Question for the fly tyer's

[2 Tollers]

I have been asked by a couple of people to save bird feathers and fur from harvest's this fall. What is useful? The full pelt from a pheasant? wings? tail hair only from deer? Anything from waterfowl?


Thanks for all advice

[ShortsideK]

Originally Posted by 2 Tollers

I have been asked by a couple of people to save bird feathers and fur from harvest's this fall. What is useful? The full pelt from a pheasant? wings? tail hair only from deer? Anything from waterfowl?


Thanks for all advice

When I first started tying, part of the fun was finding alternative materials to use (natural and synthetic) so that I didn't have to buy the "official" tying stuff. Its was part of the "game".

It's still fun, but now I realize that the seemingly tiny packages of tying material that we buy (usually around $5) will tie tons of flies. They're also clean and available in the colors we want.

You should ask your friends what they want specifically.
I guarantee you that if you dump a pile of bird skins and a moose/deer/elk hide on their front step they will not be pleased.

They're not going to get dry fly hackle from you.
Other than giving them a few pheasant tail feathers I really can't see the big deal.
Just my opinion, but I'm hopeful others will educate me.

[Mr Flyguy]

Everything is useful. Once I lent my canoe to some duck hunters and they gave me enough mallard wings to last a lifetime.

Pheasant tails and rump feathers are always welcome.

A chunk of deer or moose hair goes a long way, why pay?

And goose feathers? Bring 'em on please!

[Don Andersen]

You best check with Fish and Wildlife regarding feathers. There are some strange and quite unexpected consequences occasionally.
From what I recall, you have to include a letter telling the recipient how and where the feathers come from plus a copy of your current license. But you better check with them as I am sure that some things might have changed since I did the same thing. Lots of silly stuff in the laws.
And please don't shoot the messenger. I didn't invent the regulations.

Don

[ShortsideK]

Originally Posted by Don Andersen

You best check with Fish and Wildlife regarding feathers. There are some strange and quite unexpected consequences occasionally.
From what I recall, you have to include a letter telling the recipient how and where the feathers come from plus a copy of your current license. But you better check with them as I am sure that some things might have changed since I did the same thing. Lots of silly stuff in the laws.
And please don't shoot the messenger. I didn't invent the regulations.

Don

What about feathers obtained from "road kill"?

[Don Andersen]

Like I said, I am neither an enforcement officer or lawyer just a guy who needed permission to acquire or distribute feathers or skins.
Haven't done it in years. Regulations may have changed. You best check.
I've heard that road kill is legal with a permit.


Don

[ShortsideK]

Originally Posted by Mr Flyguy

Everything is useful. Once I lent my canoe to some duck hunters and they gave me enough mallard wings to last a lifetime.

Pheasant tails and rump feathers are always welcome.

A chunk of deer or moose hair goes a long way, why pay?

And goose feathers? Bring 'em on please!

I agree somewhat (in very small doses).
I do not, however, have any desire to get a gift of some lice infested, maggot laden, mud/blood caked feathers or chunks of hides. Not even getting into the inherent smell.

If we're interested in the "why pay" aspect, why don't we do more harvesting of the road-kill we often see. Its free and we can get exactly the pieces we want.

Is it worth the effort? Yes to some. Not to me.
If the opportunity falls in my lap, I'd be interested if a few pheasant tail/rump feathers, but other than that, I'll pass, thank you.