Salish Wolf

Jay St. Charles is a legendary bowyer based in Fall City, Washington. While he was born into the world of archery and grew up in his father’s archery shop, Jay eventually became a master bowyer, carving bows under the brand of Pacific Yew Longbows. He lives on a small homestead above the Snoqualmie River Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Cascades.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Jay St. Charles.         
Episode Links:
https://www.facebook.com/pacyew2
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary
In this episode, Jay St. Charles shares his extensive experience in bow making, archery history, and the unique challenges of sourcing traditional materials like yew wood. Discover the evolution of archery equipment, the art of crafting bows, and the importance of community and preservation in this timeless craft.
Show Notes:
Jay St. Charles's background in archery and bow making
The history and significance of yew wood in bow making
Challenges in sourcing traditional bow materials today
The process of crafting primitive and laminated bows
The community and culture of archery and bowyers
Tools and techniques for carving and tillering bows
The impact of logging and environmental policies on bow making
The evolution from traditional to modern archery equipment
Educational programs and classes in bow making
The importance of preserving archery heritage and craftsmanship
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Jay’s background in archery
02:01 Jay’s homestead and early experiences in bow making
03:51 Mountaineering adventures and outdoor passions
06:50 History of bow making and the influence of Fred Bear
10:00 The rise of fiberglass and compound bows
15:05 The renaissance of wooden bows and community
19:53 The story of yew wood and environmental challenges
25:01 Permits, salvage, and sourcing yew today
29:54 The cultural significance of yew in different regions
34:55 Tools and techniques for primitive bow carving
39:46 Jay’s classes and community involvement
45:11 The joy of making and shooting bows
50:11 The future of bow making and preservation
59:51 Closing thoughts and resources for bowyers

David Young is the proprietor of Big Rock Bows based south of Spokane, Washington. David was introduced to primitive archery and bow carving more than a decade ago from his friend, renowned bowyer Clay Hayes. Since then, he has carved his own reputation as an exceptional bowyer and regularly hosts bow carving retreats at his ranch, Big Rock Ranch.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with David Young.         
Episode Links:
https://www.bigrockbows.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582085921443
https://www.instagram.com/bigrockbows/
https://www.youtube.com/@DavidYoung-fc6ql
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary
In this episode, David from Big Rock Bows shares his journey into traditional bow making, his experience on the show Alone, and his passion for bowcraft and the outdoors. Discover insights into bow building, land management, and inspiring youth engagement in nature.
Show Notes:
David's background in bow making and land management
Experience on the TV show Alone and lessons learned
Techniques and tools for traditional bow building
Land management and land restoration efforts
Youth engagement and outdoor education initiatives
Challenges and rewards of custom bow making
The role of patience and character in craftsmanship
Inspiration from natural materials and land for bow making
Future plans for workshops and retreats
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to David and Big Rock Bows
02:02 Land and Land Management on the Property
05:04 Bow Wood Options and Land Resources
09:47 Experience on the TV Show Alone
20:01 Lessons from the Arctic Adventure
29:59 Bow Making Techniques and Tools
40:00 Challenges in Custom Bow Building
50:07 Engaging Youth and Outdoor Education
59:56 Workshops and Future Plans
01:09:58 Philosophy and Personal Insights on Bowcraft

