Just Mink

[littlej81]

only fur no bird feathers...14 2xl nymph hook

I use the fur from the middle of the back. Cut the pelt into strips using razors if you have one that has been dried with borax, or you can use the precut zonker strips used for slumpbusters. Leave the fur on the strip and insert it into the dubbing loop. Only after the fur is inserted do I use scissors to cut the fur from the skin. This is much easier for me than cutting the fur and inserting it afterwards into the dubbing loop. It keeps the length of the fur consistent too.

I use this same method when making shenk's streamers using rabbit fur on zonker strips.

Search dave hughes fur hackled nymphs. You can find them in his books on wet flies. He ties them in tan, olive, and cream.

[Planettrout]

I mentioned Sable (or Ermine in the animal's Winter phase) in the post on my BLOG - which I mix in with mink. This is a good source, in your neck of the woods. It also may be used for hackling and its fun to play with for other applications:

Martin / Sable Tail Pieces | Dette Trout Flies

PT/TB

[wwelz]

Thank you Littlej for your tying instructions . I would not have figured out cutting the hide into strips trick on my own and Planettrout I am placing an order today thanks