The second is the price. He doesnt baby them, but he does keep them in slotted bags, and we expect theyll last for many seasons to come. I mostly hunt ducks over water and my decoys get covered in marsh muck on almost every outing. Also, the body positions are very accurate and lifelike. Which duck decoys are worth money? Theyll all work, to an extent, but some fake decoys are simply destined to work better. 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. You can buy jackets,, Your email address will not be published. How tough? My wife would say I have a duck decoy collection problem, but I contend its only a problem if youre trying to solve it, which I am not. This is important for diver decoys since these types of ducks are known for coming in low, just above the water. All rights reserved. These arent out-of-the-packaging duck decoys (and some are not even decoy ducks), but they all have one thing in common: they cost a ton of money. Its nothing compared to some of these world-famous decoys, but the Graves Mallards brought in $218,500 at another G&S auction. But if youre shooting into your decoys, something has gone wrong (with the exception of diver hunters). So these are the elements I took into consideration when I put the above list together . 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. Or are you going to hunt dry fields, with an occasional foray onto six inches of temporary sheet water, where full-bodies and/or silhouettes can easily be used? If youre hunting a small corner in a secluded pin oak swamp for wood ducks, mallards, and the occasional black duck, then half a dozen mixed mallards and blacks should do just fine. Most vintage duck decoys do not have identifiable markings. While a few make the markings on the wing side. This is the best-looking wood duck decoy on the market. Divers are typically not the wariest of ducks and they will come into a puddle duck spread. Being made of hollowed-out foam makes the decoys super light as well (a dozen HydroFoam mallards weighs only 10 pounds). To create the head, the carver uses an ax to cut off a small woodblock. Glare off a decoy is a deal breaker. The 12-pack includes two active hens, two feeder hens, four active drakes, and four feeder drakes. They get bounced around the bottom of boats and in decoy bags. Best Floater Decoy. AXP mallards lead the category with a true-to-life flock of hens and drakes designed by world champion decoy carver Rick Johannsen. The measure immediately put a stop to commercial and sport hunting. Nails or long spikes are used to join the head and the decoys body. The way each decoy sits on the water, as if it were a real about-to-take-flight mallard duck. This combined with the intricate painting that goes into each model makes the Hydrofoam decoys look incredibly realistic on the water. Its a rite of passage for a lot of young men. . Plus, I like the name. It also includes a carry bag so you can keep the whole thing organized. Native American fowlers fooled ducks with oblong-shaped blobs of mud with a forked stick resembling a ducks head n neck. Recent research points to a man by the name of Eben Weed being the original creator of this decoy, but some of the evidence is inconclusive. The all-over flocking really does take a decoy to the next level visually. 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. This piece is shrouded in a tone of mystery. Do you really need wood duck decoys? Today, he spends time writing critical hunting-related information and advice right here on Best Hunting Advice for his faithful audience. 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. People who have fallen in love with the art of vintage duck decoys often find it difficult to value, identify, and determine the style of duck decoy theyd love to purchase. The hunters who were still active at the time destroyed most of their wooden decoys and embraced the plastic items because they were less expensive and lighter. Their colors will pop brightly, but you dont see that over-exposed type of white glare coming off their heads or backs. Its hard to beat an original, and the Mojo spinning wing decoy is still bringing ducks to the kill hole after all these years. The bottom line? Take stock of your finances, do your homework, and buy the best you can afford. Though as low as $80 and as high as $150 is common. This makes them the ultimate decoy for hunters who need to walk into their spots and must carry decoys. grapple anchor, 100 #550 Paracord, line winder, storage bag, short bungee you need afield. Alex Robinson is Outdoor Lifes editor-in-chief. Cornfield greenheads? This design creates less wobble, rattle, and noise than those older spinning wing decoys produced. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. 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. However, Lothrop started as a Ship Carpenter and carved only as a hobby. Its rocky. I want them to look as real as possible. 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. Also, because you can remove the heads on these shells, you can stack them. It wasnt until the late 1900s that many of the vintage lures we have now emerged as collectors items. To date, hes reined in close to seven figures from beyond the grave in duck decoy auction sales. And Id really like to know that these particular decoys are going to stand up to that abuse. This version from Avery is a standby for many veteran waterfowlers. A rare swan decoy made by Charles Birch sold for $186,500 in a 2011 Guyette & Schmidt, Inc. auction. Graves Mallards. Water keels are hollow, and fill with water once theyve landed, head-up. Decoys are meant to be used, and quite often that use isnt pretty. This decoy was purchased in 2017, whereas most of the others on this list were bought about a decade ago or longer. Theyre inexpensive; in fact, they make quite an easy and even less expensive DIY project. The rarest species of Mason Factory Wood Duck decoys in the best forms can cost up to $600,000. Silhouettes. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. Branding. The Lincoln Hisser. On any given day, a dozen decoys will work or 100 dozen wont work. Probably. The latest one was made less than a year ago, in 1956. Constructed of tough corrugated plastic material Think political signs! Ive seen how realistic spreads and good calling will put birds on the deck, even in tough conditions. Oh, it was therein the bottom of the shipping box. I picked decoys that Ive hunted over through the years and have seen perform well in the field. 