Curing/Drying Feathers

[Jumpingpound]

Sorry gang but this is kind of an odd question.  I'm just getting into traditional archery this year and went on my first ever grouse hunt the other day.  I didn't even have very high hopes of seeing one, let alone taking one, but lo and behold about 30mins into my first ever bow hunt I spot a group of 4 Ruffies and manage to get one before the rest scatter.  I saved some tail and wing feathers to stick in my hat band , but there is still some living tissue inside the quills.  What is the best way of curing or drying them out so they won't stink or rot?  Or can I just stick them in my hat band and not worry about it.  Thanks for any advice!

[Scott E]

When I do turkey fans I use borax on them to "cure" them.

[Sockrsblur]

If only tissue inside the quill... I have put them in the freezer inside a Ziploc bag to kill any possible feather eating bugs then use em... it's worked for 3 years no problem... others will chime in with more experience I'm sure.

[Biathlonman]

Salt and freezer has worked for me...

[Jumpingpound]

Thanks for the tips guys.  I'll put them in a ziplock bag in the freezer for a few days and see how that works.

[Flying Dogg]

Borax is used to keep mites and other critters from eating your feathers as they will in time.

[Flying Dogg]

Borax is used to keep mites and other critters from eating your feathers as they will in time.