Question about downed logs and checking

[silent sniper]

Hey guys, I have a question regarding downed logs/large limbs and there application for bows. The power company cut down several shagbark hickory trees several months ago. There is a nice straight 8ft long log and another larger 12ft log. I can see checking in the wood at both ends of the logs. Does the checking go throughout the entire log or can I go 1-2ft down the log and cut through and start from there? Thanks SS

[Aaron H]

After being down for several months, the checking isn't the problem.  It's the bugs and the decay that have already developed

[osage outlaw]

Downed white woods go bad quickly.  Some trees it doesn't matter.  Osage can be down for years and still be good bow wood inside.

[Dances with squirrels]

Hickory? Several months? I'd pass. I tried it once years ago. All looked fine until I started flexing the limbs. They were like wet noodles and took a lot of set before I got anywhere near final tiller. Get some fresh stuff.

[Pat B]

I had a 12"hickory log given to me that had been on the ground for 2 weeks then in a garage fir 2 years and it was rotted through and through!. Unless you need firewood, leave them lie.