Inspired by the lone wolf Takaya who thrived for nearly a decade on a tiny archipelago in the Salish Sea, showing us even the most unlikely is possible.
Season 1: Stories of extraordinary endeavors that capture the magic of the human spirit.
Season 2: Based on Project Quiver, the incredible father-daughter journey around the globe to capture the art and lives of the world's finest bowyers, the torchbearers carrying on the legacy of primitive archery.
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Joe Giago is skilled bowyer from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and an enrolled member the Oglala Sioux tribe. Joe began his bow-making journey over 15 years ago from the encouragement of an uncle and has been carving beautiful replica Native American bows every since.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Joe Giago.
Episode Links:
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary:
In this episode, Joe Giago shares his deep knowledge of traditional bow making, the history of the bow in indigenous cultures, and the cultural significance of archery among the Plains tribes. Discover how ancient techniques, materials, and stories shape modern practices and cultural preservation.
Show Notes:
History of the bow in indigenous cultures
Materials used in traditional bow making
Cultural significance of archery among Plains tribes
Techniques for harvesting and preparing wood
Arrowhead types and their historical context
Influence of horses on bow design and use
Traditional and modern bow finishing methods
Storytelling and art in bow decoration
The role of archery in cultural identity and education
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and guest background
00:04 Joe Giago's journey into bow making
00:31 Historical origins of the bow in Plains tribes
01:42 The evolution of bow design with the introduction of the horse
05:09 The continued relationship with horses today
07:11 Ancient evidence of bows and arrowheads
09:57 The genesis of bow use: hunting, war, and culture
11:04 Influences from other cultures and origins of bow styles
17:49 Materials used in traditional bows: wood types and sourcing
19:17 Design variations: flat vs. D-shaped bows
24:25 Use of animal materials like horn and sinew
36:37 String making, repair, and maintenance
48:33 Finishing, decorating, and artwork on bows
54:57 The cultural importance of archery today
57:16 Teaching and passing down bow making skills
01:00:08 Impact of archery on family and community
01:04:55 Opportunities and cultural preservation through bow making
#96 Holger Berty on Project Quiver
Season 2 · Episode 96
Thursday, September 24, 2026 • Duration 01:09:49
Holger Berty has been a professional bowyer for nearly two decades. Based in Germany, he was introduced to bow carving by a friend. Holger's approach to bow making is eclectic, exploring various styles—from primitive bows to modern laminated designs.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Holger Berty.
Holger Berty shares his journey from woodworking and therapy to becoming a full-time bow maker, exploring traditional and modern bow building techniques, materials, and the meditative aspects of archery.
Show Notes:
Holger's background in woodworking and ergotherapy
Transition to full-time bow making
Differences between primitive and laminated bows
Materials used in bow building, including sustainable options
Design considerations for modern and traditional bows
The role of archery in Holger’s life and therapy
Tools and techniques for bow tillering and shaping
Influence of cultural bow styles and history
The importance of experience and trial-and-error in craftsmanship
#95 Gerhard Wiesler on Project Quiver
Season 2 · Episode 95
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 • Duration 01:48:42
Gerhard Wiesler is a bowyer living on a 200-year-old farm near Weiz, Austria, where he has nut orchards of walnuts, chestnuts, and pecans. He is a prolific teacher, guiding hundreds of students yearly in the building of selfbows.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Gerhard Wiesler.
Gerhard Wiesler shares his journey into traditional bow making, the art of crafting self bows, and the cultural significance of archery and martial arts. Discover insights into the craftsmanship, experimentation, and traditions behind this timeless craft. Gerhard and Todd discuss the art of bow making, focusing on different woods, workshop processes, and the impact of forest management on bow making materials.
Show Notes:
Gerhard Wiesler's background and journey into bow making
The process of crafting self bows from a single piece of wood
Experimentation with different bow designs and woods
The tradition and cultural significance of archery in Japan and Europe
The role of workshops and teaching in Gerhard's craft
Challenges of selling handmade bows within European consumer rights
The influence of martial arts on archery practice and philosophy
Innovative techniques like bamboo wedges and fire arrows U wood differences between Europe and Pacific Northwest
#94 Jay St. Charles on Project Quiver
Season 2 · Episode 94
Monday, September 7, 2026 • Duration 01:31:13
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.
