View Full Version : Hand Carved Duck Decoys
Kevin B
11-27-2002, 12:30 PM
My dad wants a hand carved duck decoy for Christmas (Mallard, Widgeon, Pintail, doesn't matter what kind). He's had a heart attack and triple bypass surgery this year, his days are numbered, he knows it and I know it, so I'd like to grant his wish. I don't know where to begin finding someone who carves. 10 years ago I remember Babe Winkelman talking about a guy named Russell Morrisson (I think that's his name)on one of Babe's Fishing Secrets television shows. Anyone know Russell? Or anyone who carves?
There is a decoy carver and collectors group. Have you searched that topic? If not try that. And good luck.
There are quite a few on ebay, classic antiques by well known carvers, as well as modern carvings. Another option would be to try and contact someone from your local D.U. chapter and ask them about local carvers. I serve on committee for a couple local chapters and we work closely with local carvers in our area. If you don't know any D.U. people you can go to www.ducks.org and search for a chapter in your area.
I'm not a member of D.U., but a buddy of mine is. Every year the local chapter (Antioch, Illinois) has a silent auction etc. I know that every year there is a duck or ducks carved by a local carver at this silent auction. Like SIB said, contact your local D.U. chapter and find out if there is a local carver. If anything, contact the Antioch, Illinois D.U. chapter and find out info about the carver in this area. I wish you the best of luck.
Best Regards,
FJH
perchjerker
11-27-2002, 01:52 PM
Kevin-
Thats a great idea for a gift. Please post if you find anything. My father in law would love one of those.
JWilson
11-27-2002, 02:21 PM
There is a company in Wabasha, MN called Loon Lake Decoys that makes a lot of really nice birds. I think this is their number: (800) 555-2696
Kevin B
11-28-2002, 12:11 PM
Thanks for trying to help. I'm not an Ebay guy, so they're out. My interactions with the DU groups since moving to Denver has been limited and a bit unsavory. So they're out. I know DU guys in rural communities where I previously lived that I could probably contact. I find it hard to believe that with the thousands of people from the midwest active on this forum nobody has forwarded me a specific name or phone number. But sometimes it happens that way.
PerchJerker- I've got one name in IL that I found in MidWest Outdoors Magazine. I'll send it to you.
I_Bob
11-28-2002, 09:51 PM
Page 12 of Bass Pro Shop Christmas Gift Catalog lists life size duck decoys.(Mallard and Wood Duck Drakes @$150.00, Green-winged Teal @$140.00.) The pictures look good. Handcrafted by Jules A. Bouillet from Vincennes, Indiana. Hope this helps!
Contact the Minnesota waterfowl association. They get hand carved decoys every year and give them away at shows.