Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Gordon on April 09, 2011, 08:58:13 pm

Title: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Gordon on April 09, 2011, 08:58:13 pm
A few months ago I was shooting a bow that I had made for a friend and was impressed with how quick and natural it was to point and shoot. Now I’ve made several of these short vine maple D-bows over the years but, for some reason, I never seem to be able to hang on to them. So after enjoying my buddy’s bow, I decided to treat myself and build one for turkey and tree-stand hunting this year.

It’s nothing fancy, but I like the idea of hunting with something simple that is made from wood growing around me. So here it is. Vine maple, 58” ntn, 55# @ 27”, limbs 1 ˝”  wide tapering to ˝” tips, dyed elk hide (from the Oregon Coast) handle with Strunk style wrap, and self string nocks. The wood is stained with light-brown leather dye. The beaded quiver is made by Ron York. I can hear that big old Tom gobbling now!

(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/Vine%20Maple%20Turkey%20bow/VineMaple_1.jpg)

(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/Vine%20Maple%20Turkey%20bow/VineMaple_2.jpg)

(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/Vine%20Maple%20Turkey%20bow/VineMaple_3.jpg)

(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/Vine%20Maple%20Turkey%20bow/VineMaple_4.jpg)

(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/Vine%20Maple%20Turkey%20bow/VineMaple_5.jpg)
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Buckeye Guy on April 09, 2011, 09:13:55 pm
Outstanding !!!
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Lee Slikkers on April 09, 2011, 09:28:54 pm
Gordon, as always...stunning work.  After you mentioned Vine maple in our last dialogue I looked up where Vine Maple grows and was disappointed to see it was a West Coast species.  It really seems to favor that style of bow.  Nicely done.

Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: BowJunkie on April 09, 2011, 09:36:08 pm
Gordon you are a bow god.
Beautiful simple bow.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: adb on April 09, 2011, 09:48:24 pm
Nice work, Gordon. Eye candy, as usual.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Barrage on April 09, 2011, 10:15:50 pm
Great bow Gordon.  Really like how the color turned out on this bow.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Arrowind on April 09, 2011, 10:55:38 pm
AWESOME.   That's all I have to say so I'll say it twice.  AWESOME!
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: sailordad on April 09, 2011, 11:15:41 pm
incredible as always Gordon  :o

looks like a perfect set for chasing buzzards,good luck
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Brock on April 09, 2011, 11:40:10 pm
Beautiful Gordon....I hope one day I can make one myself...though I do enjoy the one Mr Strunk made for me....you are right about satisfaction of making one on your own.  I hope to finish my first bow soon...out of hickory but will try some vine maple later too.

Did you put that piece in a form to get the reflex or is that natural reflex?  Mine has taken about 1-1.5inch of set but shoots sooooo sweet...who cares. :)
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Timo on April 09, 2011, 11:52:34 pm
Very nice Gordon. Your work always exemplifies the craft as well as the art of bowyery.

And I always admire your photo compositions,you always seem to capture the good light.

Are your outside pics taken with evening or morning light?

 
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: ken75 on April 09, 2011, 11:57:43 pm
very nice bow , beautiful full draw !!
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: ErictheViking on April 09, 2011, 11:59:26 pm
Gordon, your nothing fancy is my dream of making one that nice.  beautiful d-bow love the flipped tips too.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: toomanyknots on April 10, 2011, 12:02:42 am
Gorgeous color, gorgeous handle, very nice bow.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Ghost Dog on April 10, 2011, 01:36:11 am
Gordon, your bows always move me. I am very happy to know you. :)
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: crooketarrow on April 10, 2011, 09:55:34 am
   SWEETTTTT
  I also like the KISS bows.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: ohma2 on April 10, 2011, 11:53:20 am
Gordon as usual your work is just top notch, and as always the pics are great,alot to be learned from you. that quiver is beautifull, i would love to talk to the person that made that.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Will H on April 10, 2011, 12:04:28 pm
Really love your work Gordon, beautiful bow!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Sidewinder on April 10, 2011, 12:07:30 pm
Gordan, your tiller profile is as perfect as I've seen. All your bows are spot on with the tiller and are easy on the eyes. I would say that the ole long beards in your neck of the woods are in trouble .   Danny
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Gordon on April 10, 2011, 12:21:51 pm
Thank you all for the really nice compliments.

Brock, I used a form and dry heat to flip the tips a bit.

Tim, all the pictures were taken outside mid-afternoon. Normally I take pictures in the morning or late afternoon, but I had a hazy overcast that kept the light nice and soft.

ohma, I'll send you a PM with Ron's contact info. When it comes to native American beading and leatherwork you'll find no better than Ron.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: n2huntn on April 10, 2011, 01:27:20 pm
Stunning as usual.
Jeff
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Keenan on April 10, 2011, 01:49:28 pm
Awesome Gordon,  Top quality as always and looks like the perfect hunting bow.  You nailed my favorite length of bow ;D   Hope your able to get on some turkeys with it here in a month at the gathering. Looking forward to see it up close.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Gordon on April 10, 2011, 01:57:31 pm
Thank you Jeff.

Thank you Keenan. I do intend to arrive at the Gathering a few days early to get some hunting in before the bow-building starts to crank up. Sounds like you're feeling fit enough to attend? I would sure love to see you there.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: NTProf on April 10, 2011, 01:58:43 pm
I am jealous of such a nice bow and your ability! But I am also glad that I am not the turkey or deer standing on the other side of that bow!
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: medicinewheel on April 10, 2011, 02:32:36 pm
I'd say it's quite fancy in it's simplicity! Really nice bow!
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: HoBow on April 10, 2011, 02:33:17 pm
Very nice setup!
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Blacktail on April 10, 2011, 02:38:17 pm
that is great gordon..i really love simple bows..i think it will work good for turkeys...just 5 more days..and the thunder chickens will be calling... there is hardly any nodles in that stick..was it easer to work..great work john..
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: DEllis on April 10, 2011, 07:45:19 pm
Beautifull bow Gordon. The turkeys will be lining up to catch an arrow from that bow.........might take the sport out of it. ;D
Darcy
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Badger on April 10, 2011, 07:55:15 pm
   Great job as usual Gordon, looks like you could kill more than a turkey with that bow. I have really gotten where I prefer these straight self bow designs with just a tad of reflex thrown in.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: Gordon on April 10, 2011, 08:11:49 pm

Steve, I was shooting it this morning and was impressed with the arrow pentration I was getting. I wouldn't hesitate taking a shot at an elk under 20 yards with this bow.

Thank you all for your nice responses.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: juniper junkie on April 10, 2011, 10:38:03 pm
very nicely done. simple and effecient, I like it a lot. I was out at the flats on thursday, starting to green up didnt see any turkey tracks, but thought I heard a couple in the distance, they should be in there by the time of the gathering, looking forward to seeing this bow.
Title: Re: Vine Maple Turkey Hunting Bow
Post by: xin on April 10, 2011, 10:59:54 pm
You are a true mastercraftsman.  Simplicity has a unique beauty.