Need advice on drying stave please

[Draffish]

Hi guys I'm going to take everyone's advise about keeping my first bow simple ( I hope anyway ) I've just cut the branch I need off a field maple it's about 6 half foot long .
So the question is how's the best way to dry this potential bow stave and should I back it or leave it alone also should I remove the bark now or wait?
Thanks for any advice draff    

[talkingcabbage]

You should strip the bark off now while its green. It'll be easier. Make sure you seal the ends good now also. You can split it and rough shape it to about 1" wider than your finished bow dimensions. This will allow it to dry a bit quicker and still leave enough for layout. Then put it somewhere for a few weeks until its dry.

[Draffish]

Thanks joe will get onto it tonight or first thing tomorrow

[Eric Krewson]

You better seal the back as well after you remove the bark or you will have bunch of drying checks to deal with.

[talkingcabbage]

Right, forgot that part Eric. It's different explaining things you take for granted!

[Draffish]

Thanks Eric and joe what would you recommend for coating the back in I was thing wood glue hoping it would be easier to clean off later .
If there is any other advice that you think of I'm only too glad to learn as this is my first bow and originally I was going to use a board many thanks draff