I am wanting to learn how to make a self bow, arrows, and knapped arrowheads. I am absolutely fascinated by primitive archery. Are any of you in Maryland into this sort of thing? Are there any classes available there?
Check out the Bowyers Bench. Lots of talented folks there that will help you along. Also check out Primitive Archer or Paleo Planet.
If you live in Nashville go out to Twin Oaks near Chapmansboro, about 35 miles north of Nashville. Pappy and the gang are there every weekend making bows, arrows and some knapping. Next weekend is the IBO World Championships out at Twin Oaks so that would be a good time to visit and meet the gang.
Info on the IBO and directions to Twin Oaks is in the "EVENTS..." section.
I don't know of anyone in MD who hunts with primitive bows and equipment but do know lots of longbow (Hill style)/wood arrow/back quiver types. What part of MD do you plan to visit?
My brother has a few selfbow kills. I have made a couple bows as well. We are not skilled enough to teach anyone anything though LOL and I doubt you will find any "classes" here. We learned most of our stuff from the bowyers bible series of books and trial and error.
Keep in mind it is against the law to use knapped heads for hunting in MD, so you may not find many folks that have that skill here either.
Get some resources and start scraping staves.
Here is one of my brother's selfbow deer:
(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr180/two4hooking/CMRself.jpg) (http://s481.photobucket.com/user/two4hooking/media/CMRself.jpg.html)
Greg above is one of the guys I was alluding to. Also my friend Hatrick is a very talented longbow bowyer but is not a commercial bowyer so is not known outside of our little group.
Bob Brilhard makes a pretty sweet selfbow also! Had the pleasure of fondling a few at Baltimore's PBS gathering.
Pat B I would love to go and meet with those guys but I'm not currently living in TN however when I go home to visit I may pay them a visit to see if they can get me started. Reddogge My wife and I lived on Fort Meade for a year and now we are moving back for three. I have know a few traditional shooters but no primitive guys. Two4hooking that is too cool! I was aware about the knapped heads thing but I hunt in other states that do allow it. Thanks guys!