I was planning on installing a compass on my takedown recurve but I read a review that you shouldn't install one due to the metal in the riser (bolt inserts, limb bolts, etc).  Any truth to that before I start drilling??

That is very true.

I just keep one in my fanny pack with the map

Hmmmm.  Guess I'd better just keep the one in my daypack and leave the bow alone.

THis is another option....

http://www.trimslimusa.com/0/13766883.html

if it works like they say you can have a compass right on your watch...

You can get it cheaper here too.

http://www.nextag.com/Silva-Tech4O-Traileader-1-597984640/prices-html?nxtg=710f0a1c0515-B2E3C9CF98B00CC7

their a bit big but the reviews are ok...takes some initial setup but after that it seems to be ok.

Jer BEar

One of my buddies made me an armgaurd with one attached to it. Works great and I find I use it much more because it is always right there. Good luck

A gps would be a better option and the metal bolts won't effect it.  

I put one in all my recurves and never had any problems,but my wife says i don't know where i'am going anyway.
i made a recurve a while back and the riser wood had a knot in it about 2" from the limb bolt insert, i wanted to know how deep it went into the wood so i drilled a hole for a compass to check it out, the compass works fine, so does the riser  

here's one of my all time favorites if I got my bow I got my glove or I should have anyhow bowdoc  

BD, you got all the good stuff

http://www.suunto.com/en/Products/Fieldcompasses/SUUNTO-M-9/

Buy one of these.  One trip to the big woods / swamp and you will wonder how you ever lived without it!

Kevin;
         Why don't you tape a small compass to your bow riser exactly where you want to install it and see if it is affected, by the bow bolt & insert. If you do decide to install one, DO NOT glue it in , but use silicone instead, it acts as a shock absorber and allows easy removal if it breaks.

I installed one on one of my bows and regreted doing it ever since. It is much better to mount one on your armguard or glove or something than on your bow. imo.
I finally bought a suunto compass that is a high quality compass that is designed to go on a watch band and mounted it onto my wrist strap on my big shot glove. I'm really happy with this setup.

Bear Archery has been putting them on their bows for years!    
Frank

I have a Tru Nord pin on. I put it right on my back pack strap. All I have to do is look down to get a reading. Work's great! Jason

+ 1,000,000,000 on the Suunto compasses. I use the tandem.

I'll try the taping it to the bow and comparing it to my regular compass.  Does BowDoc make the ones that are stitched in the shooting glove??  I'm not too concerned about drilling the riser since I'm going to install bushings so I can use a kwikee kuiver (sp??).   :D