Back-up Bow for Elk?

[Lost Arra]

Do you take a backup bow when packing in to the back country for elk? (I'm not talking about day hunts but multi-day hunts.)

[rtherber]

I leave a back-up back at the truck. A good alternative if packed in is to use a takedown bow and carry a spare set of limbs in with you. Murphy's Law can strike but the odds of the riser messing up is less than the limbs.

[John Scifres]

Not packed in but definitely at the trailhead.

[wapiti792]

Same here...bow down the mountain, extra string, serving material, rug-rest, glove/tab in my pack with my emergency supplies (signal mirror, firestarter, water purifier). I'd like to think that Murphy would be kind enough to only screw up my string or rest and leave my bow the hell alone!

[kojac]

I have not had a back-up with me but it sure wouldn't be a bad thing to keep one at the trail head.

good luck,

[Pat B]

I took a backup with me last year in Colorado. We walked 4 miles in and down 1000' down to camp and didn't want to have to walk back if the back up was needed.   Pat

[Barney]

I always have an extra set of limbs. Almost needed them only once when the pack horse got a little excited and tried to pass my horse. Hooked a limb on the aluminum pannier and bent it around till it nearly touched the front of the riser. I was ready for it to blow but it didn't.

[Outwest]

I carry two extra strings all shot in.
My feeling is shoot a stick bow you shouldnt need a back up.

John

[Lost Arra]

I've made some extra strings but just got to thinking about another bow.

[woodchucker]

No

[Elk Chaser]

I use a DAS so I take 2 sets of limbs and 3 strings

[Jason R. Wesbrock]

Yes, I bring a backup...always. The need for one was painfully obvious three years ago when one the hunters in elk camp (whom I won't name) had the upper limb on his recurve delaminate. No fault of his, or probably the bowyer, it was just one of those things. He pulled out his backup bow, strung it and went hunting. Without a backup, he'd may have had a serious problem on his hands.

[Matty]

I think if you are travelling from afar you should consider it.  I do 3 days at a time and then a week during the rut I only take an extra string.  shot and stretched.. I live hours from my spots so if I need another bow i just go home..

[Lost Arra]

Matty: I think you hit the nail on the head. For me it's at least 3 hours back to the truck,  11 hours home. And 10 days off work. Leaving a bow at the truck sounds good but Jason has me convinced to pack it in.

Thanks

[Pat B]

Leaving a bow in the truck doesn't sound like a good idea to me. With the heat build up in the truck that bow would be delaminated by the time you got back. Lot easier and safer to just carry an extra. Be sure you have extra strings for both bows that are shot in.    Pat

[sonofabuck]

When are you leaving Lost Arra? Were leaving the 31st of this month. Going ne of Dolores. And yes i will have a backup bow at camp. Scott