Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Hardawaypoints on August 21, 2009, 12:56:56 am

Title: Feathers for Fletching
Post by: Hardawaypoints on August 21, 2009, 12:56:56 am

Hey Folks,

I was wondering where everyone gets their fletching feathers?  I used to order some out of archery supply catalogs, and I'm sure many people use the ones they got from turkeys harvested during the hunting season.

The reason I ask, is because I hunt turkeys and have saved the primary wing feathers off three birds I took in the past two seasons. What should I expect to get per feather if I sold them?  Thanks for any advice.

Jim

Title: Re: Feathers for Fletching
Post by: Pat B on August 21, 2009, 01:11:43 am

Not much from this group. We trade for what we want and need.

Title: Re: Feathers for Fletching
Post by: Pappy on August 21, 2009, 07:34:16 am

What Pat said,I get and give so many away ,can't imagine buying them. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: Feathers for Fletching
Post by: mullet on August 21, 2009, 03:33:27 pm

  Seven birds for me last year, I don't need them. :D

Title: Re: Feathers for Fletching
Post by: sailordad on August 21, 2009, 04:20:34 pm

i keep my turkey wing feathers for fletching just like the others,also i get thme from fellow buzzar chasers
i also cull roadkill turkeys for their wing/tail feathers.
and early goose season will be here soon,so i hope to get some of themm too,i have alot of friends that hunt goose so ya never know

but if ya want to sell them,i think i would give about a nickle each for them,got about 12 complete wings frozen right now so no great need here

Title: Re: Feathers for Fletching
Post by: JackCrafty on August 25, 2009, 03:10:35 pm

I think a lot of people wonder about selling feathers, so I think it's worth asking.

First of all, not all states allow the sale of wild game feathers.  If your state does, then expect lots of feathers to be on the market...in other words, you won't get much from an experienced buyer.  You will get more for fully process feathers of the highest quality.  By fully processed I mean, washed, steamed, hand selected for perfect vanes, and with the entire quill intact.  If you cut and grind them into popular shapes, you can get more.  Again, many people are doing this so don't expect too much.

The most profitable feathers seem to be those from rare breed turkeys that are bred specifically to produce raptor-like feathers.  There are some turkeys that produce feathers that look like eagle, crow, and buzzard feathers.

A quick tour of ebay will give you a good idea as well.