Salish Wolf

Todd Howard
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Season 2: The best traditional bowyers in the world. This season is based on Project Quiver, and incredible father-daughter journey around the globe to capture the art and essence of the world's finest bow carvers. Season 1: Incredible stories of extraordinary endeavors that capture the magic of the human spirit. The inspiration for this season is a wolf named Takaya who gained global fame for living alone for nearly a decade on a tiny archipelago in the Salish Sea, showing us even the most unlikely is possible.

  1. #76 Steven Bieber on Project Quiver

    3D AGO

    #76 Steven Bieber on Project Quiver

    Steven Bieber is a bowyer based in Florida. Under his brand, Provision Bows, he makes primitive bows for both hunting and target shooting. He is also interested in sustainable food production, herbal medicine, and is a teacher at a Waldorf school. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Steven Bieber.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/provisionlongbows/ https://www.youtube.com/@provisionlongbows8881 https://www.facebook.com/StevenBieber Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: Discover the fascinating world of traditional bow making through an inspiring conversation with Steven Provision, a master bowyer dedicated to craftsmanship, sustainability, and connecting with nature. This episode explores the deep spiritual and cultural significance of bows, the art of working with natural materials, and the journey of self-discovery involved in creating these iconic instruments. Show Notes: Steven's personal journey into bow making inspired by childhood fascination and Native American traditions The relationship between wood, spirit, and the bowyer, emphasizing intuition and mindfulness Techniques and tools for heat bending and shaping bows, including the use of traditional and modern tools The importance of sustainable materials like Osage orange, black locust, and red elm The spiritual and therapeutic benefits of carving and crafting self bows The story of a remarkable healing experience with acupuncture and holistic medicine Challenges of teaching sustainable agriculture and instilling respect for nature in students The impact of community, relationships with wood suppliers, and passion for craftsmanship Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Steven Provision's journey into bow making02:15 - Childhood influences and early experiments with bows04:50 - The revival of bow making for hunting and self-discovery07:10 - Inspiration from Native American crafts and Ed Scott’s legacy10:30 - The spiritual connection with wood and the bowyer’s relationship to nature13:45 - Making a whitetail deer hunting bow from personal experience17:00 - Sustainable practices in agriculture and teaching the next generation19:10 - The healing power of holistic medicine and acupuncture in life stories24:40 - Differences in teaching younger vs. older students about nature27:05 - The importance of relationships with wood suppliers and sourcing materials31:55 - The meticulous process of shaping and tillering bows without pulleys36:23 - The influence of cultural stories and personal history on bow design40:10 - Demonstration of different bow styles and designs with technical details45:30 - Creating bows inspired by animal forms, like the Cape Buffalo49:00 - The use of heat bending, tools, and intuition in crafting bows54:00 - Developing a consistent shooting performance and design philosophies60:00 - Parting thoughts on sustainability, community, and the future of bow making76:50 - Closing remarks and where to find Steven’s work and upcoming book

