James Vanover makes the JV Outback Longbow (which I have). My girlfriend bought me the Dec/Jan issue while we were at Hastings today. He's on page 72 with a Turkey. It was finally nice to the the face behind the man I've only spoken on the phone with.    

"Heart felt uh huh" too funny!

I saw that. The Outback is the "one" bow I would love to own. I heard James only makes them for friends but I have been tempted to contact him and see for sure. I don't know how they shoot or if they are a very quick bow but I want one anyway. They're kind of a mystery bow to me. Love to see pics of yours fdog. Mike

Here's mine Mike. If you look at the lower limb, you can see how the grain of the veneer matches the front of the riser where they meet. That's just one example of attention to detail that really impressed me. What impressed me most is the man who made it. That's why I was so tickled when I saw his picture.

Just beautiful!!! Answered your PM.
Thanks a bunch. Mike

James is my friend, neighbor and hunting buddy. He prefers to sell one of his bows to someone that can test one first to make sure that it is "right" for them. Along with the fact that he builds them more as a hobby is the reason why you don't see many used ones for sale. When he builds a bow for someone he wants to make sure the handle fits the persons hand and that they are perfectly happy with what they are getting. He doesn't build a lot of bows and the people that own one tend to hang on to them.

James is a Great Guy! And a Friend!