hrhodes, yes it is pretty tricky. Especially like you said, finding a straight and not too badly twisted tree. But i have a little honey hole with a couple more that will be coming down
Debarking i would say definantly needs done when its wet! I got it off pretty easy with a draw knife. But I heard its almost imposible after it dries. I found a goose neck scraper works the best for the final touchings on the back. I got a few other staves left from the same tree. I cant wait to work with it again. The muscles on the back make for a character bow for sure.