Backup bow or extra string/portable press?

[duck'n]

I was saving up for a backup bow but since the news of our upcoming twins, funds will be a little short for a while. I was just wondering how many of you take a backup bow when you go on say a package hunt for a weekend? I don't know much about working on a bow but I am thinking of A) learning and B) carrying a tackle box with some extra accessories, a backup string, and a portable bow press. What are yalls thoughts on this? Also, where would you look to learn how to work on a bow...just minor stuff like replacing the string?

[DaveC]

Although I take my back-up with me on each hunt I like your idea of carrying the extra string/cable and press with you as well.

As far as a back-up string & cable go, most people keep their old string/cable when they replace it with a new one and use it as their back-up. When you remove it from the bow just make sure not to let it untwist by fastening the ends together so when it goes back on it will be very close to "on".

Some items to carry would be nocks, nock pliers, a square, a tape measure, spare string loop, and extra string silencers. You should also have a piece of paper with your bows ATA, Brace, Nock height, center shot written on it for a quick reference if you should need to do the swap in field.
Marking your cam in its current location will help you return it to its proper location during the swap.
As far as where to learn?
Any of the books by Larry Wise would be a good place to start.

http://www.larrywise.com/books/

[Rattler]

My back up is 40lbs with recurved limbs!

[duck'n]

Rattler, funny you say that, I took my trusty old Bear 45# recurve to the Bugscuffle as my backup but due to lack of practice lately, my effective range would have been pretty short had I needed it!

[FarFromHome]

I am afraid that I go a bit overboard. I carry a backup bow as well as a portable press, strings for both bows, and a tackle box full of accessories.

The problem with jus thte string, press and accessories is the opportunity for a cracked limb, broken sight or rest etc.

If funds are an issue, the press and strings is better than nothing, but I would sure try to find a low priced used bow if at all possible, but that is just me.

[Hunt NXS]

Backup bow. You can find a very nice inexpensive backup, here or e-bay.

[Snakelover]

For years I had backup bows. I hated hauling them back and forth all the time. Never used them, not once in twenty years of bowhunting. So I no longer own a backup. Worst thing that could happen is to lose a weekend. Weigh this against the resale value of your "backup bow" when you buy your new bow vs when you buy the bow after that. So it's probably costing you three or four hundred dollars to potentially save a weekend and, like I said, so far that's never actually happened. Plus, having a backup bow doesn't do you a dang bit of good unless it's fully set up and ready to hunt. That often means maintaining and hauling arrows as well if your old bow isn't set up to shoot your same arrows. In considering all the variables, I decided the premiums on that insurance policy are just too expensive!

[duck'n]

Thanks for all the feedback, good points for sure. For what it is worth, my buddies backup bow is setup to shoot the same arrows but I see your point. When I went on my yearly hunt this year, the truck was already full WITHOUT another bowcase. I am still on the fence. I have seen some real nice deals on here...heck I have actually bought two bows off here! Anyway, I guess I will at least get a book and learn the basics, that can't hurt regardless of which route I take. Thanks again.

[Gunther]

I have a backup rig that is actualy my first hunting rig. It's only 4 years old with a new string.

[DaveC]

So just haul both of them in one case




Either way works, I just like justifying owning 2 bows.

[ZZ Pops]

I like the back-up bow idea, myself. You should be able to get a pretty decent bow for around $300, or so, and when you are ready for a new rig, you can keep your current bow and resale the used backup. If you keep it in good shape, you should recover a good portion of your investment. I like DaveC's suggestion for a two-bow case, too.

I usually carry a small tool kit with me when I go hunting. I'm not comfortable replacing strings/cables in the field, but string loops, arrow fletching/inserts, etc. are easily fixed with just a few parts and tools.

[BigL]

I have both a backup bow and a portable press. The portable press is in my bow case so it always goes with me but the backup bow goes with me as space allows or the distance is too great to a pro shop or back home if needed.