Which wood in Michigan is best for carving??

I want to do some tiki faces in totum poles about 4 feet high. Which wood could I use in michigan that would carve well?? Im new to this and I am going to learn as I go. Thanks.

Yo, TikiM, where U at?? fB

Pine is an easy carve that sands well, takes a good finish and holds up well outside. Cherry and Oak carve well. There are a lot of Ash and Elm trees dying up here so they are pretty available anywhere in some nice diameters and length. I like carving both.

Watch the carving bug, once it gets in you it's like a termite.