OT - hand "tied" but not flies

[davkrat]

Last year I started carving and painting my own duck decoys. All season I hunted exclusively over my own foamers unless I joined up with someone else and their Chinese made plastics. Every bit as satisfying as catching a trout on your own flies. .

They have deffinately evolved over the year. I've had alot of help form several other carvers who have helped with the painting and making them more durable. With propper care these should last many years into the future. A few are riding on friend's and family member's mantles too. Thanks to these guys I have a big bag of CDC from this years ducks that are going to fool a few trout this summer. Bring on the fishing but I'm stilling itching for next Fall.

http://www.kratvillephoto.com/images/IMG_2792.JPG

http://www.kratvillephoto.com/images/P1060186.JPG

http://www.kratvillephoto.com/images/IMG_3122.JPG

http://www.kratvillephoto.com/images/Canvasbacks-180197.jpg

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Very cool.....

Our old Cortland Line company Rep Joe Patterson collects old hand-carved duck decoys.

[Darian]

Hey!!!! Where's the duck butt deke :?: ;) Really nice looking job. Of course, they would be good from an artist.... :D :D

[Charlie Gonzales]

Nice Dave! Something Dad and I should get into, hope you had a great season.

[davkrat]

Thanks Charlie, I got out 23 times which is pretty good for me. Got over 50 ducks but only a few geese, not bad considering what a crazy year it was. Took my 5 year old hunting the first time ever so it was the greatest year ever!

[Dave Neal]

Wow. They look great! I would like to do this someday, also. About how long, on average, did it take to carve one?

[Bryan Morgan]

Beautiful work. Love the Pintails.