As long as it is a white wood, I wouldn't worry about cutting prior to the tree starting a new growth ring. I would cut after leaves are out, peal off the bark while it's easy, if you wait until the wood starts drying that bark will be hard to get off and require a lot more work. After removing the bark, scrape off the fibrous cambium layer, dry with towells and seal the back and ends. I agree with Pat that sealing the back is cheap insurance against checking. We've lost a lot of wood before by not sealing the back.