thanks for all the wonderfull feedback guys. I really admire all the talent here so it means a lot coming from you guys.
@ johnston
yes this was a sapling bow. It was a small tree about 3- 3 1/2" in diameter. Saplings are an easy jumpstart on a bow so to speak. They are easier to harvest, take little time to dry and sometimes you don't even need to split them, just pick the best side for the back of the bow and rough it out. As far as pitfalls go, sometimes it is good to clamp them to something as they dry to prevent warping