Rose shoot arrows

[david w.]

I was at the trap and skeet facilitiy when i noticed a wild rose bush by one of the cornfields bordering the range.  I saw a couple good shoots, but there was one problem,i had no knife. So i did what any good caveman would do. I went through the place's landscap 'till i found a piece of flint/chert whatever. It was pretty low grade stuff but it had to work.  I spalled a couple of flakes of but none of them were good enough.  So i put the thing down and took a big rock and...BAM!  I finally had sharp enough peice so i went and cut a couple of shoots down. So i got the shoots now. When should i debark them. Can i do it tonight? or should i wait a while?  How can i straighten them? Can i use a candle?  I dont think my mom would let me use the kitchen stove.  We have company tonight and all thats gonna happen i will be stuck at the kitchen table talking for hours unless i find something to do.

[DanaM]

Good job David, as to yer questions do a search for "rose shoots" and I'm sure you will find something as these questions have been answered before.

[david w.]

I think Jawges website has something on shoot arrows. Does anyone know the website address?  i will try to find it

[DanaM]

http://mysite.verizon.net/georgeandjoni/archer.html

There ya go.

[david w.]

thanks alot

[DanaM]

http://groups.msn.com/ferretsarcherywebpage

Mickey LOtz's site also has rose shoot arrows how to

[david w.]

thanks Dana.

i went ahead and debarked one. if it checks it ok because theres alot more more it came from

[david w.]

i also tied it down to a board to keep it straight so it wouldnt warp

[david w.]

how long do you think it would take to dry?

[Pat B]

David, You can hand straighten them while green without heat. Every day or so pick up the shoots and work on the worst bends first. Do a little at a time and wait a few more days and start again.By the time they dry(depending on R/H, could be as little as a few weeks)they will be pretty straight. Then you can use a candle to heat the areas that need a final straightening. I like to put cooking oil on the shoot before using a flame. I think it helps hold the heat, heats more evenly and prevents scorching while straightening.
  With hardwood shoots I like to add color by scorching along the shaft. I do this after the shaft is cured and straight. After scorching let the shafts settle in and rehydrate for a few days before stressing them.     Pat

[Pat B]

ps. I have heard that rose shoots will check if debarked too soon. I guess you will know for sure soon.    Pat

[david w.]

thanks Pat that helps alot.

I hope once i get a few more that these can be my new hunting arrows

[david w.]

ps. I have heard that rose shoots will check if debarked too soon. I guess you will know for sure soon.    Pat

Darn.  I will find out soon.  I will just get some next weekend.

I used some other shoots and i debarcked them right away and i never had any problem with checking. Rose just must be different

[david w.]

Well Pat after beingdebarked for a coupla hours i was straghtening it and i noticed 2 long cracks. O well i still have another shoot and i can just get more next time i go shooting.  But i am going prepared. i am taking pruning shears and there will be no more rose on the property. i am going to eradicate it.

[david w.]

I can just imagine all the wierd looks i am going to get when they see some kid in the woods in the middle of a thorn bush.