Going on an outfitted hunt in September. The plan is horseback every morning and night. What kind of bow sling are you using and or are there better choices?
There is no "good" way. Bow scabbards are awkward and annoying to ride with long distance, but they do work. Outfitters Supply sells them. Otherwise you can use a bow sling and throw it over your back, but then you need to remember it when ducking under trees etc. My preferred method myself, is I always have an empty pack horse with me, and I put by bow in the scabbard, and throw that in the pannier. Which keeps me from having to carry it. I would assume your outfitter should have a suggestion on how they prefer their hunters to pack a bow.
I prefer being nimble while riding....which means nothing slung around my neck. I have the scabbard and it works well if you take your quiver off.
Pack horse in a soft case works....I've only seen one time a packhorse went over and rolled slightly on the bow....not a full barrel roll with all of its weight..... his compound was ok.
I used a soft bow case with extra long handles sewn on. Would loop the handles over the saddle horn and just let it ride along side of the same horse I was riding. You either have someone hand you your bow after you get on or just get on and then slide the case forward and out so you can slide your leg under the bow case. Worked well when a horse went crazy and if you decide to bail off you can quickly pull the case off the saddle horn and toss it to the side. Kinda works like a bow scabbard but it can be removed a lot faster.
We’ve used the older versions of these for decades. Works nice because you can manage and protect it as you’re riding.
I did have a hose kick my horse one time and smoked my bow. Broke the sight off and when we got to camp I had to fix it. But when hunting off horseback sh** happens. Nothings perfect.
With that said the outfitter should have something
Transport your bow or fishing rods on ATV, UTV or horseback safely. This saddle scabbard is strong, and durable, with multiple straps to allow for different methods of attachment to your ride.
For packing into camp the outfitter should have hardside cases secured to pack horses. For daily hunts on horseback I use a bow sling over the shoulder so I can easily maneuver/guide the bow through trees or get rid of it quickly if needed. I trap it under my arm, and swing it slightly behind the hip to protect it from brush.
Make sure the bow’s string/cables/cams are well protected by a heavy cover material (neoprene), they will take a thrashing if not covered. Had a hunting partner use a bow sling with no cover one year and the string was severely damaged, mainly by the under arm zipper of his rain jacket, on the first day.
I will never sling it on my back again ask my two broken ribs in 05 when my saddle slipped ( my fault) and I end over ended down the mountain a few hundred feet. Day one of a week long hunt broken ribs broken bow. I did borrow a bow and shoot a little buck at the end lol drawing was a unique experience…goes in a scabbard or strapped to my pack even hiking I’m weary of a sling now in steep country.