For you that use hickory as a bow backing, how much difference is there in using kiln dried lumber vs air dried? Or for that matter as bow laminations as well?
Kiln dried works good. I have never used air dried. My GUESS is seasoned hickory would work good or better, no different than most bow woods. Just a guess.
Seasoned wood is almost always best. Hickory is moisture sensitive so I think that's the biggest factor in using it. It will easy take set if it gains moisture.