Home Forums Birds & Dogs Waterfowl Hand carved dekes?

I was wondering if anyone on the board hunted over hand carved dekes?

I have had the good fortune of knowing a young game warden and decoy carver who is putting together a raft of blocks for me. The situation is a win/win for both of us as we both learn more about decoys as he carves them. In addition to having unique decoys to hunt over it is pleasing to see his improvement with each pair of birds. So far he has carved for me a sexed pair of blue wings, a spring and a fall plumage ruddy duck and a pair of black ducks. These are basic hunting blocks but not at all generic looking. With luck another half dozen will be here by late season.

As time and money become tougher to come bye I find that embracing the tradition of hunting is all the more appealing. It is admittedly a good feeling to encourage a young guy with talent as well. There are more decoy carvers out there than I would have realized and some of there work is AMAZING!

I have about 35 hand carved decoys from my grandfather who carved them in the 20's and 30's, along with some from other carvers. I hunt with them once a year to keep them "alive...." I think he would like that....

The rest of the time they are displayed around the house....And no, they have not been touched up and they do work...

Ohhhh HECK NO!!! Not around the guys I hunt with, they do enough damage shooting the plastic decoys!!!

Seriously, I know what you are saying and think it would be really cool to have a spread with some "history".