Flix

xseven,

I spend a lot of time learning and practicing wilderness survival skills and have considered the benefits of bringing a bow vs. crafting one in the field. I tend to agree that a firearm is generally superior for stocking the larder as well as defense. That being said, I understand that some in places, firearms are prohibited and that some people are either opposed to or prohibited from possessing them.

Depending on the amount of space you can spare, you could pack a takedown recurve (with extra bow strings) and some broadheads. Back when external frame packs were popular, I heard of somebody keeping a couple of arrows in the vertical frame tubes. You might be able to find room for several carbon shafts in a fishing rod tube. I would prefer bare shafts, which could have multiple uses. Instead of fletching, I would carry several FOBs.

This seems like a lot to pack. A good quality slingshot seems a much simpler solution, especially given the relative low priority that meat gathering has in a survival situation.

You might find some helpful input over in the Wilderness Survival Forum.

-- FLIX

redhawks

okay i'll play, making survival kits is usually entertainment for most of us anyway. i suggest skipping the limbs and making a bow walking stick that can be strung and loaded fairly quick and is handy when not needed.

mikesugar

I am an engineer and I seriously doubt you will be able to carve a strong enough riser and attach it firmly enough to the limbs to be able to get an arrow fast enough to either kill something big or hit something small.

If you're looking for something to defend yourself from an animal, bear mace, aspear, ora machete will do better than a homemade bow.

If you're looking for something to help you survive on small game, how about a slingshot, takedown bow,pistol crossbow, or blow gun.

Mike

general327

I too would get over the "No evil guns" thing too and bring a good revolver. But if you must have a bow I think Whisper Creek or one of those smaller bow companies makes a really short a to a bow like in the mid 20 inch range. I'm sure someone on here knows the one I'm thinking about.

jeremy3303

here ya go general, not sure if this is the one you're thinkin about but its the shortest bow that i know of.

http://www.libertyarchery.com/

general327

Yeah thats the one, nice job jeremy. I knew someone would know what the heck I was talking about

Super G Force

That is SHORT!!