I can't get Pignut or Shagbark hickory around here to make bow backings. But I can get maple or pecan hickory (Pecan hicory is not as strong as the other two according Boyers Bible). Does anyone have experience with these or other hardwoods that I might use to back Ipe or Osage in a reflex/deflex bow?

TTT

You get what you pay for Blaine. If you can swing it try to get a hold of some bamboo or if that's too expensive for you most lumber yards that carry hardwoods will carry hickory .  A R/D design puts a large strain on the limb requiring better materials to resist these pressures.  IMHO it just doesn't do good osage justice to be backed with hickory.  Good luck, Matt

Any other opinions?