Kevin Hawkins is a bowyer based in North Carolina and moderator and owner of the Primitive Archer Forum. He recently took over the Forum from the founders to preserve the community that has given so much to him as a bowyer and plans to maintain and update it so it can continue to be a valuable resource to bowyers.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Kevin Hawkins.         
Episode Links:
https://www.facebook.com/primitivearchermagazine
https://www.primitivearcher.com/
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary
In this episode, Kevin shares his journey from carving his first bow out of a sapling in Oklahoma to becoming a renowned bowyer specializing in Osage. We explore his techniques, flight shooting records, and the passion that keeps him crafting bows in his workshop. In this episode, Kevin shares his innovative approach to bow making, including how he minimizes set and maximizes performance through scientific principles and practical techniques. Todd and Kevin also discuss the importance of community, preservation of craft, and future projects like the Primitive Archer forum and a groundbreaking book on bowyers worldwide.
Show Notes:
Kevin's background and journey into bow making
Techniques for carving and shaping Osage orange bows
His experience with flight shooting records
The importance of craftsmanship and materials in bow making
The role of tradition and innovation in archery Kevin's method for achieving perfect tiller and no-set bows
The role of surface area and density in bow performance
Use of a custom bow set calculator and app
Community efforts to preserve primitive archery craft
Kevin's travel and mentorship experiences with top bowyers
Future projects including the Primitive Archer forum and magazine
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Kevin's Workshop Tour
01:50 Kevin's Background and How He Started Making Bows
05:02 Carving the First Bow from a Sapling
07:54 His Experience with Flight Shooting Records
12:02 Materials and Techniques for Bow Making
16:02 Using Osage Orange and Other Woods
20:06 Hunting and Archery Practice
23:59 The Journey of Harvesting and Preparing Osage Logs
29:59 Tools and Power Tools in Bow Making
35:03 The Meditative and Therapeutic Aspects of Crafting Bows
39:59 Community and Competitions in Archery
44:54 Future Projects and Goals in Bow Making

Jaap Koppedrayer is a legendary bowyer with more than three decades of experience. A native of the Netherlands, he lives in Georgia in the United States and grows bamboo for bowmaking on his farm. There he also hosts international archery gatherings and is renowned for his expertise in the yumi bows of Japan.

Episode Links:
https://www.facebook.com/jaap.koppedrayer
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions

Summary
In this episode, Jaap shares his extensive knowledge of traditional Japanese archery, bow making, and bamboo cultivation, highlighting the cultural and technical aspects of these ancient arts. Discover the secrets behind the craftsmanship, the history of bows, and the philosophy that guides this timeless practice.

Show Notes:
History and tradition of Japanese archery
The process of making Yumi bows and arrows
Cultivation and selection of bamboo for bows and arrows
Techniques for flight shooting and long-distance archery
The cultural significance of archery in Japan and China
The mental and philosophical lessons from archery practice
The impact of historical events on archery traditions
The tools and tools used in bow making

Chapters:
00:00 - How Stefan Tim connects them
01:09 - Why Jaap moved to Georgia to grow bamboo for bows
04:19 - Hosting Japanese and Chinese archery programs
04:47 - Building a 120-meter Japanese archery corridor
07:58 - Choosing bow making over greenhouse work
08:27 - First trip to Japan and meeting Kanjuro Shibata
10:58 - The difference between Madake and Yadake bamboo
12:37 - Why bamboo must age and cure for years
13:46 - Bamboo farming challenges in Georgia’s climate
16:25 - Why Madake is ideal for Japanese bow backs
17:35 - Making many bow styles before focusing on Kyoto archery
18:13 - Early international horseback archery festivals
19:10 - Chinese archery revival and making bows for China
22:21 - Why horn bows take 3 to 5 years to finish
23:26 - Flight shooting and training for precision
26:34 - The challenge of lighter Yumi and very heavy bows
27:19 - Feathers, sinew, and old-school materials sourcing
28:41 - Going full-time in bow making in 1987
31:26 - Early Mongolian-style and horse bow work
32:13 - Learning from Shibata by watching, not being lectured
34:36 - Learning Japanese lacquer, Uru-shi
35:54 - Ongoing relationship with the Shibata dojo and Kudo
36:23 - The release technique used for flight shooting
38:21 - Teaching bamboo arrow making through workshops
40:49 - What a Yumi bow is made of
42:10 - Rope, wedges, glue, and setting the bow’s curve
45:15 - Possible ancient roots and shared global techniques
46:27 - Thoughts on the Silk Route and the spread of techniques
47:36 - Reading Zen and the Art of Archery
48:07 - Visiting dojos in Japan by bicycle with Yumi bows
49:12 - A modern book comparison: The Archer by Paulo Coelho
50:27 - Archery as a major part of Jaap’s life, not just bow making
51:48 - Japan, Turkey, China, and Korea rediscovering tradition
52:17 - The Fort Dodge festival and international exchange
54:39 - Lessons from bow making: humility, patience, and listening
57:27 - Workshop tools: planers, belt sanders, rasps, and knives
59:31 - No formal farm name, just “the bamboo farm”
60:03 - The kind of students who come to train
60:33 - Turkish archery and flight shooting workshops
61:31 - The rural Georgia community that supports the program
62:19 - What archery teaches about not taking life too seriously
63:26 - Improvising with what you have and sharing knowledge at shoots
64:41 - A funny flight shooting story involving arrows that came back
66:52 - Looking at the bows in Jaap’s workshop
67:29 - Kay’s writing work and the kitchen table shop
68:53 - A life built around craft, people, and purpose
69:19 - Future idea: focused conversations on specific bow types
70:09 - Lucas Novotny and the old Turkish bow story
72:21 - How to reach Jaap by email or phoneNotable quotesAction items

