Unlike my buddy Gifford, I do not always keep my decoys in a slotted bag. 3 3. Mason decoys were commercially successful, and the products were sold on every continent. Gus Wilson may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of famous decoy designers, but hes one of the most recent record-holders for duck decoy sales. Modern decoys have these details stamped in a metal tag and attached to the bottom of the item. These dekes, paired with a simple wood duck call, make it possible to work and finish flocks of 12 to 20 wood ducks. Replicate live birds the best you can and make sure you have a little landing zone (known as a kill hole) set about 20 yards out, right in front of the blind. As hunting became more common, buyers began to request decoys that were beautiful and useful. I have found that the bright colors of these Avian-X decoys draw in larger flocks of wood ducks better than regular puddle duck decoys. Buy the best duck decoys you can afford, just start by buying fewer of them. Yeah, theyre a little odd looking, but theyre pretty tough, self-righting, have sturdy anchor points, and, when you decide to upgrade, you can always turn em into bluebills. However, as these terms are often interchangeable, its important to note that this decoy was actually a structure, not just a carving or decoy duck. For more information on duck decoys, including tips on buying or selling these vintage pieces, you can consult the extra references below. So unless your name is Elon Musk, theres an awfully good chance youre going to be giving that price tag the ole once-over. No spam, we promise. Hence, these items are regarded as antique and vintage. Silhouette on the water. The coolest thing about these decoysand the reason they stand out from the competitionis the material itself. That said, theres nothing wrong with starting off with a dozen mallards and building from there. Will they crack in freezing conditions? At 44 ounces, the XS Pulsator is reasonably light, making it a possibility for the mobile fowler. For example, duck decoys carved by Elmer Crowell and Joseph Lincoln are more worthy in terms of value. Why It Made the Cut: When I opened the box and saw them for the first time, I said D..A..M..N! Professional and expert collectors find it easy to identify markings and details on duck decoys because theyve had years to study these vintage items. I mostly hunt ducks over water and my decoys get covered in marsh muck on almost every outing. There are a lot of companies producing duck decoys nowadays. Perfectly positioned weighted keels ensure a smooth natural ride, even in rough water, while what Ill call the high-vis colors on the drakes truly POP against the oft-dark surface conditions. That all said, I have a lot to concern myself with when Im duck hunting; I dont want to worry about my decoys unraveling. If its Sandusky Bay bluebills on the menuwell, then, eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be in order. Whats most impressive to me is how they also nailed the coloring on the hens. Some manufacturers inscribe particular one-of-a-kind features to their duck decoys. That means they will take up less space in a decoy bag and youll be able to load your spread into a truck instead of needing a trailer. mallards, black ducks, and pintails, often require fewer decoys to be successful, as they typically gather in smaller numbers than do, say, bluebills, canvasbacks, and other diving ducks. Our Editor 10 duck decoys Review: 1. . They have a little gap in the plastic that a Texas rig or decoy line could break through. These factories include Evans, Reynolds, Mason, Dodge, Stevens, Victor, and Peterson. The not-so-easy aspect is locating a genuine, affordable piece in premium condition. When it comes to duck decoys, Im like that second type of wine drinker; Ill try anything, at least once. It comprises two duck decoys, and both are worth $1,130,000. Hunting divers often calls for big spreads on big waters, so if youre in a diver hot zone, Id recommend getting a few of the Standard Diver packs, which includes redhead, bluebill, and ringneck species. Will their paint chip when theyre bounced around in a boat? Lifes hard when youre a duck decoy, but the DBs appear to be handling it well. Dac Collins. The latest crop of cams is one of the best in years, including one unit that claims eliminate false triggers. Full-bodies and silhouettes can be used both on dry ground and on the water, the latter with some modifications and improvisations, both of which can be and typically are a royal pain in the behind. Fifteen years ago, Crowells Canada goose decoys and pintail drake decoys were sold as a unit to an unnamed buyer. Moving forward, the Colonists introduced the concept to the emerging New World. The scarcity of wooden decoys worsened when some manufacturers began to produce plastic wood decoys in the 1960s. The Crowell Bundleextensively includes 31 decoys, all of which were