In todays market it is really difficult to protect yourself from any infringments on an idea. By putting a patent on something like you are talking about the only people who will make money are the attorney's. First they make money by getting you the patent and then they make money off of you trying to defend it in the future. You may look into a trademark for the name and at the same time register a domain name for a web site. Web site's are a great way to promote a product, especially with links. I would strongly suggest you Not go to Cabela;s or Bass pro. R&D in those companies stands for rip off and duplicate, trust me on this one. You may want to team up with a an exsisiting Bow company to see if it a product they will incorporate in thier line. Have a good and clear contract if you go that route. In the recent issue of Petersons Bowhunting, it came yesterday, thier is an excellent article in the front of the magizine about a situation similiar to your's. The article profiles someone who invented a new product for bows and describes how he went about brining it to market. I forget the name of the company but find the article and you will get a good overview on his process. Hope this helps.