Risky - what do you do ?

[roger100449]

Do you recognise this kind of exchange that takes place between my wife and I '..Just cause it smells funny doesn't mean I can't tie flies with it does it?...' I shouted as I packed up all my stuff from the kitchen table, sensing defeat was inevitable no matter how much I continued to argue....'

I need to find resolution to a couple of issues.

I have just received some tying stuff from a well known dealer, I'm entirely satisfied with the dealer and all transactions I've had with him. However, one of the items was a Snowshoe Hare Foot. When opened it smells a bit 'meaty' - I'm keeping it and going to use it.

So I asked my son for advice, (cause he's a scientist with an 'ology' degree and knows just a little more than me, ...I struggled with O'level Geography, he didn't play truant and go fishing like I did)

Here's my sons email answer to me just for interest.

'.....shouldn't worry, they're probably air dried rather than fixed using a
chemical so the hair retains its hydrophobic quality. Because of that I'd
avoid letting it get damp if I were you as it sounds like it could go moldy.

If your really worried about it, try keeping things like that loose in one
of those vacuum jars, the type you keep coffee in. The lack of
positive air pressure will prevent most bacteria etc from growing so its
probably the best way to store animal material like that long term.

I really don't like moth balls, handling them regularly and breathing in the fumes, - they have quite unpleasant chemicals in them, and I am sure that they will impart some kind of chemical signature to a fly as a result - this could in all probability lie on the surface of the water and be detectable by nearby surface feeding fish....'

If you do get an item that is a bit 'meaty' what way do others use to keep such items from deterioration and parasite invasion over the coming months and possibly years ?

Cheers

[bobc]

My hares mask must be 20 years old and like your feet ( no pun intended) smells foul, kept in a tupperware , no problem so far ....

[maharg]

If you really dont want to use chemicals, cedar will keep moths away from your furs. Look out for old wardrobes and recycle the timber.

[grizzle]

Roger, its very unusual for materials to smell especially if they are from a reputable supplier. The process of Cleaning and drying/curing should render the item free of smells but only as long as all meat and fat have been removed, and the item in question is fully dry/cured.
Check the ends of your wings and ensure this has been done if not trim it away with scissors or a razor blade, treat with borax or even common household salt to ensure it is totally dry!!.
As for storage Napthalene is the way to go, a little in good sealable bag before the item is stored in it.
One word of warning................not saying your doing this but materials especially skins/pelts/feathers etc should not be sniffed.............can cause breathing problems and indeed long term damage if done regularly.

G

[arkle]

This subject has been covered loads of times & fairly recently. To save any hassle, ring the "dealer" up & explain the situation, he'll probably send you a new one and then suggest you throw the old one away.

If he doesn't don't deal with him again & let everyone know who he is.

In the mean time re-bag it and freeze it.

[Mrtrout]

Originally Posted by maharg

If you really dont want to use chemicals, cedar will keep moths away from your furs. Look out for old wardrobes and recycle the timber.

Very true Graham, I have a few bits of Cedar on and around my work bench, and have no problems.
I hate the smell of mothballs, and feel quite sure this could transfer to the senses of a fish.

[arkle]

Oh yes, sorry I forgot to mention there are loads of different sprays you can get now that are both non - chemical & or organic & safe to handle, just google moth repellent.