FLYMPH FORUM

My neighbor came over with some mallard wings for me that he got from some hunters. That's a blessing to me right now.

My question is, how long should I keep them in the freezer to kill any bugs that may be attached to them?

Also, does chucker make a good tying material?

I usually put my new skins and hides in the freezer for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Although chukar is usually not used in traditional soft hackle patterns , I have used certain feathers for drake patterns ( see Davie McPhail patterns). I have a couple of chukar skins and they vary in color, from a dun to a beautiful olive brown and use the covert feathers for spider patterns.

Lou

Kilts.....I typically leave them in the freezer for a few weeks.....then pull them out and let them go to room temp for a week and a half or so in a zip lock bag.....than back in the freezer for a week or so. This breaks the insect life cycle. Your wings are in my freezer right now for the first freeze period. Cant be too careful.

Dave

Exactly what Seneca said! You've gotta do it twice so you don't get any surprise visitors from bugs that may hatch out from the larva stage. But typically speaking ducks and other fowl are pretty safe.

I microwave my chicken feathers for 10 seconds, as well as freezing them.