hackberry questions

[Stixnstones]

never worked hackberry but have a good supply of it now. do u have to follow a ring? after cutting down n splitting what other prep work should b done, any advise is greatly appreciated, thanx

[SLIMBOB]

Love hackberry.  If cut in the growing season the bark will fall off (nearly) when it dries.  Seal the ends when it's cut, bug spray, as it has more of a bug problem than other woods where I live.  Knock the bark off and there's your back.  A little lite sanding to clean the back up is all that's needed.
No need to chase a ring, but you can if needed.  Temper it good and it will make a feather light sweet shooter that will rival any other wood so far as I am concerned.

[Gaust]

Such a great bow wood for what some people in my area consider a 'trash' tree.
George

[swamp monkey]

If you do have to scrape the bark off, hackberry will show you the rings better than hockory or elm.  Yes.  Do follow a ring if you can.  If the bark comes right off then your dilemma is solved.