Bowyer Podcast

Weylin Olive is a professional bowyer and owner of Swiftwood Bows. He’s been making self bows for over 15 years. He began his bow making journey in Oregon, building his first bow with John Strunk. What started as a hobby became an obsession and then turned into a livelihood. In addition to building and selling bows he also teaches regular bow building classes in his shop in Lexington NC. He strives to create a well designed and perfectly tillered bow while also continuing to bring the details and finish work to a higher level. Find Weylin on his website, YouTube channel, or the r/Bowyer forum. www.swiftwoodbows.com Youtube: Swiftwoodbows Instagram: @swiftwoodbows  Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

Bowyer Podcast host, Matthew Morris, sits down with Dan Santana for Volume 03 in their “Bowyer in the Making” series. The fellas do a little bit of holiday catching up then dive into the tillering process. While framing the bow can be aggressive and gritty, the tillering process is slow, controlled, and requires finesse. Listen up for some solid advice that may save you a heartbreak in the future.  Dan Santana’s tillering videos: Tillering, Explained | Fundamentals of Bow Making Find Dan on his website, YouTube channel, or the r/Bowyer forum. www.dansantanabows.com  YouTube.com/DanSantanaBows https://www.reddit.com/r/Bowyer/ Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

Today I had the honor of sitting down with Mr. Fred Eichler to discuss bowhunting, stewardship, and even touch on Fred’s contributions to modern recurve bow and trad equipment designs.  His passion for bowhunting has taken him all over the world in pursuit of his next adventure, whether it's hunting brown bears in Alaska, pronghorn antelope in Colorado, or coyotes on neighboring farms.  Fred truly believes that any animal with a bow is a trophy, which I personally appreciate.  His personal quest to complete the North American Super Slam with a recurve bow reflects that state of mind. In mid August of 2009 Fred harvested a cow Tule Elk to become the first to take all 29 North American big game animals with a recurve bow and complete the Super Slam. Fred has been fortunate enough to share his love and enthusiasm of the sport with fellow bowhunters across the country through his television shows and personal appearances. If you ever run across Fred in the woods or at your local bow shop you’ll be greeted with a big smile and friendly handshake. Bowhunting is more than a passion for him, it’s a way of life. Find Fred at: Instagram: @fredeichler Youtube: @fredeichler Website: Fredeichler.com Outfitting: https://www.fulldrawoutfitters.com/ Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

Rick Spicer has worked with Pack Rat Outdoor Center in Fayetteville for over 25 years. During that time he has developed and led many different wilderness skills classes and programs. He taught climbing as an AMGA single pitch instructor for 15 years and for the last 10 years has focused on backcountry survival. He has worked as an instructor for Boulder Outdoor Survival School in Utah helping to lead their immersive and minimalist wilderness programs. He is the director of a backcountry adventure challenge called the Brewha Bushwhack and is a Wilderness First Responder. Additionally he runs a small business for archery accessories called Mallorn Gear. I met Rick through a mutual friend a year or two ago, and we got to hang together at a little event called Winter Strong in 2024. Rick is the real deal, a solid outdoorsman, family man, and one of my favorite humans.  Find Rick at: Website: www.mallorngear.com Pack Rat: www.packratoc.com Instagram: @mallorngear  Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

On this episode I sit down with the  Ranch Fairy himself, Troy Fowler. For those that know of Troy, they know he has a big personality, a goofy laugh, and takes arrow dynamics pretty seriously. Kidding aside, Troy has been a lifelong student of arrow flight and bowhunting, to include over a decade hunting with traditional kit. We discuss arrow tuning, setups, go on a few tangents about fishing, and segway into the teachings of Dr. Ed Ashby, who has been a mentor of Troy’s for many years. Listen up, this is a fun discussion.  Find Troy at: Instagram: @ranchfairy Youtube: @ranchfairy Ranch Fairy Lethality Center: https://siriusoutdoorgroup.com/sirius-archery/rf/ Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

I am excited to bring to you our first volume in the Icons of Traditional Bowhunting series with Mr. Gene Hopkins. Gene has been hunting with the bow & arrow for over 50 years, having hunted from Alaska to Sonora, and from Maryland to Oregon as well as 3 Canadian provinces. Gene has a passion for the preservation of our bowhunting heritage. Bowhunting is the king of sports, and it is through our efforts that it will prosper. Gene also believes strongly in keeping the spirit of our bowhunting pioneers alive, as well as celebrating their accomplishments in creating the bow & arrow seasons that we enjoy today. Without their efforts we would not have what many take for granted today. Gene is Senior Member of the Pope & Young Club, and Historian for both the Compton Traditional Bowhunters as well as the Archery Hall of Fame & Museum. Find Gene at: Instagram:@genehopkins3448 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thearcherycollector/ Archery Hall of Fame and Museum Compton Traditional Bowhunters Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

