Arrow shafts

[Birdman]

I live in southern Michigan and I am looking for a natural and prevalent shaft material (tree, plant, etc.).  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Outbackbob48]

Birdman, I am from nw penna so I,m thinking you should have some of these.
Multi flora rose
Red osier
Arrowood Viburnum   
Hope this helps an have fun on your arrow journey.   Bob

[Pat B]

Look in wet or swampy areas for red osier. Easy to ID by its red stems. They are multi-stemmed shrubs and grow in colonies. Clip the shoots with small branches at the top. You want them about 3/8" at the base and 30" to 36" long. Carry a 3/8" open end wrench as a quick gauge.

[JackCrafty]

When I was working in Indiana, red osier was growing beside ponds and streams EVERYWHERE.  But don't just look for a specific plant.  If you have access to wooded areas, any straight hardwood shoot can be made into an arrow.  I would first take a camera into the forest, snap some pictures of straight shoots, then post the pictures here, and then ask if it's good for arrows.

[Birdman]

Thanks for all the replies.  This site is clearly visited by helpful and generous people.  I am grateful.  I will start my search today! 

[Sparrow]

I generally stroll along water and woods,or town, and if I see a straight shoot,I cut it,debark it with the flat of my pocket knife and start straightening it as it dries.Set it on a table or something where I can pick it up several times a day and straighten it. 3 or 4 days later it is usually pretty dry and I will be down to straightening it maybe once or twice a day.At any one time I will have a few shafts sitting around drying. If after dry it seems a good sturdy shaft I will cut more of that type. Most of the time I can figure out what kinda plant or tree it is. I have cut dozens of species. Some ornimental plants and shrubs make great shoot shafts. Privet, lilac, etc.  '  Frank

[aznboi3644]

I'd just go on a walk and cut shoots that you think will make arrows and try them out...you may be surprised at what will work.