Had a very large elm tree get blown over, I'm talking 5 gallon buck diameter.
I'm sure I can cut a long piece from the trunk that would make many staves.
Question:  what is the best way to go about a self bow from an elm stave, follow a ring, need a backing, or what?

What kind of elm is it? Take the bark and cambium off...there's your back.  I sure wish I could say I've seen really big elms around here. DED really took a toll on them.  Good luck with the tree, Matt

I believe it is an American or white elm.  It rotted at the base, which was as big around as a 55 gal drum, but about 7' up it branched off into two main trunks, one of which broke off this past Sunday in a big wind storm.

ttt

Elm makes a fine bow.  Split it into staves 3" wide and 72" long.  Make a bow that is 68" NTN, 2" wide for half the limb tapering to 1/2" tips.