Want to try first self bow......few questions

[BowHunterGA]

So I have decided I would like to try making selfbows. In particular I want to fashion a bow after bows of the Eastern Native Americans.

I have picked up a few books and am currently reading them:
Bows and Arrows of the Native Americans by Jim Hamm
Volumes One and Two of The Traditional Bowyer's Bible First Edition.
Making Indian Bows and Arrows, The Old Way by Douglas Spotted Eagle.

So I have a lot of reading to do and I am also reading threads here.

So the questions I have are:

1) I really have no access to land where I could look for staves to cut my own. So where is a good, reputable, place to look for staves. I need something affordable as I am sure I will have a few trainwrecks as I am learning. Still I want to know the mistakes are my own and not the result of a stave that was doomed from the start.

2)Since I am going to be purchasing my staves anyway, what wood would you experienced bowyers recommend for a beginner to start with?

3) What other books (or perhaps videos) would be recommended for me from those that have been there. (Please understand, I am the type that once I decide I want to do something, I feel I must try to gather as much knowledge as possible!)

Thanks so much for your time!

Regards,

[Osagetree]

1 - Some sponsors here sell good seasoned osage staves.

2 - Osage

3- The only one I've read was that one from Jim Hamm who visits here from time to time.

I will add that you should be prepared to let the stave tell you what to do rather than you telling it what to do.

[karrow]

this may help.  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=005006
good luck  

[mwosborn]

I have read  Douglas Spotted Eagle - it is pretty good book but lacks much of the "details".  He also explains that most of the bows built the "old way" where short draw heavy bows.

I would rcommend a DVD - Gary Davis' is very good.  Also spend time here - these guys are good and helpful.

Hackberry or hickory are very good woods to start with - peel the bark and you have the back of your bow -easy to find striaght knot free staves.  Check on e-***.  Guy from Tecumseh, NE sells reasonably priced staves.

Good luck - beware it is addictive.

[BowHunterGA]

Thanks guys!

[George Tsoukalas]

My site may help. Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

[sticksnstones]

Wow Steve, we cross paths everywhere on this site! I'll plan to catch up with you via PM or email. I'm thinking I may set aside my current self bow for a while and either work on a backed hickory bow or a osage stave next.
Thom