Sustainable Fly-Tying Materials

Well, I'm finally back on writing the PWA blog again.  It was an extremely busy year and I'll spare the details.  But, I still managed to get plenty of angling in.

A long time friend and fly-fishing mentor and I got to talking about sustainability of late.  Quickly, the topic turned to sustainability in the fly-fishing industry.  We've all seen it in apparel and other paraphernalia.  But, I asked, what about fly-tying materials?  I mean, if we're so careful about our image in the sport that we're using non-toxic shot, wearing recycled plastic T's from Patagonia, the latest waders designed to prohibit transport of exotics to other bodies of water, and support conservation groups like Trout Unlimited; then, what are we using at the tying bench to create our flies?  Like where does our food come from… so ask, where does our fly-tying materials come from, right?

I became very curious and promptly shot emails to Hareline, Wapsi, and a few others inquiring  about their material sourcing.  I received one response… almost immediately, it was from Hareline.

Here's my e-mail.

Hi:

I am an avid fly fisherman and fly tier of over 20 years; and, have worked in the fishing industry.  I use your products and enjoy them.  
As fly fishermen continue to advance their status as stewards and conservationists we are beginning to examine the products we use and buy for the sport.

Some anglers are starting to look for products that match these sets of ethics; and, imagine this will only continue to grow.  

Does Hairline have a sustainability program or green product certification for the feathers and fur they sell?

Best Regards,

Andy


Response from Hareline.

Hi Andrew,

All the fur and 99.9% of the feather products we sell are a byproduct of the food industry.  Marabou from our Thanksgiving Turkeys, Chicken feathers from the birds that end up at our supermarkets/restaurants and rabbit hair fromEurope that feeds their dietary rabbit consumption. All these materials would be buried or destroyed if we would not use it along with Mardi Gras and Brazilian Festival attendees.


We have put emphasis on developing more and more synthetic materials as you can see from our new products over the past 5-10 years.  I hope this will help you make a decision regarding the animal products we sell.  We have our own ethical beliefs which we meet and exceed all State, Federal and Global requirement to legally deal in these products.


If you have any further questions you are welcome to ask.


Greetings,
Marcos Vergara
Hareline Dubbin, Inc.