Primitive Archer

Thank you all for your kind replies!

I usually follow the "guess an appropriate width for desired draw weight, then make it and see what poundage it wants to be" approach. It just this is such nice wood, and so rare to have available for me, that I wanted a "head start". But I have 11 staves from the same tree, and the first I'm working is a pretty marginal one, so I guess I'll have time to get a feel for this particular yew tree.

Might be some compression wood in my sample, that makes the density locally higher, so there's a chance that I can't trust the sample anyway.

I've worked with yew before, It really is a very pleasant experience, compared to the elm I am most often working with.

I really like the software, because it helps inform the right tiller shape, for a given bow profile. Off course, it can in no way replace a good eye, sensitive fingers and experience, but I feel it can help one to accelerate the process of gaining familiarity with many different designs, and how they affect tiller shape.

Off course I know Del! I've been subscribed to your youtube channel for years, Del, and really appreciate your stuff. I think you've helped so many people through the years, and you videos are also just a plain good time to watch! Makes me wish for a time when youtube was less polished and optimized, and that more people was doing stuff like yours. Thank you Del!

A friend who knows I'm into this kind of thing sent me this really interesting video.  It seems that with climate change, they're finding not just projectile points, but complete arrows and atlatls darts with wood, sinew, and even feathers intact.  Great stuff.
https://youtu.be/-j_7glgx0S0?si=u80zOlJ3xIwNm_2K

Also curious how the birch bark influences the feel and performance compared to other wrappings — personally I’ve found it tightens up nicely once the sinew sets.

I love the artwork.  Can we see a full draw picture?

I've had that same thing happen to every wonky piece of wood I've tried to make into a bow:  Get it strung and it goes off, and by the time I even it up it's too light to hunt with.  Still figuring out how to remedy that.  But you aren't alone.  And it's still an extremely cool bow.