Spotted some osage while driving around the country last weekend. Went back today to ask if I could cut some. The old fellow that owned the land was at the mail box when I pulled up. He was nice and had no problem letting me cut osage. I showed him one of my bows and he ran in the house to get his old bw. It was custom 3 piece by Norm Johnson. Anyone hear of him?

Anyway I had to get a pic of the older feller and his bow. We talked awhile and of I went serching the woods for usable sage.
 

Most of the osage was twisted and full of limbs, but managed to drag out a few that suold work.
 

Found this old osage in the bottom of the hollow. Check out the deer trail that runs uder it
 

Found these track,,, are the a dog? No other tracks were found around the area. They were at the edge of the creek
 

Got a few cut and loaded just as the rain broke out. Maybe I can seach for more tomorrow? Some are small around, but I've always wondered what a small tree will do for a self bow
 

       

Nice pics! I bet it was awesome to watch that gentleman light up with archery talk.
I dont know about those tracks...could be a large yote. Im sure others will come up with that.

Sweet bow he has and nice haul for you Joe.

Bet the fella could tell ya some tales about back when. As far as the tracks go...  Beaver?

Osagetree GREAT pics Thanks for sharing

     

Looks like you had some day there Joe.Congrats on your find. Your killin' that Jeep of yours.That Blacktail looks like it is in MINT condition.Hey was it a lefty? I'd say beaver maybe  porkypine?

Wasn't there a bowyer by that name out of Mo.? I thought he later made Legend longbows. Most likely wrong but it is a thought. BTW nice osage.
After posting this was looking at a Auction, and saw that Norm Johnson is for Blacktail bows

Did you ever look into the trees off 33?

Matt,

No not yet, but I got stick pin on my map marking the spot!

bentpole,

Yes, it was a Blacktail by Norm. Not a lefty but it was mint and sweet looking. The riser was all laminted, but in two directions. Neet!

Good stuff OTree. Nothing like finding a kindered spirit and some yellow wood.

Joe,

Unless things have changed in the short time since I moved north, I don't think those are beaver or Porky tracks.  I am going to have to go with Platypus.  LOL!!!!

       

wolly mammoth?

That's pretty cool Joe....having your new friend run into the house and come out with his bow would have made my day, as I'm sure it did yours...

I'm curious too as to how those smaller trees will do as a selfbow, for some reason I have it in my mind that they will be pretty snappy.


David

Joe,

Great pics,,,thanks for sharing. Good luck with the Osage.

I think with all you have been cutting you are going to be a busy man.

Nice bow your new buddy has there. Does he still get out and shoot by chance?

Kool!~ Pictures!  Good looking old bow.  Hope he still gets to shoot.  Gotta love that yeller wood!  That's all I work with.  Hoping to find some here in Lower Alabama.