Watching an arrow fly from your bow and hit a target in the woods is a pleasure that takes us back to the way humans used to live years ago, and indeed still do in many parts of the world.
For this simple bow, green wood will work well – try it with a straight hazel rod or even young bamboo. If you want to make a stronger and longer-lasting bow then a length of dead, dry wood that is not yet rotten is ideal. Experiment with maple, ash, yew or other hardwoods. Don’t forget to make an agreement with the rest of your group about how and where you’ll fire those arrows …
1. Select a rod for your bow. This should be around the same height as yourself or smaller, and 2–3cm (¾–1¼in) wide.
2. Place one end of the rod on the ground and push down on the other end to flex the rod. Notice the natural curve of the wood and the shape of the flex – if the bend is uneven then use your knife to shave little bits from the inside of the bow until it is even.
3. On the outside of the bend of your bow, cut a notch on each side of the rod around 2–5cm (¾–2in) from each end.
4. Your bow is nearly finished but needs a bowstring. You could use nylon string, hemp cord or even fishing line. Even better – make your own cordage and use that! Tie your string off around one notch, then rest the end that you have tied on the ground before flexing the rod and tying your string around the other notch. Use a clove hitch with a simple overhand knot, and make sure you keep the bow and bowstring taut. Now you just need to make some arrows …
