It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing away of Joe Furlong. For any who don't know, Joe was the original TuffHead broadhead’s developer. I did not know Joe when he developed his broadhead, but he had followed my research for many years. He took all of the recommendations that the research indicated would make a top-performing broadhead and, starting from scratch, made the prototypes of the first TuffHeads. Joe and his hunting partners took those prototypes to the field and tested them to prove to themselves that what Joe was designing would be the best-performing broadhead on the market. 

Many years later, and after much testing of our own, I can tell you that Joe reached his goal. He wanted to give bowhunters the best broadhead, and he succeeded. Today's original TuffHead, of Joe's design, is the benchmark broadhead in all the foundations testing. It is the broadhead design against which the performance of all other broadheads is judged. So far, no other broadhead has measured up to Joe’s. The original TuffHead’s unmatched performance stands as a testament to one who gave much to bowhunting, and who deserves remembrance in the history of bowhunting. 

Next to his family, bowhunting was the great love of Joe’s life. Through the years, Joe and I became close friends, and we talked on the phone every few days. That friendship never ended. I will miss him. Rest in peace, my friend. 

Dr. Ed Ashby

Joe Furlong building a custom bow.

Joe Furlong spending time with his grandson as he learns how to use Black Rhino bow.

Joe, back center in green shirt, with his Compton family.

Grandpa Joe with family.

"My dad was an incredible human, talented in so many areas of his life. It’s hard to capture just how amazing he was in a few photos or words.

This image of my dad teaching my now 21-year-old son to shoot his first Black Rhino bow I believe perfectly captures his passion for youth archery and his love of the wilderness—especially when shared with his children and grandchildren.

Every Father’s Day weekend, our extended family looked forward to meeting up with each other and my parents to camp, spend time outdoors, and shoot archery with Grandpa. My dad loved teaching his grandkids about animal tracking, fishing, hunting, and building a proper campfire.  He loved the outdoors and would always remind his grandkids, "a little dirt never hurt anyone and if you aren’t outside getting dirty, you aren’t really having any fun!”

This camping weekend became a cherished family tradition and it’s also where we first met Dr. Ashby, who has since become a wonderful family friend. Dr. Ashby and his foundation were very important to my dad, and we’re honored that he’s chosen to share a tribute to him."

Becky Cousins

Joe Furlong with a caribou he harvested with a longbow and one of his Tuffhead broadheads.

Joe on horseback with longbow. A slice of heaven.

Joes Vintage Archery and Tuffhead Shop.