If you have a question, you're likely to find the answer below.  These questions are ones that are frequently asked of me. If you don't see the answer, see the contact button on the right, it's the best way to get in touch with me.

Q: What is a duck decoy?

A: A duck decoy is a hunting tool that is traditionally made of wood or cork and it is intended to look like a duck when placed on the water. A good duck decoy hunting rig signals to the flocks flying overhead that it is a safe place to feed or rest and draws the birds close enough for the hunter(s) to shoot. Early decoy carvers relied on ducks as a source of meat for themselves and their families. Today, most duck decoys are made of plastic, and while they may work just fine, they lack the aesthetic value and character of something handmade.  Traditional decoys are folk art that serve as a link to the past. They represent a love of the art and history of hunting, the outdoors, waterfowl, and even serve as a reminder to continue conservation efforts. I am influenced by classic wooden and cork decoys of the late 19th and 20th century. 

Q: What are your decoys made of?

A: Primary Atlantic or Northern White Cedar. I've also used Alaskan Yellow Cedar and Port Oreford Cedar. I use oak or locust for the bills because of the need for added strength. I also make some cork decoys as well.

Q:  Do people actually hunt with your decoys?

A:  For the most part, no.  While I make all of my decoys so that they could go in the water, most of them end up in someones house on a mantle above the fireplace.  That said, the first duck decoys I made were for the sole purpose of hunting.  I used them and have continued to add to my rig for the past 15 seasons This season, for sentimental reasons, I retired the first two cork birds and now have them on display in the shop.

Q: How long does it take to make a decoy?

A: Excellent question. and a little difficult to answer. I don't necessarily time myself. Sometimes it might take a week. Sometimes it might take months from start to finish. Weather determines how quickly paint dries, glue has to dry. Not only that, often the designs in my mind take a little longer to materialize, and I might set something aside and go back to it when days, weeks, or months later. I am typically working on multiple pieces at once.  

Q: What type of tools do you use?

A: I use primarily hand tools: hatchet, draw knife, spoke shave, rasp. I do use a few power tools like a bandsaw and a drill press.  I paint with oil colors.

Q: Why do you like decoy carving?

A: It's a part of who I am. I love history, and this process connects me to the past in so many ways. Those who made decoys here on the Chesapeake, those who developed the antique hand tools I use, and even the wood has a story. I enjoy the sense of duty I feel to turn old growth wood into something special. Like any good skill it gives me focus, a distraction, enjoyment, and a sense of accomplishment.  And as if this wasn't enough, I am get to work with a great man, my father. 

Where do you sell your decoys?

For the most part I sell them through personal relationships, commissions, and at a few shows that I attend (Easton Waterfowl, St. Michael's, SEWE Charleston).  I try to keep a few pieces at the Audubon Gallery in Charleston, SC.  

Do you take commissions?

Yes but with a few caveats.  While I do take commissions, my primary goal is to do my best work, and to do my best work, I need to feel inspired and passionate about what I am doing.  If I am not, the work suffers.  Sometimes I will get a commission and start on it the next day, sometimes the next year (nothing personal).  If you are interested in something, feel free to ask, and I can tell you what I am currently working on, and we can work from there.