Something has occured while going back to my 50# Martin Hunter.  I smell a feather burning smell after release of the arrow.  Side of shelf is soft Velcro, the shelf is soft leather, the arrows are Gamegetter 500's, 5 inch feathers.  Anyone ever had this happen?  Never happened to me in 20 years.

Yup.  I read a post about this before and thought: "Really... a smoke or burning smell?"  I can say since reading that post, it has happened to me while shooting new limbs in the basement.  Only happened that one evening and smelled like an electrical fire.  I could not determine the source.  Weird stuff.

You are not alone. I have had this occur and it is especially noticeable indoors due to the calmer air. I can sniff the arrow rest and smell it, and also smell it on the feathers if I get to the bag quick enough before it dissipates.

Other "toxic feather off-gassing" experts may chime in with their take, but I have concluded that it is a friction issue from the speeding feather dragging against the rest. In other words, a tuning issue with that particular arrow, or a form issue that induces a tuning issue for that particular shot.

"Aroma Tuning". Well, at least we can brag that our bows really smoke ... and prove it!

I tried a new thick rug strike plate the other day and got the burnt smell. It ended up being too thick and the arrow was out of tune. I switched to thinner leather.

Thanks.  Thought it was possible just a senior moment.