Bow Making – 3 Day Intensive

Are you an archer who loves hunting with a bow and arrow? Perhaps you're a woodworker who would love to learn a new skill. Or maybe you're someone passionate about learning techniques for survival and self-reliant living. Whatever the reason, this is your chance to learn how to make hunting-quality, wooden bow and arrows from scratch with your own two hands. Plus, you will leave with your own finished bow!

Over the course of three Sundays, students will craft a wooden bow suited to their own height and strength and a handful of arrows. These hunting implements will be fully functional. Class will begin with a discussion on stave selection, initial shaping, and curing. We will then delve into crafting arrows, tillering and string construction, advanced tillering, and shooting. Due to the fact that potentially dangerous tools will be utilized, tool safety will be taught and strictly followed for the well-being of all participants.

Bow making is a process of longevity and though it requires strenuous work, honing the skills of bow craftsmanship can be very rewarding. Participants must be able to hike one mile into uneven, wild forest terrain and work using fine motor skills and small hand tools for an extended period of time. Due to the nature of class instruction, a continuity of tools is necessary to ensure the instructor can guide students through the process effectively. All students will be given the necessary tools to use and then keep as a part of the class fee.

Necessary Materials:

Tools Provided by the Horn Farm:

• Fiskars Hatchet
• Stanley Surform 
• Multi-Purpose Rasp File Set

*Students may keep these tools at the conclusion of the class*

In addition to the tools included, students will be responsible for coming prepared with the following items:

• Notebook & Writing Implement
• Camera
• Work Gloves
• Long, Sturdy Pants
• Close-toed Shoes
• A Packed Lunch

Students registered for the course will be notified about any additional materials needed for each day of class.
For safety’s sake, students must follow all directions and be respectful of the facilitator. Failure to do so may result in a non-refundable dismissal from the program.

Class dates: Sundays June 11, 18, and 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

About the Instructor: 

Wilson Alvarez is a certified permaculture designer, inventor, gardener, skilled tracker, bowyer, nature-awareness instructor, and writer from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For the past twelve years, he has studied and taught classes and workshops on bio-intensive agriculture, regenerative technology, foraging, hunting, trapping, tracking, and wilderness survival. Wilson has studied through the Wilderness Awareness School via the Kamana program, and he received his Permaculture Design Certificate via Susquehanna Permaculture.

Program Notes:

This class will take place outdoors. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and potentially muddy conditions. 

All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here. 

Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse.