Common Grackle for wet flies?

[TomS]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Grackle

do you think they look good?
anyone have any patterns using them?
I also shot a starling and LOVE there feathers for Tom's BWO.

[ScottP]

There'd have to be some useful feathers there. Grackles are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act but it has a special provision about blackbirds: "A federal permit shall not be required to control yellow-headed, red-winged, rusty, and Brewer's blackbirds, cowbirds, all grackles, crows, and magpies when found committing or about to commit depredations upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated in such numbers and manner as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance..."

Up to you to decide if they're worth the hassle.

Regards,
Scott

[rainbowchaser]

That may mean you can shoot them under the right circumstances but I don't think you can legaly possess the feathers. If you use them keep quiet about it.

[Tig]

They are not protected in Canada. My son tried grackle feathers but said they did not work very well. I have used (common) starling feathers and they work well, although they are a little on the fragile side.

[quivira kid]

Stick to starlings.....

[TomS]

Okay, what do I do with the drying skins?
the stupid birds where tearing up the trees in the yard!

[EdD]

TomS, I think grackles went onto the protected list about 2 years ago. Darned shame. See what it takes to get a permit to control them. I don't know what the laws are like in Serburn, but in many places one can contact the local police and get permission to use a small shotgun (.410) and permission might not be needed for a pellet gun. In a sub-division, jumping thru a few hoops is a lot better than attempting "shoot, shovel, and shut-up". It's a witnesses sort of thing. Besides, it's the right way to go about things.

Ed