Bows, Arrows & Archery
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Bow Making: Self Bows
Transforming a simple piece of wood into a dynamic extension of one's self is a process that must be experienced to be understood. In this class you will discover the entire progression of constructing a bow, from the initial selection of your materials through final tillering, including how to make two different styles of bow strings. We will also practice some basic self-bow shooting techniques, and you will take your own, completed self-bow home with you. We'll discuss the best woods to use for bows, how to cut and season your own staves, and the differences between long-term and survival bows.
Bow staves will be provided, and the cost of the stave is included in the class price.
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THIS OUT!
Student
Comments: Read what past students of this workshop have
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| April 16-19 | Toms River, NJ | $385 | ››The dates for this workshop have passed, but we'll let you know next time it's offered ‹‹ |
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Introduction to Bow-making
If the thought of the effort involved in building
a bow is just plain overwhelming,
or if you don't have the time to start with a full stave, or the money to purchase a one that has to be shipped across the country, then check out our 2-day Introduction to Bow-making weekend.
You'll
build your bow from materials available at any lumber yard, and discover
a great way to start developing your eye for tillering and the fundamentals
of bow construction without having to spend a lot on
staves.
This workhop will focus on the principles of bow design
and performance, layout and tillering, and will cover the concepts of
how to "back" your bow for strength or durability.
You'll leave on Sunday with a shooting "board bow" of around 35-40 lbs, and all the knowledge
and hands-on experience you need to make your next one at home. This is
also an excellent program for Scout troop leaders and others who work with
kids groups.
| February 20-21 | Toms River, NJ | $195 | ››The dates for this workshop have passed,
but we'll let you know next time it's offered ‹‹ |
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Bow Making: Survival Bows
Most long-term bows are made from wood that has been seasoned for many months, but in a survival situation, or one where you have no modern tools, how would you build a bow? Learn multiple effective methods for building expedient survival bows that are fast, effective, and can be easily made using nothing but stone tools and Stone Age technologies.
You will build and learn to shoot three bows in three days, which will be yours to take home with you.
| September 10-12 | Toms River, NJ | $275 | Register Now! |
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Advanced Bow Making: Recurves, Bamboo- and Sinew-backed Bows
If you have ever wanted to learn how to make a Recurve bow, how a Bamboo-backed bow is made, or why Sinew-backing a bow improves it's performance, this class has your answers. Starting with a blank stave, you will build your own long bow, then complete it with your choice of one of the above three methods. Go beyond the simple self bow and learn how improve performance, and create a true hunting weapon that you will cherish for years to come. Snake skin, rawhide, and other bow backing options will also be covered, as we combine the best of modern and primitive technologies as they relate to the Art of the Bowyer.
All materials are provided.
›› This workshop is not currently on the schedule, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered.‹‹
Bow Making: Bamboo-Backed Bows
The bamboo-backed bow is renowned for both speed and performance, as well as for its inherent beauty. If you have constructed your own self bows previously you may be ready for a new bow-building challenge, and if you've never built a bow then this method of blending primitive concepts with modern techniques is a great place to start. Over the course of this class you will go through the entire process of making the bow, from working down the stave, tillering, adhering the bamboo backing, and learning to make two different styles of bow strings. We will also cover some basic self bow shooting techniques, and you will take your completed bow home with you.
Bow staves and bamboo backing will be provided, and their cost is included in the class price.
›› This workshop is not currently on the schedule, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered.‹‹
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››NEW! Arrows: Harvesting, Curing & Straightening Shafts
Without a well-made arrow, the best bow is virtually worthless, and a well-made arrow starts with the selection and harvesting of the right shaft. Learn how to identify, select and process a wide range of arrow shaft materials, as well as how to cure and straighten them into top-knotch arrows, and how to choose and make the ideal nock-style for your needs. You'll also discover the secrets to fine tuning your arrows in order to make them work perfectly with your bow. An in-depth day that will take both your knowledge and your hands-on experience with crafting arrows to a whole new level.
| March 13 | Toms River, NJ | $85 | ››The date for this workshop has passed, but we'll let you know next time it's offered ‹‹ |
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››NEW! Arrows: Points, Hafting & Fletching
The right arrows can make all the difference when shooting your bow, and no arrows are going to be as perfect for you as the ones that you have made yourself. Learn to make steel "trade" points, bone points, and bludgeons for small game, as well as how to properly secure them to a shaft. Feather-work and the Art of Fletching will also be covered, using several different methods. You will create your own funtional works of art, worthy of taking game.
| March 14 | Toms River, NJ | $85 | ›› Sorry, this workshop is now full ‹‹ |
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Survival Arrows
In a Survival-type situation you don't have the time to allow your arrow shafts to dry and cure for many months. This workshop will show you how to find, harvest and fashion arrows quicky, that will work effectively with your Survival Bow. You will learn various materials that can be used for fletching when feathers are not available, discover different options when a knapped arrow point is not to be found, and how to get around the paradox of how haft your point without having to process a deer for the sinew first!
›› This workshop is not currently on the schedule, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered. ‹‹
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Archery Fundamentals
Have you learned how to make bows, but still need to develop accuracy and proficiency in your shooting? This is the class you have been waiting for. Learn the proper manner in which to select, match, and tune your equipment so that it becomes an extension of your own body. To ensure you learn the essentials of proper form, as well as how to develop accuracy while shooting instinctively, you will participate in a variety of shooting situations, including simulated hunting scenarios.
Equipment will be provided, although students are encouraged to bring their own equipment, if available.
›› CHECK
THIS OUT!
The Video: If you're
wondering what you can learn in just a couple of days, see what our student
Matt, who had never shot a real bow before, was able
to accomplish before lunch on Day 2!
Student Comments: Read what past students of
this workshop have to say.
›› This workshop is not currently on the schedule, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered.‹‹
Shooting the Longbow
This one-day workshop is a condensed version of Archery Fundamentals.
Here, we will focus on developing proper form & accuracy in shooting, working
at realistic hunting ranges and in true-to-life hunting scenarios. You'll
also learn techniques you can use to continue your improvement when you get home,
as well as how to tune your own equipment to get the best possible performance
each and every time.
Equipment will be provided.
›› CHECK
THIS OUT!
The
Video: Students with virtually no shooting experience just
wanted to learn to hit the target. See how much MORE they could accomplish
by the end of the day!
Student Comments: Read
what past students of this workshop have to say.
| June 20 | Clifton, TX | $95 | Postponed to November |
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| July 17 | Toms River, NJ | $85 | Sorry, this workshop is now full. (Please Contact Us if you would like to be placed on the waiting list.) |