Hi FOLKS, I was wandering around on YT and see that FLORIDA has some problems with invasive species like iguanas and Egyptian GEESE. Just wondered if the FEATHERS from the geese would do for fletching arrows? GOOD HUNTING & BLESSED BE!

Goose feathers do and have for many years made good fletching.

I sure would like to find some of those geese. None in my area and I like goose feathers. I have to "beg" for them. I am too far north for iguanas.

BATMAN, goose feathers have been used for centuries for arrow fletching. There's even a book called The Grey Goos Wing, by E.G. Heath on archery.

they are supposed to be more waterproof too

I think Joe Frisky collects them and uses them.

If you take a good look, you can see the oil line. Matches a 4 inch low-profile shield pretty nicely.

I kind of wish we had some (tasty and useful) invasive species around here to create more opportunities to get out… But I sure am glad that we don’t have a problem with invasive species up here. Not apart from carp, anyway!

And pigeons, and starlings, and English sparrows and rats and… But it’s mostly stuff that’s a little on the small side for Bowhunting.

The crazy thing is… Our local government, and their finite wisdom, decided that there should be a 2 fish a day limit on carp.

WhutdaWHUUUUUT???

Saxton Pope found that turkey feathers were much stiffer, but the English gave many goose fletched arrows to the French.

Is there a commercial outlet for goose fletching?

Chairman, not that I know of. I use both & turkey feathers are better. Goose feathers are more like the secondary turkey feathers. They are softer & tend to flutter & make more noise. Especially if very large fletchings. I have a set of bamboo arrows with 2 natural turkey & the cock feather is a grey goose. They work O.K. with my self bows & up to 20 yards.>>--> Ken

Perfect for those rainy days.

You can get goose featherscfrom Moscow Hide and Fur but You have to process them yourself.

Seems to me that Raptor Archery has them occasionally.

I bet Swan primaries would be really good.Very hard to come by though.

Speaking of nasty invasives… yeah, we have swans around here, too… but I don’t think we’re allowed to hunt them :(

yup, send mine out to Stykbz for grinding.

I used domestic goose feathers exclusively for 6 years.I am currently going to try ibis feathers.We got thousands around my place and they shed a lot.I have tried Australian black swan.Our swans are protected but there are a few road kills.Swam were a bit soft but quiet compared to Turkey.My other thing is pelican feathers.Just down from my house we have a wetland fulll of plenty of fowl Osr

I wonder about the feathers on the Egyptian geese? As to what color? Anybody know? GOOD HUNTING & BLESSED BE!

Got an old part of some farm yard goose fletching.Probably 25 to 30 years old

Got an old part of some farm yard goose fletching.Probably 25 to 30 years old

My findings mirror 2 bears statement. Too soft and noisy for my liking.

@Jon Stewart, I couldn't find any mention of Stykbz either on the Google or on a handle search here. I could use someone who processes feathers.

Sorry, mis-spelled the handle. It is Stykzz. He is on the trade thread. does a great job. Been using him for a few years now.

Just remember that here in the United States if any bird is federally protected it is illegal to possess any part of it including feathers.

I seem to recall someone posting a story of getting a hard time from a game warden about it. I can't remember who it was or the exact details but I know it involved the arrows being fletched with feathers they weren't supposed to legally have.

As above, I shipped Canada goose feathers south in a trade here on the Wall.

Seized at the boarder.

Be wary.

BTW, They work great for me.

Batman, don't know about Egyptian geese, sorry.

Feeling the feathers, side by side, my turkey and goose feathers feel almost identical in stiffness. However, I cut them more like flu flus. If goose is softer, it would be at the edges and could be trimmed down to stiffen them. Water flies right off goose feathers. Mine are from our Giant Canada geese. They molt around June 4h here. Most people prefer the looks of the goose feathers over the turkey, but I like the turkey best.

Joe

Here they are, full length.

Joe

Nice looking arrows Joe!

Thank you! They are surprisingly straight, but I only shoot them at 17 yards and in. The goose fletching does make a swishing sound that I like. I think it's more due to leaving them so wide than it is softness.

Joe

I looked up Egyptian geese in Florida and got to this: it’s several years old.

https://www.wlrn.org/news/2019-08-13/egyptian-geese-make-their-home-in-a-south- florida-park-a-stinky-controversy-ensues?_amp=true

I guess I should know better than to let it get to me, but it annoys the hell out of me when the touchy-feely types are awarded the “environmentalist“ distinction, as if they give a rip about anything other than their own feelings.