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
#93 David Young on Project Quiver
Season 2 · Episode 93
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 • Duration 01:13:14
David Young is the proprietor of Big Rock Bows based south of Spokane, Washington. David was introduced to primitive archery and bow carving more than a decade ago from his friend, renowned bowyer Clay Hayes. Since then, he has carved his own reputation as an exceptional bowyer and regularly hosts bow carving retreats at his ranch, Big Rock Ranch.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with David Young.
In this episode, David from Big Rock Bows shares his journey into traditional bow making, his experience on the show Alone, and his passion for bowcraft and the outdoors. Discover insights into bow building, land management, and inspiring youth engagement in nature.
Show Notes:
David's background in bow making and land management
Experience on the TV show Alone and lessons learned
Techniques and tools for traditional bow building
Land management and land restoration efforts
Youth engagement and outdoor education initiatives
Challenges and rewards of custom bow making
#92 Kevin Hawkins on Project Quiver
Season 2 · Episode 92
Thursday, August 27, 2026 • Duration 01:32:55
Kevin Hawkins is a bowyer based in North Carolina and moderator and owner of the Primitive Archer Forum. He recently took over the Forum from the founders to preserve the community that has given so much to him as a bowyer and plans to maintain and update it so it can continue to be a valuable resource to bowyers.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Kevin Hawkins.
In this episode, Kevin shares his journey from carving his first bow out of a sapling in Oklahoma to becoming a renowned bowyer specializing in Osage. We explore his techniques, flight shooting records, and the passion that keeps him crafting bows in his workshop. In this episode, Kevin shares his innovative approach to bow making, including how he minimizes set and maximizes performance through scientific principles and practical techniques. Todd and Kevin also discuss the importance of community, preservation of craft, and future projects like the Primitive Archer forum and a groundbreaking book on bowyers worldwide.
Show Notes:
Kevin's background and journey into bow making
Techniques for carving and shaping Osage orange bows
His experience with flight shooting records
The importance of craftsmanship and materials in bow making
The role of tradition and innovation in archery Kevin's method for achieving perfect tiller and no-set bows
The role of surface area and density in bow performance
#91 Jaap Koppedrayer on Project Quiver
Season 2 · Episode 91
Thursday, August 20, 2026 • Duration 01:14:50
Jaap Koppedrayer is a legendary bowyer with more than three decades of experience. A native of the Netherlands, he lives in Georgia in the United States and grows bamboo for bowmaking on his farm. There he also hosts international archery gatherings and is renowned for his expertise in the yumi bows of Japan.
Episode Links:
https://www.facebook.com/jaap.koppedrayer
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary
In this episode, Jaap shares his extensive knowledge of traditional Japanese archery, bow making, and bamboo cultivation, highlighting the cultural and technical aspects of these ancient arts. Discover the secrets behind the craftsmanship, the history of bows, and the philosophy that guides this timeless practice.
Show Notes:
History and tradition of Japanese archery
The process of making Yumi bows and arrows
Cultivation and selection of bamboo for bows and arrows
Techniques for flight shooting and long-distance archery
The cultural significance of archery in Japan and China
The mental and philosophical lessons from archery practice
The impact of historical events on archery traditions
The tools and tools used in bow making
Chapters:
00:00 - How Stefan Tim connects them 01:09 - Why Jaap moved to Georgia to grow bamboo for bows 04:19 - Hosting Japanese and Chinese archery programs04:47 - Building a 120-meter Japanese archery corridor07:58 - Choosing bow making over greenhouse work08:27 - First trip to Japan and meeting Kanjuro Shibata10:58 - The difference between Madake and Yadake bamboo12:37 - Why bamboo must age and cure for years13:46 - Bamboo farming challenges in Georgia’s climate16:25 - Why Madake is ideal for Japanese bow backs17:35 - Making many bow styles before focusing on Kyoto archery18:13 - Early international horseback archery festivals19:10 - Chinese archery revival and making bows for China
#90 Jaap Bolt on Project Quiver
Season 2 · Episode 90
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 • Duration 01:39:26
Jaap Bolt is a bowyer and archer based out of Amsterdam. Since he was a teenager he has been making and selling high quality bows that have earned him and international reputation. As an archer, he has competed extensively and credits mindfulness and meditation for helping him to regulate his mindset and emotions, and contributing to him becoming a national champion in the Netherlands.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Jaap Bolt.
