Backup Bow?

[DoubleLunger]

Greetings from Virginia my fellow adventure bowhunters,

I'm curious about how necessary everyone finds it to bring a second bow. After talking to my pro shop as well as my primary bow manufacturer, they recommend that I bring a "backup" bow in case anything were to happen to my primary bow. Of course I won't be anywhere near a pro shop while in Namibia on my hunting trip. And even if I was, I wouldn't want to be spending my valuable time at the bow shop and then sighting it in etc.

I do already own a second bow which is a AR 31(made by PSE) which will need new string, tuning, etc.

If I decide to bring this one(which I most likely will due to personal budget cuts in order to afford an awesome trip), should I set it up as close to possible as my primary bow(i.e. Pounds pull, arrow weight, etc.)?

Thanks again,

DL

 

[BRICKBURN]

I brought an extra string and peep sight as the most vulnerable part of the bow. I also had the basic tools to adjust my bow and restring it. I was willing to take a chance that nothing catastrophic was going to happen. ( I also had my rifle along as the ultimate back up)

If you are dragging the extra along, set it up for the type of shooting you are going to be doing.

Have fun.

 

[jeff]

I take two bows, once my compound didn't show up for three days but I had my trusty take down recurve and used it until the airlines got me my compound. I also take a portable bow press, extra string set that already has string loop and kisser installed along with a few tools to do what ever needs done.

 

[DoubleLunger]

I brought an extra string and pep sight as the most vulnerable part of the bow. I also had the basic tools to adjust my bow and restring it. I was willing to take a chance that nothing catastrophic was going to happen. ( I also had my rifle along as the ultimate back up)

If you are dragging the extra along, set it up for the type of shooting you are going to be doing.

Have fun.

I've thought about this as I would probably bring a packable bow press after learning how to use it of course. But even then I wouldn't want to spend time messing with it while I know I could be chasing game.

Any recommendations on learning how to restring a bow other than YouTube?

Thanks again

 

[DoubleLunger]

I take two bows, once my compound didn't show up for three days but I had my trusty take down recurve and used it until the airlines got me my compound. I also take a portable bow press, extra string set that already has string loop and kisser installed along with a few tools to do what ever needs done.

That makes sense. My only fear is both bows not showing up. Maybe have them packed separately in each case?

 

[Ryan]

First thing I'd do is ask your outfitter their opinion on this. It used to be a common thing in the past, but now not so much. I find it interesting the bow shop and manufacturer recommend you get another bow. I took one bow twice to Namibia and didn't have a problem either time, but I was also rifle hunting so in a sense that was my back up. Until parallel limb (and beyond) bows became the norm stringing a bow could be done with a simple hand press in the field, now, I have no idea. I do zip tie all my strings and cables together so no one can do anything dumb like dry fire it.

If you were to bring your AR 31 I'd say set it up so it can shoot your current arrows. The less equipment you have to double up on the better.

 

[BRICKBURN]

........

Any recommendations on learning how to restring a bow other than YouTube?

Thanks again

Your local bow shop and the manufacturers how to videos.

 

[kathy]

I would ask the outfitter if they have a bow press available at camp . also do they no how to string a bow. take a spare string with peep sight in place , spare cables.
As far as the spare bow , yes set it up as close to your hunting bow as possible. Forrest

 

[Bullthrower338]

I bet the "old man" will let ya use the .375 when he's done with it in a pinch!

 

[Lrntolive]

Are you hunting with a buddy? My buddy and I are traveling together, and we just learned to shoot each other's bows.

 

[mrpoindexter]

Learning to shoot another person's bow only is going to work when you are the same draw length or relatively close to it. I certainly cannot shoot my daughter's bow because it is 4" less draw length.

I bring 2 bows with me when I go hunt. They are both set up for me, so they are the same draw length, but one is much heavier draw than the other and uses heavier arrows with a stiffer spine (for dangerous game). If you are going to bring 2 bows, you might as well have a heavy bow and a light (relative to the other) one. That way, you can take down seriously big game but not worry about having to deal with a crazy hard draw weight. Restringing a bow should not be too tough. Just record a video from the Internet, as you might not have connectivity when you are there. Then, take photos of your cams so you know how the string threads through, because you won't be able to see if your string breaks and the bow explodes.

If your bows are close to the same draw weight, you can get away with one set of arrows. I use a nice 2-bow SKB case that can hold both my Mathews bows and 2 tubes of arrows and accessories. Packing them in separate cases means an extra bag fee from the airlines both ways, which isn't cheap.

