For hundreds of years, waterfowl decoys have been crafted and used by
hunters to attract live ducks and other waterfowl to hunting blinds.
In addition to duck calls or bird-sounding noisemakers, they have proven
to be the best way to hunt an otherwise elusive and sensitive prey.
Duck decoys may be made of wood, cork, or plastic, and they are shaped and
finished to look like real ducks. A cork decoy is the most realistic
in the way that it floats on water, but cork and wood are rarely used
anymore because of their relatively heavy weight and the need to dry them
after use. Plastic decoys are more economical, widely available,
and lighter and easier to carry to a hunting spot. Decoys have been
designed to imitate many duck species, although mallard duck decoys are
the most common since most other duck species are willing to socialize
with mallards.
Early waterfowl decoys were hand-carved out of several different kinds of
wood, and used many different kinds of painting techniques to make them
look authentic. Many of these decoys were stamped and dated to show
where they came from, and when they were made. While inexpensive,
mass-produced replica decoys have become quite popular, hand-carved decoys
have become collectible pieces of art. They are often prized by folk
art and antique collectors.
Over the years, skilled woodcarvers have created beautiful, hand-painted
wood decoys that are decorative art objects in their own right.
Decorative waterfowl decoys are much more detailed than the decoys used
for hunting purposes, and they may sell for thousands of dollars.
People buy and collect these handcrafted decoys to display them as works
of art.
Decoys.us features convenient access to decoy shops and birding resources
where you can find a great selection of hand carved decorative decoys and
waterfowl hunting decoys. If you are a carver, be sure to visit
this wood carving tools
site, where you can find information about basic carving tools, as well
as links to carving tool and accessories suppliers.
Located in northeastern Maryland, this decoy museum features an extensive collection of working and decorative waterfowl decoys.
Via demonstrations, exhibits, lectures, and tours, the museum strives to preserve the history and culture of waterfowl hunting and decoy making
in the Chesapeake Bay area. www.DecoyMuseum.com
Bi-monthly publication that serves the interests of decoy collectors worldwide. The magazine provides information
about decoys and their makers as well as comprehensive coverage of decoy auctions, shows, and events. www.DecoyMag.com
This Virginia-based guide service offers waterfowl hunting in Assateague, Chincoteague, and their surrounding wetlands. www.AssateagueIsland.com/hunting.htm
Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats
for the continuing benefit of the American people. www.FWS.gov