How to Fletch Arrows With Deer Sinew

Fletching stabilizes the flight of arrows, most commonly by adding feathers to the back end of an arrow. This has been a part of arrow making since the Stone Age. Many traditional cultures continue to fletch their arrows using natural feathers and sinew, the connective tissue in animals that attaches muscle to bone. It is possible to use deer sinew to fletch arrows much in the same way as Native Americans have done for centuries.

Things You'll Need

  • Deer sinew
  • 3 large feathers
  • Arrow shaft
  • Scissors
  • Bowl of water
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Instructions

  1. Fletching With Deer Sinew

    • 1
      Turkey feathers are commonly used for fletching.

      Prepare your feathers. Turkey or goose feathers are commonly used for fletching arrows. Cut to desired length with scissors, removing the large end of the quill. Cut each feather in half. Trim quill if necessary. You want each feather to have as little quill as possible, and you want the quill to be as straight as possible. You want a small leading and ending tip where the sinew will be wrapped around the feather's quill.

    • 2

      Prepare deer sinew. Each strand should be cleared of any remaining fat. Soak the strands of deer sinew in water overnight. This will soften the sinew and allow it to be used for fletching. It will also make the sinew have adhesive properties which will help in fletching. When dry, the deer sinew will shrink allowing for even better adhesion.

    • 3

      Hold one feather with tip down against the end of your arrow shaft. Make sure the feather lines up with the end of the shaft and does not extend over the end of the shaft. Take a strand of sinew and begin wrapping around the arrow shaft and the end of your first feather. After several wraps the feather will be held gingerly in place. Add a second feather and continue wrapping. When you come to the end of one strand of deer sinew, use another. After several wraps, add the last feather. Make sure all three feathers are spread evenly apart. Allow sinew to dry.

    • 4

      Wrap ends of feathers with wet deer sinew. Since the front ends of the the feathers are securely in place you can wrap all three of the rear feather ends at once. Use several strands of sinew to ensure the feathers are securely in place. Allow sinew to dry.