Some people find an interested party in Africa to buy a bow that you bring over, shoot the safari with and leave there, saving them a huge cost and giving you plenty of room for souvieniers for the return trip. They will want bows that are appropriate for use in Africa anyway so it shouldn't be too hard to find some compatibility between you and your associate in Africa, if you can reliably find him/her.

 

[DoubleLunger]

First thing I'd do is ask your outfitter their opinion on this. It used to be a common thing in the past, but now not so much. I find it interesting the bow shop and manufacturer recommend you get another bow. I took one bow twice to Namibia and didn't have a problem either time, but I was also rifle hunting so in a sense that was my back up. Until parallel limb (and beyond) bows became the norm stringing a bow could be done with a simple hand press in the field, now, I have no idea. I do zip tie all my strings and cables together so no one can do anything dumb like dry fire it.

If you were to bring your AR 31 I'd say set it up so it can shoot your current arrows. The less equipment you have to double up on the better.

I like the zipstrip idea. I think I'm going to do this

 

[DoubleLunger]

I would ask the outfitter if they have a bow press available at camp . also do they no how to string a bow. take a spare string with peep sight in place , spare cables.
As far as the spare bow , yes set it up as close to your hunting bow as possible. Forrest

Makes perfect sense. I like the idea of bringing a spare string with peep already in place. Thanks

 

[DoubleLunger]

I bet the "old man" will let ya use the .375 when he's done with it in a pinch!

Very true but I don't want to be "that dude" as this could lead to me taking from others enjoying their full experience of the trip. I'd lean towards the guide having an extra if I got into a pinch. But yeah, I agree that Paps would give me a turn with the .375

 

[DoubleLunger]

Are you hunting with a buddy? My buddy and I are traveling together, and we just learned to shoot each other's bows.

Not a terrible idea but I believe that I will be the only hunter using archery tackle on this hunt

 

[DoubleLunger]

Learning to shoot another person's bow only is going to work when you are the same draw length or relatively close to it. I certainly cannot shoot my daughter's bow because it is 4" less draw length.

I bring 2 bows with me when I go hunt. They are both set up for me, so they are the same draw length, but one is much heavier draw than the other and uses heavier arrows with a stiffer spine (for dangerous game). If you are going to bring 2 bows, you might as well have a heavy bow and a light (relative to the other) one. That way, you can take down seriously big game but not worry about having to deal with a crazy hard draw weight. Restringing a bow should not be too tough. Just record a video from the Internet, as you might not have connectivity when you are there. Then, take photos of your cams so you know how the string threads through, because you won't be able to see if your string breaks and the bow explodes.

If your bows are close to the same draw weight, you can get away with one set of arrows. I use a nice 2-bow SKB case that can hold both my Mathews bows and 2 tubes of arrows and accessories. Packing them in separate cases means an extra bag fee from the airlines both ways, which isn't cheap.

Some people find an interested party in Africa to buy a bow that you bring over, shoot the safari with and leave there, saving them a huge cost and giving you plenty of room for souvieniers for the return trip. They will want bows that are appropriate for use in Africa anyway so it shouldn't be too hard to find some compatibility between you and your associate in Africa, if you can reliably find him/her.

Perfect planning obviously based on experience. I do not plan to hunt dangerous game as it is over my budget. I like the idea of downloading the right videos and/or instructions for doing any emergency repairs to the bow.

What model of SKB do you have? I have a SKB bow case designed for two bows but it's just too tight for two bows plus two tubes of arrows. It works great for one bow and approximately 10 arrows

 

[CAustin]

So if you put both bows in the same case aren't you running the risk of having no bow if the case doesn't show up. Seems like two bows tow cases or one you can take apart and put in your suitcase.

 

[DoubleLunger]

So if you put both bows in the same case aren't you running the risk of having no bow if the case doesn't show up. Seems like two bows tow cases or one you can take apart and put in your suitcase.

That's kinda what I was thinking. I'm also considering shipping one over and putting the other in my case for the plane ride. If one doesn't get there then I'm likely to still have one there

 

[mrpoindexter]

I was going to ship my bow until I was quoted nearLy a thousand dollars to ship it via DHL or UPS.

I will check out the case model and let you know.

I also like the zip strip idea although I doubt anybody would be able to dry fire my heavy bow.

 

[DoubleLunger]

I was going to ship my bow until I was quoted nearLy a thousand dollars to ship it via DHL or UPS.

I will check out the case model and let you know.

I also like the zip strip idea although I doubt anybody would be able to dry fire my heavy bow.

I'd definitely call around to different shipping services before I commit. The question is to ship it in a heavy case or to trust the shipping service to box and wrap it as "fragile" after I splash it with holy water and pray during my sleepless nights in fear that it would arrive bent and covered in corn syrup and empty promises