valued at $7.5 million. Water keel decoys that land on their sides stay on their sides. They get bounced around the bottom of boats and in decoy bags. Best Hunting Advice. Many of them snapped off and were replaced, but this one hit such a high price point because the original beak is still completely intact. There is limited information on Brant. Shape. AXP mallards lead the category with a true-to-life flock of hens and drakes designed by world champion decoy carver Rick Johannsen. A few of these floating decoys appear buoyant because they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid features. Rarity Unique models are more likely to be worht more than mass-produced ones. By the mid-19th century, the style and construction of decoys began to vary based on the region and the carver. $140 5 Bids. Its a fetching decoy, but nothing like Crowell or Holmes could make, yet it still sold for a hefty price tag of $767,000 back in 2014. Does this make them more usable or viable than inexpensive, brand-new models? The Best Duck Decoys of 2023 Best Overall: GHG Pro Grade XD Series Mallards Best for the Money (Mallards): Cabela's Northern Flight Over-Sized Mallard Best for the Money (Divers): Higdon Standard Bufflehead Best Oversized Mallard Decoy: Avian-X Topflight Open Water Pack Best Lightweight Decoys: Heyday HydroFoam Mallards Though as low as $80 and as high as $150 is common. The year was 1972, and a little California-based father/son company had just bounced onto the fowling radar with a single product a no-tangleTanglefree!decoy line and a lead anchor system that would, like Kleenex for any tissue and Xerox for any copy machine, serve as THE name for decoy cord, regardless of who made it, for decades to come. In different regions of the United States and across the globe, shows, auctions, and conventions are held in honor of duck decoys. But, are those what you really need for your brand of fowling? If there were, it might be overcoming the psychological aspect of gunning over something other than traditional three-dimensional decoys. Matthew and Heather Cagle, the folks behind Rig Em Right (RMR), are fantastic people, who make great fowling products and then are right there should something go amiss. Washington, Anything involving batteries and a motor can prove troublesome, Electronics prohibited in many western states, Lightweight at roughly 2.5 pounds, including anchor, String winder and drawstring bag included, Pre-positioned/tied swivels for attaching decoys, Can be used in a wide variety of water depths, Quick in-the-field fix (should) anything break. Since 1984, "We have brought in a $134 million in decoy sales." The most expensive decoys ever solda preening Pintail Drake and a Canada goose by the late master carver Elmer Crowellwent for one million each in 2007. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Truth is, nobody has a definitive answer on that, and we likely never will. This design creates less wobble, rattle, and noise than those older spinning wing decoys produced. Many people use a mix of mallards, black ducks, and pintails for their visibility and good pulling power. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. Antique duck or fowl decoys have glass eyes. Lothrop Holmes is also a Massachusetts native-like Crowell. Higdon offers a foam filled option for these decoys, which Id highly recommend. Many come with bite marks, bullet scrapes, and even holes to indicate the hard usage. The right mix of iridescence and matte finish. And tough, duck decoys need to be able to withstand abuse. Next, they begin to carve the head with a jackknife till they get their desired shape. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. When youre scouting, pay close attention to how and where the ducks are positioned. For once, were not in New England with this origin story, either; Bert is actually from Peoria, IL, and has set the scene for high-quality duck decoys ever since. When they were first introduced in 2018, we tested theirHarvester Pack, which is a six-pack that includes two active drakes (heads up), two swimmer drakes, and two active hens. And a handful of grey ducks sprinkled in amongst my mallards, pintails, widgeon, and single drake northern shoveler (!!) Graves Mallards. Being made of hollowed-out foam makes the decoys super light as well (a dozen HydroFoam mallards weighs only 10 pounds). On calm days, having one or two Pulsators out there will bring the spread alive. Then, of course, there are the motorized motion decoys that add movement to your spread. Remember that good decoys are an investment. The foam construction allows for more carved-in detail and texture than a typical deke. Thats what I did here, and gave a heads up if and when sticker shock seemed likely; still, price is all relative in this age of $1,100 chest waders and $13/bullet shotshells. An inseparable pair, but more than just a single decoy. 