Question about using ash saplings for arrows

[Patches]

I cut some small (3/8 to 1/2 inch diameter) ash saplings today. They seem kind of weak to me for arrows. Has anyone every used ash saplings for arrows? The field will be brush hogged pretty soon and so I was getting as many possible arrow making shafts that I could. Also got grey dog wood, rough leaf dogwood, cherry, and plum. Thanks for the advice in the ash saplings.

Neal

[Don Case]

I haven't used ash but the OS that I use is kind of mushy when green. I stiffens a lot when it dries. Ash may be similar.

[Pat B]

With most shoot shafts you need second year growth. I've not tried ash but the dogwoods should have good arrow shoots.

[Patches]

The ash is definitely second year growth. I will let tehem dry and see what happens.  I am alot more optimistic about the dogwood and the plum.  I painted the ends of the shoots last night with latex paint, but the humidity is so high right now that it is still not dry this morning.   

[markinengland]

I made some arrows from ash shoots springing up after clearance under a power line. They made quite good arrows though they did need restraightening from time to time. They shrank in drying and stiffened up. Quite different to ash from a mature tree, lighter.
Mark in England