My buddy Brian and I went out the other day and harvested these. The short one is 64", the rest are between 75 and 80 inches. It is hickory, and I know February is the best time, but we couldnt wait. While waiting to harvest the next tree, we can work on these. Two are already roughed out....and for a first timer, Im very grateful to have Brian around for his experience and help. More pics to come...

WOW!!  :eek:   Did ya Roll the Fence up when ya were done?  

IMG]http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w29/ishiwannabe/100_0584.jpg[/IMG]



Also wanted to say to the Ferret....your site is a HUGE reference, I thank you for your time setting it up and your willingness to share your knowledge with the rest of us.
I will try to post more pics as the staves become bows(hopefully anyway).

I would like to echo what Jamie said. We strive to be as good as Ferret.Thanks

Brian  

They really are Shakes....no knots to speak of, pretty straight. The dark blotches you see along the wood are dirt marks from the wedges.
Since we roughed the two out...I cant stop thinking about bows...this stuff is just so cool.

Up...  

Jamie if you keep the bark on those Hickory staves for any extended time. Spray them with some kind of insecticide. I use plain old Raid. Bugs will attack Hickory very quickly. I lost a good log that I cut back in March and did not spray. Dean

Hey Ishi, horatio,  thanks for the kind words fellas. Appreciate it.

Nice haul. Be sure and store inside where the bugs can't get to them or spray them as Dean suggested. You cut these trees down, right? not picked up fallen wood that had been laying on the ground?

Hickory makes a fine bow. You are off an an adventure that will be exciting and fulfilling. There's no turning back now. Congrats and best of luck. If you have any questions along the way, just shout.

Yes we cut the tree, and they are stored inside. Both ends are sealed and the bark is on the ones not being worked.
Good tip about the Raid....never would have suspected bugs getting to it.
Looking forward to making something shootable.
I already have two more trees picked out for future staves. Ash and another hickory.  

Looks like a good haul!

The best time to harvest hickory and other white woods in during the growing season so the bark will slip and what is under it is the back of your bow. Hickory bark and cambium can be a bear to remove. Actually the best time to get any wood is when you can get it. Those have nice thick growth rings. Every hickory stave I've used had paper thin rings.
  Get your wood DRY!!!  Hickory like 6% M/C where other woods can't take being that dry.  Have fun and enjoy yourself. More pics as you progress, please!       Pat

I will do what I can Pat with the pics. Brian built a hot box so the mc is doable. I havent been able to get back with him and work on it yet, but I think he is going to town on his.
Next time I go I will bring the camera. Might be a while though as my wife is due at any moment and when that time comes, I hear I will be busy!
I know that since we roughed em out...I have bows on the brain.

Actualy right now is the best time to harvest white wood trees. That Hickory bark should peel off real easy in one piece. Start a screwdriver under the bark on either end and drive it home. The bark prolly will peel off like a bandaid.

I thought thats what draw knives were for...