army i have never backed the weight off my limbs when putting my bow up, although i haven't put a bow away for a long time. but early in my archery career i did put it up for the winter months and never backed it off and when i was ready to shoot again i was right on. there really is no need to back them off with the technology of todays bows. we have indoor leagues and 3d's through the winter months that are great fun maybe you could try one of them and you wouldn't have to put your bow away at all.