Skeet Sutherland beamed at son Cuinn as they tillered their bows. "Oh Sweet Boy, I've waited so long for this." Most fathers dream of one day sharing their deepest passions with their children, and we feel very fortunate that Skeet and Cuinn let WeatherWool be a part of this day with them. 

Skeet has taught survival skills, hunting skills, and wilderness living skills to thousands of students over the past two decades. Although Cuinn has grown up with many of these teachings as part of his daily life, this particular day was extra special. Cuinn had recently graduated from his hunter education program, and this December, when he turns 15, he will be legally able to hunt. Firearms and compound bows will likely be part of Cuinn's hunting journey as well, but there is nothing more pure than the pursuit of harvesting food for your family with bows and arrows you produced with your own hands. 

We are all well aware that not every child out there grew up with a father who can teach them how to make their bows. So, Cuinn and Skeet agreed to let us document their process, affording others a means to gain the foundation they need to get started.

For those who are particularly keen on learning these skills, we are also including the deleted scenes below so you can get a more detailed look at the process and hear the direction and guidance Skeet shares with his son Cuinn, a little less edited.

For those who are extra serious, Skeet will be teaching in-person classes, with the next bow-making course scheduled for August 1st-4th, 2025. You can learn more about Skeet and his courses on his Website https://sticksandstoneswildernessschool.com/

Skeet and Cuinn are both wearing Al's Anoraks. 

We hope this project finds its way into the lives of those out there who appreciate it. Making a self-bow is so much more than making a weapon. Like all crafts, bow building can be a wonderful way to calm our busy minds and connect our hands to something very real.

-Cody Bokshowan

Deleted Scene 01 - Full Bow Drill Fire

Delete Scene 02 - Finding The Bow In The Stave

Deleted Scene 03 - Carving The Nocks

Deleted Scene 03b - More on Kocks

Deleted Scene 04 - Making The String

Deleted Scene 05 -Tillering 

Thank you Skeet and Cuinn for sharing your time with us. 

Photos, Videos, Words - Cody Bokshowan,