"I have made many osage bows and hickory bows over the last 25 years from wood I harvested, cured and worked into a fine hunting weapon. I am not a newbie to put it one way. But was intrigued by composite bows and wanted to take a moment to shine some light on a class I recently took part in.  Dave Mead the "bamboo horse bow guy" is a master of his craft and as generous as they come. Spending one hour with him and you feel like you are standing still and have never made a bow in your life. First he sends you a course layout for you to study prior to your arrival. After arrival and some small talk, exploring his bows, sharing a couple of hunting stories, etc he gets right down to business. So when I said after an hour with him you are humbled it is because first you shoot some of his fire breathing bows then he builds (from scratch - chunks of wood and bamboo) a horse bow blank right in front of you. Then says now its your turn. I spent the next 8 hours learning from him how to do what he just did in 1. His shop is small, simple, but efficient with no fancy equipment and I respect that. His wood waste pile is enormous with bits and pieces of maple and bamboo (he calls it stove food) I would have to guess that he has made more bows in the last several months than I have or will most likely make my entire life. Its very humbling to say the least. When you realize how much time and thought he put into this design and the work that goes into just the kits he sells its pretty amazing he doesn't charge more. By the end of that day you have most of the bows shape/tiller worked out. Next day: Then he uses the one he built the previous day to show you how to final tiller and train the bow to begin to come to life. The shooting in or "training process" as he calls it begins. He explained this process goes on for days/weeks sometimes. All I can say is that this little bow feels like we are kin now.Its not like anything I have done before and incredible. They are like a fine tuned instrument. I won't share much more you will have to find out for yourself. It was a wonderful experience. Not sure how else to put it but this little unique bow is my favorite and I doubt any other can touch it for the value it holds. This is the fastest bow I own and I thank you Dave for sharing this with me."
P. Lawrence

Retired musician & woodworker

Nashville, TN

"I chose Mead Longbows mainly because I’d developed a curiosity in working with bamboo. I started following Dave on social media, watched nearly all of his You Tube videos and became intrigued with his skill. I’ve been making primitive bows for years. I’ve researched, studied and have a good understanding of the craft, but Dave is unique. There’s an organic appeal to his work, which to me reflects his character as a bowyer and as a man.

It was obvious from my research, that he had developed a good working knowledge with tried and true techniques. I wanted to soak up as much of that as I could, so I opted for the longer class. I’m self-taught. I have all the books, I’ve watched all the videos but I have never seen anyone work with bamboo, this is different than any other wood. I knew I needed a hands-on experience with a knowledgeable instructor to give me what I was looking for.

I arrived at his location, introductions were made and school was immediately in session. We talked for bit and discussed my background in bow building, helping David gain insight into my knowledge and skill. He then laid out a basic itinerary for the three-day course. Every minute aspect… Siyahs, handles and limbs were explained in a step-by-step approach, with detail. As we worked together, I found it especially helpful that he also worked on a bow as he instructed me. A few times, he had to take over my build just enough to correct mishaps and errors. The one thing that really stands out is the tillering process of the bamboo limbs; much different than wood/self bow tiller. That experience alone was worth the trip.

The end product is a beautiful, 45# @ 29-30” bamboo, horsebow that is light, extremely quick and accurate.

The whole experience has restored my passion for building. While it has always been a hobby, I mainly just enjoyed the aspects of working with wood. My time with Dave has broadened my view and deepened my understanding. Looking forward to returning for more instruction. I’m not only building as a hobby now. This course has given me the desire to hunt. Can’t go wrong with this guy. Hands down, you get what you pay for and so much more."

L.C. Green

Alabama

Private/Semi-Private Bow Building, Archery, Hunting, Self Reliance Workshops

ALL Workshops Include:
- All materials and tools needed
- Practice arrows and a target range
- 3 healthy meals each day and water provided
- You will leave with a fully functional bow that you can effectively use

NOTE: When scheduling the workshop keep in mind your arrival and departure days on site are part of the 3 or 4 day scheduled workshop.

No alcohol No smoking.

Workshop location is Russell Springs, Kentucky.

Archery is a gift from God and holds many rewards.

The bow and arrow can help you on your journey of personal growth by taking aim at yourself to let go of whatever is holding you back in reaching your goals. 

3 Day Bow Building Workshop:

3 Day Workshop - $1,500

A $200 non-refundable deposit required to reserve.

Email us to reserve a spot.

3 Day Bow Building Workshop Details: Bamboo Or Comanche Bow
Create your own bamboo composite bow (recurve or horse bow) using raw materials and hand tools. There is nothing out there to compare to this compact primitive bow! The bow will be made to perform at its peak for your draw length. Each bow is unique and each person is unique. We will ensure that your bow will be made to such specifications that it will become an extension of you. You will learn all that you need to in order to use and care for your new bow. You will also learn the basics of instinctive archery and hunting/stalking (if time/weather permits). We usually pull long days and can go into the night working around the campfire, etc. (Comanche style bow will begin as a hardwood bow blank with 1 day spent on the bow making and 2 days on learning Comanche Archery)

I have spent years perfecting the performance of my bow and arrow combo. This equipment is capable of shooting fast and flat over great ranges; similar to modern gear of today. In many cases, my bow will bring more to the table than the archer is prepared for. This equipment covers all archery needs: Zen, 3D Target, Hunting/Defense. You leave with tools and understanding on how to use them to forge your spirit. True Archery has helped improve my life immensely. I want to share this knowledge with others.

4 Day Bow Building, Instinctive Archery, Hunting/Stalking Workshop: Bamboo or Comanche bow - 4 day workshop - $1,700

A $200 non-refundable deposit required to reserve. 

Email us 

Discounts available to groups. Parent and child only have to buy one ticket unless both will be making bows. (discounts available for two or more)

4 Day Bow Building - Instinctive Archery, Hunting/Stalking Workshop Details:
Includes everything the 3 day workshop covers, in addition to the option to learn arrow making, or how to sinew back a bow. There will be plenty of time for archery lessons with your new gear, and hunting/stalking in the woods. 4 days gives you a clear understanding of making bows of many styles and materials. From tree selection to tillering it - the entire process. We usually pull long days. Intro to hunting portion of class (if time allows) will be held in approx 500 acres of deciduous forest with natural springs, creeks, hills, ridges, slopes, valleys and an excellent opportunity to cross paths with wild game. (Can swap out bamboo bow for Comanche style bow)

I have spent years perfecting the performance of my bow and arrow combo. This equipment is capable of shooting fast and flat over great ranges; similar to modern gear of today. In many cases, my bow will bring more to the table than the archer is prepared for. This equipment covers all archery needs: Zen, 3D Target, Hunting/Defense. You leave with tools and understanding on how to use them to forge your spirit. True Archery has helped improve my life immensely. I want to share this knowledge with others.

Self Reliance, survival and homestead workshops also available in the 3-4 day format. Email meadlongbows@gmail.com for more info 

Mason Gooding with Dave Mead

Gabriel Basso making a bow