"I disagree with the proposition that using materials already on the market from threatened or endangered animals "doesn't hurt the species."
Ever heard of GMO's? :HMMM
The feathers are collected typically from aviaries right off the ground. Bustard is not endangered but is very hard to raise out of the wild. Seal is collected "pre-E.S.A." which means that they were already killed before the E.S.A. was initiated which requires proof of pre-E.S.A. receipt.
"when the supply runs low it will just create an incentive for someone to run out and kill more."
Does roadkill count? How about farming the animals? Is that wrong or are you a vegetarian?
"And by the way, the only thing that is important to me about my flies is that they catch fish."
And your idea of art is probably
www.boobs-r-us.com right? My interpritation of art is slightly more original than most when it comes to fly tying. This is an opinion not a fact. I tie for myself and for people who appreciate what I am capable of. I don't market them unless it is worth it to me. I need not only personal satisfaction but I also need to trust that my client appreciates what I do. His or her wallet depicts this.
"I don't get an inferiority complex over the fact that I used a different material than the "masters" did. "
Neither do I. Otherwise, I would be looking for Spey Cock hackle from Scottland. Which I would be looking a long time since it is only available in limited supplies. Most of the featers are already spoken for. Oh, let me guess, you were trying to educate me right? Maybe you should come over and take a look at my library and tell me what book is missing from my collection.
Even Tom Whiting has a tough time finding a good enough feather to imitate the Spey cock. I still appreciate his efforts though. He did do a great job with the black cock hackle and the matches for the Spey Cock were exceptional. Fortunately he was kind enough to hand select every feather in order to find the best pick. Keep an eye out in the future, he will be marketing "Spey Cock" after he receives enough feedback from enough people.
Knowledge comes from the past, present and future. Your only limitations are what you can't imagine. Don't assume that I limit myself because I use materials not readily available from a flyshop. This is the complete opposite. Take a look at some of Schmookler's books. Take a look at Shewey's new book. John is very specific about allowing anyone to tie Spey flies with readily available materials for "fishing". Schmookler is bringing fly tying to a level of "art" versus "fishing". I really appreciate his progress and so does many other folks in the tying community. I appreciate both concepts.
Care to beat your chest a little more?