Finding cottonwood bark on my own

[K Karver]

I have found some really good advice on the forum so here is the next question for me. Part of what I enjoy about wood carving is the scrounging for wood and exploring God's good earth for the right piece of wood. There is a joy in finding that just right tree, limb or piece of bark.

Now for the question: How far from Lansing, IL might I have to travel to be able to find cotton wood bark that is thicker than 1 or 2 inches. I am looking for 3 to 4 inch stuff. I know I can buy it on line from many good shops - many listed in this forum. And I have so purchased bark. But what I am looking for is a day or two trip out looking through forests or groves I have not seen before and finding something to take home with me.

Any help?

Xiexie/Danke/Merci beaucoup/Thanks a bunch.

John K Karver

[Clifford_Parker]

I just drive around in the country looking for dead tops then obtain permission to enter the property and check. Since Lansing is in a metro area you might have to travel a bit.

This last week I found one tree felled by the wind during an icestorm and one standing dead cottonwood that the farmer let me harvest bark from. Here in North Central/ North East Iowa I commonly find bark that is 3-4 inches thick on old dead trees. It isn't the "monster bark" like I have seen from out west ( 4-6 inches thick, 4-8 inches wide, and up to 2' long ) but it works for me.

[K Karver]

Thanks Cliff,

Do you find that farmers are generally open to you looking through their land? Do you offer them something for it? Or are they willing to part with the bark? Offer them a carving?

John K Karver

[woodtrapper]

John,I have been with a friend and member Alex Bisso here in Billings and knocking on doors to get permission to hunt for wood on farms.Sometimes you can sit and have a cup of coffee and talk about what are your intentions.I think the best advice is offer a carving in return and the favor will come back ten fold.I have found that the base of the tree holds the thickest and best selection of bark.Davy

[Clifford_Parker]

John,

I usually just ask but do carry a couple small carvings to offer in exchange. The farmers around here are usually pretty used to hunters, fishermen, mushroom and ginseng hunters, etc. so asking to cut a few sticks or to tear the bark off a dead tree is unusual but not too "nutty".

As you drive look for dead branches high above other tree tops. Cottonwoods are often the tallest trees in a grove and the dead tops stand out once you know what you are looking for.

[K Karver]

Thanks Davy and Cliff,

I just know I am going to have to go on a road trip somewhere for the fun of finding wood.

John K Karver