Fur Tracers

[kountzer0]

Hello all...been a long time since I posted but I've been lurking for quite a while again recently.

I recently read the fur tracer posts in the how to archives which made me wonder about a few things.

To recap, one uses some fly tying materials and techniques to tie a strip of bright bunny hair behind the fletching to increase visibility in flight (think tracer bullet) and to show blood better on a pass thru, while also avoiding bright highly visible fletching.

As an archer and fly tyer, I am curious if other options have been explored, like a bright saddle hackle feather tied on instead of a bunny strip as it would be much lighter, less bulky and much less expensive per arrow.

Strange question, I know but hey this is a kind of strange addiction we share eh?

I would like to thank you all for such a wonderful forum.

[tracker12]

Marabou will work also just not as durable.

[Chad Orde]

I have tried them but didn't seam to help much, my opinion. Lighted nock is the best for arrow recovery I think.

[Pat B]

Rabbit zonkers has worked the best for me. I use fletch tape to attach them.

[PeteA]

Nice idea on the fetching tape, Pat B.

[JimB]

I haven't used them for decades but my recollection is that the showed up well in the target but not so much in flight.The fur flattens out in flight and I just don't remember it helping much.

[tippit]

If you are a fly tyer, it's pretty easy to attach the bunny strips with a whipped finish...much stronger than fletch tape.  Look up "Tying on Fur Tracers...Fly Tying 101" in "How To - Resources"...tippit

[KSdan]

I may try that. As the only con for me has been the durability.  

Contrary to some here, I actually like the tracers-particularly for practice. I liked a bright pink or green against white fletching. This allowed my eye to pick up the flight quickly.  According to Sports Pysch studies, the arrow flight trajectory feedback greatly accelerates your brain's learning and performance (Read Jay Kidwell).  I found this to be true.
   
Dan in KS

[LBR]

I use marribou feathers and rabbit fur on wood arrows.  Not as bright as a lighted nock, but worked well for me.  Feathers are more visible to me.

[Pat B]

With fur tracers you see where the arrow hits when the tracer flares. In flight it lays flat with little restriction to the flight of the arrow. I've not used marabou feathers for tracers so I can't comment on them.