I carved a few mallard decoys, just for looks years back, just using the old decoys for reference.

Redheads drakes are larger, and I forgot how much a 4"x6" does not look like a duck.

Anyone know of patterns to use to rough them out with a bandsaw?

Aside from purchasing a good decoy carving book, I would see if you can get your hands on an existing plastic decoy and use it for your pattern. I assume you're not using a pine 4x6?? I like to use white cedar for decoys. Looks like you're from Ontario, should be plenty of that around I would think. Cut yourself a few logs and peel them. Let 'em sit until next winter and you'll have some of the best decoy carving wood around.

Any recommendations on the books?

The "bible" for aspiring bird carvers is Bruce Burke's "Game Bird Carving". You will find everything that you could possibly want to know in this book and then some when it comes to carving extremely nice duck decoys.

Game Bird Carving

There is also an excellent video put out by my uncle, Marv Meyer, that takes you through the carving of a decoy. DVD is $18 from the MDCA. If you want a video, send a check to the MDCA at:

PO Box 144
Zumbrota, MN 55992

A couple of Marv's Redhead working decoys