Over the past few months, I’ve begun a new journey – an odyssey, if you will – with an interest in Osage self-bows crafted from the heartwood of the famous Osage orange (or Hedge Apple) tree. It’s been a relationship built on respect and a newfound appreciation for the simplicity of primitive archery. Now, before I dive into the specifics, let me preface this by saying I’m a seasoned archer. I’ve spent years comfortably nestled behind many laminated recurves and reflex/deflex longbows. But there was a primal itch I couldn’t quite scratch, a yearning for a more fundamental connection to the art of primitive archery.

I have several Osage orange trees on my property, and I have a desire to harvest a buck with a primitive stick and string from that type of tree. Eventually, I may even cut a stave and build a self-bow from one of my own Osage orange trees, but I wanted to start the journey by experiencing a self-bow from an experienced bowyer. I went to the Tennessee Classic at Twin Oaks Bowhunters Club and purchased my first Osage self-bow from a bowyer named Eric Cherry from Alabama.

Osage orange tree growing on the author’s property.

First Impressions: A Beauty to Behold

Osage orange, also known as bois d’arc (French for “bow wood”), has a long and storied history in archery. Native American tribes prized its strength, elasticity, and natural resistance to rot. Right out of the box, my Osage orange self-bow was a sight to behold. The wood itself is stunning – a rich, golden hue with subtle streaks of green and brown, each bow a unique masterpiece crafted by nature.

The handle is created by building up the handle with cork and wrapping it with hemp cord. This gave it a unique natural look. The arrow shelf is designed by using a small piece of deer antler, adding another nice touch of craftsmanship and connection to the game I plan to hunt with it.

Picking up this self-bow for the first time was an awakening. It felt surprisingly light, considering its reputation for being one of the hardest natural bow woods available. The craftsmanship was top-notch, the tillering (the process of ensuring the bow bends evenly) flawless. The smooth finish felt natural and polished in my hand, a testament to the time and care put into its creation. It’s a conversation starter at the range, drawing curious glances and interested questions. Owning it feels like owning a piece of history, a handcrafted tool that has been used through generations.

The Learning Curve

Now, let’s be honest – the learning curve with a self-bow takes a little longer than a recurve or modern longbow. This is an instrument that demands respect and an understanding of its nuances. These unique aspects include the archer’s paradox and straight handle design.

The archer’s paradox refers to the fact that most self-bows are not center shot, causing the arrow to shoot to the left for an archer like me who is used to shooting a recurve bow. To compensate for this, the archer must either aim slightly to the right or cant the bow to send the arrow on target. The arrow also requires more spine rating to be able to flex around the bow than a center shot recurve or longbow. With that said, my self-bow had the string lined up slightly to the left to line up with the arrow shelf, reducing the archer’s paradox and allowing it to shoot a wider variety of arrows and spine weights.

The other adjustment I had to learn is how to shoot a bow with a straight handle. Most of the longbows I have owned and like before had pistol grip designs like recurve bows. The best method I found to adjust for this is using my index finger to hold the handle of the bow. This method reduced the likelihood of over gripping and moving the bow during the shot. Some archers prefer to hold the bow like holding a suitcase, but I found using only the index finger gave me the most consistent accuracy.

Slowly, things started to click. I learned to appreciate the nuances of the self-bow. It wasn’t designed for long-range target practice; its strengths lie in its short-range power and ability to shoot heavy arrows quickly and quietly. Bowyers and primitive archers refer to this as a bow’s cast, and its strengths are tailor-made for use as a hunting bow. I honed my focus on instinctive shooting, relying on canting the bow and proper sight picture to put the arrow where I wanted. The satisfying “thwack” of the heavy bamboo arrow hitting the target felt like a badge of honor.

The true magic of the self-bow revealed itself when I took it to the field. The quiet tension of the string as I drew, the satisfying release followed by the thud of the heavy bamboo arrow – it was a different experience from using a laminated recurve or longbow. With the self-bow, there was a heightened sense of connection, of being an even more integral part of nature and the hunting process. It’s a connection to the past, to those who hunted and fought with these stick bows for centuries. It’s a reminder of the skill and woodsmanship needed to be a successful hunter in a time before laminated limbs, carbon arrows and modern steel broadheads.

The Verdict: A Rewarding Journey

Owning and shooting an Osage orange self-bow has been more than just an archery experience; it’s been a journey of self-discovery. It’s forced me to slow down, appreciate the simplicity of the craft, and develop a deeper respect for the art of primitive archery. Let’s be honest, this Osage orange self-bow is as much a work of art as it is a hunting weapon. 

Is an Osage self-bow for everyone? Probably not. It often demands a significant investment in either money to buy from an experienced bowyer or time to build it by hand yourself. It also takes extra time and effort to learn to shoot accurately. But for those seeking a challenge, a deeper connection to nature, and a truly unique experience, it’s an investment well worth making. It’s not just about hitting targets or harvesting game – it’s about mastering a skill, appreciating the raw beauty of the natural world, and rediscovering the primal thrill of the hunt.

Specifications:

  • Length: 59 inches
  • Weight: 48 lbs at 28 inches
  • String: 56-inch Flemish Twist Dacron B-55
  • Wood: Osage orange
  • Handle: Hemp cord
  • Arrow Shelf: Deer Antler Horn