AmandaM Report post Posted May 31, 2010 I have an idea for a project that needs a feather pelt (turkey, pheasant, etc), but don't know the first thing about working with that type of leather. Had anyone done taxidermy or worked with this stuff before? Is it durable? I also need a source, since I didn't get a turkey bowhunting this spring. ;( Have put the word on the street to the guys that I know, but am thinking it may be tough to come up with something. Where do fly-fisherman get theirs? -A Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MADMAX22 Report post Posted June 1, 2010 When I use to tie flies I would get my stuff at a sporting goods store (back then there were fly fishing specific stores but they are rare nowadays), you can try the regulars like cabellas, maybe dicks, any other major brand may have a fly tying section. With fly tying your gonna pay a premium for a small amount since most are just getting the best portions of the feathers. The only skins I saw with feathers were usually the pheasant and it was just the males chest portion with all the nice long ones on it. Any of the turkey would just be individual feathers sold maybe 2 or 3 at a time. I am not sure of durability but I am sure it is minimal. I have scene old feathers and they usually dont hold up that well but turkey and goose feathers seem to do alright (basically any of the bigger ones). If I was looking for what I think you are I would start at a local taxidermy place and go from there. If you have any in your area. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdowney Report post Posted July 11, 2010 (edited) They're easy to salt dry, never tried anything else. Just did a rooster neck (for fly tying). It's a bit hard to find a whole turkey skin as a skinless turkey makes an awful roaster I've seen pheasant skins for sale from tying distributors, try Feather-Craft, they usually have them. Other than that, maybe a taxidermist, though they mostly seem to have scraps of stuff rather than whole skins up for grabs. The few times I've done bird skins they tend to be thin, and I'd imagine they're less durable than a fur pelt in the same application. They're not especially fragile though. Edited July 11, 2010 by jdowney Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
