Looking for porcupine quills

[mylivelybags]

Hello all,
I am looking for roadkill porcupine from folks living in MI, WI, MN or any other state who may have them. I want to use the quills for quillwork!

 

[BrownBear]

If you don't get any nibbles, it looks like they have lots of variety here.

 

[TANSTAAFL]

If you don't get any nibbles, it looks like they have lots of variety here.

Was about to post, that in many parts of AK, take a short walk, pick up a stick, knock one in the head, de-quill, end of story.

Our first winter up there in 69, things got financially squeaky tight, moose meat, Kool-Aid, and spruce pig BBQ, was haute cuisine for us. The wife got very adept at cooking them, undressing first few for me was trial and error. (with heavy on the error) Dogs never learned not to mess with them, pulling quills out of them was just another thing to do.



Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H.L. Mencken

 

[LRB]

Crazy Crow has them. Dyed or natural.

 

[BillinOregon]

Kyle: Now that you mention it, I realize I see far fewer porkies on the roads here than I did just 10 years ago. Used to be their poor little mashed carcasses were everywhere, and all you had to do was pull over and gather all the quills you could stand. No more. Maybe the dang opossums have pushed into their niche here. We didn't have opossums in southern Oregon until about 15 years ago.

 

[Andy Mueller]

If you cant find any locally, I'd suggest ordering a whole hide. You get a ton of quills and at a lot better quality. When you order quills like CCTP or other places, you often get shorter quills. This might not be too bad, but for beginning quillers it can get frustrating- especially for any quill wrapping where length really matters. As for the predyed, they certainly are easier, but using blends of rit dye colors, you can usually get closer color matches to the real thing w/o too much effort.
I tried to use the pre-bought quills, but I was strongly advised by a local expert (Jean Heinbuch I believe) to buy a whole hide. She also said that it was cheaper in the long run. Moscow Hide and Fur sells them for about 20.00 or so. Hope this helps.
Scouter

 

[mylivelybags]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I may check into Moscow Hide and Fur. I have bought leather through them in the past and am always satisfied. Any more hints and tips are always appreciated! Thanks!

 

[bwhoffman]

Kyle: Now that you mention it, I realize I see far fewer porkies on the roads here than I did just 10 years ago. Used to be their poor little mashed carcasses were everywhere, and all you had to do was pull over and gather all the quills you could stand. No more. Maybe the dang opossums have pushed into their niche here. We didn't have opossums in southern Oregon until about 15 years ago.

Its hard to find a 'possum around here these days, dang 'coons either killed them or run 'em off!
Have seen a few"sticky pigs" used as pot hole filler around here the past few years...which is rare. I gota pile of quills off one this past spring. dontknow what I'm gunna do with them yet.

as far as gathering quills...a burlap bag wiped over asticky pig (dead or alive) will gather quills harmlessly to animal or human!

 

[RICKYD]

here's a tip, go find you a blue heeler dog and turn 'em loose in porky country, he'll bring home all you want, :rotf: another tip from one who knows, tie his mouth shut before you start retrieving your prize :nono:

 

[Andy Mueller]

Well, I had in mind to tell you earlier but figured that you already knew that if you find roadkill, don't bother if its even begun to swell. When it does this the oils that are released make the quills brittle. Also, when you use full hides you're going to want to use the ones on the flanks-those are where they're really nice. Anyways, that's all I can remember for now.
Scouter