Elm suckers?

[Chassit]

We have an elm stump at the duplex I live in that whoever never killed off so it grows piles of suckers every year.  I was wondering if these would make good arrows.  They are pretty straight and are of various widths.  Anyways, any input would be welcome.

[Pat B]

Most tree shoots will make arrows, some better than others. Cut a few shoots that are less than 1/2" at the butt end and bundle them together for a few months and give them a try.
If you can find shoots 2" to 3" in diameter cut them for bow staves. 

[Chassit]

Excellent will do   thanks!

[Chassit]

So I stealthily cut a couple of them off and stripped the bark.  I think they will do nicely.  There are a couple in the 2-3" range in there that I am really interested in.  they have a lot of shoots coming off of them so I dunno how knotty they will be but as soon as I see the maintenance person around I will ask her if its ok that I cut and harvest them.  I don't see why it wouldn't be but people can be weird hahah.  I also was able to get some nice strips of bark that I think will make nice bindings if soaked just before I use them.  Thanks again for all the input

[Pat B]

Offer to make her a bow. 

[Scowler]

I've made arrows from several different types of wood but never Elm.  Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

[Chassit]

Well the maintenance lady was happy not to have to cut them herself and I got some good materials that are now seasoning.  Unfortunately there weren't any suitable for bow making but I think I can get some nice projectiles out of this stash. 

[crooketarrow]

  Don't use first years suckers. Let them season with the bark on or they really warp. I've made just a few elm arrows there perty tuff. Put like those suckers, cut trees is the only way to get them then it's just a couple at a time.