Wool/quail/bucktail

[anschutz1913]

Hey Guys,

I'm really excited to get back into fly tying after a 7 year break! Anyway, I've got my hands on some black and white roven wool?? (not yarn). I was wondering what kind of basic trout and steely patterns could I whip up?

Also, I have collected a bobwhite quail, and a whitetail--bucktail which are sitting in my freezer. I was wondering how to preserve them so I can use for tying later???

Thanks,
ANZ

[AndyK]

Originally Posted by anschutz1913

Anyway, I've got my hands on some black and white roven wool?? (not yarn). I was wondering what kind of basic trout and steely patterns could I whip up?

Good question. Experiment...

Originally Posted by anschutz1913

Also, I have collected a bobwhite quail, and a whitetail--bucktail which are sitting in my freezer. I was wondering how to preserve them so I can use for tying later???

Putting them in the freezer first was a good idea; it kills any parasites on the skin.

Defrost the skins and coat "wet" side of skin with borax. Once it dries, store in a zip lock bag.

[Newbs]

The last deer I killed... I took the hide and salted it real well then staked it out on a piece of plywood. After it dried, I scrapped the hide to get all the fat and flesh off, then soaked it in a solution of salt and allum for about three days. Then I staked it out again and let it dry for a couple of weeks.

I got all the info on how to "tan" the hide by doing a Google search. There were lots of options. I picked one that seemed simple.

Now it's a nice clean hide that I can cut hair off any time I need it. A full dear hide will last you a long time.

I've also done elk, moose and antalope with the same method.

[anschutz1913]

Thanks for the responses! I will give the borax method a try. I only have the tail, so I dont need to do the whole tanning method I dont think. Will keep in mind for future use however.

Now, do any of you dye the materials? If so, any recommendations?


Thanks,
ANZ