Primitive arrow fletch question

[Sam McMichael]

I have just made my first set of cane arrows and fletched them with 3 turkry vanes. I used 5" feathers that are @ 1/2" inch or so high for the entire length of the fletch. They shoot pretty good close up, but they seem to fly like  flu-flus and sound like a covey of quail taking off. What size fletching do you hard core primitive guys use on your cane arrows?

I need some feed back before I go and start trimming back these feathers any further, because if I screw them up I don't have any more raw turkey feathers on hand.

This primitive stuff is kinda addictive, isn't it?

[JamesKerr]

I use a 5" feather but only leave it about 1/4" high.

[stringstretcher]

Did you use primary or secondary feathers?  Secondaries will make a lot more sound than primaries?

[Sam McMichael]

Stringstretcher, they are secondaries, so maybe I am stuck with some noise. But I will trim them back a little more as JamesKerr mentioned above.  I also have some goose wing feathers that I will try next. Thanks.

[braveraven]

Another thing you might give a go in the future would be to fletch your cane arrows using the Southeastern Woodland type, two feather fletch method.  You can cut the feathers down to your own taste and they are easy to do once you work at it some.  They are fast as greased lightning and quiet.  Go on line and look for info on TWO FLETCH PRIMITIVE CANE ARROWS and it will get you started.  I hope you try this technique, you won't be disappointed.

[JAG]

x2 braveraven

[Jim Dahlberg]

Got an arrow box full of cane shafts with 5.5 - 6"X 3/4" high scissor cut feathers that have punched through dozens of animals.  Feather noise is usually not a problem when shooting animals.  Just my opinion. It's the sound of the bow that causes animals to react.  Again just my opinion.  Shoot what flies best for you.

[Sam McMichael]

braveraven, I had originally intended to use the Southeastern fletch, but all the feathers I had on hand were already trimmed. That to me is a cool looking arrangement. When the height of the feathers was reduced, I found they flew much quieter. Out of 5 river cane arrows, 3 are very accurate, and I think I could hunt with them.

I hope to obtain some more feathers pretty quick and will attempt this style fletch. I am really enjoying this.  I also made 2 Tonkin cane arrows, in addition to the 5 river cane ones, which fly point left. Does this indicate a need for more weight up front? The shafts are 30" and have 125 grain ponis on these 2 arrows.