Duck Decoy History

The art of using decoys to lure waterfowl dates backfoam decoy does not allow the decoy to have
hundreds of years. Native Americans were ingeniousdetailed features to more accurately mimic a live
in there uncanny ability to survive in the wilderness withwater fowl.
very primitive means. These very creative peopleDuck decoys are created to mimic the shape and
would use just about anything they could get theircoloration of water fowl. Various types of decoys are
hands on to create look alike creatures that resembledused on land while other types of decoys are used to
the game that they were hunting. Cattails and differentfloat in water. The floating decoys are placed by the
grasses were the first primary materials they wouldhunter in water to which the ducks are attracted. The
use to create the first decoys. They would assembledecoys typically have a fowl shaped body made of a
floating decoys that resembled the very game theybuoyant material using a variety of methods. Many
were hunting. By doing so they would lure thedecoys today are very realistic with amazingly intricate
waterfowl into their nesting areas whereby they couldfeather detail, true-to-life paint jobs and anatomically
then snare the birds by various means such as nettingprecise shapes. Some of the most fascinating duck
or the use of a bow and arrow. The Nativedecoys are the newest motion decoys that offer
Americans were masterful in their knowledge of thegreat durability and a rotating wing motion that is quiet
migratory waterfowl flight patterns. They wouldand effective thanks to its specially designed heavy
maintain their villages in close proximity to the localduty direct drive motor and aluminum spinning wings.
water ways, ponds, and lakes. Hence, the first duckAside from using duck decoys for hunting, many avid
decoys were born.collectors have treasured hunting for the older and
The world's first mass produced duck decoys weresigned decoys. Before duck decoys began to be
manufactured in Salt Lake City, Utah, bringing a highseriously collected in the 1970s, they were thought of
quality, reasonably priced, easy to carry and set-upas another form of folk art. Now they are known as
duck decoy to the average duck hunter. Thesethe duck hunter's art. There are examples of some
decoys were produced in a rubber material. Earlydecoys that come to auction and sell for a few
decoys were carved from wood which often becamehundred dollars. Of course, they won't be signed by
water logged and did not last long. Later, decoys wereone of the master carvers, and may be late 20th
carved from a cork product. While the cork decoyscentury. Unless you know what to look for, you may
were more buoyant and lighter to carry, the cork duckend up buying a recent reproduction. Some fine
decoys also had a shorter life span due to the wearingexamples of decoys were factory made and are
over an extended period of time. Recently, manyworth collecting. The Mason Decoy factory of Detroit
decoys are produced from blow-molded plastic.Michigan made the first factory decoys (1896-1924).
Decoys in general have become relatively inexpensiveWilliam Mason was a dedicated waterfowl hunter. He
and very light weight. However, some of these decoysbegan making handmade decoys in 1890 of cedar
are easily damaged and must be replaced often.blocks with heads carved and finished by hand. On an
Decoys have also been made from Styrofoam withassembly line basis, the decoys were put together,
cloth covers. However, these decoys are easily tornpainted and affixed with glass eyes. Auction prices
and destroyed. Another material used in makingvary widely for them. As low as $200.
decoys has been urethane foam which produces aWhether you are using decoys for hunting, collecting,
solid foam decoy. The solid foam decoy is howeveror just intrigued at the history of this fascinating
brittle and therefore subject to breakage. This type ofdiscovery we wish you well in your ventures.