how long of a draw length, the reason I love hickory is you can do most any style bow with it, and as long as the grain is reasonably straight, a bow the length you are talking shouldn't need a backing. if you are worried why not buy a hickory backing, i've built hickory backed hickory r/d bows 62" ntn 50# @ 29". I get my hickory at hardwood suppliers, go to a cabinet shop and ask about their supplier.