    1h 19m
  2. #75 Zdenek Lences on Project Quiver

    APR 8

    #75 Zdenek Lences on Project Quiver

    Zdenek Lences of Varangian Bowyer has been making selfbows for nearly 6 years in much the same way our ancestors have made them for thousands of years. Based in the highlands of the Czech Republic, he uses uncommon woods, such as blackthorn, hawthorn, and many more. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Zdenek Lences.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/varangianbowyer/ https://varangianbowyer.wordpress.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@VarangianBowyer Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: Join us for an insightful conversation with Zdenek, a skilled bow maker from the Czech Republic, as he shares his journey into the craft, the challenges of sourcing materials, and his philosophy on tradition and innovation in bow making. Discover the story behind his brand, his favorite woods, and his perspective on archery's deep roots in human history. Show Notes: Zdenek's background in tool renovation and the start of his bow making journey during the COVID pandemic The variety of woods used for bow crafting, including blackthorn, cherry, elm, and lesser-known species Challenges of sourcing materials legally in a small Czech village and environmental considerations The philosophy of simplicity versus luxury in bow design, including views on snake-skin overlays The influence of European history, castles, festivals, and modern festivals on archery culture Tools and techniques: traditional hand tools, modern machinery, and finishing methods The importance of learning from failures and nature in mastering the craft Future projects, including plans for a new series and ambitions for a workshop and content creation Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Zdenek and his background in Czech Republic 02:25 - Living in a forested area and regional experiences 03:38 - The small community of boyars and their gathering places 04:45 - The origin of the brand name Varenge and Boyar 08:17 - How Zdenek started making bows during COVID 09:54 - The process of selecting suitable woods like cherry, elm, blackthorn 12:02 - Working with lesser-known woods and experimental materials 14:43 - The tools used in bow making, from traditional to modern 17:24 - Struggles with finishes and achieving durability 22:15 - The influence of ancestors and deep-rooted historical connection to archery 24:29 - Modern versus traditional tools and material experimentation 26:11 - Favorite bow styles and inspirations from historical designs 28:00 - Personal preferences on overlays, aesthetics, and craftsmanship philosophy 30:39 - Use of horn overlays, horn types, and logo insights 32:16 - Family involvement and personal background in woodworking 33:54 - Challenges of harvesting wood legally in a small village environment 35:34 - Europe’s medieval festivals and European archery culture 36:21 - Differences in land accessibility and public forests between Europe and North America 39:08 - Favorite tools for bow carving and tool collection 43:11 - Challenges in finishing bows and protecting the grain 45:07 - Preferred finishes and protective treatments 46:00 - Resources and educators that influenced Zdenek’s craft 47:54 - Workshop setup at his parents’ place and future content plans 48:43 - Hunting and practice routines 50:11 - Bows for flight archery and specific woods like hornbeam 52:21 - Future projects including new series and personal goals 53:12 - How to connect with Zdenek online and through festivals 54:40 - Shipping logistics and international markets 56:43 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to follow Zenek’s journey

    52 min
  3. #74 Jeremy Weber on Project Quiver

    MAR 31

    #74 Jeremy Weber on Project Quiver

    Jeremy Weber is an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and hobby bowyer. He and his partner, Gwen, manage The Lodge at Water’s Edge in Portersville, Pennsylvania - a mid century 80-acre micro-venue nestled in the Slippery Rock Gorge bordered by McConnells Mill State Park.  Jeremy created Selfbows at Water’s Edge where he offers bow carving experiences with accommodations on the Waters Edge property. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Jeremy Weber.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/selfbows_at_waters_edge/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Selfbows-at-Waters-Edge/61569938627847/ https://www.instagram.com/the_lodge_at_waters_edge/ https://www.thelodgeatwatersedge.com/ Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Show Notes: Jeremy's story of the old estate and its transformation into a workshop for bow making and retreats Techniques for harvesting and seasoning various tree species for bow wood, including American hornbeam, hickory, and Osage The process of splitting and preparing wood using wedges, draw knives, and shellac preservation methods Exploring different bow styles and experimenting with materials like flowering dogwood, cherry, and elm The significance of shooting both sides in archery for balance and brain health The historical perspective on bows from different eras, including a fascinating account of reconstructing a 17th-century Sudbury Native American bow using hand tools Jeremy's upcoming workshops at Waters Edge in September and how to participate Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and overview of Waters Edge lodge and Jeremy's background02:24 - Description of the estate and property features including the main lodge, cabins, and creekside pool plans04:12 - The power of nature: ice chunks from river flood and weather impacts on the land05:13 - Bow carving workshops: schedule, group size, and what participants will learn06:20 - Harvesting trees on the property: identifying species and sustainable practices08:09 - Favorite woods for bow making and the unique characteristics of American hornbeam (muscle wood)09:45 - The process of bark removal and how seasonality affects harvesting11:10 - Comparing American hornbeam and hop hornbeam trees and their suitability for bows13:11 - Jeremy’s journey into bow making, family history, and early archery experiences 15:08 - Building bows from different woods and personal experimentation with designs 16:48 - The workshop setup, tools used, and the importance of continual learning in bow craftsmanship 18:33 - On-site accommodations and the structure of a typical bow-making retreat 19:14 - Recommended bow styles for beginners and the forgiving nature of hickory 20:47 - The sequential drying process from felled tree to ready-to-carve stave 22:43 - Techniques for splitting wood with wedges and draw knives, and preserving with shellac 25:41 - Sourcing and working with Osage orange trees outside the property 28:16 - The exciting experience of harvesting Osage from local farms and the snowbound effort 33:16 - Experimentation with different woods like flowering dogwood, cherry, and elm 34:16 - Transition from modern to primitive hunting bows and the spiritual connection in archery 36:11 - Shooting from both sides to develop balance and challenge for the brain 40:23 - Recreating historic bows like the Sudbury bow using traditional tools and techniques 45:43 - Favorite tools for carving and current projects in Jeremy’s workshop 47:02 - Jeremy’s current bow projects, draw weights, and upcoming builds 48:27 - Challenges with snaky grain and the art of following grain patterns for optimal bows 50:02 - Inspiration from historic bows and making your own based on archeological exemplars 55:50 - How to connect with Jeremy and sign up for the September workshop

