Question 1

What happened to the Bivouac Backland?

Accepted Answer

As of August, 2025, I've taken over the ILF operations of Bivouac Bow Co / SKY Archery, now called Backland Archery. I'm honored to carry on the Backland tradition from my friends Jim and Georgia at Bivouac Bow Co. The Backland Archery name was born not to ride coattails, but to pay homage to the great work my friends have put into building the ultimate ILF hunting bow over the last couple of decades.

I've been a Backland / SKY shooter and tinkerer since the late-2000s - long before the opportunity to build them was ever a thought. I believe in them, and couldn't be more proud to now be the person behind the presses, sanders, and spray booth.

If you're in the market for an exceptional one piece bow; from straight-end longbows to reflex/deflex longbows to recurves, please give Jim and Georgia a shout or head over to the Bivouac Bow Co site to learn more!

Question 2

What's changed from the Bivouac Backland?

Accepted Answer

Great news! When it comes to forms, materials, construction, machines, and the build process, NOTHING! The following minor tweaks have been made to ensure compatibility, for those wishing to shoot non-Backland limbs on a Backland riser or pair a non-Backland riser with Backland limbs:

Risers have had some extra material machined in the limb pocket, inboard of each limb bolt. This helps ensure clearance for non-Backland limbs which may have longer limb butt lengths.
Limbs have been re-profiled at the butt end. They are narrower, to help ensure fit with non-Backland risers which have enclosed limb pockets with side material (1 1/8 " wide at the end of the limb butt, 1 9/16" at the end of the belly overlay). 
A new Backland 19 19" riser has been added to the lineup! It features the same clean lines as the 15, now offering bow lengths from 60" (Short limbs) to 66" (Extra Long limbs).

Question 3

What length string does my Backland need?

Accepted Answer

I'd love to see you shooting a Backland high performance bowstring and think you'll be real happy with it. Having said that, I'm the first to report that bowstrings are a highly personal choice, and am strongly convinced that; while there can be "good" and "bad" bowstrings,  there isn't a "best" Flemish twist bowstring - there are loads of exceptional string builders out there! If ordering a string for your Backland, use the following recipe to ensure proper brace range with an appropriate number of twists in the string for stability and longevity:

Backland recurves run a string that is 3" short of AMO standard. For example, a 60" Backland recurve will need a 57" string.

Backland longbows run a string that is 2" short of AMO standard. For example, a 60" Backland longbow will need a 58" string.

IMPORTANT NOTE: this will work with Backland risers/limbs. Given the variance and number of options of other ILF risers and limbs on the market, there are no guarantees that this recipe will work with Backland limbs on a non-Backland riser, or a Backland riser with non-Backland limbs. In these cases, you're best bet is to put on a bowstring and twist up or down until you reach proper brace height,  remove and measure the string (pinch both loops, pull tight, and measure from end to end), and provide those dimensions to your string builder.

Question 4

Can you help tune my Backland/arrows?

Accepted Answer

This one is a bit tricky to diagnose in an FAQ, given the number of variables that exist - from equipment to shooter, and everything in between! But, you're in luck! I've been tuning traditional bows since the year started with a 1 as the number, and am here to support! Please call or send and email with a few good windows to call, and I'll give you some tuning tips to address your particular shooting style, setup, and help diagnose your particular tuning readings.

Question 5

Are you building any new designs?

Accepted Answer

Stay tuned, excited things are coming! Fear not, the proven Backland 15 riser and Hoyt longbow and recurve limbs we know and love are here to stay. I've shot them for nearly 2 decades under the Bivouac / SKY brands and have ZERO plans to make a single change to this proven and winning recipe. I am excited to offer a few more options in coming months. Be sure to keep an eye on the website for updates, and follow @BacklandArchery on Instagram and Backland Archery on Facebook for more!

Question 6

Can you build me a wood Backland ILF riser?

Accepted Answer

Stay tuned... :)

FAQ