I have had my eye on 1 lonely juniper tree growing on the side of the road.Now juniper trees are few and far between where I live.Living in a country not blessed with many good bow yielding trees I am tempted to harvest it.This particular tree has two trunks growing out of the main trunk.I only want to take 1 trunk and leave the tree standing.It had previously been cut many years ago.Hence the double trunk coming off the main trunk.The few junipers I have seen were twisted or bent and gnarly. This one will give 3 or 4 near perfect staves.Its about 50 meters off the road and I quite often park there to fish in the river.I figure I could cut it down one night and stash it in the bush to pick up later via a canoe trip without raising suspicion.Risky but I am willing to take it.The other wood I want to try is a protected specie however the local government are currently bulldozing a few down as I type this.I am going to try to get some of that too.Its ok for indigenous folk to cut it down to make boomerangs but not for the general public.Doing it hard but why not.OSR

I have had my eye on 1 lonely juniper tree growing on the side of the road.Now juniper trees are few and far between where I live.Living in a country not blessed with many good bow yielding trees I am tempted to harvest it.This particular tree has two trunks growing out of the main trunk.I only want to take 1 trunk and leave the tree standing.It had previously been cut many years ago.Hence the double trunk coming off the main trunk.The few junipers I have seen were twisted or bent and gnarly. This one will give 3 or 4 near perfect staves.Its about 50 meters off the road and I quite often park there to fish in the river.I figure I could cut it down one night and stash it in the bush to pick up later via a canoe trip without raising suspicion.Risky but I am willing to take it.The other wood I want to try is a protected specie however the local government are currently bulldozing a few down as I type this.I am going to try to get some of that too.Its ok for indigenous folk to cut it down to make boomerangs but not for the general public.Doing it hard but why not.OSR

A lot of people steal wood for bow making, some seem quite proud of what they did. How can one be proud of being a thief?

I am an old guy who has cut more osage than I can remember, all of it after asking permission from a host of different landowners, I have never been turned down.

I always take a bow with me when I ask, sometimes the land owner is so happy I asked permission first they gave me access to other land I didn't even know about.

It is my take that what you do comes back to you, can you handle the karma of being a thief?

I'm with Eric. Only I base my objection on one of the biblical commandments.

Is it actually illegal for you to cut? Can you gain permission somehow?

So quick to throw the first stone. It sounds like the tree has been cut before. Most likely to get rid of it. They are not prised for shade or fruit. He said take one trunk not kill it.Thoughtful,conservative. Is it public,private,or government land? Sometimes it can be very difficult to find the owner who probably doesn't give a flip anyway. If I decided to take it,I would not sneak. I would walk right up and cut it and cart it off. It sounds like no one would care. If someone shows up then ask permission to carry it off or offer it to them. If that fails beg forgiveness. :^) if it is easier than finding the owner. Good luck, whatever you decide. >>>----> Ken

All thieves make up a host of excuses to justify their thievery.

Thanks Eric, I try to be as quick to defend someone as to point out an error. Just trying to point out there can be many sides to a story. Trying to look for the best so now I am thief. He was probably stealing the fish out of the river too. I am sure you have never picked an apple or berry along the road. Just one more thought: I believe the op was talking about making a "Trad" bow. Then someone hijacks the thread with a sermon. Take care my friend.Have a good life. >>>----. Ken

Not trying to put anyone down here. I'm certainly no saint. I would however try to find out who's tree it was. If you find out and get permission it could possibly even lead to more trees. You'll feel better about it every time you park by that tree to go fishing to. Being a land owner, if someone came and asked me if they could cut a tree to make a selfbow I'd help them look for one. If they snuck on my property and cut one down I'd be very unhappy with them. If it's truly on no mans land I guess you'll have to let your conscience be your guide.

I would talk to the bulldozer operator. Chances are pretty good that you could work out some arrangement with them. They also could be a very good connection if they know what your looking for. Just remember they have a job to do and try not to get in their way. Maybe bring a little gift along. Sometimes a offer of a six pack or cold drink can go along way. Sometimes just letting the right people know your interest can bury you in staves. Bjrogg

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here