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Best time to go after shaft material

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Iowahedge:
So I have amassed a large pile of turkey and snow goose feather. Next on my list is some shafting material. Last fall found a large “grove” of plum trees and saplings. A big elderberry and some smaller saplings of elderberry also. Not to mention countless multiflower rose bushes. What is the best time to gather some “shafts” my tree ID are poor at best but when the fruit was hanging on them I know that’s what they are.  I’ve seen George’s build along of rose shafts and got a fairly knarly “rose” bush in the horse pasture so thinking about trying them first.

DC:
I would go in the winter when the leaves are gone. You can see them a whole lot better.

Pat B:
Now! No bugs, no snakes, very few leaves to obstruct your view and relatively comfortable weather. Leave the bark on til they are dry or many may check.

BowEd:
I treat harvesting shafts like harvesting bow wood.When the sap is down but have harvested while leaves are on too.Cut plenty long.At least 3 feet.Pre straighten with bark on and wrap tightly in bundles.I like to bundle in groups of 7.I use bale twine for wrapping.That ends up 6 around 1 then.While drying every other day I unwrap and restraighten or take bows out for at least a week.Wrap them perfectly straight.Then let them dry or cure a good 3 to 4 months for sure before debarking and restraightening.Heating if neccessary to straighten.Then make into arrows.
PS....Very slight wiggles or slight bumps are ok to leave.I've sanded them off before with no problems though.Overall bows on shaft are taken completely out though.

ksnow:
Second what BowEd said. I like to cut them this time of year, usually while I am out bunny hunting. Bunnies tend to like to hang out where there is good arrow material.

Post pics of the process once you start.

Kyle

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