As a seasoned outdoor writer and archer with over a decade spent exploring the backcountry and testing gear, I’ve always been fascinated by traditional archery techniques. One of the most intriguing – and effective – is the use of flu flu arrows. These aren’t your typical carbon or aluminum arrows; they’re crafted with significantly larger fletching, traditionally made from turkey feathers, to create a unique flight characteristic ideal for specific hunting scenarios, particularly turkey hunting. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about flu flu arrows, from understanding why do arrows have feathers in the first place, to how to make a turkey feather fletching, and ultimately, how to build your own set for a more challenging and rewarding archery experience.
Flu flu arrows, named for the distinctive “flu” sound they make in flight, are characterized by their oversized fletching. Unlike the smaller, streamlined vanes or feathers found on modern arrows, flu flu fletching utilizes full or nearly full turkey wing feathers. This dramatically increases drag, resulting in a slower, more arcing trajectory. But why would anyone want a slower arrow? The answer lies in the hunting application.
Traditionally, and still today, flu flu arrows are favored by turkey hunters who employ a technique called “jump shooting.” This involves getting close to turkeys on the ground and taking a quick, instinctive shot. The slower arrow speed allows for a greater margin of error in range estimation, and the increased drag helps the arrow quickly lose energy upon impact, minimizing pass-through wounds and maximizing the chance of a clean, ethical harvest. The National Wild Turkey Federation provides excellent resources on ethical hunting practices.
The science behind flu flu arrows is relatively simple. The large surface area of the turkey feather arrows creates significant air resistance. This resistance slows the arrow down, but also stabilizes it in flight, making it less susceptible to wind drift at shorter ranges. The arcing trajectory also allows the arrow to “fall” into the target, rather than traveling straight through. This is particularly useful when shooting at turkeys that are often low to the ground.
The heart of a good flu flu arrow is, of course, the turkey feather. You have a few options for sourcing these:
Once you have your feathers, preparation is key. This involves cleaning, splitting, and shaping the feathers. Here’s a breakdown:
Before splitting, you’ll need to clip turkey wings to prepare them for easier handling. This involves removing the leading edge of the feather, making it more manageable for splitting and shaping. Here’s how:
This process makes splitting the feather much cleaner and prevents tearing.
Now for the main event: attaching the turkey feather fletching to your arrows. You’ll need:
Here’s the process:
A fletching jig is invaluable for ensuring consistent and accurate fletching. Without one, achieving proper alignment can be extremely difficult.
While flu flu arrows are forgiving, arrow spine (the stiffness of the arrow shaft) still matters. Generally, a weaker spine is preferred for flu flu arrows, as the large fletching provides significant stabilization. Experimentation is key to finding the optimal spine for your bow and draw length. The USDA Forest Service (https://www.fs.usda.gov/) offers resources on responsible land use and hunting regulations, which can inform your practice locations.
Consider these design elements:
Using flu flu arrows requires a responsible and ethical approach. Here are some key considerations:
Leave No Trace principles (https://lnt.org/) should always be followed when practicing or hunting in the outdoors. Pack out all trash, minimize your impact on the environment, and respect wildlife.
While primarily associated with turkey hunting, flu flu arrows can also be used for other applications:
Here are some additional resources to help you master the art of flu flu arrow making and shooting:
I hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and inspiration to create your own set of flu flu arrows. It’s a rewarding skill that connects you to the rich history of archery and offers a unique and challenging hunting experience. Remember to practice safely, ethically, and always respect the outdoors. For more information on traditional archery techniques, check out my article on Traditional Archery Techniques for Modern Hunters.