Just finished grinding & chopping a bunch of wing feathers from this spring's tom. I also saved the tailfeathers; I was wondering if they could be used for fletching, too. I never have read or heard about it, maybe they're not stiff enough, but the bigger ones seem like they would work. And they have nice colors; maybe they could be the cockfeather. Anyone ever try this or know anything about it?

According to Bows and Arrows of the Native Americans by Jim Hamm, you can use the tailfeathers.

A guy on here told me he didn't use them because they tend to be a ways softer than the wing feathers, so they don't last as long.  Other than that, I don't see why you couldn't give them a whirl?  If you do, let me know how it goes-I've got some a guy gave me and haven't tried them out yet.  Good luck

Jeremy

A buddy of mine made a set with them and they turned out purdy as all get out!   I doubt they'll last as long, but they'll work just fine!!!  If it's arrow flight your after tuning is more important that what kind of feather is on the shaft.  If it's target shooting your after, they may not be for you.