Fall is too late for the bark to come off easily. It will be stuck tight. It can be removed with the drawknife, but it'll be infinitely easier and safer if you wait until next year's growing season. If cut during the growing season, the bark will pop off in one big piece, usually all you have to do is pry it loose at one end with a screwdriver and lift it off by hand. If I wanted it for selfbow staves, I would wait until next year. I like to cut it late in the growing season so the summer growth is full thickness. That will be the bow's back.
I cut the logs. Seal the ends with 2 coats of shellac. Then within the next day or two... split them into staves. Remove the bark. Seal the backs with 2 coats of shellac.