Need replacement for partridge feathers?

[mt_flyfisher]

Here’s a few of the Indian hen necks that I still have. I believe that several of them would make suitable substitutes for Hungarian Partridge. I don’t know what I was thinking when I dyed that one green! It probably has the nicest feathers of any of these necks - but green?, I dunno.

Here’s some other rooster necks. They’re still probably soft enough that they could be used as substitutes for partridge in a pinch. You could also dye the grizzly brown at the top and I think you’d have a pretty nice wet fly hackle.

 

[nfrechet]

any game bird will provide feathers for soft hackles

 

[Bamboozle]

Here’s a few of the Indian hen necks that I still have. I believe that several of them would make suitable substitutes for Hungarian Partridge. I don’t know what I was thinking when I dyed that one green! It probably has the nicest feathers of any of these necks - but green?, I dunno.

View attachment 1641243319

Here’s some other rooster necks. They’re still probably soft enough that they could be used as substitutes for partridge in a pinch. You could also dye the grizzly brown at the top and I think you’d have a pretty nice wet fly hackle.

View attachment 1641243320

I still have some rooster necks marked on the back with an "A" indicating they were supposed to be pretty good (in those days). I tied a lot of flies with those necks, but it wasn't easy finding a whole lot of hackles the same size & color and as you know, the feathers were short so most often you needed to tie in two.

When I bought my first genetic neck, it was a 1000 times better. However, if you compare those early genetic necks or stuff from the 1990's to what is available today, even a bronze or tier's grade it is like night & day.

BTW - Speaking of green hackle, I still have my own Chinese or India neck I dyed an olive color to use as legs on the scud pattern I used to tie & use at the Letort.

Bottom line, we might of had the fun of rooting through barrels or spending well under $20 for several necks, but newer fly tiers really don't realize how much better hackle is today.