Russell,
Us new guys are just learning to recognize "bows in the raw"' regaedless of age! I have about 6 or so staves ready to work and stabilized to local rh. Some primo, some real challenges! Got one challenge to long string, but it looks like it will need to be backed to survive. Got to make some antelope or deer rawhide to proceed. Plan to rough out a hickory stave soon.
Hawkdancer