Pheasant feather jigs

I spent a lot of time with my dogs out hunting pheasant. I skinned and saved a couple of the skins with the feathers attached. I have now idea what to actually call them. If it was fur I call it a hide but don't know what the skin with feathers is called. Have rooster and hen skins, it's all stocked birds here so it is legal to harvest both. Hen feathers are a lighter color.

Has anyone ever used pheasant feathers to tie jigs. Looking for some ideas on how to go about it, which feathers to use.

Thanks for any input.

This chart is for a chicken but I assume the same would apply to pheasants. I’m sure Skiptomylu could answer but he hasn’t been on here in a while. Maybe someone else knows.

Attachment 498790

Here is the link to that if anyone is interested.
Chicken Feathers Guide | Chicken Fans

i use the aftershaft ,shadow feathers nearthe base of the tail. feathers are gray and are just like a shadow of the feather makes a nice gill bug

I have a pheasant skin and tied jigs with them years ago. Makes some good jigs for bluegill and trout.

My uncle was a serious Pheasant hunter in KS back in the day. One time I asked him for a few of that tail feathers, and told him the feathers were going for about $1 each at the fly shop at the time. Then we discussed the cost of a Phesant pelt - $30 each without the tail. He lamented he must have thrown thrown away a small house worth of Pheasant feathers over time. The tail is the main ingredient for the Pheasant tail nymph. Great fly for bluegill if tied in size 10.

There are also some very colorful marabou type feathers that work great for jigs. I also use them as a soft hackle on larger flies. Lots of movement in the water.

The marabou on a bird is around the thighs and butt. On a rooster Pheasant it is a nice gray. Makes some really nice jigs!