He always has it equipped when I see him. Is the Misdirection pickpocket perk the only way to get it?
I dropped an Ebony War Axe on the ground by him, then had my follower attack him. He grabbed the axe and unequipped the bow. I used the Voice of Emperor power to calm them down, and it was available for sale. 

I dropped an Ebony War Axe on the ground by him, then had my follower attack him. He grabbed the axe and unequipped the bow. I used the Voice of Emperor power to calm them down, and it was available for sale. 

And I misspoke when I said 5 points for every 20 animals. The description actually states "an increasingly powerful blessing for every 20 animals killed". It starts at 5 points and I took it wrong.
I dropped an Ebony War Axe on the ground by him, then had my follower attack him. He grabbed the axe and unequipped the bow. I used the Voice of Emperor power to calm them down, and it was available for sale. 
