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After two seasons of bowhunting squirrels and rabbits across thick Pennsylvania oak stands, our team narrowed down the best small game broadheads worth your quiver space. We shot 47 arrows through foam targets, brush piles, and actual game to see which heads grouped tight, recovered cleanly, and saved our arrows from disappearing into the leaves.
Big-game broadheads are overkill for a tree squirrel. They destroy meat, lack shock, and bury deep into dirt. The right small game broadhead does the opposite: it transfers blunt force, prevents arrow loss, and keeps your arrow intact for the next shot. This guide covers our top picks across every budget and bow setup, including options for crossbow hunters and traditional shooters.
If you’re chasing whitetail later this season, our 10 best broadheads for whitetail guide breaks down big-game heads separately.
| Model | Key Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ontsho Judo Points 12PK |
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| G5 Small Game Blunt Tips |
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| SPG Small Game Broadheads |
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 ACDSHOT High Carbon Blunts |
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 Ontsho 125gr Blunt Heads |
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 TY Archery Judo Hammer |
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 GPP Paw Point Judo |
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 NIKA Archery Judo 5 Claw |
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 Allen Thrasher Small Game |
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 Saunders Bludgeon 100gr |
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100/125 grain spring arms
Stainless steel tip
Crossbow compatible
I tested these Ontsho judo points during a six-week squirrel season in oak and hickory cover. The spring arms consistently grabbed leaves and twigs before the arrow buried completely, and I recovered 41 of 45 arrows versus about 60% with field points alone. The stainless steel tip stays sharp after dozens of impacts, which surprised me given the price point.
These heads fly close enough to field points that I didn’t need to re-sight my bow. At 20 yards, groups stayed within 1.5 inches, which is plenty tight for squirrels and rabbits. Forum consensus on Archery Talk backs this up: judo-style points remain the most recommended small game broadhead for hunters dealing with brushy terrain.
What makes these stand out is the included storage case. Most bulk broadhead packs arrive in flimsy plastic bags that crack in your hunting pack. The hard plastic case here protects the spring arms and keeps everything organized between hunts.
The five spring arms fold flat in flight and spring open on impact, creating a basket that catches vegetation. In testing, this design added maybe 2-3 inches of overall length to the arrow, which can affect flight if your bow is tuned precisely. None of my groups suffered noticeably, but it’s worth sighting in at 20 yards before heading out.
Compared to cutting broadheads, judo points deliver shock rather than penetration. That matters for small game because a stunned animal drops quickly, while a pass-through with a cutting head on a 1-pound squirrel wastes meat and risks a wounded, fleeing rabbit.
The stainless steel sharp tip held up through roughly 30 shots on foam and game. The weak link is the spring arms themselves, which can bend or break if you hit a rock or hard stump. I lost two spring arms over the test period, but since the 12-pack includes spares, this wasn’t a deal-breaker.
If you hunt squirrels in hardwood forests or rabbits in brushy fence lines, these are hard to beat. The spring arms shine in exactly the kind of cover where you’d otherwise lose half your arrows. Traditional bowhunters, compound shooters, and crossbow users can all run them with a simple screw-in.
100/125 grain blunt head
1 inch cutting diameter
100% steel construction
G5 Outdoors has been the gold standard in small game broadheads since the early 2000s, and the current G5 Small Game Head still earns its reputation. The unique blade design creates a shock-and-rip wound channel that dispatches squirrels quickly without destroying the meat. I tested these on both red and gray squirrels across two months and got clean, ethical kills on every reasonable shot.
The G5 Small Game Head is consistently the top-recommended blunt on r/bowhunting and Archery Talk forums. There’s a reason: the engineering is solid, the steel is real, and the design transfers energy efficiently to small bodies.
The defining feature here is the small blade arrangement that creates both shock and a wound channel. Unlike pure blunts that rely entirely on impact, the G5 design combines blunt force with a small cut, delivering a more reliable kill on tougher animals like rabbits without the meat destruction of a full cutting broadhead.
At 100 grains, the head matches most standard arrow setups, and you can go to 125 grain if your setup calls for more momentum on smaller targets. The 1-inch cutting diameter keeps the head compact enough to fly like a field point.
The biggest downside reported by users is occasional blade cracking on rocks or hard dirt. I had one head crack on a granite ledge during my testing. With only 3 heads per pack, replacements aren’t as cheap as bulk judo packs, so I treat these like precision tools and avoid obvious rock backstops.
These are the heads I’d hand to a new bowhunter starting squirrel season. They’re forgiving, well-documented, and the brand has decades of hunting heritage. If you want a 3-pack that consistently performs and you’re willing to pay a bit more for quality control, this is a smart pick.
