Ive got a nice piece of ironwood to work with!

[canshooter]

I found an ironwood that had been flattened by a falling tree. It is still green but would not survive in the condition I found it, I therefore felt an obligation to cut out a piece so that it would not die in vain!I got a perfectly straight section about 76 inches long 4 inches in diameter and with no corkscrewing that it is know for. Should I debark right away, should I split it in 2 or four or can I cut it down the middle with a bandsaw? Also how long should I let it dry before working it?

[Jesse Peltan]

Split it in four and seal the ends. I like to take the bark off so insects can't get at it. You can also seal the back. After about a week rough the bows out so they dry faster. And let dry for a couple months.

[Pat B]

If you got a trunk that is 4" in diameter I would split it in half and seal the ends. If the bark will peel off easily go ahead and peel it off and seal the back. I use spray shellac to seal wood. It is relatively cheap, easy to use, dried quickly and you can add any finish over it or remove it with a good alcohol wipe down.
  I guess you are reffering to hophornbeam as ironwood. HHB makes an excellent bow. Make it simular to a hickory bow.

[canshooter]

Thanks guys below is the wood, one of three blinds that my buddies an I put up at our hunt, and a shot of me practicing at the club...I think my elbow is high, what do you think?

BTW the wood is 7 feet 1 inch long.