Ernie Appel passed away Friday (1/16/2015).
Ernie was one of the quiet guys nobody heard much about. He was 88 years old and had been building bows and Indian related stuff since he was 12. Back then he rode his bike or hitchhiked from his place in Milwaukee out to Hales Corners, nearly 10 miles away. There he studied under Ben Hunt, noted authority on Native American Crafts.
Anyone who has seen any of Ernie's, bows arrows or quivers, just shakes their head in admiration of the great work he did.
Ernie was a long time pal and hunting partner of John McDonald of "Big River Bows". Together they enjoyed archery together for over 75 years.
Here is a small sampling of his work, a double Otter skin bowcase and quiver with a sinew backed horn bow, and a close up of another sinew backed Osage bow.
Farewell Ernie, it was my pleasure to have known you.