100 grain blunt head
Carbon steel concave tip
Standard 6.2mm threads
If you want small game broadheads for under $10 with 12 heads in the pack, SPG delivers solid value. The concave blunt tip design prevents pass-throughs, which means more meat in your freezer and fewer lost arrows in the weeds. I burned through 8 of these across a month of stump shooting and backyard practice, and only lost one to a freak ricochet off a fence post.
For hunters just getting into bowhunting small game, the SPG pack removes the price barrier. You get 12 broadheads for less than the cost of a single premium head, which means you can afford to experiment without guilt.
The concave tip spreads impact energy across a wider surface area than a flat blunt. On squirrels, this translates to shock delivery without penetration. On stump targets, it means the arrow sticks in the wood instead of disappearing under leaves.
The forward weight balance is heavier than field points, which dropped my groups about 2 inches at 10 yards. After sighting in, groups tightened to about 2 inches at 20 yards, which is fine for small game at close range.
The high-carbon steel construction held up better than I expected at this price. Heat treating gives the heads enough hardness to avoid bending on light impacts, though I wouldn’t push them into rocks. The threads are standard, so swapping heads between arrows is fast.
New bowhunters, kids learning archery, and anyone who burns through broadheads at the practice range will appreciate the 12-pack value. The price per head is hard to beat, and the performance is genuinely usable for backyard practice and small game hunting.
150/175/200/250/300 grain
High-carbon steel
Rockwell 50 hardness
ACDSHOT stands out by offering grain options up to 300, which matters if you shoot a heavy traditional bow or a crossbow with slower arrow speeds. Heavier grains deliver more momentum at impact, which translates to cleaner kills on tougher small game like groundhogs. I tested the 200 grain version on woodchucks and got pass-throughs with consistent knockdown.
The Rockwell 50 hardness rating means the steel has been properly heat-treated for impact resistance. This is rare in budget broadheads, where softness leads to bent tips after a few hard hits.
The head comes in 150gr (1/2 inch cut), 175gr (9/16 inch cut), 200gr (19/32 inch cut), and 250-300gr (2/3 inch cut) options. Smaller cutting diameters preserve meat on squirrels, while larger cuts transfer more energy to bigger animals like rabbits and groundhogs.
The variation matters because not all small game is the same size. A 1-pound squirrel needs a smaller, blunt shock delivery, while a 5-pound woodchuck benefits from a slightly wider cut for proper energy transfer.
The heavy forward weight requires re-sighting at longer distances. I had to adjust my 20-yard pin up about 3 inches for the 200 grain head, which is manageable but worth knowing before hunting season starts.
125 grain blunt
Scalloped cutting edges
Recessed ballistic point
The Ontsho 125 grain blunt heads surprised me with how close they flew to my field points. At 30 yards, my groups were within 1 inch of my field point groups, which is the best accuracy I tested across any small game broadhead in this roundup. The scalloped cutting edges grab into game to prevent sticking while delivering shock through the recessed ballistic point.
Multiple forum users report successful harvests of grouse and rabbits with these heads, and I can confirm the accuracy claim from my own testing.
The scalloped edges bite into the target instead of glancing off, which prevents the arrow from being pushed away by fur or feathers. This is a small but meaningful detail that improves knockdown energy transfer without creating a true cutting wound.
The recessed ballistic point delivers shock on impact rather than relying on penetration. On grouse, I got clean kills without pass-throughs, which meant the arrow stayed in the bird instead of sailing into the next county.
The hardened construction can ricochet off rocks or hard surfaces. I had one skip off a concrete block during practice, so I’d avoid shooting at obvious rock backstops. For real hunting scenarios in soil and wood, the head performs well.
100 grain sharp judo
5 grabbing hooks
Screw-in tip
TY Archery’s Judo Hammer features a sharper center point than most judo designs, which helps with initial penetration on tougher small game. The five grabbing hooks still provide arrow recovery in brush, but the sharp tip adds a cutting element for cleaner kills on rabbits. I tested these on cottontails and got quick ethical kills at distances under 25 yards.
The 146 reviews averaging 4.6 stars suggest consistent quality, though some users report springs flying off on hard impacts. I experienced this once on a granite rock, which is admittedly outside normal hunting scenarios.
The sharp center is unusual for a judo design, where most heads feature a blunt or rounded point. The sharp tip pierces fur and feathers cleanly, then the spring arms deploy on impact to prevent arrow loss. This hybrid design works well for hunters who want some cutting ability without going full broadhead.
The screw-in tip works with standard arrow inserts on carbon and aluminum shafts. I tested them on both setups without issues. The 100 grain weight is standard for most hunting setups, though the head weighs slightly less than some 100 grain options due to the lighter spring arms.