In this episode, Jaap Bolt shares his journey from childhood fascination with medieval weapons to becoming a passionate bowyer and competitive archer. He discusses his technical evolution, mindset shifts, and the joy of returning to primitive bow carving. In this episode, Jaap Bolt shares his journey from blacksmithing to bow carving, exploring the therapeutic aspects of woodworking, and his plans to teach bow making through a digital course. Discover insights into craftsmanship, patience, and the passion that fuels a lifelong pursuit of art and archery.
Show Notes:
Jaap Bolt's early interest in medieval weapons
The story of making his first longbow in his teens
His technical evolution from flatbows to recurves and fiberglass bows
The importance of mindset and mental training in archery
How meditation and self-awareness improved his performance
#89 Néthanel Hersent on Project Quiver
Season 2 · Episode 89
Saturday, July 11, 2026 • Duration 56:39
Néthanel Hersent a bowyer based in Dordogne, France, where he not only carves bows, but also makes knives and axes, forging the metal and using byproducts of bow carving for his handles. He carves bows under the brand of Raven Selfbows.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Néthanel Hersent.
In this episode, Nétha Hersent shares her journey into bow making, her techniques, challenges, and the inspiration behind her craft. Discover how she combines traditional skills with modern tools to create beautiful, functional bows and knives.
Show Notes:
Nétha Hersent's background and introduction to archery
The process of making bows from black locust and other woods
Challenges in bow design and profile adaptation
Use of traditional and modern tools in woodworking
The influence of YouTube tutorials and community
The significance of the raven as a totem and brand symbol
Nétha's workshop setup and tools
Her approach to knife and axe making
The impact of bow making on her personal life and resilience
The future of her craft and community collaboration
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:12 The Journey into Archery
#88 Martin Birk on Project Quiver
Season 2 · Episode 88
Saturday, July 4, 2026 • Duration 01:15:52
Martin Birk is a bowyer based in Bornholm, Denmark, an island in the Baltic Sea, where he also teaches archery. He carves bows under the brand of Birk Bows and is known on social media as the Scandinavian Archer.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Martin Birk.
In this episode, Martin shares his journey into traditional bow making, the local Danish environment for bow woods, and his unique approach to archery and craftsmanship. Discover insights into sustainable harvesting, different bow styles, and the cultural landscape of primitive archery in Denmark.
Show Notes:
Martin's background and environment in Denmark
Sustainable harvesting of bow woods in Denmark
Different types of bows: self bows, laminates, and modern styles
The cultural landscape of archery in Denmark
Techniques and tools for bow making
The role of patience and craftsmanship in bow making
Archery as a meditative and recreational activity
The influence of history and lineage in bow making
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:58 The Influence of Geography on Bow Making
Inspiration from other bowyers and the global bow community
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Holger Berty and his background
02:01 Holger's journey from therapy to bow making
04:01 Differences between primitive and laminated bows
05:57 Materials and sustainability in bow building
09:00 Design elements of modern laminated bows
13:09 The role of archery in Holger’s life
16:53 Cultural influences and historical bow styles
21:07 Tools and techniques for bow shaping and tillering
25:57 The significance of wood selection and sourcing
29:53 Learning from other bowyers and continuous experimentation
34:54 The balance between craftsmanship and business
39:04 The spiritual and therapeutic aspects of bow making
43:59 Favorite woods and their performance in bows
49:58 Archery as a meditative and social activity
54:14 Future inspirations and community in bow making
Impact of forest management on bow wood quality
Workshop process for building bows from selection to finishing
Design considerations including bow length, draw weight, and aesthetics
Material choices for handles, arrow shelves, and strings