Deacon Andrews is the founder of Sisu Strong Performance Lab in Park City, Utah. A strength and conditioning coach, Deacon has spent the last 18 years building durable athletes. His clients have included Olympians, Xgames medalists, adaptive athletes, SWAT team members, Special Operations soldiers and backcountry outdoor guides and hunters. His passion for being ready for anything, anywhere, anytime has molded his training approach of The Generalist Program for durability in the mountains. Find Deacon at: Instagram:@strengthinthesemountains Youtube: @strengthinthesemountains Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

Happy New Year Bowyer Family! I am happy to open 2025 by hosting long-time bowyer, survivalist, and outdoorsman Clay Hayes. Clay grew up in the panhandle of Florida where he spent much of his days exploring the native flora and fauna. Clay has been building bows for over two decades, and has published what is likely the largest archive of bowyer tutorials on his youtube channel. Clay and his family divide their time between their homestead in Idaho, and the swamps of Florida where they spend their time in the out of doors.  Follow Clay At: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@clayhayeshunter Instagram: @clayhayeshunter  Website: https://www.twistedstave.com/ Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

On this week’s episode I chat with Czech bowyer , and pal of mine Mr. Zdnek - the Varangian Bowyer. Zdnek is a talented young bowyer, artist, and new father. He brings unique perspectives derived from his geographic location and cultural background that we do not typically get to hear about in the bowyer community. Sit back, listen, and enjoy.  Find out more: Varangian Bowyer www.varangianbowyer.wordpress.com Instagram: @varangianbowyer Youtube: @varangianbowyer      Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

On this week’s episode I sit down with seven other traditional bowhunters as we discuss a hunt recap aboard Homer Ocean Charters’ Valiant Maid fishing vessel. The fine folks from Compton Traditional Bowhunters put together this adventure hunt,which was composed of an eclectic group of hunters with different experience and skill levels, age classes, and perspectives. We chased the evasive Sitka blacktail deer up and down those steep Kodiak mountains, endured high winds and rain, thick vegetation; but also had a few sunny days, full bellies, and lots of fellowship.  Find out more: Compton Traditional Bowhunters Instagram: @comptontraditional         Website: www.comptontraditionalbowhunters.com Homer Ocean Charters Website: www.homerocean.com Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

In this episode I sit down with Trent Wengerd, of Wengerd Archery. As crazy as it sounds, Trent started making bows at the young age of 12 years old! While his first models may not have been anything to write home about (Trent’s words), who else can say they started this craft at such a young age? Nowadays, the bows that come from Wengerd are arguably some of the best in the business. In addition, Trent is a talented craftsman and wood worker, family man, and spends much of his time hunting big game in the Rocky Mountains of the American West. While the intent was to dive deeply into the inner workings of Wengerd Archery, we spent much of our time chatting about hunting and hearing about an epic mountain goat hunt that Trent had with his son.  I’m also joined by fellow bowyer and pal Peyton Owens, who filled the role of co-host on the episode. I look forward to having Trent on the show again in the coming months and diving deeper into the amazing bows that come from the Wengerd Archery shop.  Wengard Archery: www.wengerdarchery.com  Instagram: @wengerdbowyer  Check out our show sponsors: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

This episode dives deep into the world of traditional bow making as our host interviews Per Frieden, a Swedish bowyer and outdoorsman. Per shares his journey into crafting self-bows, starting from humble beginnings to creating functional works of art. From managing forestry in Sweden to teaching bow making classes, Per’s passion for craftsmanship shines through. The conversation covers everything from the challenges of working with hand tools and splicing billets to experimenting with fish skin bow backings. It’s a blend of inspiration, humor, and actionable insights for anyone curious about this ancient craft. Check out our show sponsors: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

On this week’s episode I sit down with Dan Santana to continue our Bowyer in the Making series. During Volume II of the series we discuss bow design and layout, tools, bow woods, making board bows, drying bow wood, and prepping the back of the bow. Stay tuned for Volume III of the series which should publish in mid-December.  Reference Videos: Quick Drying Bow Wood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZNfGMDLvKg&t=129s&pp=ygUXZGFuIHNhbnRhbmEgYm93cyBkcnlpbmc%3D Board Bow Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htMTnZiRcHk&t=1225s&pp=ygUVZGFuIHNhbnRhbmEgYm9hcmQgYm93 The Back of the Bow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Soc6zGGqHXk&list=PLi5Xnel2aIJbu4eFn1MvC_w7cGVIPCFwD&index=2&t=1843s Find Dan on his website, YouTube channel, or the r/Bowyer forum. www.dansantanabows.com  YouTube.com/DanSantanaBows https://www.reddit.com/r/Bowyer/ Check out our show sponsors: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

