Wind Indicator Feather

[Bowhunter57]

While I was cutting, trimming, etc. with the wing feathers, I noticed that I'd saved the tail feathers too. I was thinking they sure are pretty, but not strong enough for flight feathers for arrows. Then I remember seeing "wind indicator" feathers on some traditional bows.
I cut near the tip of the feather, but left some of the stem to tie on a piece of sinew. I tied a serving knot with a tag end to be tied on my recurve and longbow, for wind indication/direction. Any slight breeze will kick these feathers and give a constant wind direction. I'm having fun with these feathers and while I'm rehabbing this knee, there ain't much else going on here.

 

[giles]

I would not want the added movement around me.

 

[Jamie]

Those are nice. I always have used a wind indicator, but I stopped bothering with the feathers because they always seemed to get torn off my bowstring or quiver. Did not matter where I attached it. Now I use a piece of frayed nylon thread. Catches the slightest breeze, never gets torn off or tangled around my bowstring.

 

[bowhunter1023]

I would not want the added movement around me.

You afraid of bobcats or what?

 

[Bowhunter57]

@giles
I understand your train of thought, but if the feather is moving, other things are moving too. I typically wear a leafy suit or jacket, so there's a lot of "things" moving around me and my location.
However, I do like the idea of the frayed string that @Jamie is referring to....even a piece of yarn would work too.

 

[giles]

You afraid of bobcats or what?

"Did you see the size of that chicken" ~Young Guns

 

[CJD3]

Fluffy from the milk weed pod as needed.

 

[Jamie]

I do lots of that, too, but mostly to study air movement in a particular spot with various conditions and wind directions when there aren't any deer around. Excellent remedy for tree stand boredom, lol.

 

[gjs4]

if you can get ostrich; theyre the ticket

 

[Creamer]

if you can get ostrich; theyre the ticket

If you want ostrich, you can always check a fly fishing shop (online or otherwise). We fly nerds use ostrich in tying.