Bark removal

[DC]

I have my eye on a Douglas Maple that I am going to cut soon. I'm thinking I want to make a quiver from the bark. When is the best time in the growth cycle to cut for easiest bark removal. Bud swell, bud break, full leaf?

[Pat B]

I read years ago that when hickory leaves were 3/4 the way out was a good time. I actually wait for full leaf out in the spring before cutting hickory. I rarely cut trees anymore for bow wood but from cutting firewood, any time during the growing season the bark will slip. I prefer spring because the ring that was laid down last summer has had all winter to stabilize. Later in the summer the new ring is...still new!

[Ed Brooks]

I'd think spring would be best. from my time peeling cascara, I found the trees in the sun peel before the ones in the shaded areas. Ed