So where do you get your yew staves (non East Coast people)

[Lucasade]

If you can't find the perfect ash stave then don't be afraid to get a less than perfect one - you'll then do all your learning on wood that won't hurt if it doesn't work as well as you hoped. I've got a couple of staves of ash in my shed that I got from a tree destined for firewood - they almost certainly won't make usable bows but I'm using them to practice splitting and drawknifing on a full size bit of wood.

[sleek]

I think I have the species right, but I think its called wych elm. It has a small section in the center of purple heartwood. Its an amazing wood, better than osage even.

[OTDEAN]

I DO SOME MIDNIGHT GARDENING 

[sleek]

..... not even ashamed, I have done that too....