Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Tillstave on October 10, 2014, 03:47:45 pm
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Hi All, I'm looking for a place where I can cut Pacific Yew. I know about the Forest service permits already, so let's keep the topic to where the best spots are and if anyone wants to go out and cut some staves. I live in the Portland metro area, so access to the woods is easy.
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Any good spots become slim pickins quick, and some guys can be a little protective of good spots.
your not far from yews a plenty, and good spots just need to be found .
they live under tall firs cedars and hemlocks, shady environments.
Not sure of your laws down there,
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Yew cutters are every bit as secretive as gold prospectors, mushroom hunters, and CIA operatives.
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I have a really good spot that you're welcome to cut from. It is right between Mt. Hood and Klamath Falls. 8)
Are you familiar with the Rose City Bowyers group? look us up on Facebook and join our group. Get to know some folks and sooner or later someone will take you out to cut some wood. You may have to wear a blindfold though. >:D
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Good yew is hard to find. As stated good spots are guarded secrets. My suggestion is to go with vine maple or another common wood for now. You will eventually find your own yew spot, but until then I say vine maple vine maple vine maple.
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Thanks All,
I appreciate the levity and the advice.
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And we appreciate pics of bows, so you will be welcome as well when you post some! Good luck, good hunting, and remember to tell the story when you get back!
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Yeah, and where you got it from...
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In the woods! ;)
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Unfortunately Sleek, this is in an area that will be plowed under for a road soon, so I'm cutting the last one available. Will post pics of the final product when done.
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Well heck, cut all you can much as you can!
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Like this stuff?
I found this stuff in that area Weylin mentioned. >:D
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Carson Brown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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You been up in my backyard again Carson?! haha
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Wow Carson!!!! Have only seen a few that size up here, but no where near as clean. Was that one tree?
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Carson Brown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is not the gold stuff, but it will do. ;)
You been up in my backyard again Carson?! haha
Not far from your backyard :)
Wow Carson!!!! Have only seen a few that size up here, but no where near as clean. Was that one tree?
I know plenty of areas with yew this size, but finding them this clean is the hard part. I force myself to just keep looking every time I find one almost good enough. I have brought junk wood home before and have learned to be a bit more selective.
These were two trees. One in the middle and the two on either side are eight foot sections of the same tree. Of course there are some knots here and there but had to show the good side for the photos. :)
Thanks All,
I appreciate the levity and the advice.
Some good advice given. Like wizardgoat said, find the big firs and cedars. Sadly, that is not very easy these days.
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Oh carson, you dirty filthy tease!
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Wow Carson!!!! Have only seen a few that size up here, but no where near as clean. Was that one tree?
That not real yew, only the bark covering white wood! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Nice find Carson!
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Carson, Those are awesome looking staves!. I put a request into the Rose city bowyers club, but have had no returns yet. Maybe I should have included picture of the bows I've made.
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A little peak...
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Here is some more pics of the Yew, with a natural bend...
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I am digging your old bench vise. I have one of those just waiting for a bench ;)
Looks like yew! What exactly is going on at the fades, could you show a closer pic?
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Here are a few more. I apologize for them being all on edge. It doesn't properly show the fades, but there is a very interesting knot hole to look at. ;D The vice was a garage find. I love how it holds the staves, no matter the shape, or size. I just finished gluing some leather to the faces, with makes the process a lot easier.
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Looks like nice wood. You'll want to smooth out your transition from handle to fade to limb. It looks quite abrupt into the limb.
Is the stave freshly cut?
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That is my plan. I have a bit to go on the tillering, plus softening all the angles, edges, etc. The tree was dead, long dead, when I cut it down, so I dove right in.
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I have often wondered about the state permits. Is a permit for cutting Yew from state land or is it needed to cut privately owned yew? Must be good stuff! I live about 3000 miles to the east so i have zero experience with it.
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I don't think you need a permit to cut yew on your own land. I've only cut it on BLM land, so I buy permits through them. They aren't very expensive, but only last for a short time, so you have to find a tree, go to the office and get a permit, then go back out to cut the tree. It's a bit of a bureaucratic mess.