I had two 20" hickories uproot and fall on my place. they were just dead and leaning for 8 months and have been on the ground for 6 months. I finally got in there and cut them up for wood for my smoker. I left the straightest section with the fewest limbs long for staves.  I live in NW Louisiana and am wondering if the tree will probably still be good for making into a bows. I will try to post pictures soon.

or would I need to cut a live hickory? there are plenty around but I hate to cut a live one since I have these two that fell.

Do not use any dead whitewood for bows. Rot sets in quickly once a hickory tree dies.
 Cut a live tree for building bows. If you cut it now the bark will peel off and whats under it is the best bach you can ever have.

Thanks, Pat.  I thought it look like rot was setting in.  I'll just cut a fresh one. Thanks for the fast response.

There are exceptions to every rule. Do yourself a favor and cut live wood no matter the species or season.