Hunting with the Selfbow

[bbell]

So i am just getting into selfbows. I am working on a vinemaple stave that i hope to hunt with this November for elk. I am not worried about the range or effectiveness of the selfbow.

I am looking for tricks of the trade or tips. Like extended backcountry hunts what is your weather protection for the your bow? Do you leave it strung all day? What kind of quiver works well with a bigger pack? What finish do you like on your bow? Do you carry anything special for your selfbow that you wouldn't normally for laminate bows?

I think there are a lot of guys on here that are just starting out or havent yet but want to, that read all the selfbow and primitive posts they can. I know i am one of them. Hopefully this can be a good go to thread for guys just starting down this road. Thanks for any help guys. Brandon

[Pat B]

I keep my selfbows strung while hunting. Sometimes that could be 6 or more hours but as soon as the hunt is overI unbrace it. I use Tru-Oil on all my bows for a finish. When I hunted in Colorado we used a 4" PVE tube with a screw cap to store bows out of the weather when not being used.
 I prefer a GFA style side quiver or side stalker style quiver for hunting.
 I treat my selfbows just like any other bow.

[Bowjunkie]

I spray my bows with Thunderbird... weatherproof, durable, looks beaut.

I leave them strung while I'm actively hunting. I unstring them if I go back for lunch or something.

Other than that, I treat them the same as any other bow.

[bbell]

Pat, How many coats of tru oil do you like to put on your bow?

[Roy from Pa]

Lot's of guys use several coats, like 8 or more.

[bigbob2]

'Lot's of guys use several coats, like 8 or more' Did you do 'rithmatic' at school there Roy?                  

[Pat B]

I usually do 5 or 6 coats then a quick spray of satin poly to cut the shine of the Tru-Oil.

[Roy from Pa]

Bob, don't make me come over there boy:)  

[bbell]

Sounds good guys     I am really taking my time and I am getting ready to put the long string on in a couple days. I will probably be posting pics for advice on tiller once I get there. What kind of stain do you guys like on a whitewood bow? I was thinking RIT brown dye or Birch casey walnut stain.

Brandon

[fujimo]

i like minwax wipe on, i use a gloss finish, cos apparently it has a tougher finish, then a light rubbing with super fine steel wool, just to take the glare off- , usually about 1/2 dozen coats or so.
i have made a bunch of solo stalkers, two blades and three blades- best way to carry a single, easy to reach arrow.
no bow quiver for me!
i like to use a catquiver- carries all my gear for the day, arrows are quiet, and easy to access, and we live in a rain forest- literally- so it keeps the fletching dry.
everything out of my way behind my back for getting through the thick brush here.
also doent "flag" the deer too much reaching for an arrow.
i am busy working on a combo pack, that is a tree seat,tree stand, back pack, bivvy, quiver  and  pack board all in one.
started it last winter, need to refine it this winter- then will do a build along.
i string at the start of the hunt, and undo when i come out of the bush.
i dont rush the bow into a heated house or heated vehicle, after coming in from sub zeros- straight to my unheated shop, and thats where they stay all the time.
if its a short trip home, i dont turn the heater on, and if its longer, i wrap and place it in the back.

good luck

[bigbob2]

Say Roy iffen you do I've moved to turkey's nest.  

[wood carver 2]

Don't worry bigbob, it's too far for Roy to row.
Dave.

[Sharpend60]

As far as dye goes you can use rit.
It will raise the grain of the wood, you'll wanna sand it then re-apply.
Fiebling leather dye also works well. Dries fast and is very vibrant. Id cut it with some alcohol to tone it down