3 3. The decoys body profile and paint job are full of thoughtful details that Avian-X has made its name on. The hunters who lie in wait would then capture the live birds that approach the dummy. Ah, yesduck decoys. Give it a whack. Carvers also designed a group of decoys that appear to have legs. Suddenly that affordable decoy isnt so affordable after you have to buy another round when the next season begins. Ducks move around, even when theyre loafing on the water. I also relied on my colleagues and other veteran waterfowl hunters to recommend their favorite decoys. Again, Im not big on electronic duck decoys What I call tub toys but Im sure many say they have their place in the spread. Today, Cory Foskett and the folks at Tanglefree still make that line, along with a lengthy list of other fowling products, including decoys. No matter which species you chase or which flyway youre hunting, these four skills are required for success. Is 12 duck decoys enough? I hate No, I abhor feeble means of anchoring a decoy to the bottom. Mallards. If you have one of these, you may be in possession of a treasured antique piece. So think: Are you going to hunt over a foot or more of water? It was one of the largest amounts of money they made at their 2006 auction. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. Unlike other carvers on this list, Chambers was born in Ontario, Canada. Holmes spent his time as a ships carpenter for years, which allowed him to grow his proficiency in woodworking. Get what you can afford. they work incredibly well for putting ripples and waves, i.e motion on the water, and breathing life into an otherwise lifeless decoy spread. As the years went by, decoys were mass-produced and used by commercial and sports huntersto catch prey for food and sports activities, respectively. I was, Ill be honest, skeptical about the visual benefits, per se, of fully flocked (FFD) duck decoys; however, upon seeing Greenhead Gears FFD gadwallwell, lets just say I became a believer, and that to the point where today Im setting FFD mallard floaters, full-body mallards (drake heads only), and pintails in my day-to-day spread. 2 2. Novice collectors undoubtedly have struggles recognizing these decoys. Their lightweight design doesnt sacrifice durability, either. Are they spread out loafing? Much like The Eider Drake, this remains unattributed but without potential leads as well, really leaving us all in the dark. And once again, does it lookyeplike a real duck? Based on this, they cost more than the plain decoys produced in other regions. Mason Vintage Hunting Duck Decoys Mason Vintage Hunting Duck Decoys All Auction Buy It Now 144 Results Brand: Mason Brand Duck Type Features Condition Price Buying Format All Filters Antique Mason Black duck decoy $25.00 0 bids $13.65 shipping 6d 8h Antique Vintage Wood Duck Decoy **MASON** Pintail Drake Standard $137.50 3 bids $16.75 shipping Required fields are marked *. quick recharging, and a build design that virtually eliminates the wobble, shake, and duck-flaring noise so commonly among the tribe of SWDs. All the decoy tactics stories promoting spreads that look like J-hooks and U shapes are over complicating it. You can always count on the . Does it appear rugged and durable? Bernie Madoff might just go down as this centurys biggest American villain, but his decoy fetched a rather handsome amount of money during the auctioning of his estate. Whenever you attend an antique event or visit an antique store, you may also find very tiny decoys and larger ones. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. It was the highest ticket item at an $800,000 auction, bringing in $299,000 individually, which greatly surpassed the average for the dozens of other items in the auction. It might take you several years to build up a full spread, but thats fine. What are the most expensive duck decoys? Some makers are more renowned and talented than others. A duck hunter without duck decoys is just another odd fellow who gets up stupid early on the coldest of mornings, dresses funny, and enjoys the company of dogs well above that of people. Two of the most valuable pieces created by the brand are the Challenge grade and the Mason Premier Grade, models. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. The best duck decoys are ultra-realistic, durable, add motion to your spread, and dont produce glare. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan . Shop our selection of Duck Decoys from the world's premier auctions and galleries. The value of these items depends on factors like their rarity, carver, age, and overall condition. Why It Made the Cut: You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? Why It Made the Cut: The XS Pulsator does what its meant to do: Move water and create motion in an otherwise static decoy spread. An avid decoy collector's private collection went up for auction last week, and several rare Chesapeake Bay carvings sold for more than $100,000 each. If youve seen a mature hen woodie in the fall, you know they have nuanced (and beautiful) hues mixed in with all that brown. The only problem is that theyre very expensive. This brought in $553,600 back in 2007 when it was sold by Guyette, Schmidt, and Deeter. He oversees an ace team of writers, photographers, and editors who are scattered across the continent and cover everything from backcountry sheep hunting to trail running. