Gather a straight, flexible wooden stave
Choose a length slightly taller than your height
Remove bark and smooth the surface
Mark the center of the stave
Taper both ends evenly
Cut shallow string nocks at both ends
Bend the stave gently to check the flex
Attach a strong bowstring between the nocks
Make sure the string is tight and centered
Select straight shafts for arrows
Cut arrow shafts to a consistent length
Smooth and straighten each shaft
Add a notch at the rear of each arrow
Attach fletching to the rear of each arrow
Shape or attach an arrowhead to the front
Balance each arrow before use
Test the bow carefully with light draw first
Adjust the bow and arrows as needed