Awesome post! While reading your story, my mnd drifted to the sight of the many old growth oak and maples on and island I hunted this fall.
I found several giant old trees blown down, slowly being reclaimed by Mother Earth. I wondered many of the same things- what history of our land have these old growth giants been witness too? It seems a shame that such old growth be destined to just rot away into the soil.
Perhaps my next visit I should bring along the means to cut some pieces off to make such a use of. Food for thought for sure. Enjoy your new bow.