which turkey feathers for fletching.

[tomh]

I just got done plucking some fresh turkey wing feathers to save for fletching, but i can't tell from the two large types which one is used for that. Can anyone help me out here?

[beaver#1]

im in the same boat you are.

[pseman]

I am new at this, but I have made a few turkey fletchings. The longest straightest feathers nearest the outer part of the wings are the primaries and those that are nearer the body of the turkey are the secondaries. They will be a little shorter and broader, and not quite as stiff as the primaries. Both can be used for fletchings. The primaries are a little stiffer and long enough to possibly get two fletchings off of each.

Many others here have lots more experience than me on this subject and can offer more info and correct anything that I may have mis-stated.

Good luck and have fun making your own fletchings.

[Cherokee Scout]

The primaries will make a better fletching. I believe all professional feathers are made from primaries. Right wing or left wing makes no difference except they must be used in a right or left jig/clamp. A straight jig will do either right or left.

[Elk Chaser]

I have used the primary or longer feathers, right wing are what I use.
They have been great .
The turkey feathers remain resistant to rain even in a downpour
Bill

[dino]

The primaries are the best feathers for fletching.  They are the first 6-7 feather on the wing (I can't remember the exact number) were the leading edge of the feather is smaller than the trailing edge. The barbs of these feather are stiffer than secondaries and tend to hold up better.  

Secondary feathers which are still 10 to 12" sometimes have close to equal length barbs on either side of the quill.  The quill can be split down the middle and both sides can be ground for a fletch (one RW and one LW).  The barbs not being as strong or stiff don't hold up as well if left as flu flus or long tall fletches.  I like to chop them into 5" shields low profile or shorter lower profile feathers.  They wear much better that way.

[Paul Mattson]

I use only the primaries.  I just pulled 9 usable feathers from each wing.

[Danny Roberts]

Check out "Ferret's archery page" on the net.

[Hoytman]

Originally posted by BadgerArrow:
I use only the primaries.  I just pulled 9 usable feathers from each wing.

I have another question. Do you dip the wings in hot water to pull them, or just pull them out dry. I've never     used turkey feathers for fletching, but I'm going to. Back before I started filleting meat off the unskined or I used to dip them to puck them. Is that okay for the feathers?

[SOS]

Just get a heavy pair of wire cutters and clip them from the wing is the easiest.  I've heard of some folks sawing them off.  You don't need the point of the quill unless you are making pens....lol.