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3. Magpie herl

The only place I know that sells Magpie is Whitetail Fly Tieing, and they are sold out.

Does anyone know another shop that carries magpie?

From England? https://www.theessentialfly.com/magpie-fly-tying-feathers.html

Thanks Martin. That's going to be the place I think. It's a little inconvenient because I have to contact my credit card company and tell them I'm purchasing items from there, but I have done it before.

I was just hoping there would be someplace here.

Why is it when it comes to items like this, they are so difficult to find in this country?

Are they a protected bird? They are everywhere in Montana. Have a friend with an air rifle shoot one for you.

Most non-game birds are protected in the US.

https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php

It is a good thing because in many European countries "hunters" and I use the term loosely, are killing song birds to the point of near extinction.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/aug/26/conservationists-appalled-at-illegal-killing-of-25m-birds-a-year-in-the-mediterranean

Yeah, with the exception of non-native, invasive, English/house sparrows and starlings, I believe all other eastern birds that are not designated as game birds are protected by federal law. I don't know if there are other invasive species out west that are also not protected. But I believe magpies would be. I wonder if starling would make an acceptable substitute? I've shot several of those and skinned them out.

I acquired the tail feathers from England, but had a helpful fellow also send me one from Montana. I am new to North Country spiders, but vowed at the end of last season that I had just about had it with purple squiggly worms and dredging beadhead and heavily weighted nymphs through runs while staring at a thingamabobber. No more. So this year it is spiders only, you can fish them dry, wet and if on a heavy hook, get them into the deeper water. Body count is not everything.

But back to the herl. I believe only the tail feathers are the source and you wrap the fiber just like peacock herl. I don’t think starling is a substitute. Acquiring materials to tie these flies is somewhat daunting, especially since I arrive at this new found passion after Pearsalls gossamer is made no more, and existing stocks at merchants are dwindling and pricey.

Sorry to hear about Pearsall's gossamer. Silk thread can be found many places, though, in many colors.

Thanks guys. I was wondering if non game birds were protected in the U.S..

Maybe if I'm lucky I'll run one over while it's having road kill for lunch.

It's a sad thing about Pearsalls silk. There's a company in France that is making silk thread, but can't remember the name of it. Semperfli has now the nano silk, which I think I will be trying out soon. They are trying very hard to match the colors in Harfield H. Edmonds book "Brook and River Trouting".
And from what I have seen, they are doing a fine job at it.

I looked it up and there are a number of unprotected US birds. Starlings and English sparrows are unprotected and you can kill them. However you might want to check with your states hunting regulations to see if you would need a hunting license.

https://www.jcehrlich.com/blog/3-non-native-birds-that-are-not-federally-protected]

Good to know Matt, thank you.

Yep, just checked for protected migratory birds and Magpie is on the list. I can't even pick up feather and use it.