Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: woodcraft on March 19, 2014, 08:27:03 pm

Title: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: woodcraft on March 19, 2014, 08:27:03 pm

Hey my name is Marty.  I haven't posted on here much but have been following several threads closely.  About a year ago I moved to the Anchorage area and am wondering if anyone on here lives in the area. I've been to the Traditional Archers of Alaska homepage, but it seems to be under construction.  Anyways, just looking to get involved in a primitive archery community up here! 

Also, it seems the only decent hardwood for bows that grows up here is paper birch, so I've got a few staves split and seasoning.  Hopefully one will produce a shooter! I'll try and post it on here when I am finished.   

Title: Re: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: Pat B on March 19, 2014, 08:31:38 pm

Welcome Marty.  I think we have(or at least had) a few members from AK but I'm not sure where. Do you have hop hornbeam or serviceberry or choke cherry? They are all bow woods and probably arrows too.

Title: Re: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: toomanyknots on March 19, 2014, 08:37:03 pm

I "believe" (not super sure) but I think there are a couple guys from AK on paleoplanet as well, if you wanna ask there too?

Title: Re: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: woodcraft on March 19, 2014, 08:43:56 pm

Thanks for the welcome, Pat B.  Now that you mention it, I believe we do have serviceberry (although I have yet to see it up here) and we also have elderberry, I just haven't seen it big enough. 

Thanks toomanyknots, I'll check over there as well.

Title: Re: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: bumppo on March 19, 2014, 08:55:29 pm

I live in Wasilla, have been shooting longbows for years, and just recently (past few years) have switched to shooting English style warbows. Are you looking for primitive shoots, hunting, bow building? I may be able to steer you towards some contacts I have.

Walt

Title: Re: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: PatM on March 19, 2014, 10:04:12 pm

"Fiddler" on Paleoplanet (and I think here too) is from Alaska. He frequently posts bows made of various types of lumber ranging from typical domestic choices to exotics.

Title: Re: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: adb on March 19, 2014, 10:49:56 pm

Welcome aboard!

Title: Re: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: woodcraft on March 24, 2014, 02:17:21 am

Thanks bummpo, PatM, and adb!  Bumppo, I sent you a PM

Title: Re: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: Carson (CMB) on March 24, 2014, 01:39:29 pm

Welcome.  I think member Chadwick is up there too. 

Title: Re: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: Chadwick on March 24, 2014, 02:48:38 pm

Hiya! I live in Palmer and had no idea that Bumpo was living 10 miles from me. I've been feeling forlorn about the lack of community up here... Local club seems more like a few guys who've already got all the friends & stresses they need. I just got re-invigorated for my bowmaking in the last few weeks, I even got some purpleheart stuck in my eye two mornings ago.
By all means, if we can make bows together or you'd like to go kill some snowshoe hares, give me a call.
Michael Chadwick
907-841-2854

Title: Re: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: Sparrow on March 24, 2014, 04:11:50 pm

Should be some crab apple up there somewhere.  '  Frank

Title: Re: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: Chadwick on March 24, 2014, 06:13:49 pm

Bow woods-
Order them. We don't have crab apple, cherry, or other fruit trees, unless someone planted one in a garden and has babied it. I have several birch staves... They chrysal if you sneeze at them. 68" 30# @25", belly fractures. I still haven't tried the ash I've seen, next project.

Title: Re: Alaskan Archers?
Post by: woodcraft on March 26, 2014, 03:15:50 pm

Thanks Chadwick-  Heck yeah I wanna make bows and shoot hares!  I'll be in Fairbanks this weekend and next week but I'll give you a call when I get back.