Chapters: 03:06 - The spontaneous round-the-world trip that changed everything 08:01 - Why the family chose to keep homeschooling during travel 11:19 - Mika Wolf and the Austrian bowmaking scene 13:47 - What counts as a professional bowyer 16:10 - Japanese dojo culture and slow apprenticeship 19:17 - Martial arts, archery, and embodied practice 21:04 - Rambo 2 and Gerhard’s explosive start in archery 22:28 - Making flaming arrows and archery fireworks 24:14 - From compound bows to self bows 25:13 - A failed first bow and the start of serious bowmaking 27:00 - Burning finished bows as a ritual 29:30 - Why Gerhard only builds self bows 31:45 - Consumer warranty issues for handcrafted bows in Europe 33:39 - Why workshops are better than custom commissions 35:26 - Experimenting with different bow woods and designs 36:22 - Performance, comfort, and the Yumi bow 41:19 - Bamboo backing and the Japanese rope-and-wedge method 42:20 - One-day and two-day workshop formats 45:08 - First bows made from Pacific yew 46:50 - Humidity problems in Costa Rica and switching materials 48:14 - Success with knotty yew staves 49:00 - European yew versus Pacific yew 52:22 - Yew as a demanding wood and workshop success rates 53:42 - Shipping staves and sourcing osage from the US 55:23 - Ash, black locust, and hickory for workshops 57:37 - Stave logistics and why he buys dried bow wood 61:13 - The Redwoods and the feeling of standing among giants 62:24 - How many workshops Gerhard teaches each year 63:08 - Where his students come from 66:47 - Walking through a full workshop from start to finish 68:02 - Manau as the wood used for horse bows 69:22 - Choosing bow wood by type and personality 70:58 - Horse bow dimensions and strong draw weights 74:27 - Choosing draw weight for beginners 77:19 - Women, men, and learning style differences in archery 79:52 - Bow length, performance, and tradeoffs 80:22 - Rough shaping with hand tools 84:31 - Handle shaping, 50 test shots, and checking limb balance 85:57 - Finish options: sanding, oiling, painting, and wraps 86:45 - Shelves, horse bows, and tradition 88:42 - Arrow passes and decorative inlays 89:30 - Strings, arrows, and cedar shaft preferences 91:45 - Gerhard’s informal success guarantee and free repeat workshops
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
The role of patience and character in craftsmanship
Inspiration from natural materials and land for bow making
Future plans for workshops and retreats
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to David and Big Rock Bows
02:02 Land and Land Management on the Property
05:04 Bow Wood Options and Land Resources
09:47 Experience on the TV Show Alone
20:01 Lessons from the Arctic Adventure
29:59 Bow Making Techniques and Tools
40:00 Challenges in Custom Bow Building
50:07 Engaging Youth and Outdoor Education
59:56 Workshops and Future Plans
01:09:58 Philosophy and Personal Insights on Bowcraft
Use of a custom bow set calculator and app
Community efforts to preserve primitive archery craft
Kevin's travel and mentorship experiences with top bowyers
Future projects including the Primitive Archer forum and magazine
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Kevin's Workshop Tour
01:50 Kevin's Background and How He Started Making Bows
05:02 Carving the First Bow from a Sapling
07:54 His Experience with Flight Shooting Records
12:02 Materials and Techniques for Bow Making
16:02 Using Osage Orange and Other Woods
20:06 Hunting and Archery Practice
23:59 The Journey of Harvesting and Preparing Osage Logs
29:59 Tools and Power Tools in Bow Making
35:03 The Meditative and Therapeutic Aspects of Crafting Bows
39:59 Community and Competitions in Archery
44:54 Future Projects and Goals in Bow Making
22:21 - Why horn bows take 3 to 5 years to finish 23:26 - Flight shooting and training for precision 26:34 - The challenge of lighter Yumi and very heavy bows 27:19 - Feathers, sinew, and old-school materials sourcing 28:41 - Going full-time in bow making in 1987 31:26 - Early Mongolian-style and horse bow work 32:13 - Learning from Shibata by watching, not being lectured 34:36 - Learning Japanese lacquer, Uru-shi 35:54 - Ongoing relationship with the Shibata dojo and Kudo 36:23 - The release technique used for flight shooting 38:21 - Teaching bamboo arrow making through workshops 40:49 - What a Yumi bow is made of 42:10 - Rope, wedges, glue, and setting the bow’s curve 45:15 - Possible ancient roots and shared global techniques 46:27 - Thoughts on the Silk Route and the spread of techniques 47:36 - Reading Zen and the Art of Archery 48:07 - Visiting dojos in Japan by bicycle with Yumi bows 49:12 - A modern book comparison: The Archer by Paulo Coelho 50:27 - Archery as a major part of Jaap’s life, not just bow making 51:48 - Japan, Turkey, China, and Korea rediscovering tradition 52:17 - The Fort Dodge festival and international exchange 54:39 - Lessons from bow making: humility, patience, and listening 57:27 - Workshop tools: planers, belt sanders, rasps, and knives 59:31 - No formal farm name, just “the bamboo farm” 60:03 - The kind of students who come to train 60:33 - Turkish archery and flight shooting workshops 61:31 - The rural Georgia community that supports the program 62:19 - What archery teaches about not taking life too seriously 63:26 - Improvising with what you have and sharing knowledge at shoots 64:41 - A funny flight shooting story involving arrows that came back 66:52 - Looking at the bows in Jaap’s workshop 67:29 - Kay’s writing work and the kitchen table shop 68:53 - A life built around craft, people, and purpose 69:19 - Future idea: focused conversations on specific bow types 70:09 - Lucas Novotny and the old Turkish bow story 72:21 - How to reach Jaap by email or phoneNotable quotesAction items
The challenges of bow making and selling at a young age
The significance of patience and experimentation in craftsmanship
His plans to return to primitive bow carving and competitions Jaap Bolt's transition from blacksmithing to bow carving
The therapeutic benefits of woodworking and bow carving
Plans for a digital bowyer's course and teaching methods
The importance of patience and craftsmanship in bow making
Use of traditional and modern tools in woodworking and bow carving
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the guest’s background and connection with Amsterdam 00:23 - Personal experiences visiting Amsterdam, favorite spots, and local insights 02:28 - The origin story of archery and bow carving from childhood interests 05:03 - Early influences, Viking centers, and first handmade bows 09:00 - Transition from traditional to modern bows and shooting techniques 12:21 - The role of competitions in archery and evolving goals 13:37 - Technological and mindset shifts for improving archery performance 16:50 - The impact of meditation and inner work on personal growth 20:43 - Overcoming insecurities and embracing self-validation in craft 24:00 - The ongoing journey of personal development through bow making 28:50 - The progression from beginner to professional bowyer and selling bows as a youth 33:58 - Seasoning and drying wood for bow craftsmanship 36:24 - Experimenting with recurves, laminations, and extreme bow designs 38:22 - The challenges of maintaining and developing complex bows 41:55 - The shared journey of passion, external validation, and inner transformation 45:05 - The importance of experimentation and shifting toward traditional craftsmanship 50:42 - Returning to primitive bow carving and the nostalgic connection to the craft 55:09 - Lessons from bow carving that aid personal growth and patience 58:55 - The therapeutic nature of bow making and its mental health benefits 63:11 - The digital future: plans for an online course in bow carving 66:42 - The role of woodworking and teaching at a local school 73:36 - The influence of family, mentors, and community in shaping craft and passion 85:00 - Inlay work, arrow passes, and materials such as horn and bone in bow building 88:35 - The origin of the bowyer’s brand “Bolt Bows” and online presence 94:16 - The intersection of archery, storytelling, and holistic healing practices 96:40 - Reflections on a passionate life dedicated to craft, family, and sharing stories
04:43 Crafting the First Bow
11:10 Wood Selection and Techniques
15:05 Challenges in Bow Making
21:51 Business of Bow Making
27:16 The Raven Self Bow Brand
30:08 Crafting Knives and Tools
32:46 The Art of Bow Making
39:41 Design and Detail in Bow Handles
43:39 Bow Hunting in France
49:15 Bow Making as Therapy
52:29 Community and Collaboration in Bow Making
54:15 Testing and Improving Bows
57:25 Connecting with Customers and Future Plans
05:58 The Journey into Bow Making
08:54 Materials and Techniques in Bow Making
11:56 Types of Wood and Their Characteristics
15:07 Crafting Techniques and Bow Styles
18:00 Personal Connection to Bow Making History
22:06 Crafting Passion: A Family Tradition
23:51 Archery as Meditation: Finding Peace in Practice
26:40 The Art of Bow Making: Techniques and Materials
27:17 Selling Bows: The Market and Pricing Strategies
28:44 Leather and Horn: Crafting Details in Bow Making
29:48 Exploring Wood Types: From Sapwood to Heartwood
34:14 Hunting Regulations in Denmark: A Costly Pursuit
40:32 Instinctive vs. Aiming: Understanding Shooting Techniques
47:57 Exploring Archery Styles and Techniques
51:56 The Journey of Boxing and Competition
54:20 Family Life and Hobbies
56:41 The Workshop Experience
01:02:03 Lessons from Bow Making
01:09:04 Learning Resources and Mentorship
01:11:29 Branding and Online Presence
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