we must examine the cons of shooting lighted nocks. They are undoubtedly more expensive to shoot. At the same time, the arrows you purchase come with factory nocks installed. If you want to shoot lighted nocks, at least for now, you have to buy them as an add-on to your arrow purchase. For example, the Nockturnal X-Nock comes in a 3-pack for $29.99. Another con is that although batteries typically last a long time on lighted nocks, they eventually run out. If shooters turn them off after shooting, they last a long time. Also, once batteries die, you can use those as your practice nocks going forward, so your practice arrows are the same as your hunting arrows.
Another factor to consider is many lighted nocks have a larger profile and can affect the tune if you get nock pinch compared to standard nocks. To thwart this, setting your D loop to accommodate for the lighted nocks from the get-go usually solves this issue. They are typically also heavier than standard nocks, so the point of impact can be different, so that must also be accounted for.
Lighted nocks for the win
Yes, there are cons, but the Pros are undeniable. With today’s fast bows, seeing arrows in flight is harder than ever. Lighted nocks solve that issue, as you can clearly see your arrow’s flight path, especially in lower light and shadowed situations. There are several very positive benefits of this. Being able to watch your arrows fly lets you know how your arrows are flying down range.
Another and maybe the most important benefit is it enables you to see where arrows hit or don’t hit on the game. Knowing this information lets you know if it was a good or lousy hit and enables you to know how long to wait before tracking wounded game. If arrows miss an animal or pass through, they are also much easier to find, letting you confirm a complete miss or inspect an arrow after a hit for blood or entrails. People have even told stories of being unable to see blood or an arrow after a shot in full sunlight and have waited until dark to find an arrow with a lighted nock shining easily and were then able to confirm a hit or miss.
Lighted nocks can be especially beneficial for shooters as they age. Seeing arrows in flight gets increasingly more difficult as we age, and our eyes aren’t as sharp as they once were.
Should you
Of course, this is a personal decision, and if you don’t want the extra cost, then by all means, stick to your standard nocks. However, if you’re going to see your arrow path more clearly while backyard practicing, 3D shooting or hunting is a great option. As long as you take care to tune, sight in your bow, and practice with lighted nocks before going in the field, lighted ones are certainly worth considering.