Cut some glass !  This idea was posted here some time ago.... apologies iam not sure who's idea it was but i thought i would try it since i haven't invested in a carbide bandsaw blade and wanting to strengthen my risers ,Cutting out the sight window and temporarily replacing it to apply glass back overlays has been working very well, thanks for the idea .

I had a one piece longbow Cocobolo ebony handle and bocote limbs made last year. I have shot several and they are all great bows. Can't go wrong no matter what you choose. I wish they still made the one piece recurve. I live close to their shop so got to go in and check everything out. They are good dudes.

Been using a black widow glove for the most part.

Have a Bateman. Ended up with two to find the right size. Index finger is loose on the one than fits best. Need to soak it water and let it dry while on hand. Got an extra glove that is a large and just sitting around unused.

American leathers was kind enough to send me two glove sizes to see what fit. Sent back the too large one. Other than shipping no extra cost. Index finger is also loose. Need to do the wet glove to dry thing on that one as well.

No adjustments needed with Black widow glove.

        

Tiller for three-under to better allow you to significantly enhance vertical stability ranges from even tiller to approximately negative 1/4" tiller. The positive tiller has you pushing towards the bottom limb. One quarter inch negative tiller is typically reserved for string walkers. I am not a string walker and 1/8-3/16" negative tiller is best for me.

I use a veneer saw also, way to go.

Excellent shot and camera work.

First post here    I have been lurking in the shadows for many years. At least since 2005 or -06 I guess, but I only registered as a member last year. Thought it was about time I said something...

Why not use the proper and best tool for the job... a Veneer Saw. These come in a few variations, but here is a link to a traditional one by Lee Valley - https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/saws/111446-pax-veneer-saw

I have used a lot of veneer for different projects and was trained to use such a saw many many years ago at a cabinetmaking school. In cases when such a saw was unavailable (as in broken or extremely dull), I have used a Utility Knife with disposable blades like Kirkll, but I find that this also (like the rotary wheel cutter) easily can follow and run out along the grain. You have to be really careful to avoid that.
The Veneer Saw is a lot easier to use, and do not follow any grain. It simply just cut across along the line you guide it to.

I see that Chuck Deshler use one when he cuts veneer for a Two Tracks Ogemaw hybrid in a video on YT – search for "Hand Building a Longbow" by Full Quiver Outdoors on YT.

Flew twice to the North Slope with Brooks Range Aviation. You have to either drive part way up the haul road and park at a pump station or fly commercial from FBK to Bettles. First trip was good, second time the outfit was for sale and pretty disorganized. Also a couple dude hunters that were obviously well heeled showed up, had a powwow with the owner's wife in the office and we got bumped to a later ride (had to spend the night in the hangar waiting). Maybe $$ changed hands. I heard it sold and maybe that stuff settled down. If it has settled it could be a decent option. I also have heard decent things about Coyote for north slope trips. Rokslide is a good place to mine for info.  The North Slope is an adventure in itself and worth the trip. You'll see grizzlies for sure 

You are right about transporters, smaller/less known outfits are very hard to get in with. Good outfits can take years to get a ride with. The pilot I fly with for moose is like 90% repeat year after year. If you get a seat with an outfit like that you can't give it up, and guys that have favorite transporters don't share info.

R

As the title says, who here has done a DIY caribou hunt in Alaska? A buddy and I are trying to make this trip in the fall of 2028, and after looking around and seeing how fast flights and such get booked up, we want to get planning as far in advance as possible. While we are not looking to do a guided hunt, we have been looking into outfitters that offer DIY services such as flying you in and renting equipment if necessary. If anyone has done this in the past, do you have any recommendations as far as outfitters to go with?
We've also looked at just hiring a bush plane to fly us out somewhere, but it appears to be extremely difficult to get on a flying list if you don't already know someone or aren't a repeat customer.
We considered doing a hunt off the haul road as well, and haven't completely ruled it out, but would prefer more of a backcountry type of adventure.

I would appreciate any help or advice that is out there, and am excited to continue planning for this trip! With caribou populations on the decline, we want to try and get this hunt in at least once before things potentially change.