Thanks everyone for your kind words! We shoot in the north shore mountains in vancouver BC. Its full of vine maple and chanterelle mushrooms in the fall.
I'm really starting to love vine maple, it grows like a weed up here, its mostly all very snaky, I can easily cut it with a hacksaw, and can work it within a month.
im hoping all the would-be bowyers who lurk on here, too intimidated to take the plunge, will see my newbie work and realize that it doesnt take years of breaking bows to make some shooters.
My wife just made her second, both are great shooters, I'll post some pics if she lets me!