Jess Bogener is a traditional bowhunter with a passion for building traditional bow hunting bows under the brand of Bogener Bows. He is also a USA Archery Level 2 Instructor. He has taught over 250 archers in Santa Clarita and the Frazier Mountains. He’s a State and Local USA Archery Competitor/Champion in the Mens Longbow wood division. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Jess Bogener. Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/bogener_bowbuilder/ https://www.bogenerbows.com/ Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: Join us for an in-depth conversation with Jess Bogener, a passionate bowmaker and archer, as he shares his journey from amateur hobbyist to professional craftsman. Discover the artistry, techniques, and philosophy behind his handcrafted bows, as well as insights into archery tournaments, hunting, and the therapeutic benefits of the craft. Show Notes: Jess’s fascinating family history and the meaning behind his name, which hints at a lineage of bow builders The story of how he fell in love with archery and bow building His journey from learning under a master bowyer to creating his own signature reflex-de-flex design, inspired by Byron Ferguson The materials Jess prefers for bows His approach to sourcing wood stave staves The process behind making both primitive self bows and laminated longbows The business model: balancing craftsmanship, passion, and affordability to fund his bow-making pursuits His deep engagement with archery tournaments The therapeutic and personal growth benefits Jess experiences from both bow making and archery practice Insights on Shooting ambidextrously, maintaining physical health, and preventing injuries from pulling heavy bows His plans for future bows and sharing knowledge with others through workshops The intersection of hunting, family heritage, and the role of patience, reflection, and perseverance Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Jess’s family background 02:37 - Jess’s initial interest in archery and bow building 06:16 - Understanding archery tournaments and scoring systems 07:36 - Jess’s competition bows: design and materials 08:45 - Making primitive and laminated bows, tools, and techniques 09:53 - Modern vs traditional materials and future projects 12:39 - Business mindset and pricing of custom bows 13:33 - Merging artistry with function and customer experience 15:05 - Family influence and other craft passions like bonsai 19:36 - Building a business around quality and passion 21:05 - Signature styles, bow models, and design influences 22:26 - Plans for self bows and regional sourcing challenges 23:08 - Teaching and sharing bow-making skills 24:06 - Differences in making laminate vs primitive bows 25:15 - Use of natural materials and experimentation 26:23 - Jess’s archery milestones and his wife’s achievements 30:18 - Carving and making traditional English longbows 31:19 - Favorite woods and layering techniques 34:14 - Shop setup and tools used for bow making 35:29 - Laminating process: modern tools and techniques 36:20 - Pre-tilling, glue-up, and finishing steps 38:24 - Bow durability, delamination, and quality control 39:15 - Achieving specific draw weights through precise calculation 41:37 - The art and science of bow shaping and tillering 42:49 - Lessons learned from bow making applicable to other life areas 48:26 - The therapeutic nature of archery and hunting 50:37 - Reflecting on successful seasons and lessons from misses 52:27 - Daily archery practice and hunting routines 54:23 - Using game parts for craft and self-sufficiency 55:16 - Ambidextrous shooting and physical adaptations 58:57 - Jess’s shooting philosophy and training approach 62:43 - Comparing traditional English longbow style with Olympic technique 67:19 - Maintaining balance, preventing injury, and managing heavy draw weight 70:00 - Future projects, exploring ancestral roots, and community connections
