Just sharpening the tip would probably, eventually,kill a big game animal but would be illegal in most if not all states and unethical in all. By itself it wouldn't be good for small game either. It needs something added that would also add shock. For target shooting and 3D its pretty good.
If it is the same friend that Hillbilly spoke of he would cut a bevel on the point end and about 3" above a node. Then he would fill the center hole with sand(for weight) and drip pitch to seal. A fire hardened tip done like this is pretty tough. Barry stuck his in big oak trees(sometimes on purpose, sometimes not!
) with very little ill effects. Pat
