I want to have a small soft hackle on some red fox squirrel nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs and a couple others in sizes 16 and 18.
Starlings are cheap if not free. I'm sure Byard can get you some hen that won't set you back much. Partridge can be bought in packs but you have to pick through it. I'm a soft hackle nut and believe the body color outweighs the hackle. That was $1000 ago but I've learned that all I need is light, dun and dark for most. And hackle doesn't have to be the collar. Try hare's foot, antron or any sparse material. Heck, Hans plucks ducks to get a rise.
duckin and runnin...
Murf
