Poplar is probably one of the least likely woods that you're going to run through your arm Joe. One of the finest arrow material around. Just watch for any small pin knots that are sparse at best.
You may have sourwood shoots in your area. Seach that out. A great natural arrow material also. Pretty much any hardwood shoot that looks arrow size will work. Trick to making great shooting arrows is seasoned wood. Even boards you purchase will probably need additional seasoning time. Just dry wood doesn't cut it for arrows, it needs to be dry and "seasoned". Good luck........Art