Processing Feathers

[JamesV]

I have a fresh kill and would like to use the feathers. Where do I start after the wings are removed. Can the tail feathers be used? Thanks guys...............James

[topGUN]

I am also wanting to process my own feathers. Anxiously awaiting responses to this thread as well.

Jeff

[bigbadjon]

I usually take a pair shears and cut off the primary and secondary wing feathers. After that you need to split the quill and keep the good half of the feathers. After that you can sand down the quick of the feather by hand or with a sander. I do recommend making a grinding jig or buying one from Great Northern so you can grind them with a drill press and sanding drum. The jig is necassary for easily grinding the side of the quill, the base is easy with any method.

[bigbadjon]

Oh you can use any feather of sufficient size to make a fletch, technically. However only wing feathers will fly like you expect. I would get a turkey plaque and mount the fan as a trophy.

[Rob DiStefano]

fellers, just check the 'how to -resources' forum!

 turkey!

 goose!

[hova]

do a little googling. you can use whatever you want. the primaries , iirc , the longer ones , are used for good hunting arrows. secondaries and whatnot are used for regular stumpers or target or whatever...


as long  as the feathers are stiff enough and long enough (  :D  ) , you can use just about anything for fletch...


theres also about 200 posts on TG about this. im no expert , just letting you know to try using the search feature on here or google it...


-hov

[Art B]

Tail feathers make a great fletch. But first thing you want to do is to get rid of any dust mites using moth balls or borax sealed in a garbage bag or someting airtight.....Art

[chanumpa]

Hello James,I too am learning to process my own.I took Robs advise and went to the how to resources and quickly learned alott.Was doing some things wrong.Really good stuff.