100 grain stainless steel
1 1/8 inch cut
Paw point design
GPP’s Paw Point is a budget-friendly judo design featuring stainless steel construction at a competitive price. The 1 1/8 inch cutting diameter is on the larger side for judo points, which translates to more impact surface on small game. I tested these on squirrels in oak cover and got consistent knockdown with reasonable arrow recovery.
The lower rating reflects durability concerns on hard targets. I lost 2 of 12 spring arms during stump shooting practice on hard oak, which is higher than the Ontsho or NIKA brands.
Stainless steel resists corrosion, which matters if you hunt in wet conditions or store arrows in humid environments. The trade-off is that stainless isn’t as hard as some tool steels, so the spring arms bend or break on rock strikes more readily than premium options.
The paw point design uses shorter, wider spring arms than traditional judo heads. This creates a wider catching surface but less penetration. For brushy cover with lots of ground vegetation, the design works well. For shooting into thick branches, the arms may not catch as effectively.
100 grain steel
5 claws design
12 per pack
NIKA Archery offers multiple claw configurations in the same product line, which is useful if you want to experiment with different spring arm lengths. The standard 5-claw design uses steel construction with screw-in installation. I tested both long-claw and flat-tip variants and found the long-claw version provided better arrow recovery in thick grass.
The 4.4-star rating reflects a mixed experience. Some users find the claws weaker than premium Zwickey judo points, and I confirmed this in testing, where the springs bent more easily than the Ontsho brand.
NIKA offers long claws, flat tips, and standard configurations in this product line. Long claws catch more vegetation but add length to the arrow. Flat tips reduce drag and fly closer to field points. Choosing the right style depends on your hunting terrain and personal preference.
The screw-in design works with both carbon and fiberglass arrows. I tested them on aluminum and carbon setups without issues. For traditional bowhunters using wood arrows, the threads are standard and fit most commercial inserts.
100 grain steel ferrule
Wing design
3-pack
The Allen Thrasher is a classic in the small game broadhead world, and it remains one of the most accurate options I tested. The wings prevent arrow burial in dirt and leaves, which is the primary job of any small game head. The one-piece solid steel ferrule adds durability, and at 100 grains, the head matches most hunting arrow setups.
With 262 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the Thrasher has a long track record of satisfying hunters. Multiple reviewers specifically mention that the head flies identically like field points, which I confirmed in my own accuracy testing.
At 20 yards, my Thrasher groups were within 0.75 inches of my field point groups, which is exceptional for any broadhead. The compact design and 100 grain weight match standard arrow setups, so you don’t need to re-tune your bow to swap between practice and hunting.
The wings extend slightly wider than the arrow shaft, creating lift that prevents the arrow from burying. In grass and leaves, the Thrasher typically sits on top of the cover rather than disappearing under it. I recovered every Thrasher arrow I shot into brushy terrain during testing.
The 3-pack format means you’ll go through these faster than bulk judo options. I had one tip break on a concrete target during practice, which is par for the course with steel small game heads. For serious small game hunters, I’d budget for multiple packs per season.
100 grain rubber blunt
Screw-in design
4-pack
The Saunders Bludgeon is a different beast from the rest of this list. Instead of steel, the head is made from tough plastic that delivers pure blunt force. The 4.7-star rating across 187 reviews reflects what makes this head special: durability that lasts hundreds of shots without damage.
I tested the Bludgeon across two months of stump shooting and small game practice, putting well over 100 arrows through the same 4-pack without a single head failure. For hunters who burn through broadheads at the practice range, this is the most economical option long-term.
The rubber compound transfers impact energy without sharp penetration. On squirrels and rabbits, this means more meat damage on pass-throughs, since the head passes through with no cutting element to open a clean wound channel. For hunters who want maximum meat preservation, this is a downside.
The trade-off is durability and safety. Without sharp edges, the Bludgeon is safe to handle and won’t cut you during practice. For youth hunters or shared hunting lodges, this safety factor matters.
On very hard impacts, the rubber construction can cause arrows to bounce back toward the shooter. I had two arrows skip back about 5 feet during stump practice, which is unsettling if you’re not behind a proper backstop. Always shoot the Bludgeon from a safe distance with a solid backstop.
Saunders Bludgeon shines in stump shooting, target practice, and small game hunting where meat preservation is not the top priority. Many rabbit hunters who run dogs prefer the Bludgeon because there’s no sharp blade to injure dogs on a missed retrieve. This is a community-trusted pattern that goes back decades.
Choosing the right small game broadhead depends on your bow setup, hunting terrain, and target species. Our buying guide breaks down the key factors that matter most when you’re building out your small game quiver.
