Elk Hunting with a Hill longbow question?

[Gil Verwey]

Last year we went on a DIY elk hunt backpacking into the back country. I had my two piece longbow and it fit in my Arrowmaster quiver. That made it very easy to backpack.

This picture is from last year and my bow is in the fleece sock in the quiver.

 

We went in 11 miles and found that if we shot an elk it would take us 3 days to pack it out. This year we are going in and out on horseback. Also if we shoot one we have a packer to come in and take it out by horseback. This is going to give us a lot more time to hunt.

I would really like to hunt elk this year with one of my one piece Hill longbows. Has anyone done this going on horseback and back packing?

If so how did you pack it on the horse and how did carry it backpacking? I used two walking sticks when back packing and they reduce the load by 33% on your back and probably saved me from falling or twisting an ankle many times. I didn't use them hunting only when we were making a long trek with heavy packs. Once we get in the back country we will be running and gunning so I expect to move several times with heavy pack.

Thanks
Gil

[Orion]

Gil:  You still have time to get one of your Hills converted to a two-piece.       I've never gone in on horseback, but have packed in with longbows.  I always just carried the strung bow in my hand.  Did use a walking stick in the other.  Have to admit that using two walking sticks gives one even more stability and eases the load.  You've got a real conundrum.  A one-piece longbow can probably be strapped to a horse, but it could become a spear (aimed at you or the horse) if the horse acts up for any reason.  That would also be a concern even if you hold it in your hand, and if you do that, you may be giving up some control of and stability on the horse. Can't think of a convenient way to carry it when both hands are on trecking poles. Can strap it to your pack, but likely to catch on anything you need to bend under and could start poking your calves.

I see Big Jim (see ad above) sells a hands free longbow sling.  Never tried it, but it might work. Best of luck to you.

[Gil Verwey]

Thanks Jerry. Last year was a scouting hunting trip. This year we have the elk nailed (unless the wild fires hit our area) so I will be 100% on the hunt.

I am probably going to take the same two piece this year. I would love to do it with one of my Hills but this year the hunting is coming first.

The two walking sticks are necessity. They came in so handy and made the trip much more enjoyable.

I think on the horse I can pack it in a tube on one of the pack horses, so I will check Big Jim's sling. If I can pack it on my pack without getting hung up on everything I may still give it a try.

Thanks
Gil

[Pat B]

We used a 4" PVC pipe with screw cap on the end and strapped it to the pack horse. Two of us each had 2 selfbows(or sinew backed) and we stored the bows in the tube when not in use. It rained every afternoon and the mornings were humid so we kept uncooked rice in the tube to help eliminate moisture around the bows.
  This is the PVE tube I shipped my bows to Colorado in two weeks before the hunt.
  You can see the PVC pipe laying on the log on the right in this pic...
 

[elkbreath]

th other thing you can do is make a sling, or buy a   bowtote  to carry it on you.  Good luck!

[Shinken]

Pat B - that looks like a well-used elk hunting camp!

Did you get to take home any meat with those selfbows?

Thanks for the pic!

Shoot straight, Shinken

   

[Gil Verwey]

Thanks for the info. I was going to use the tube in and let the outfitter take it back out, because we will be moving when we get in.

I am going to check out the other slings for the bow. too.

Thanks again
Gil

[AMB]

That two piece in the back quiver looks mighty tote friendly.  Personally, I wouldn't give a hoot which longbow I killed the elk with.  Not trying to be a smart #%^, just my opinion.

[Gil Verwey]

Andy I understand and if I can't work it out, like I said earlier, I am 100% on the hunt this year.

I hunted with a Hill style longbow for many years an like them very much. I would prefer to do it with the Hill longbow, but I am not going to jeopardize any part of the hunt for sentiment this year.

This year I will be bringing home meat and horns.

I am usually in it for the adventure of the whole experience, but I am in it for the hunt this year and this is one time I will take in the adventure, but there will be bloody fingers by the end of the hunt this year. Ha!

Thanks
Gil

[Raging Water]

Gil,

I have a HideHandler Strung Leather Bow Sling. The the link below.

It would be an honor for me, if you wanted to try it out.

Matt

 http://www.hidehandler.com/Archery_accessories.htm

[Raging Water]

Gil,

Also, I designed this ankle quiver for horse back riding. Tim Roberts at Farr West made it for me.

Sorry for the hairy leg pictures.

Matt

     

[Elk whisperer]

if you ride in just carry it or use a bow hook

[Gil Verwey]

Matt I like that High handler. I may have to pick one up. That looks just like what I need.

Thanks
Gil

[Shinken]

NIce ridin' quiver RW!

Shoot straight, Shinken

   

[Ben Maher]

Gil,
I have done a bit off horse stuff with my Hill bows and the best suggestion I can make , limited knowledge that I have is that the bow be carried in your hand whilst riding ... ya can always flick it away if the horse is loosing its footing etc ...
are they your horses or a guide/outfitters ?

That is how I managed whilst I was "bow breaking" the horse ... worked fine but you'd have to check with your outfitter if the horse has / is capable of remaining calm and comfy with a 6 ft stick bbeing wiggled about atop the saddle? A nice white piese of pvc pipe , being used during groundwork isa good place to start .

   ... no idea about pack horses though .

[Ben Maher]

ps ...
just think how cooler your success pics will be with a Hill bow ?

[Gil Verwey]

Ben I have several horses here in NJ but we will be using the outfitters horses in Colorado. I am going to see how I do back packing and on horseback with it. I don't have a takedown Hill, but I have many Harrisons. I will probably wind up taking the takedown Harrison again.

Thanks and I am going to give it a try.

Gil

[Nate Steen .]

Gil...I have a horse and have used other horses and have ridden with the bow in hand or in a leather scabbard with the end of the bow sticking out to the rear.  If you aren't going to be there with the bow I would recommend a thick wall pvc tube with attachment straps to aid in strapping it to a packframe....it should be fine.

[Gil Verwey]

Thanks Nate. Did you do any backpacking with a one piece longbow?

Thanks again
Gil

[Nate Steen .]

Oh yes...backpacking for mtn goats....one piece longbow, backquiver, fannypack after packing into basecamp.  I love the longbow so much and it's who I am as an archer that I will find a way to use it without excuses.  The old time archers managed to hunt backcountry with longbows...are we any less archers and hunters?  Part of my traditional archery experience is figuring out how to hunt like the old timers did, inconveniences included.   At least I drive in comfort to the hunting area