Wild Turkey feathers

[Carpdaddy]

Anyone Else make their own fletching from local Turkey feathers? I'm going to make up some more when I get time. Just thought if there was any interest I would post pictures of how I do it. Probably not the right way but it works for me.

[Cookies]

I currently don't, but I'd love to learn!

[Big Dude]

I started making my own after a few tips from CD and enjoy making them but so far mine are not too fancy,but work great.

[Captainkirk]

Yes, please! I have a couple wings my buddy gave me (left & right) so I can fletch arrows either way.

[Carpdaddy]

When I get some strength back I will do a few. I think they make the best looking fletching and perform well also.

[Captainkirk]

Waiting anxiously. But get feeling better first.

[Carpdaddy]

Time to fletch some arrars, first thing I need is some Turkey feathers, lucky for me I have several buddies that hunt them and give me the wings. If you are this lucky and get some yourself then put them to use. First though clip them off at the base with a good pair of cutters, I use metal cutters or tin snips myself. Then you need to put them up for bout a month. When they dry out the primary feathers will get a crease down the middle. Look closely at the picture and you will see a primary feather on your left and a secondary on your right. The best primary ones will only have one side that the feather spreads out. I have used both in a pinch but it's best to use the biggons. (And no; that's not Steve, that's my grown up babies old spongbob table, use what you got).

[Captainkirk]

OK, I'm listening....

[Carpdaddy]

Ever heard the saying "there is more than one way to skin a cat"? Well there is more than one way to turn your feathers into fletching also. First the quick, easy, but not as good way. The shortcut easy way involves stripping! Don't panic Captian, I'll keep this rated G! What you do is put the base of the feather in a vise with enough pressure to hold it in place without crushing it, have the side to strip pointed out. Then pinch near the top with your left hand fingers (if right handed like me), and right below that a few inches from the top get hold of the feathers on the right in the other hand or fingers. I couldn't take a picture of this since I only have two hands! Now with a slow steady motion begin to pull downward with the right hand. Practice on a few secondary feathers first, you will pick it up after a few. You will soon be able to quickly strip several in a short time. Here's the start before I had to turn loose and take a picture.

[Carpdaddy]

And down we go, I stopped short for a picture.