When to hang up a bow?

[doublewhopper]

I have a bow that is 30 years old, and it seems to shoot arrows really nice.  Only problem is that on occasion I will hear a slight cracking sound coming from the limbs.  
I don't see any cracks in the limbs, shoot I hang up this bow?

[woodchucker]

NO,If it aint broke.....SHOOT IT!!!!!

[Yolla Bolly]

D-whopper
I ignored a cracking sound once---and delaminated a collector Bear as a result--and got a lump on the forehead for my temerity. The bow was given to me by a older friend, and I was hoping strongly to take a buck with it before I retired it.

There may be someone who has the experience or equipment to inspect you bow to see if it is sound, but I would not draw it until I found out.

[deadpool]

no way woodchuker!
I made that mistake maself!!
with a spirit ll recurve, no signs of cracks!
jus one crick....and draw then boom!!

heres the pic!
 

[Bonebuster]

Would you leave on a cross country trip, pulling a camper, and the engine in the pick-up had rod knock?

[Pola Galie]

If I had any loss of confidence in a bow, I would turn it into a wall hanger (if it was from my collection of old bows).

What a great excuse to buy another bow.  It's for safety's sake.

[GingivitisKahn]

If it's making "I'm breaking" noises, perhaps it's breaking.  I agree with the guys that advocate replacing it.

Worst case, the thing could break and whop you upside the head (and maybe take an eye or something).  Best case, animals will hear you draw and rather than concentrating on a spot, you're going to be concentrating on "Oh stink - I hope this thing doesn't break just yet."

[KPaul]

Hang it up. It's not worth the wack in the head that you might get when it blows.(speaking from experience)

[bayoulongbowman]

yep hang her up...get ya new custom, for another 30 years...

[elkbow]

i'm with the rest of the guys,its all fun and games till someone gets an eye put out,hang it up.