first time cutting staves

[Jay]

I enjoy making self -longbows, and am thinking of harvesting both Hickory and Mulberry from our woodlot in Wisconsin. Is it OK to cut them in January and how long must split staves dry in an unheated outbuilding before the are ready for bow building?   

Thanks
Jay

[yazoo]

jan is perfect for cutting staves,,if the staves are thick in a unheated building,probably never get dry enough,,,take some of them work them down to floor tiller stage seal them with shellac,,bring them in the house dry them down to 6 to 8 mc,, check them in 6 to 8 months,,better at least a year,,,, they can be dried quicker but the risk of checking is greater,

[Jay]

Thanks for the info. I'll get the saw out and then start reading all i can get my hands on. I have a year. lol. I've made 5 longbows so far. All from "store bought " wood. I took a white tail doe this fall with #1. I need to take the next step and cut some wood on my own. Thanks again for the help!!!
Jay