Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: gene roberts on September 22, 2007, 11:52:55 am

Title: fletchings
Post by: gene roberts on September 22, 2007, 11:52:55 am
What is the best thing to use to fletch arrows with(besides turkey).do crow feathers work? ???  Does it matter with what they will be used for?I'll use mine with nutters to kill squirrels.
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: Pat B on September 22, 2007, 11:58:46 am
Any feathers will work. What you are doing is adding drag to the arrow so the tail follows the front. Be aware that some feathers(song birds, raptors and others) are federally protected and it could get costly if you are caught using them. Crow feathers are probably OK because folks hunt crows but I would check your local regs before using any of them.       Pat
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: gene roberts on September 22, 2007, 12:04:19 pm
thanks,i do hunt crows alot and have tail and wing feathers,wich are better??? 8)
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: Pat B on September 22, 2007, 12:10:17 pm
Probably either will work equally well. With a 3 fletch design the tail or secondary wing feathers would be best. Lay the feathers(whole) down on the shaft up side down, 3 around the shaft and wrap them on. You will be surprised how well they will fly.    Pat
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: 1/2primitive on September 22, 2007, 12:10:42 pm
I would think wing feathers would be better, but I haven't used tail..... but like Pat said, any feathers will work.
    Sean
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: gene roberts on September 22, 2007, 12:26:41 pm
thanks for your opinions
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: arrowmaker on September 23, 2007, 06:43:23 pm
I have a friend who works in the local ZOO I have tried-peacock- eagle- raven swan,never tried crow thanks get some and try
Fred (arrowmaker)
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: Justin Snyder on September 23, 2007, 06:56:17 pm
I have used crow feathers.  They are federally protected, but have hunting seasons in many states. Feathers taken legally during hunting season can be used.  I like primary feathers, they add more spin to the arrow.  Justin
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: gene roberts on September 23, 2007, 07:27:23 pm
thank you
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: Hillbilly on September 23, 2007, 08:02:31 pm
I've used crow feathers for Eastern woodland-style two-feather fletching, work pretty good. I like the tail feathers for those because they lay flatter to the shaft. Crow feathers are also good for the Cherokee/Creek-style radial fletching with three feathers laid flat on the shaft.
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: gene roberts on September 23, 2007, 08:53:30 pm
thanks
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: arrowmaker on September 24, 2007, 04:00:57 am
One thing there is someone out there who has the knowledge are your crows in USA the same as here in GB. or a your bigger then our,s.
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: Justin Snyder on September 24, 2007, 10:02:52 am
There are actually several species of crow in the US.  The common crow is naturally the most common.  It is around 17-20 inches long, with a wing span around 3 feet. The carion crow of GB is about 18-20 inches from what I understand.  Justin
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: arrowmaker on September 24, 2007, 12:20:16 pm
THANKS looks me starts crow hunting  >:Dwhen I get back home
Fred
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: Justin Snyder on September 24, 2007, 05:49:40 pm
Is it legal there?  Justin
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: gene roberts on September 24, 2007, 06:03:08 pm
i dont know if it is where he lives.
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: D. Tiller on September 24, 2007, 09:20:32 pm
Hey! If ya ever get more feathers than you need I will always be willing to take them off your hands!  ;D

David T
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: huntertrapper on September 24, 2007, 10:05:51 pm
D. Tiller what kind of feathers? for fletchings i have a few turk-ie and maybe more if i get a gobbler or hen in the fall season
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: gene roberts on September 24, 2007, 10:16:10 pm
thanks,i got enough crow and turkey.
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: D. Tiller on September 25, 2007, 04:40:04 pm
D. Tiller what kind of feathers? for fletchings i have a few turk-ie and maybe more if i get a gobbler or hen in the fall season

I sure could use some Turkey feathers. I'm making up some medieval style arrows to use in reenactment and hunting. Can ya IM me and we can go over the feathers? I can use anything though thats arround 6 - 7" long.

Thanks!

David T
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: Harrifer on September 27, 2007, 04:55:08 pm
I'm not a terribly experienced fletcher.

My first arrows had pigeon feather fletching, since it was all I had at the time and I just wanted to shoot. They were absolutely rubbish. I did combine them with some I found from a sparrowhawk once but they were just as bad.

I havent tried crow, but I have a few crow feathers lying around, could make some cool arrows, sort of evil looking.

My current set are fletched with Canada Goose feathers that I found. They were primary wing feathers and were enourmous, and very rigid. I found them very good, but since I don't hunt (illegal in the UK+canada goose doesn't taste that good) I have to work with droppers.

Does anyone know if its possible to get hold of domestic goose feathers from a butchers? Could be interesting.
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: bobnewboy on September 27, 2007, 08:43:21 pm
Hi Harrifer,  my advice would be to get round to some friendly farmers round here in Surrey (avoid the F&M affected though).. Many farmr raise geese for the table or for watchdogs, and hey, "Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat....."
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: gene roberts on September 28, 2007, 09:05:27 am
sounds good
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: makete on September 28, 2007, 10:33:07 am
I've used crow feathers for Eastern woodland-style two-feather fletching, work pretty good. I like the tail feathers for those because they lay flatter to the shaft. Crow feathers are also good for the Cherokee/Creek-style radial fletching with three feathers laid flat on the shaft.
               Would really like to see a pic of this style.
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: Hillbilly on September 28, 2007, 11:44:50 am
I'll try to get a pic up when I get a few minutes-might be a couple days. Are you interested in the two-feather, or the radial?
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: gene roberts on September 28, 2007, 06:32:33 pm
i'd like to see both
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: Kegan on September 28, 2007, 07:25:37 pm
Here's the Eastern two-fletch (with turkey).

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: fletchings
Post by: huntertrapper on September 30, 2007, 06:02:52 pm
D. Tiller i dont have IM but i can speak over the post, i dont have any wing feathers for fletchings right now but if this upcoming fall season works out and i get a turkey i would be glad to maybe send some to you