Chris, I assume it is green wood from a living tree.
Pear want to check easily. I leave the bark on, seal ends immidiately.
Let dry it slow, at least the first half year. When working on the bark can removed with a sharp drawknife til cambium. When cambium should be off, soak it with wet cloth and it can be scraped easily.
Pear is nice and good bow wood, hard to find non twisted staves.
Good luck