Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Hoodoo on March 29, 2009, 04:15:33 pm

Title: Montana tree's?
Post by: Hoodoo on March 29, 2009, 04:15:33 pm

I Live in Missoula nestled in the western part of the great state of Montana. I am new to bow making and am starting off by purchasing woods nesassary to fulfill this task. As i Gain Knowledge and wisdom on bow making i would like to begin to cut my own wood. I Know how to cut and treat the wood, but i am curious on what trees are availible in my region. I know Yew is hard to come by and have stpotted some in the bitterooot, but other than yew what are my choices for a good bow wood?

Thanks,
Trey

Title: Re: Montana tree's?
Post by: Pat B on March 29, 2009, 05:46:10 pm

possibly juniper, service berry and hazelnut. ???

Title: Re: Montana tree's?
Post by: JustAim on March 29, 2009, 05:52:39 pm

Hackberry and also maybe maple and elm if you got any over there. But l'm not sure  :-\

Title: Re: Montana tree's?
Post by: hawkbow on March 29, 2009, 06:18:26 pm

Trey, i am an old bitterroot boy.. Blodgett canyon has some great yew,about fifteen miles up the trailhead near the lake... that is directly west of Hamilton.. also serviceberry makes a great bow.... I am not much of a bowyer but ruined some great staves when I was a youngun ;D ;) hope this helps... Hawk

Title: Re: Montana tree's?
Post by: Pat B on March 29, 2009, 07:09:14 pm

Trey, get yourself a Audubon Field Guide for Western Trees. It will give lots of identifying information with pics, pen drawings and descriptions.     

Title: Re: Montana tree's?
Post by: OldBow on March 29, 2009, 10:36:03 pm

I live in Missoula!
I have made good bows out of mountain maple, chokecherry, serviceberry, yew, and hawthorn. I noticed beaver have toppled several Norway maple trees right next to the dog park (across from the UM field house) on Jacob's Island. Wonderful wood but I already have lots of bow wood stored and curing. Best of luck to you. Let me know if I can be further help - After April 7 :P
OldBow
ps. I am an old biology teacher. Give me a call next week 728-5413 and I'll take you to a field trip for a first hand collection trip of these woods.

Title: Re: Montana tree's?
Post by: majsnuff on March 30, 2009, 01:12:38 am

Mock Orange (Syringa) should be blooming soon in your area, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=phle4 (Philadelphus lewisii Pursh Lewis' mock orange)
It may be tough to find a large stave in this stuff but a 1-1/4 or larger diameter stave will make a great bow. Also don't pass up any wild Plum. As others have said, yew, juniper, mountain maple. etc.. all are good.
I live about 4 hour drive west of you and have had great luck finding good bow wood in slash piles after logging operations.

Title: Re: Montana tree's?
Post by: Sidewinder on March 30, 2009, 03:54:54 am

Take Oldbow up on his offer. I have a feeling you won't regret it.   Danny

Title: Re: Montana tree's?
Post by: David Long on March 30, 2009, 12:06:49 pm

Hi trey, I live in Kalispell and have used most of the woods these gentlemen suggest. You will have no problem finding good wood. Looking for it is one of my favorite parts of the hunt! Absolutely, go with Oldbow. Dave