Went primitive today

[tailfeather]

#7617

We have two weeks left in our deer season…..I’m carrying my hickory selfbow and switchcane arrows with stone heads the rest of the way. Made em all myself….the hickory was 28 years old, and actually grew about 400 yds from where I was hunting today.

I should have done this much earlier in the season…it’s an incredible feeling to hunt with all handmade tools, many from on-site…..maybe I’ll start out this way next year.:)

[Jason Wesbrock]

#63819

That sounds great! Best of luck between now and the end of your season. Do you have any photos of your equipment?

[tailfeather]

#63840

Thanks. Here’s a few photos. The bow pulls about 45 lbs. at my draw length.

[horserod]

#63999

Tailfeather, Is your bow backed with anything??? Bullseye

[tailfeather]

#7731

No, it’s not backed. I have another stave I need to get busy scraping on over the winter….its been sitting in the barn for a few years. This was my first selfbow, and I learned alot of what NOT to do the next go round.

[Raymond Coffman]

#7854

Tailfeather –

Your primitive tackle looks really good!

I believe that because the materials are coming from the area you hunt and your obvious field skills, will prove you successful!!

Buena Suerte –

Scout

[skifrk]

#8022

cool woodwork there tailfeather. good luck and hope you see some animals to try this setup out on.

[adirondackman]

#8921

I recently watched the DVD – Full Circle. I think that you would enjoy it. They cover the complete process to follow for making all your own primitive gear. Very interesting and gets you motivated to try it. I just can’t seem to find the time to get started::(

[tailfeather]

#9296

I’ve not seen that video, but it would be good to get. I’ve met Thad…..helluva nice guy and a veritable encyclopedia of southeastern primitive skills knowledge. Thanks for the heads up.

[Bunyan Morris]

#9613

Tailfeather, I know that if anyone can get the job done, it’s you. Good luck brother.

[William Warren]

#9626

Good looking selfbow and cane arrows! Got to be some serious mojo if grown from the same ground you’re hunting on.

I’d back that bow with a couple of moccasin skins. The perfect camo for your area.

Happy Hunting!

[Wexbow]

#12687

Lovely work Tailfeather, hope all that local spirit and craft brings successful hunting. Can you inform an out-of-towner what plant you get the cane from for those arrows. Looks almost like bamboo? I believe Jay Massey was a big fan.

[tailfeather]

#12749

Wex, that is switch cane (Arundinaria gigantea). It is our native SE US cane, and a traditional arrow material among indigenous folks down here. Typically grows in damp, shady hardwood bottoms. Makes a very tough arrow!

[William Warren]

#12921

I was just looking at your stone points again and I have to say the lower one is an exact replica of points I have found in my area over the years. I’m in the Tuscarora and the Saponi area and the local tribe here was/is Occaneechi. Cane is somewhat common here but more so in the eastern part of NC. A more common material here, although heavier, is Arrowood, aslo known as Viburnum, a shrub, that can cover woodland hillsides and can be in various diameters up to 3/4″ but grows no higher than chest high. Makes a very tough arrow and can be selected in the smaller diameters and worked down to 11/32″ or less. You got me wanting to drag out my selfbows again and build some cane arrows. I find myself looking longingly at the cane mashes I see each day going to and from work. 😀

[tailfeather]

#13803

Finished these up yesterday. Braintan leggings, medicine bag, and strap for flint and steel.

[Wexbow]

#15038

Thanks for the cane info. And lovely leather work too – are there no ends to you talents?!? 😀

[Etter1]

#15962

Wexbow wrote: Thanks for the cane info. And lovely leather work too – are there no ends to you talents?!? 😀

I’ve heard his wife complain a lot….

[Wexbow]

#17132

😆 well you can’t win ’em all 😆

[BuckyT]

#25901

I feel like a horrible person for missing this thread…………………:D

You are a very talented individual my friend!!

Everything you’ve hand made looks absolutely fantastic!!!!

[Etter1]

#26132

I asked him to make me one of those arrows.

Mine are all still carbon.:D

[n8tr boy]

#40223

Nice job tailfeather. Love the leggings . Tanning a hide now and that might be the project from it

[Author]

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