Yeah, I'm also/was AK in PA. I've been lurking here and there, just not posting much on PA. I thought this one might get a chuckle or two.
Jesse/Stan, I ran almost every tool I had in that knot (no comments from the peanut gallery); scrapers, a pointy knife, hammer and chisel, Dremel tool, round rasps, anything I could fit it in it which would take away wood. The knot runs under the back and towards the handle about 1/2", and actually did go through the original belly surface. The handle patch covered up the belly opening. Just before finishing, I painted the inside black to look like, well, a hole.
It was fun. I've been working on several follies, though, and really should get back to making serious "one shot and a thousand miles from home" hunting bows.