In 1992, through an introduction to M.R. Hamilton of Scorpion Long Bows, I fell in love with traditional archery.  Because his bows were more than I could afford, the love seemed to be simply a fantasy.  A friend from Texas began telling me about something called a self-wood bow that he was hoping to make.  The best wood, according to him was osage orange.  I knew lots about hedge (osage) having grown up on a farm in southern Illinois.  While driving near home in 1995, I noticed that a hedge row had been pushed out by a local farmer.  After getting permission to cut the wood, the fantasy became closer to reality.  The first bow actually shot.  What a thrill.  Many have been sold since then, many donated, lots of people have enjoyed a time of coaching as they made their own bow.  A hobby has become a habit.  I don't seem to be able to stop.  With self-wood bows, there is no glue, no fiberglass, simply God's lovely creation through the osage tree plus lots of labor and now some skill.  God alone has provided all that is needed to make a wonderful weapon or recreational tool.  Each bow is unique.  Making each bow is a new adventure.  People often wonder if these things will really work.  Yes, they really work.  Native peoples all over the globe have survived, waged war and enjoyed natural wood bows for centuries.  Lots of deer, rabbits, squirrels and even a javelina have all fallen to my selfwood bows.  A fellow bowyer saw three bears, two at about 400 pounds, killed with his bows in 2005.  So the answer is, yes, they really do the job.  In addition to the hunting, natural wood bows provide fun for archers, youth and children, as they realize that, as in ages past, a simple stick and string will do the job.  Do we need more technical stuff?  I'm just not sure why.  No sights to mess up, no rest to adjust carefully, no release to malfunction.  Just take the equipment and have a good time.For more information call one of the numbers listed throughout the website, email us or click on the button and leave a message.  If you choose to not give a real email and name, no problem.  We're always glad to talk or respond on this website.