To me the epitome of the decoy makers art is not the single great bird that exactly reproduces the living bird. No to me the ultimate is the creation of a group of decoys that are from their very inception are designed to be used together to portray a message.

What message? How about these birds are happy and content here? or How about look at all the food here? I feel many hunters and many carvers don't look at the whole picture. Sure lots of decoys portray lots of ducks, but lots of decoys all in the same semi-alert pose as most plastic decoy are is not sending a convincing message to the ducks. Further, if you believe that ducks are not that smart, then does not a group of decoys in varied poses look far far more appealing on the water then all the same?

I watch ducks whenever I can, and what I'm looking at most is their behaviour and attitude as it relates to other birds around them. Take a look at a group of ducks and see who's doing what, then watch the group as a goose swims by...

My gunners 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.