rookieflyguy

Hi Mark, If you're still letting folks in, I'd like to get in with picket pins!

If I'm going to nuke an animal pelt, I'll have to be sure my wife isn't home!!! :shocking: What methods do you suggest for cleaning and curing other animal parts? (I did reply to the gent with the caution about laws on my other post; point well taken.)

Message received and understood. I work as a naturalist at a conservation area in the summertime, and I would absolutely never cause any injury to these birds. Because I'm outdoors often, I do come across the occasional raptor feather. However, you certainly make a good point about the violation, and I will leave them where I find them. Thanks for the response. I'll look forward to reading your reply to my other question.

Hey, I'm really happy to read all the great info I'm learning about here! Seems like a great forum! Like my screen name implies, I am new to fly tying and fly fishing. I posted a question about using different kinds of furs and feathers that you find outdoors. Here's my question: how do you go about cleaning and curing animal parts? I already snipped a red squirrel tail from a road kill that I found, but I'm concerned about parasites and other germ-related issues. Thanks to all!

How do you clean and cure critters?

This is great! Keep the answers coming!

Here's one topic that I hope will start a long discussion. I am a rookie fly tyer. I've read about natural materials, along with easily found materials, and I'd like your input on what uses, if any, these critters may be. If they're useful, can you suggest a fly in which they will be used? (I've tried to avoid the most obvious) Thanks! Have fun, everyone! FUR: Grey Squirrel Red squirrel opossum red fox cat dog raccoon beaver skunk beaver horse deer OTHER ROAD KILL/EASILY FOUND FUR? FEATHERS: pigeon mallard sea gull (or other sea bird feathers) goose crow turkey hawk OTHER EASILY FOUND FEATHERS? Thanks, and have fun! Hugh