I am considering trying to build my first selfbow. I know where there are some straight hickory trees are. My question is what is the smallest diameter should I be looking for.
I would say about 4 or 5 inches.
For a flat bow, I'd go larger, something in the 8-12" range. Flatter rings make it easier for me. That said, I'm not the greatest of bowyers...
Go with the biggest tree you can find. It will give toy more options and more staves. That being said you can make a bow out of almost any size tree, but if it less than 2 inches, let it grow.
You can go too big on hickories, 15" is a pretty big tree, I have my eye on a 24 incher but don't know if I want to tackle it or not.
I am a really experienced wood cutter but shy away from really big trees. If you can drive right up to it, that's one thing, if you are dragging the splits off a mountain the size of the tree you cut is a real consideration.
Get some cut so it can dry and can start building.