Self Bow and a Long Draw

[ChristopherO]

I am going to make my Brother a bow.  He has hinted for an osage.  Currently I am working on a self osage that will be 65" ntn.  But my bro has, best guess, a 31" draw.  This won't be a heavy bow as he is recuperating from rotator cuff surgery.  Yet, I am concerned that this length bow may be over strained with that long of a draw.  I am contemplating a couple things:
1. Keep if for myself!
2. Make him a hickory as I have plenty long enough to do the job well.
3. Sinew back or rawhide the osage for added protection.

For those with the experience, what would you do?
Thanks,
Christopher

[Roy Steele]

Thats a long draw.I've made a cuople at 30"s.Sence you don't have to worry about the weight.Make it long 68 to 70 and won't have to back it.I say any thing under I'd back it.Sinew is great for adding weight but really takes the time.I have used raw hide on a dozen or so white wood bows.O'sage is really durable but you could put it on a o'sage bow.
   Raw hide is great for painting indain designs or your own for that matter.

[Shaun]

Unless he is really 6'4 and a knuckle dragger, he could and should shoot a shorter draw, especially with a low wrist selfbow grip. I have seen very few 31" draws even with a high wrist like a deep recurve grip which adds about an inch.