Hello everyone,
I bought a set of mallard wings from my local fly shop today. And they have a funky smell to them. How can i deal with this smell? Can i wash them… if so how? with what?
If not is there something i can put on them that will stop them from smelling? It isnt the normal moth ball smell, but a sour smell.
Thanks for your input, im really in need of some advice.
Fly Tyer
You can try baking soda just sprinkle it on. Or you can try ‘scent eliminator’ that can be purchased at most hunting shops. Scent eliminator does just that eliminates scent. It does not mask or cover it. It won’t hurt the wings either.
Tig
you can just put the feathers in a bowl with a light mix os dishwashing soap and water. that should clean them
If the mallard wings are prepared ‘bone in’ it is possible they were not fully dried and the smell is due to spoilage. The wing bone is thick and requires a lot of time for the marrow to dry completly. Once the meat and bone are dry the smell should go away, note: the smell will return if any moisture gets into the wings so be careful of you storage if you live in a humid climate.
I would get some borax, (sold as a washing additive, found in most grocery stores near the laundry detergent-I use the 20 mule team brand.) Put the wings in a small cardboard box buried in 4 inches of borax powder, leave the box open without a lid, let it sit in a warm dry place. The borax is an oder asborbing dessicant, after a week check the wings for odour. Continue drying untill the odour is gone, it may take several weeks. You can store the wings in a small zip lock bag with borax if the smell persists, just shake the powder off when you use the wing.
A 50/50 mix of salt and baking soda will also work.
I agree with Kengore. I would suggest you return them to you fly shop for a refund or an exchange…
Tim Anderson