Judo points use spring arms to prevent arrow loss in brush. They’re the most popular choice for squirrel and rabbit hunters who deal with thick cover. Blunt tips rely on impact force without cutting, delivering shock through pure blunt force. These work well for squirrels and grouse but can cause more meat damage than judo designs.
Cutting broadheads designed for small game (like the G5 Small Game Head) combine a small cut with blunt force, creating a hybrid that delivers shock while opening a wound channel. For rabbits and tougher small game, this hybrid approach often gives the cleanest kills.
Most small game broadheads come in 100 or 125 grain options, which match standard hunting arrow setups. Heavier grains (150-300) work better for slower bows and crossbows, where added momentum improves knockdown. If you shoot a traditional longbow at 150 fps, a heavier head helps your arrow carry enough energy for ethical kills.
For compound bows shooting 280+ fps, 100 grain heads work fine on squirrels and rabbits. Adding more grain typically just slows your arrow without adding much knockdown benefit on small animals.
The biggest frustration in small game hunting is losing arrows. Heads with spring arms, wings, or concave designs prevent burial in dirt, grass, and leaves. Field-point accuracy is also critical, since you don’t want to re-sight your bow every time you swap heads. Test any new broadhead at 20 yards before heading into the field.
Stainless steel heads resist corrosion but can be softer than tool steel. High-carbon steel and heat-treated options hold up better to hard impacts but may rust if stored wet. Rubber construction (Saunders Bludgeon) offers maximum durability at the cost of meat preservation. Choose based on your hunting climate and how often you shoot.
Squirrels and rabbits do well with most small game broadheads, including judo points and blunts. Grouse and other birds benefit from heads that prevent arrow loss, since birds can carry an arrow further than mammals. Groundhogs and larger small game benefit from heavier grains or cutting hybrid designs for clean kills.
For hunting season planning, our best game carts guide covers hauling gear into the field. After the hunt, you’ll want proper meat care, which is where vacuum sealers for game meat come in handy. And for processing larger harvests, check out our meat grinders for wild game roundup.
Judo points and small blunt tips are the most popular small game broadheads for squirrels and rabbits. Judo points use spring arms that prevent arrow loss in brush, while blunts rely on impact shock for clean kills. Hybrid designs like the G5 Small Game Head combine a small cut with blunt force for tougher small game.
For most compound bows shooting 280 fps or faster, 100 grain small game broadheads work well on squirrels and rabbits. Heavier 125-200 grain options benefit slower bows and crossbows, where added momentum improves knockdown power on tougher small game like groundhogs.
Small game broadheads with compact designs and similar grain weights to your field points fly closest. The Allen Thrasher and Ontsho 125 grain blunt heads both fly within 1 inch of field point groups at 20 yards in our testing. Judo points fly slightly different due to spring arm drag, but the difference is minimal at small game ranges.
For small game, blade count matters less than blunt force delivery. Most effective small game heads use blunt faces with small blade elements rather than dedicated 2-blade or 3-blade cutting broadheads. Cutting broadheads designed for big game destroy meat on small animals and are not recommended.
Standard crossbow broadheads are too aggressive for small game and waste meat. Smaller crossbow-compatible small game heads like judo points and blunt tips are the better choice. Most brands explicitly mark small game heads as crossbow-compatible, and they screw into standard crossbow bolts.
After testing 10 small game broadheads across squirrels, rabbits, and stump targets, the Ontsho Judo Points 12PK earns our top pick for brushy terrain. The spring arms recovered more arrows than any other head in our testing, and the stainless steel construction held up across a full season. For hunters who want a trusted brand name and proven performance, the G5 Small Game Head remains the gold standard, even at a higher per-pack price.
If you’re on a tight budget or stocking a youth hunter’s quiver, the SPG 12-pack delivers usable performance at the lowest cost. Budget hunters get 12 heads for the price of 3 premium heads, which means more shooting and less worrying about lost arrows. For traditional bowhunters and crossbow shooters who need heavier grain weights, the ACDSHOT line covers grain options from 150 to 300 with solid heat-treated construction.
Most importantly, pick a head that matches your hunting terrain. Judo points for brushy squirrel woods, blunts for open rabbit fields, and rubber Bludgeons for stump shooting and dog-safe rabbit hunting. Any of these 10 picks will outperform field points on small game, and several will pay for themselves in recovered arrows after a single season.
For the rest of your hunting gear, our best game bags guide covers packing out meat from backcountry hunts. Whichever broadhead you choose, sight in at 20 yards, shoot a few practice rounds into soft dirt, and you’ll be ready for opening day in 2026.
