I've made many selfbows, with my first being Hickory. I hunted this past season with a snake skin backed Osage bow that I started for my Dad, but he unfortunately passed away before I could give it to him. I'm working on a snakey Osage character bow now. I make laminated bows too, but selfbows are my favorite to make and hunt with. All the books mentioned are great and I definitely recommend them. It's also nice if you can find someone to show you the ropes on your first one.