Jaap Bolt is a bowyer and archer based out of Amsterdam. Since he was a teenager he has been making and selling high quality bows that have earned him and international reputation. As an archer, he has competed extensively and credits mindfulness and meditation for helping him to regulate his mindset and emotions, and contributing to him becoming a national champion in the Netherlands.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Jaap Bolt.         

Episode Links:
https://www.instagram.com/boltbows/
https://www.facebook.com/jaap.bolt.1
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions

Summary:
In this episode, Jaap Bolt shares his journey from childhood fascination with medieval weapons to becoming a passionate bowyer and competitive archer. He discusses his technical evolution, mindset shifts, and the joy of returning to primitive bow carving. In this episode, Jaap Bolt shares his journey from blacksmithing to bow carving, exploring the therapeutic aspects of woodworking, and his plans to teach bow making through a digital course. Discover insights into craftsmanship, patience, and the passion that fuels a lifelong pursuit of art and archery.

Show Notes:
Jaap Bolt's early interest in medieval weapons

The story of making his first longbow in his teens

His technical evolution from flatbows to recurves and fiberglass bows

The importance of mindset and mental training in archery

How meditation and self-awareness improved his performance

The challenges of bow making and selling at a young age

The significance of patience and experimentation in craftsmanship

His plans to return to primitive bow carving and competitions Jaap Bolt's transition from blacksmithing to bow carving

The therapeutic benefits of woodworking and bow carving

Plans for a digital bowyer's course and teaching methods

The importance of patience and craftsmanship in bow making

Use of traditional and modern tools in woodworking and bow carving

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the guest’s background and connection with Amsterdam
00:23 - Personal experiences visiting Amsterdam, favorite spots, and local insights
02:28 - The origin story of archery and bow carving from childhood interests
05:03 - Early influences, Viking centers, and first handmade bows
09:00 - Transition from traditional to modern bows and shooting techniques
12:21 - The role of competitions in archery and evolving goals
13:37 - Technological and mindset shifts for improving archery performance
16:50 - The impact of meditation and inner work on personal growth
20:43 - Overcoming insecurities and embracing self-validation in craft
24:00 - The ongoing journey of personal development through bow making
28:50 - The progression from beginner to professional bowyer and selling bows as a youth
33:58 - Seasoning and drying wood for bow craftsmanship
36:24 - Experimenting with recurves, laminations, and extreme bow designs
38:22 - The challenges of maintaining and developing complex bows
41:55 - The shared journey of passion, external validation, and inner transformation
45:05 - The importance of experimentation and shifting toward traditional craftsmanship
50:42 - Returning to primitive bow carving and the nostalgic connection to the craft
55:09 - Lessons from bow carving that aid personal growth and patience
58:55 - The therapeutic nature of bow making and its mental health benefits
63:11 - The digital future: plans for an online course in bow carving
66:42 - The role of woodworking and teaching at a local school
73:36 - The influence of family, mentors, and community in shaping craft and passion
85:00 - Inlay work, arrow passes, and materials such as horn and bone in bow building
88:35 - The origin of the bowyer’s brand “Bolt Bows” and online presence
94:16 - The intersection of archery, storytelling, and holistic healing practices
96:40 - Reflections on a passionate life dedicated to craft, family, and sharing stories