#94 Jay St. Charles on Project Quiver

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. 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