When you bring up the question of a bowie style knife, I have visions of the Mick Dundee character in Crocodile Dundee movie. If that is your vision, remember, this is a movie and no one is going to carry a knife like he did around NYC or any urban area without loosing it to the police.
Blade length will almost invariably exceed the legal blade length for carry in your state. But, the blade length restriction generally does not apply in a hiking, hunting, or camping scenarios. But, you get into a fight with it; you will be in trouble and any state blade length requirements will apply.
Information provided on this web site should get your started on some of the legal requirements state to state.
http://www.handgunlaw.us/
If the sheath that is provided is not what you like, there are custom sheath makers around that will make you a sheath. Price will generally exceed $50 for them though. They can make you anything your heart desires, but for big knives use use a lot of leather. Kydex is the most common sheath material used these days when water issues are critical to your intended use. Kydex is a plastic that is heat molded and actually works really well, but lacks the traditional look of leather. Check out the knife forums below. There is a lot of chit chat about knives on these forums and both blade makers and sheath makers post or advertise.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/index.php OR
http://knifeforums.com/forums/fusionbb.php?
Consider the SOG line for a modest priced practical but pretty well made knife. There are links already given that allow you to ponder over them. Price is going to be around $100-$125 for one of their least expensive large bowie style knives, but the steel will be pretty good and will hold an edge. If you buy a SOG, you can be proud of the knife.
The Ontario bowie mentioned above is one of the least expensive, but the steel is not all that great. The steel is similar to what you see on machetes.
I like the Cold Steel Trailmaster for a really big bowie. Price exceeds your limits though.
Check out the Knives of Alaska line of knives. They are sold on ebay and some retail stores like Sportsman Warehouse and Bass Pro. They use D2 steel which is excellent. Look at their biggest sized knives, you will like the look, I think. They have great leather belt sheaths too.
Buy the knife based on the steel and blade length you want. Don't worry about man made handles as they are generally pretty good overall. Stag is really expensive these days and will add $100 or more to the price of a knife.
Most of the lower priced knives are going to be manufactured in China, Pakistan, or similar places. Many will just advertise as being "stainless steel". The best less expensive steel will probably be 440C. Japanese steel is pretty good.