Dog found a bunch of them in a pillow

Listen to them whistle in the Buzz video. Even with all that background noise. There was a video sometime back that looked to be in that same spot. It didn't have that noise & more arrows were shot. Buzz was that you? I was convinced that even I could duck those arrows. I don't want to start a big controversy again but I believe there is something to learn here. I get my bow as well as the arrows as quiet as possible. Kind, shape, & size of fletchings make a big difference. >>>----> Ken

Yep.

Guess I should show a picture once in a while. Here is both 2 turkey and one goose on a bamboo shaft. >>>---> Ken

I find it strange as my goose fletched arrows seemed to be quieter for me.Black swan feathers were similar too.Not saying you folk are wrong cause my hearing ain't the best any way.Pelican feathers are great similar to Turkey. Currently tempted to use Ibis feathers as they are dropping heaps at the moment.We got thousands here in my neck of the woods .Pick up feathers during dog walks.It is nothing to see hundreds of Ibises on local foot ball fields and parks.We also have cockatoos as well and at times they number in their hundreds as well.Sorry for you folk in in the US with protection of your wild life.I always take feathers and fur and off road kills protected or not.Waste not want not in I recon. Cheers Osr

I find it strange as my goose fletched arrows seemed to be quieter for me.Black swan feathers were similar too.Not saying you folk are wrong cause my hearing ain't the best any way.Pelican feathers are great similar to Turkey. Currently tempted to use Ibis feathers as they are dropping heaps at the moment.We got thousands here in my neck of the woods .Pick up feathers during dog walks.It is nothing to see hundreds of Ibises on local foot ball fields and parks.We also have cockatoos as well and at times they number in their hundreds as well.Sorry for you folk in in the US with protection of your wild life.I always take feathers and fur and off road kills protected or not.Waste not want not in I recon. Cheers Osr

Yeah, they make less noise if you don't make them too tall or leave that pointy tail end flapping in the wind. Sometimes I like that though, but not on my hunting arrows.

Aussie black swan

Aussie black swan

Can imagine big flight feathers on those big boys.

Actually you can use any bird feathers that are big enough for your purpose. The American Indians did. Turkey just seems to be the best & easiest to get. You do need to be careful about what is legal. There are good reasons why all processed feathers for sale are Turkey when geese are farm raised too. >>>----> Ken

An African goose walks into a bar and takes a seat next to a Burmese python. Bartender walks over and asks if the two know each other.

“Yes “ said the python. “We were introduced.”

While Canadian and many other geese are federally protected, they do have legal hunting seasons for them. If a wild goose is taken by any legal method, during a legal season, why would it be illegal to utilize the feathers from such a bird?

It's illegal to ship Canada goose feathers to the States.

Been there done that : (

Migratory birds are under Federal laws & agreements between countries.No one claims government laws are logical. Check for yourself very carefully for the area you are in. You can have a dead goose or goose parts during an open season if you have a waterfowl license. Out of season no license uh NO. Feathers your call. >>>----> Ken

A fellow LW'er used to give away goose feathers. I made a really cool set of woodies using the gifted feathers. I gave them to my hunting partner, he was very proud to have them.

I am sorry I can't remember who the LW'er was but he was beyond kind, thank you :)

2 bears, I’m playing devils advocate here. We have to have a federal and a state waterfowl stamp to hunt ducks and geese. There is a daily and a possession limit on both. Once we achieve our possession limit for a give species, we cannot legal have any until some are eaten, but I have never seen a time frame as to how long birds can be kept in the freezer until they are consumed, only a maximum number. Your thoughts?

I honestly don't know. I believe Waterfowl are the same as deer. In your own home you are good. I understand it is all to prevent the sales & creating a market. I use goose feathers myself at times. I just wouldn't travel across state or country borders with them. I urge everyone to check for themselves. I have read cases where bows made of restricted exotic woods were confiscated also. Probably depends on who checks you. There has to be a reason only turkey feathers are sold for archery. Better safe than sorry. >>>----> Ken

A friend of mine had a business picking the giant Canadian geese for goose hunters for years. He has always used the goose feathers for his arrows and sold the goose down to some company.

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here