Gunning birds make up the majority of what I produce, with hollow cedar being used 95% of the time. My decoys are shaped and hollowed by hand, before having glass eye’s installed and oil paint being applied to finish the decoy. Focus on accurate representation of the species is key, but no more key then developing a bird that floats correctly and projects the correct look and attitude of the bird it imitates.
A "gunner" by definition is designed to be used and is made to be used, this does not mean I create utilitarian crude objects, no it means that there is PURPOSEFUL DESIGN in the creation process and constant evaluation to make a better decoy. I strive to build first a decoy that represents the species it imitates, and then focus on making it float like a live bird, and not a weeble wobble.
Features that typify a gunner include no raised wings and more simplistic paint, but the decoy when finished still must strongly look like the species it portrays, and be durable while doing so.
Gunning Decoys
Mallard Pair
Hollow Cedar & Oils, 2006
Canvasback Pair
Hollow Cedar & Oils, 2005
Green-winged Teal Pair
Hollow Cedar & Oils, 2006
Black Duck
Hollow Cedar & Oils, 2006
Atlantic Brant
Hollow Cedar & Oils, 2005
Surf Scoter Pair
Hollow Cedar & Oils, 2005
Northern Shovelor
Hollow Cedar & Oils, 2005