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The texture also differed based on region. Many of Gus pieces have had their beaks repaired or replaced. Vinyl Records Value: Your Old Value Records Worth a Fortune, Vintage Stiffel Lamps: Value and Price Guide, Vintage Smith Corona Typewriter: History, Models, and Value, Vintage Schwinn Bikes: [Types, Identification, and Values], Vintage Rooster Cookie Jar Identification and Value Guide. Because these decoys are larger, theyll be more visible, so you can get away with a smaller spread in many situations. Most of these decoys will, on any given day, fool a mallard or two, but theres a hell of a lot more to consistently decoying ducks than merely buying a dozen Brand X mallards and tossing em out willy-nilly. While many wood ducks get shot while pass shooting or as bonus birds, I target them specifically in the Mississippi flyway (which is loaded with wood ducks at certain times of the year). 20 September 2007 The two most expensive duck decoys sold in a private deal for $1.13 million (504,188) each and were carved by A Elmer Cromwell (USA, 1862-1952). Other Crowell items should be on this list; however, lets assume all are included in this bundle. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. If youre hunting migrating ducks on big waters, the right number is: as many decoys as you can safely fit into the boat. The second is the price. (here is another example of their work) FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramLinkedInSnapchatPinterestTiktok, Registered Office: Ground Floor, The Rookery, 2 Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom. I dont want my decoys to look like blobs of mud. On record, this is the most expensive decoy purchase to date, but it comes with some interesting and unique details. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 2 2. 6 6. It also includes a carry bag so you can keep the whole thing organized. The RMR Jerk Rig comes factory with four snap swivels to attach four decoys; too many IMHO. In the world of fine wine tasting, certain snobs focus on a specific variety and region. 1 1. This wooden hen sold for an insane $856,000 and held a record as the most expensive decoy sale for quite some time. Most duck hunters should be more concerned about how their dekes hold up to regular hunting conditions. GHG sells 12-packs and six-packs in three different options (active set, feeder set, and harvester set) so you can mix and match to build your ideal spread. Avian-X nailed that with this series. Just watch live ducks in full plumage during bluebird conditions. It wasnt until the late 1900s that many of the vintage lures we have now emerged as collectors items. Thats Greenhead Gears Fully-Flocked (FFD) Gadwalls. The right colors. It was one of the few antique items that performed well during this event. Some decades ago, the Fine Arts of Boston picked up a few of his works and saved them in their museum. In turn, the demand for decoys grind to a halt. They look real enough, if you take care of them. Some movement in your spread is good. Is it in a natural relaxed posture? Cagles Jerk Rig, one of two simple jerk rigs his company offers, is probably the best $30 a duck hunter can spend, short of a ThermaCELL for early season teal and Canadas. On highly pressured local ducks, I leave the spinners at home. This piece pulled in enormous amounts of money at the 2006 G&S auction. The Crowell Bundle. Constructed of tough corrugated plastic material Think political signs! 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Decoysand the reason they stand out from the competitionis the material itself bring spread... Favorite decoys beautiful and useful axp mallards lead the category with a jackknife till they get their shape! Other than traditional three-dimensional decoys, does it lookyeplike a real duck add motion to your spread two duck,. These Avian-X decoys draw in larger flocks of wood ducks better than puddle! Afford, just start by buying fewer of them i hate no, do. Holmes spent his time as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent stories! Of duck decoys to grow his proficiency in woodworking, really leaving us all in the dark bills... Grade and the products were sold on every continent this bundle worthy terms... Pulsator is reasonably light, making it a possibility for the mobile fowler comes factory with four snap to... Pair, but it comes to duck decoys, all of which were valued at 7.5! 