MDC Bow Class = My first Self-Bow

[Curtis Haden]

Well, here we go... Just got back from my first session of a self bow class put on by the Missouri Dept. of Conservation.

We had a little archery history and bow woods class tonight, and laid out our bows on the back of some hickory staves.

If anyone is interested, I'd be glad to post some contact info later.  Hope to have some bow pics to post by Saturday night.

We start making shavings first thing in the morning!  Wish me luck!

[BMN]

When did the MDC start offering a bow making class? That's really cool. Details please.

Bill

[Cody Cantrell]

Definitely would like details.  Who are the instructors?

[kennym]

Cool!!

[Curtis Haden]

Wow!  What a day!  Made some shavings, but still quite a ways to go on my bow.  I will tell you one thing for sure: I have some new-found respect for folks who can take a hard, hickory stave and turn it into a bow in a day or two.

Made a rookie mistake of choosing a stave which could have probably made two bows...lol.  I spent much of the morning swinging a hatchet.  After a LONG, HOT, shower and a couple cold brews, I finally feel human enough to peck out a few words here.      

[Curtis Haden]

I should have remembered to thank Mike Yancey at Pine Hollow Longbows for getting the quality staves to MDC for a good price, and standing behind the stuff he sells.  There's a story there, but it's not mine to tell.

 

[Dano]

Looks like a good time Curtis.

[Curtis Haden]

Didn't get done today, but the limbs are very close.  Ignored the handle area today, as I knew tillering would probably come slowly.

It was a good class, and I learned enough that I'm comfortable tackling a self bow on my own now.  That's not to say the class will make you an overnight expert, but the basics are well covered.

I'll try to add a little more info and maybe a pic or two later on, after the obligatory LONG, HOT shower.


 

[Curtis Haden]

"Graduation Pic"

 

[BMN]

Looks like fun! Great job.  

[Curtis Haden]

Well, I would be remiss if I didn't admit how my bow turned out.  The tiller kicked my butt for a long time, but I worked on it yesterday and finally got a shape I was satisfied with.  Unfortunately (for me) it ended up coming in at about 35-40@28.  Good news is, the wife doesn't have a bow she can pull easily, and I think she actually got a little excited when I gave it to her.

Really glad I went to the class.  It was a good time, and I learned a lot of valuable lessons on my first try at a selfbow.  Made some mistakes, but learning is only aided by those.  I think the most valuable lesson I learned was not to push yourself to make a time deadline on a selfbow.  Two days of working on the bow just wasn't enough for me.

If you live in or close by Missouri, and are interested in seeing if a class is offered in your area, I'd recommend checking with your regional office.  I believe they list the classes on the 'events' page of MDC's website, but it's a little tricky for some to navigate.

Now it's on to the BBO blank I bought from 'wingnut' at MoJam earlier this year.  It looks a lot less daunting now that I've made a few shavings.  Hope to acquire a suitable piece of osage soon and start chasing rings!!!

 

[Leo L.]

Got any pics of the finished bow Curtis?  I have to commend you for getting it done in less than a week.  I'm still working on the back of my Osage stave, it's been about 3 months or so now.

[Curtis Haden]

Leo, I still have a little bit of fine shaping to do on the handle, and the whole thing needs sanding and finishing.  Hope to post some pics of the wife shooting before long.

Here's a few more pics of our little group hard at work...

Eric getting some advice from Larry Lindeman.

 

Jeff hard at work on his bow.

 

Travis taking time to pose for a pic.

 

A. J. dispensing some advice to a very nice lady in the class.

 

[JEFF B]

now thats way cool!!! thank you for showing us what ya been up to    i wish we had that sort of thing over here.

[BMN]

In the last pic, what is that piece of machinery in the background?

[Cody Cantrell]

Curtis,
 I did not find any thing about bowmaking on their site.  Did you go through your local office or was it listed on their website?

Cody

[Curtis Haden]

Bill, I was so focused on that silly bow, I didn't hardly look around.  I can't remember exactly what that was.  It seems like they had an old truck body underneath one of those awnings, but I don't think it was that one.  Maybe an old tractor or something???  The class was at the Twin Pines Conservation Center in Winona, MO.  It's a real nice place, and hasn't been there too long.

Cody, I actually heard about the class 'word of mouth'.  One of the agents there thought they posted the info on their website, but the problem is, that unless you know when to look for one, it may be hard to spot.  I remember hearing that there's a class over at Cape Girardeau in a week or two, and there may be some spots left open in it.  Apparently, these fill up pretty quick.  There's basically no cost.  We sent in a $25 registration fee, that was refunded on the last day of class.  Only other expense was gas to drive over, your tools (if you brought them), and $9 for two box lunches.

Again, I'd recommend calling your district MDC office to find out if a class will be offered near your area.