Mark Sasser is a life-long Californian and outdoorsman. He lives in Fresno CA with his wife Alicia and their youngest of 3 children. After being introduced to archery with a bear longbow as a 4th grader at YMCA camp he started traditional bowhunting in 1990. In the last 34 years Mark has hunted the west from southern Arizona to Alaska. As a co-owner at Bwana Bows Mark is constantly working to deliver custom longbows and recurves to the Tradbow community and enjoys watching customers become friends as he becomes a part of their adventures. Find Mark on the interwebs: Instagram: @california_tradbow_hunter  Bwana Bows:   www.bwanabows.com Check out our show sponsors: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

Matt Tyler has grown up in Georgia his whole life, bowhunted for over 20 years, and been strictly a traditional bowhunter for a decade now. He is most passionate about introducing new people to the sport. Over the past three years Tim Channell, Jake Reese, and Matt have leveraged their own podcast called Inside Twenty to intentionally do just that. We spend more time talking about the important aspects of life, such as family and faith, but we liberally sprinkle in traditional archery also.  Check out Matt: Instagram: @insidetwenty  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@insidetwenty    Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

Ron is a Native American/ Italian traditional bowhunter and craftsman from Ontario Canada. He was given the spirit name Standing Wolf by a Native Elder prior to the creation of Standing Wolf Archery. He started by making accessories that he personally wanted (beaver silencers being the first) and decided to give selling them online a try with some ecommerce help from his brother and feedback from friends at the local archery range. One thing led to another, now Standing Wolf is making many badass accessories for traditional archers all over the world. Find Ron at: Instagram: @standingwolfarchery   Website: www.standingwolfarchery.com    Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

During this episode Dan Santana and I introduce our multi-part series “Bowyer in the Making,” where we walk through the various processes of making your own selfbow, from choosing a tree to acquire a stave, hand tools, bow design, tillering, and finally putting a string and employing your new bow.  Dan is a master bowyer and YouTuber who wants to teach the world to make bows. He’s obsessed with self bows, their rich past, and the community dedicated to making them. He loves explaining the craft and sharing this rich art form with everyone he can.  Find Dan on his website, YouTube channel, or the r/Bowyer forum. www.dansantanabows.com  YouTube.com/DanSantanaBows https://www.reddit.com/r/Bowyer/ Check out our show sponsors: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

Better late than never! Dave Darling and I sit around the campfire at the Eastern Traditional Archery Rendezvous (ETAR) and generally BS for a while. Our discussion is very organic, with a few interruptions from our feral kiddos. We discuss Dave’s origin story, Kalamazoo Bow Works, and the upcoming Kalamazoo Traditional Bowhunters Expo. Dave Darling is a  husband and father of 6. He served 12 years in the MI Air National Guard, spent another 10 years as a first responder. Dave received his first longbow at age 3, and grew up among legends in the traditional archery domain, to include his father Greg Darling. David is the founder and owner of Kalamazoo Bow works, where he makes beautifully crafted and fast shooting longbows and recurves. Dave is also the owner of the Kalamazoo Traditional Bowhunters Expo, which hosts a variety of bowyers, traditional archers,makers and vendors each year in Kalamazoo Michigan.  Find Dave at: Kalamazoo Bow Works: https://kzoobowworks.com/wp/ Kalamazoo Traditional Bowhunters Expo: https://kzoobowworks.com/wp/expo/ Instagram: @kalamazoobowworks  Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

On this episode I sit down with my two pals Chris Guiadiz and repeat guest James Wood. Both of these guys are avid traditional bowhunters, but reside in completely different sides of the country. But alas, the welcoming world of traditional archery provided a good platform to these two guys to partake in fellowship and a little hunting as they tried their best to harvest a variety of invasive species on the Hawaiian Islands.Follow along for a hunt recap.  Find Chris at: Instagram: @curlykoa77  Compton Traditional Bowhunters Quarterly Journal ‘Walk in the Woods’: https://www.comptontraditionalbowhunters.com/be-a-member James: Instagram: @woodsoutdoors  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gunghobows Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/

Steven Bieber is a talented bowyer, family man, and forager who lives in central Florida. He teaches first-grade at an unorthodox, nature-based school where he gets to inspire young minds while embracing his love for nature. Steven is known for his ability to make beautifully crafted longbows, recurves, and reflex/deflex bows all under his side hustle Provision Longbows. If you’re in the market for a handmade bow that shoots 170+ FPS, give Steven a shout.  Find Steven at: @provisionlongbows  Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/