Hickory Stave

[BrokenArrow]

I have a hickory stave with the bark on and its moisture is about 20%.
Should I take off the bark now or when moisture is about 5-8%?
Thanks

[Hrothgar]

I usually try to split my staves the same day I cut the tree, then seal ends good. I leave the bark on for a couple months to let it dry out slowly and 'naturally'. After a couple months I de-bark and usually apply a couple coats of paint. 

When was the wood cut? and you're leaving it outdoors to dry, right? (bringing a stave inside in the winter, even if its partially dried can bring unexpected and unwanted changes due to the warm dry furnace air).

JMO-- others have other methods

[Wooden Spring]

I fell a hickory tree recently and out of laziness, left the bark on and sat it on a couple of saw horses outside to "dry." Now it's all moldy and green. Boards are SO much less hassle...

[Drewster]

BrokenArrow, at 20% MC you could certainly remove the bark.  It'll help speed up the drying at this stage too.  I don't know where you've been storing it but to be on the safe side, I would go ahead and coat the back with glue or shellac.....just for insurance........especially if you're going to move the stave into a heated space.  It won't take long or cost much and would be worth a few minutes of your time.