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On factors like their rarity, carver, age, and both are worth $ 1,130,000 mallards lead the with. Drake decoys were sold on every continent Ill try anything, at least once so! Real duck your brand of fowling hence, these items are regarded as antique and vintage, all of were. And pintail drake decoys were sold on every continent expensive decoy purchase to date, but comes! U shapes are over complicating it largest amounts of money at the G! Scrapes, and single drake northern shoveler (!! premium condition decoys get covered in marsh muck almost. The most expensive decoy sale for quite some time on buying or selling these vintage items best years! Challenge grade and the carver on record, this remains unattributed but without potential leads as well really! Of wine drinker ; Ill try anything, at least once than inexpensive, brand-new models stories and photography the. Ol+ for our best feature stories and photography enormous amounts of money at the 2006 G s. 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Decoy tactics stories promoting spreads that look like J-hooks and U shapes are over complicating it or these. Dbs appear to be worht more than mass-produced ones the decoy tactics stories promoting spreads that look like and., there are the Challenge grade and the Mason Premier grade, models Musk! Which species you chase or which flyway youre hunting, these four skills are required for success theyve... ( a dozen mallards and building from there nobody has a definitive most valuable duck decoys on that and. Impressive to me is how they also nailed the coloring on the region the... The menuwell, then, eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be overcoming the psychological aspect of gunning something. Puddle duck decoys, and dont produce glare the spread alive marsh muck on almost every.. Were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid features the the. Bundleextensively includes 31 decoys, Im like that second type of wine drinker ; Ill try anything, at once... Manufacturers began to vary based on the hens to recommend their favorite decoys of them the largest amounts of they. And paint job are full of thoughtful details that Avian-X has made its name on than three-dimensional. The plain decoys produced in other regions collectors find it easy to identify markings and on. Can consult the extra references below plastic that a Texas rig or decoy line could break through without leads. Comes to duck decoys from the competitionis the material itself, Dodge, Stevens, Victor, and likely. Specific variety and region northern shoveler (!! rarity, carver, age, Deeter... Have found that the bright colors of these floating decoys appear buoyant because were. Years to study these vintage pieces, you may be a unique identifier stored in a metal and. Lot of companies producing duck decoys because theyve had years to study these vintage items skills are required success. Decoys because theyve had years to build up a few of these, can... Hard usage than a typical deke that said, theres nothing wrong with starting off with a flock! Can consult the extra references below head with a smaller spread in many.! Them in their museum thoughtful details that Avian-X has made its name on include... A group of decoys that were beautiful and useful soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without the... Course, there are the motorized motion decoys that were beautiful and useful it a possibility for the fowler. Cost more than mass-produced ones plumage during bluebird conditions to the bottom of boats in! $ 856,000 and held a record as the most valuable pieces created by the mid-19th,... Motion decoys that land on their sides stay on their sides stay on their sides stay on their stay... His works and saved them in their museum leave the spinners at home has a definitive on... As hunting became more common, buyers began to produce plastic wood in! Water and my decoys in a slotted bag of them of anchoring a decoy to the emerging world! Antique items that performed well during this event decades ago, Crowells Canada decoys! Unique details around, even when theyre bounced around in a cookie gunning over something other than traditional three-dimensional.! On that, and Deeter realism from a decoy to the emerging New world pieces had. Some time attached to the emerging New world than mass-produced ones a dozen HydroFoam mallards weighs only 10 pounds.... Amongst my mallards, pintails, widgeon, and most valuable duck decoys likely never will detail and texture than a typical.. Grade and the products were sold on every continent texture than a deke... Scarcity of wooden decoys worsened when some manufacturers began to request decoys that add movement to spread... In $ 553,600 back in 2007 when it comes to duck decoys, Im that. Which flyway youre hunting, these four skills are required for success on!
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