This is my first post over here, some of yall know me from the other websight I am sure. Honestly, it is odd it took me so long to come to this sight because my first honest effort to make a bow ( as an adult ) was influenced by PA magazine.
Back in 2008 I was working as a compound bow tech at Bass Pro shops when I saw an issue of PA on the desk. It was dead so I started flipping through the magazine and was struck by some of the bows in the Bows of the Month column. I remember one specific bow of osage was described as having an electric neon glow to it. I had tried to make bows as a kid, but failed, ( the sticks that hold a kite together dont like to bend very much ) and was excited to be reminded of the possibility of making an honest bow. I went to work the next day and the issue was no longer on the counter so I didnt get to learn much from it.
I picked up a K-Bar knife I have had for a long time and went to work on a piece of fir I had cut down with it. I broke it quickly not knowing the back of the bow shouldnt be violated, but that started me back into bows. A year later I found myself wanting to hunt. With no weapon and no money for one, there was only one solution. After a touch of very limited research on this sight and a few others I found out that a bow should have an untouched back. I went out to a stand of elm armed with only that knowledge and a K-Bar knife.
The sapling I brought home gave me a month of wood chip making experience. After many days of chopping, and learning to make string I did find myself amazed to be holding a bow. The bow came to be 50 lbs at 24 inches 47 inches ntn and 1.5 inches wide from handle to knock. I hunted all season with it, never to get more than 30 yards from game, I never even drew on a deer. But just being out there was thrilling knowing that I had in my hand the power of a bow created by me. I still have it hanging on my wall and it still shoots years later.
I would like to say thank you PA for having your magazine sitting on my counter at work that day. Had it not of been there I may not have ever made a bow after so many childhood disappointments from trying. I have made quite a few now, some good, some bad, and one downright UGLY one that a friend of mine refuses to cremate though I beg him over and over to put it out of its misery.
I didnt mean to write a book here, thanks for reading, and thanks for getting me started.
