Questions from a newbie

[TroyH]

I've only posted a few times but have learned a lot from reading over the months.
Now I am ready to try to make my own.
I need some advice.      

I can't find hickory around here, yet, but I have a friend that gave me some nice walnut lumber.  After checking the boards out, I'm sure I need to use a backing.  
I really wanted to try bamboo, but would you advise  hickory for a first timer?

If bamboo, does it come already cut flat from a place like 3Rivers?

Also, I have several cow horns that I use for making calls and such and was thinking of horn tip overlays.
Can you put an overlay like horn on bamboo?  
That's enough for now.
Thanks,

[geno]

the only advise I can give is read ferrets links on board bows..

[ishiwannabe]

Ditto...

[adeeden]

PastorHunter,
            Theres a gentleman in Eugene IN (cayuga) just a few miles south of you on 63 that sells hickory. It's in board form but can be ripped into thin pieces for backing. His name escapes me at the moment but when I remember I'll P.M you. I bought some off him this spring he has a very fair price. It's nice to see someone fairly local on here!