Collecting fly materials and being aware of the materials around you is a good trait for any fly fisherman to have. Even. If you don't hunt there are many ways to gather materials. I recently took a trip to cancun with my fiancé and while I was there I was able to get a entire pint size sandwich bag full of peacock feathers that the birds dropped as they walked around the resort. Also whenever I go bass fishing at the local pond I walk around and pick up a couple of duck feathers that are laying around that were left behind. I even get a lot o f materials just by visiting my local game processing place or taxidermy who always have furs and feathers left over. Doing stuff like this is not only a way to get the perfect materials you need but also a way to save money. Don't forget that a dollar saved is a dollar that can be spent on the next fishing trip. I plan on going back to the keys soon to do some bone fishing.

there is ALOT of excellent fly-tying materials that r just lost cos the hunters dont think theire valuable or usefull.. Havent tied a fly in 7-8 years but i used alot of naturals in my flytying.. soo many wonderfully patterned feathers and pelts.. even the odd bits u normally wouldnt consider.. seal whiskers for tailss that streams real nice anyone?? theire already waterproofed :D :P

thanks for the inspiration! just one more reason to love this sport—and my dog.

Dave I can hook you up with a friend who lives to fish the smokies! He knows all the out of the way pools.

I could hook you two up!

This is a great idea. I'll have to save some feathers off the training birds I've got in the freezer when I get them out in a week or so.

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