Reconnect with the old ways of our ancestors by building your very own primitive long bow. In three days you will personally turn a bark covered log into a shooting bow. During this class you will learn material selection and harvesting, take your stave to a growth ring, read the character of the grain, lay out the bow design, and tiller it perfectly. Each step of bow making is covered: from the tree to the stave, to the string and arrows. These bows are 'self-bows', in other words, there is no glue, fiberglass or other material besides the carved wood on the limbs. The draw weight varies depending on desired weight (and skill of the maker) but can be very high. Typically, 45-55 pounds draw weight makes a nice shooting bow for an adult. The strings will be made from modern materials.
Food and Water: Water will be provided and food is your responsibility. There are also several local eateries available within a short drive of our facilities. You can either bring quick food, get something local, or bring your cooler and cook at camp! Minimum Recommended Equipment: Fixed blade Mora style knife, outdoor clothing, boots, overnight camping gear, small back pack, leather gloves or work gloves. Material Fees: These staves are pre-dried for two years and in perfect condition. Hickory Stave $100. Course will include any other materials needed to finish bow. Optional recommended items: farriers rasp and draw knife
Length: 3 days Cost: Class is $299 plus $100 for the stave for a total cost of $399. Must register and purchase tickets well in advance to assure stave availability! USE OUR "CONTACT US" PAGE TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN THIS CLASS!