#84 Jess Bogener on Project Quiver

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.

“I want a Bogener Bow to be in the with names of all those other great makers.”

— Jess Bogener

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 through a birthday gift and quickly transitioned into 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 including cherry, zebra wood, bamboo, and modern composites like fiberglass and carbon fiber
His approach to sourcing wood stave staves, regional challenges, and experimenting with different layers and laminates
The process behind making both primitive self bows and laminated longbows, with modern tools like ovens and laminating compression systems
The business model: balancing craftsmanship, passion, and affordability to fund his bow-making pursuits
His deep engagement with archery tournaments—3D courses, 50-meter indoor shoots, and the community involved
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, exploring self bows versus laminate designs, 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

04:48 - Journey from first bows to professional craftsmanship

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

16:13 - The longevity of Jess’s bonsai trees

18:08 - The moment archery became a lifelong passion

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

28:26 - Enjoying the community and camaraderie in archery

29:57 - Competition categories and classification standards

30:18 - Carving and making traditional English longbows

31:19 - Favorite woods and layering techniques

33:06 - Working with tropical woods in humid climates

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

37:25 - Time investment and precision in laminated bows

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

43:49 - Patience, perseverance, and handling mistakes

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

#83 Tim Miller on Project Quiver