    50 min
  4. #73 Lubo Sojak on Project Quiver

    MAR 16

    #73 Lubo Sojak on Project Quiver

    Lubo Sojak is a passionate craftsman and bowyer who has spent over a decade perfecting his bow making skills. Based in Slovakia, Lubo started his journey in archery through a friend's influence, which sparked a lifelong passion for bow making. Every bow he makes is from a stave that he has personally harvested and seasoned. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Lubo Sojak.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/lubosojak/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Luky-L-S/100063498604883/ Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: In this conversation, Todd interviews Lubo Sojak, a bowyer from Slovakia, who shares his journey into the world of archery and bow making. Lubo discusses his beginnings, the philosophy behind his craft, and the community of bow makers. He emphasizes the importance of tradition while also valuing innovation in bow making. The conversation also touches on the types of wood he prefers to use and the challenges of harvesting materials in Slovakia. In this conversation, Lubo and Todd delve into the intricacies of bow making, discussing various wood types, their properties, and personal experiences in crafting bows. They explore the significance of rot-resistant woods, the challenges and techniques involved in bow crafting, and the importance of learning from others in the bowyer community. The dialogue also touches on the environmental aspects of bow making, the journey of learning and perfecting the craft, and the diverse styles and methods employed by different bowyers. Show Notes: Lubo does not identify as an archer but as a bow maker. His journey into archery began with a friend's bow. Bow making is a hobby for Lubo, not a profession. He finds peace and joy in the process of making bows. Lubo enjoys sharing his knowledge with others in the bow making community. He prefers using local woods like mulberry and black locust for bow making. Lubo emphasizes the importance of learning from failures in his craft. He believes tradition in bow making is built over time and through experience. The bow making community is supportive and generous across borders. Lubo harvests all his own wood, valuing the connection to his materials. Lubo discusses the challenges of identifying different wood types for bow making. Black locust is noted for its hardness and suitability for fence posts. Rot-resistant woods are commonly used for making durable bows. Personal experiences with various woods enhance the bow crafting process. The environment in Slovakia provides ample resources for bowyers. The journey of learning from different bowyers is invaluable. Different bowyers have unique techniques and styles in crafting bows. Perfection in bow making is subjective and varies among bowyers. The importance of accepting imperfections in crafted bows is highlighted. Community and sharing knowledge among bowyers enrich the craft. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Lubo Sojak and Archery 03:03 The Journey into Bow Making 05:48 Hobby vs. Profession: The Bowyer's Life 08:59 The Philosophy of Bow Making 12:13 Community and Culture in Bow Making 15:05 Tradition vs. Innovation in Bow Making 18:14 Favorite Bow Types and Techniques 20:54 Wood Selection and Harvesting Techniques 30:46 Exploring Wood Types for Bow Making 33:39 The Role of Rot-Resistant Woods 36:20 Personal Experiences with Different Woods 41:25 The Environment and Resources for Bowyers 44:09 The Journey of Bow Making and Learning 51:12 Diverse Techniques and Styles in Bow Making 59:00 The Art of Perfection in Bow Crafting

    1h 10m
  5. #72 Christopher Applewhaite on Project Quiver

    FEB 11

    #72 Christopher Applewhaite on Project Quiver

    Christopher Applewhaite is a physician, bow hunter, and amateur bowyer living on Salt Spring Island on Canada’s west coast. In his workshop overlooking the Salish Sea, he can be found carving bows mostly from yew wood that he has harvested. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Christopher Applewhaite.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/oshosibows/ Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: In this conversation, Todd and Christopher Applewhaite delve into the art of bow carving, exploring its therapeutic benefits, the challenges of sourcing wood, and the intimate connection to nature that comes with hunting. Christopher shares his personal journey into bow making, the importance of community support, and his aspirations for the future of his craft. The discussion highlights the craftsmanship involved in bow making, the tools and techniques used, and the ethical considerations surrounding hunting practices. Show Notes: Christopher Applewhaite is a bowyer and archery enthusiast. His journey into bow carving began as a personal interest and evolved into a family project. Bow carving serves as a therapeutic outlet for many, including Christopher. The connection to nature is a significant aspect of hunting and bow making. Community support is vital in the bow making craft. Sourcing quality wood for bow making is becoming increasingly challenging. Tools like draw knives and rasps are essential in the bow carving process. Hunting with traditional bows offers a unique and intimate experience with nature. Sustainability and ethical practices are important in hunting. Christopher aims to continue improving his craft and sharing it with others. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Christopher Applewhaite 03:41 The Journey of Bow Carving 06:46 Therapeutic Aspects of Bow Making and Archery 09:33 Personal Background and Connection to Nature 12:33 The Craft of Bow Making 15:34 Community and Collaboration in Bow Making 18:30 Challenges of Sourcing Bow Wood 21:42 Tools and Techniques in Bow Carving 24:34 Hunting Experiences and Practices 27:40 Sustainability and Ethical Hunting 30:29 Future Aspirations in Bow Making 33:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    57 min
  6. #71 Paul Comstock on Project Quiver

    FEB 3

    #71 Paul Comstock on Project Quiver

    Paul Comstock is a legendary bowyer who began carving more than 40 years ago. Along with coauthors of The Traditional Bowyer’s Bible, he helped spark a resurgence in primitive archery and bow making. Prior to contributing to all 4 volumes of the Bowyer’s Bible, Paul wrote the popular book The Bent Stick. He has served as a mentor and role model for many of today’s most respected bowyers, and he continues to carve bows from his home in Ohio. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Paul Comstock.          Episode Links: The Traditional Bowyer’s Bible Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: In this conversation, Todd and Comstock delve into the intricacies of bow making, focusing on the Perry Reflex bow design, the differences between wooden and laminated bows, and the importance of tillering and testing bow performance. Comstock shares personal experiences and insights on how to effectively measure and adjust bow performance, emphasizing the significance of attention to detail in the bow-making process. The discussion also touches on common misconceptions in archery and the value of traditional techniques in modern bow making. Show Notes: The Perry Reflex bow design is unique and effective. Thickness taper is crucial for bow performance. Fiberglass laminated bows have different characteristics than wooden bows. Confusion exists about what constitutes a wooden bow. Using hickory backings requires careful consideration of bow length. Measuring bow performance is essential for safety and effectiveness. Tiller process can be done without elaborate equipment. Attention to detail is key in bow making. Proof testing can help ensure bow integrity. Success in bow making comes from experience and careful practice. Chapters: 00:00 Initial Clarifications 09:32 Understanding the Perry Reflex Bow 15:24 Wooden vs. Laminated Bows 26:21 Measuring and Testing Bow Performance 32:58 Tiller Process and Techniques 42:35 Final Thoughts on Bow Making and Proof Testing

