#94 Jay St. Charles on Project Quiver
Available on these platforms: Spotify | Anchor | Apple | PocketCasts
Next
Next
Available on these platforms: Spotify | Anchor | Apple | PocketCasts
Jay St. Charles is a legendary bowyer based in Fall City, Washington. While he was born into the world of archery and grew up in his father’s archery shop, Jay eventually became a master bowyer, carving bows under the brand of Pacific Yew Longbows. He lives on a small homestead above the Snoqualmie River Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Cascades.
“With a really simple bow and arrow, it feels like you just projecting your energy down range. The bow just disappears. ”
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Jay St. Charles.
Episode Links:
https://www.facebook.com/pacyew2
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary
In this episode, Jay St. Charles shares his extensive experience in bow making, archery history, and the unique challenges of sourcing traditional materials like yew wood. Discover the evolution of archery equipment, the art of crafting bows, and the importance of community and preservation in this timeless craft.
Show Notes:
Jay St. Charles's background in archery and bow making
The history and significance of yew wood in bow making
Challenges in sourcing traditional bow materials today
The process of crafting primitive and laminated bows
The community and culture of archery and bowyers
Tools and techniques for carving and tillering bows
The impact of logging and environmental policies on bow making
The evolution from traditional to modern archery equipment
Educational programs and classes in bow making
The importance of preserving archery heritage and craftsmanship
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Jay’s background in archery
02:01 Jay’s homestead and early experiences in bow making
03:51 Mountaineering adventures and outdoor passions
06:50 History of bow making and the influence of Fred Bear
10:00 The rise of fiberglass and compound bows
15:05 The renaissance of wooden bows and community
19:53 The story of yew wood and environmental challenges
25:01 Permits, salvage, and sourcing yew today
29:54 The cultural significance of yew in different regions
34:55 Tools and techniques for primitive bow carving
39:46 Jay’s classes and community involvement
45:11 The joy of making and shooting bows
50:11 The future of bow making and preservation
59:51 Closing thoughts and resources for bowyers