Hickory Stave ?

[Drewster]

I'm really interested in making a hickory selfbow and would like to harvest my own tree.  What's the smallest diameter tree that I should look for to yield several staves?  

At my 6'-2" height, I'd like to make a 68" bow.  What width should I try to split out the staves?  I looked at one today that was about 10" diameter at breast height, but seemed kinda small.

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

[DVSHUNTER]

I personally would cut the largest tree you can find. A two inch sapling will make a bow. For full size staves try and split them 3in. Or slightly larger.

[Pat B]

10" tree would yield at least 4 staves.

[Drewster]

Would the growth rings of a 10" diameter tree have too much curvature to make a good flat bow from hickory?

[fujimo]

hickory is very strong in tension, so a crowned back and a flat belly would work very well.