    1h 27m
  7. #70 Caleb Flies on Project Quiver

    FEB 1

    #70 Caleb Flies on Project Quiver

    Caleb Flies is a first responder in Oklahoma. He is the owner of Ravenclaw Archery and the host of the Primitive Archery Podcast where he interviews bowyers and archers. He is a passionate traditional bow hunter and regularly competes in 3D archery tournaments. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Caleb Flies. Episode Links: https://www.ravenclawarchery.com/ https://www.instagram.com/the_primitive_archery_podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/calebflies/ https://www.instagram.com/ravenclaw_archery/ ⁠Project Quiver⁠ at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: In this engaging conversation, Todd and Caleb explore the world of archery and bow making, discussing everything from personal experiences during the holidays to the intricacies of bow design and the community surrounding traditional archery. Caleb shares his journey into bow building, the materials he uses, and the importance of archery in his life, particularly in relation to hunting. The discussion also covers the business side of bow making, tournament shooting, and the significance of events like the Oklahoma Self-Bow Jamboree (OJAM). Throughout the conversation, Caleb emphasizes the passion and craftsmanship involved in creating bows, as well as the importance of preserving the tradition of archery. Show Notes: Todd and Caleb discuss their holiday experiences and family gatherings. Caleb shares insights about his book project on bow making. The conversation highlights the collaboration among bowyers and the learning process. Caleb explains his journey into bow building and the passion behind it. The discussion covers the materials used in bow making and their significance. Caleb emphasizes the importance of archery in his life and its connection to hunting. The business aspect of bow making is explored, including order management. Caleb shares his hunting experiences and techniques for processing game. The conversation touches on tournament shooting and the community surrounding it. OJAM is highlighted as a significant event for bow building and community engagement. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Holiday Catch-Up 02:53 The Book Project: A Journey with Bowyers 05:59 Archery Passion: From Hunting to Bow Building 08:50 Bow Design: Traditional vs. Primitive 12:12 Ravenclaw Archery: The Business of Bow Making 14:58 Materials and Techniques in Bow Making 17:59 Hunting Experiences and Bow Performance 21:00 Tournament Shooting: The Competitive Edge 24:03 The Future of Archery and Professional Shooters 25:57 The Business of Archery 27:46 Ojam: A Community of Bow Makers 30:14 Tradition and the Future of Primitive Archery 31:37 Balancing Passion and Profession 33:34 The Art and Patience of Bow Making 39:35 Sustainability and Wood Sourcing 46:16 Hunting Practices and Experiences 53:35 Connecting with the Archery Community

    55 min
  8. #69 Matthew Morris on Project Quiver

    JAN 2

    #69 Matthew Morris on Project Quiver

    Matthew is a bowyer, storyteller, traditional bowhunter, and host of The Bowyer Podcast, where he shares the stories of artisans, cultural historians, and those who pursue big game with a stick and string. He’s dedicated to preserving traditional archery through craftsmanship, conversation, and time spent in the field. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Matthew Morris. Episode Links: https://www.thebowyercollective.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thebowyercollective/ https://www.youtube.com/@thebowyercollective ⁠Project Quiver⁠ at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: In this engaging conversation, Todd and Matthew discuss a variety of topics ranging from their personal lives, careers in aerospace and intelligence, to their shared passion for hunting, archery, and sustainable living. Matthew shares his experiences living in different countries, the importance of family dynamics, and the joy of outdoor adventures with his children. They delve into the art of bow making, the significance of storytelling in craftsmanship, and Matthew's journey into podcasting. The conversation wraps up with reflections on future projects and holiday wishes. Show Notes: Matthew works in aerospace and business development. He has lived in multiple countries due to his career. Family dynamics play a significant role in his life. He enjoys hunting and outdoor activities with his children. Sustainable living is important to him, sourcing food locally. Matthew has a passion for archery and bow making. He shares his experiences through podcasting. The importance of storytelling in craftsmanship is emphasized. He plans to create a film about hunting traditions. Matthew values the connection between nature and family. Chapters: Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:08 Aerospace and Strategic Planning 04:31 Life in Various Locations 06:55 Transition to Intelligence Sector 08:27 Family Life and Parenting 12:02 Hunting and Outdoor Activities 15:30 Living in North Carolina 17:40 Bow Hunting and Archery 28:46 Archery and Bow Carving Journey 31:05 Crafting Bows: A Personal Journey 41:09 The Birth of a Podcast: Sharing Stories 52:45 Celebrating Artisans: The Makers' Stories 56:15 Looking Ahead: Future Adventures and Projects

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Season 2: The best traditional bowyers in the world. This season is based on Project Quiver, and incredible father-daughter journey around the globe to capture the art and essence of the world's finest bow carvers. Season 1: Incredible stories of extraordinary endeavors that capture the magic of the human spirit. The inspiration for this season is a wolf named Takaya who gained global fame for living alone for nearly a decade on a tiny archipelago in the Salish Sea, showing us even the most unlikely is possible.

Information

  • Creator
    Todd Howard
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Todd Howard
  • Show Website
    Salish Wolf