Pheasant Tail Feathers???

[KDM]

Any of you mutton heads know the correct way to measure a pheasant tail feather?? (Yes I know that using a measuring tape would be the best way, you comedic Smucks) Anyway, I've heard everything from tip to tip, where the feathers start at the base to the tip, and from where it grows out of the bird. I'd like to know as Herc and I got a pretty old bird the other day and he either has a 25 ish inch tail or 22 ish depending on the measuring method.

Thanks Fellas!!!

 

[Duckslayer100]

I've always wondered this, too. For me, it would be tip to tip. But that would mean plucking the feather to be accurate. Is that how those tail feather contests work at backwoods Nodak bars?

 

[KDM]

It'd be nice to get at least an NDA measuring method so us ditch parrot aficionados can brag a bit when we get a good one. Hey V, maybe a poll or something could be set up to get votes. Thanks!!

 

[guywhofishes]

anything over 24" is getting into exceptional territory

 

[svnmag]

As I'm sure you're aware, there's nothing on UTube. I would ASSume you'd lift the hackle and measure from back to tip.

 

[Vollmer]

Some count the bars of the tail, but I think genetics can play a part in that. Closely spaced bars vs narrow spaced bars. From what I have seen, most measure from tip to tip once feather is plucked.

 

[KDM]

I'm NOT going to trust some "UTube ranger" when it comes to MY BRAGGING RIGHTS!! I'm more interested in what the guys here on NDA say versus some foreigner. However, I never did try looking at what Pheasants Forever has to say. Thanks SVN. At least you got me thinkin' a bit.

 

[Bfishn]

tip to tip, and yes 25" is large. Ive got two at about 23.5" this year, 24" is about the biggest I've shot. I always wonder when you hear of these guys that claim upper 20's to over 30". However i drive by some every day around Bismarck that make me wonder!!

 

[Jigaman]

just like when you measure your penis. Start just past the tip and go to just past the base. than add another 7/8" for good measure.

 

[KDM]

Sent an email to Pheasants Forever to ask them if there is a method that they endorse. I'll post what they reply.

 

[Duckslayer100]

I shot a swamp donkey this weekend. Had spurs as long as its back toe. Body size was ridiculous. But it's tail to the base was only 21.

I'm tempted to get it mounted if for no other reason than he's big and beautiful.

 

[KDM]

anything over 24" is getting into exceptional territory

The one we got yesterday is a tish over 22 without pulling it from the bird. I'm going to make a feather mount similar to a turkey fan with him so I may never be able to know what the tail length is as I don't plan on pulling them out. He's an old bugger I can tell you that. Was real pretty when Herc pushed him straight up out of the cat tails with that tail waving back and forth like a snake behind him.

 

[WormWiggler]

I get the feel goods when one runs across the road in front of me and its tails curls over towards its head like a scorpion... #cheapthrills

 

[Duckslayer100]

The one we got yesterday is a tish over 22 without pulling it from the bird. I'm going to make a feather mount similar to a turkey fan with him so I may never be able to know what the tail length is as I don't plan on pulling them out. He's an old bugger I can tell you that. Was real pretty when Herc pushed him straight up out of the cat tails with that tail waving back and forth like a snake behind him.

If you do, be sure to skin up the backside of the pheasant to get that wad of greenish/blue rump feathers. Flatten and cure with 50/50 salt and borax. Did one like that years ago and its darn purdy.

- - - Updated - - -

AND cut the feet off at the knees, cure the same way. Tie with a pit of rawhide and hang under the tail feather. That way you get the spurs along with the tail.

Much nicer presentation, IMHO.

 

[johnr]

I had a 28 inch feather about 5 years ago, it took second in the longest feather contest up at the local gun shop, some clown from Beulah came in with a 28 1/8 to beat me out.

They measured it from tip to tip, a taxidermist is able to put it back in on the future mount if that is a concern.

I had a 25 inch one this year, that is my next biggest cock. Seems getting a 23 or so is common place this time of the season.

 

[sdwxman]

My daughter shot one with a 27" tail feather opening weekend. Very impressive!

 

[svnmag]

Umm....can we see some freaking pics of these tyranadons KD and Duck?...

 

[KDM]

28?? Good Lord!! I've never seen a bird in my neck of the woods with anything even close to that. That's quite a tailgate.

I saved the whole hide Duck and using the "saddle" was always part of the plan. Still have the legs so I may include those in the mount. Thanks!!

 

[svnmag]

My daughter shot one with a 27" tail feather opening weekend. Very impressive!

And her's too SD?!! That's also very impressive.

 

[Captain Ahab]

A 23.5 and a 24 were biggest for our crew this year. Measured tip to tip.