Author Topic: question about elderberry  (Read 2477 times)

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Offline Blacktail

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question about elderberry
« on: January 27, 2012, 07:11:27 pm »
i will be doing a short drive in the woods tomorrow...and i am hoping to find some elderberry....so,what size of bow would elderberry make...i am thinking that maybe 1 1/2 at fades or wider....for some reason i think elderberry would make a good wide limb bows...thanks john

Offline paulsemp

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Re: question about elderberry
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2012, 07:18:34 pm »
I have read in survival books that it makes a good bow. Never tried it though and would be curious to hear what you come up with.

Offline Bevan R.

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Re: question about elderberry
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2012, 08:29:09 pm »
When you find some, post some pics. Out here (Western Nebraska) elderberry does not get that big.
Bowmakers are a little bent, but knappers are just plain flaky.

Offline rossfactor

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  • Humboldt County CA
Humboldt County CA.

Offline Bevan R.

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Re: question about elderberry
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2012, 10:58:32 pm »
Seen this?
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,28464.msg378328.html#msg378328

Very impressive stick. I am going to go my the elderberry patches I know of a take a look see. I just do not remember seeing anything that big when I was getting berries for jelly, wine, beer.
Bowmakers are a little bent, but knappers are just plain flaky.

Offline sharpend60

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Re: question about elderberry
« Reply #5 on: January 28, 2012, 12:01:20 pm »
Blacktail,

Your in Oregon right?
The high elevation stuff is good. To get a piece long enough you will definatly be wider than 2 in.

Near the Badger wilderness on Hood, i know where 30 ft tall elderberries are. You aught to be able to score some.

Offline Bevan R.

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Re: question about elderberry
« Reply #6 on: January 28, 2012, 12:33:56 pm »
i know where 30 ft tall elderberries are.

Whisky Tango Foxtrot you people putting in the ground out there? I look over the top of the elderberry bushes here.
Bowmakers are a little bent, but knappers are just plain flaky.

Offline Dazv

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Re: question about elderberry
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2012, 01:14:57 pm »
I have made a 42inch 30@17 elder snap bow, it's around 1 1/4 inch's wide and tapers to the tips from 3 inches from the nock. This little bow is a favorite of mine.

Offline sharpend60

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Re: question about elderberry
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2012, 03:07:54 am »
I was bear hunting and thinking to myself...
"I cant even reach those berries..." it was black elder berries by the way, not quite ripe.

I never cut one but I have surely seen 6" in diameter.
I'm not sure where you're located but if your interested, PM me. Id love a stave from that monster.

I hear we have ederberries here in NM, Ive been meaning to find some up in the hills. 10,000+ ft, should be good bow wood.

Offline hochgaertner

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Re: question about elderberry
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2012, 07:56:44 am »
Hi, look this one
 http://www.blacksmith77k.de/?p=730

Peter