Sure they kill a whitetail Dan – with over a thousand years of bowhunting by the natives I would say they were effective on elk, bison, and whatever else they desired to harvest as well. It’s an art form just selecting and preparing the staves for the class. Gene throws out those he doesn’t deem will cut the mustard. And as you say – each one is unique and interesting. One of the staves I had started to build into a bow was exceptionally red in color (from a male tree I believe Gene said – osage orange is one of those unusual plants that exists as either male or female)… I had touble seeing the growth rings with it being such dark grain in the lighting of our woodshop so Gene invited me to visit his shop to finish that bow. We even placed some moose antler tips on it – its very cool – and the first left handed bow of my life – since I was trained right handed as a kid I had never switched. I am going to kill a deer with it next and hope to get back to shooting in the fashion I was intended to shoot. That said I use aluminum arrows and zwickey broadheads since I have never learned to knap flint or chert. It’s interesting – just too long term of a process to learn and get good at for my patience levels – but maybe someday – right? At any rate – it’s a great class with great instructors – we could use a few more folks to sign up for it to ensure it’s a go – so don’t be shy if you have an interest – get ahold of me before the 17th – please!

The other two bows I have built in the class have had the yellow color that the rest of the staves are usually in and had no issues viewing the growth rings. Some guys race through the class and are done on Sunday morning with satisfactory results. You also get to make your own bowstring and shoot your new bow before you leave the class. It’s very satisfying – and I cannot wait to kill a dear with my latest build… gotta put in some treestand time this fall! You’ll hear my yell of excitement when that all goes down – wherever you are in the mid-West. I can’t wait! Good luck in your endeavors in the great outdoors. Chuck

This is likely the very best solution to any question on habitat improvement for wildlife – and the organization has its roots in MN too… http://www.pheasantsforever.org/page/HabitatForever.jsp
Chuckles

I use 100 grains of 777 with the Barnes bullet and sabot called the Expander MZ – 250 grain and as deadly as open sights go as far as I am comfortable to take a shot (less than 100 yards.) I had used the same general set-up in a TC hammerlock for years and when I had the chance to switch to an in-line it seemed like a natural starting point at the range. I acheived the accuracy I desired immediately so have seen no reason to change so far. The Barnes bullets are all copper and carry all their energy into the deer… deadly. They do have newer versions of these bullets that are spitzer shaped or have a polymer tip – but I need to use up the box of Expanders before I buy into newer designs… give them a try – they have ruined the day of every deer I have sent them after – and in short order.