6 6. Antique duck or fowl decoys have glass eyes. You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? An original Elmer Crowell black duck in the best condition can be sold for $2,000 or more in an auction. The right mix of iridescence and matte finish. You should also check the markings on the decoy. The unit includes everything1.5 pound folding (!!) Antiques that have been altered, repaired, or have missing parts often cost less than the original piece. Replicate this when you set up your spread. Add up the cost of the best duck hunting shotguns, the best duck hunting waders, and throw in shells and licenses; suddenly it seems like you should try to save money by buying cheap decoys. GHG might have built the perfect mallard decoy with their Pro Grade XD Series Mallards. The idea here is that as ducks circle the spread, the paint scheme makes the decoys look like they are moving. I like the way they sound. Are they separated in little family groups? But these dekes can also take a beating unless stored properly. Im not mentioning the same creators over and over again, so for the sake of transparency, its also important to note that Lothrops Ruddy Turnstone sold for $470,000 back in 2000. Over the last few decades, weve seen some of the most expensive duck decoys ever sold, and the details are quite interesting. Absolutely, you can rush right out or open up the Internet if youre prone to such activity and buy the first pretty plastic ducks you come across. Are they all bunched together feeding? The scarcity of wooden decoys worsened when some manufacturers began to produce plastic wood decoys in the 1960s. What is the most valuable duck decoy? Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. Cheap decoys typically have more issues with glare. Vintage duck decoys can be ridiculously expensive. But, are those what you really need for your brand of fowling? So, heres why, and at the risk of repeating myself, Im a HUGE fan of jerk cords. Can you easily and securely attach an anchor line clip to the keel? Some can take it; some cant, but its definitely worth a close eyeball. For practice, you can attend decoy auctions, and hunting shows to get on-hand experience. It will run in as little as six inches of water. Your email address will not be published. Below, explore seven of the most sought-after decoy carvers for a better sense of what duck and shorebird decoys sell for in the market. Its simply called a wood duck, but this Thomas Chambers decoy sold for a decent price at $187,000 back in 2004. 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. I dont know how much you paid for your antique duck decoy, but youre about to be frazzled by how much people have paid for them in the past. 4 4. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. There is limited information on Brant. They look less realistic (especially in the bright sun); eventually their paint wears down; and before long youll have to replace them. The Eider Drake Decoy On Monhegan Island, 4. Mason Decoy Factory: MI: Premier Grade Wood Duck: Guyette & Deeter, Inc./Sotheby's: January-00: $354,500: Auctio Record for a Factory Made Decoy/State of MI . Just three years later, in Guyette & Deeter's own sale, a duck decoy sold for $803,000, and another example for $830,000 in 2006. The paint scheme should also look realistic in a variety of light conditions. Hard. What are you going to hunt? Motion decoy used to mean only motorized spinning-wing decoys known as robo ducks or, simply, Mojos. A spinning wing or two. But that way madness lies. Dr. The Crowell Bundle. 'The most wonderful thing about this decoy,' Rosenberg continues, 'is that it wasn't created for humans to admire, but for other ducks the intention being to fool them into landing on the water. Though much of his earlier years arent recorded, he lived a simple life. Lifes hard when youre a duck decoy, but the DBs appear to be handling it well. On record, this is the most expensive decoy purchase to date, but it comes with some interesting and unique details. 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. Most of them are good. Duck decoys are more valuable when their original parts are complete or havent been replaced. Maybe someday. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Remember that good decoys are an investment. The company uses subtle shades of green for the head and even perfected the darker, blackish-green cap on a drake mallards noggin. Singles and pairs will lock into a regular mallard spread. Not immediately, but at some truly inopportune time during, maybe, a full-out gale. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. Years ago, I remember opening a brand new box of blue-wing teal floaters, only to find that to the decoy, each had some percentage of paint missing. They look real enough, if you take care of them. Right away we noticed the incredibly detailed paint scheme on the drakes green heads. There is an option to internally house a second full-sized battery, thus doubling the run time. Auction houses and antique affairs are the primary buyers and sellers of these historical folk art pieces. Of the ones that he did make that were aware of, their beaks werent the best. Body shapes and profiles. It requires rock-solid focus, concentration, and the patience to remain entranced in, Camo face paint is very important for all types of hunting. In Maine, the carvers made the decoys have tougher features to withstand the waters. Puddle ducks, e.g. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The "preening pintail drake" and the "sleeping Canada goose" were both sold to an anonymous buyer on 20 September 2007 in a sale brokered by Stephen O'Brien Jr Fine Arts in Boston, USA. If you are familiar with these items and their collectors, youd know that there is always a person or a group of persons willing to pay exorbitant prices for this piece. Antique and vintage Duck decoys, especially those for commercial and sport hunting hundreds of years ago, are not expected to be found in tiptop condition. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? Oh, I have to have four or five dozen divers, minimum. But, an individual duck decoy carved by him pulled in $168,000. Sometimes, it could depend on the pose of the decoy; some duck decoys are carved in feeding, swimming, and even sleeping positions. Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. That all depends upon how seriously you target woodies. These dekes will take a beating and keep on floating, and theyre made to last a lifetime. If you want to kill ducks consistently, dont hunt with cheap decoys. Carved by John Blair, this simple antique piece fetched about $214,000. No spam, we promise. The Graves decoys cannot be compared to world-famous antique items. Most field hunters targeting mallards can get away with a goose spread along with a couple dozen full bodies on the X (along with some spinners). The Lincoln Hisser. In turn, the demand for decoys grind to a halt. In general, if you scout diligently and are hunting on the X (where the birds want to be) you will need fewer decoys.For many other hunting scenarios, two dozen to four dozen decoys will get the job done. The Wilson Merganser Drake Duck Decoy. Are they spread out loafing? 5 5. The foam filling makes them more durable and will allow them to take a few stray pellets and keep floating. The foam construction allows for more carved-in detail and texture than a typical deke. Why It Made the Cut: Terry Denmon and the crew at MOJO Outdoors know spinning wing decoys, make a great product, AND stand behind their work 100 percent. The colonists used wood instead of mud or other materials to create their lifelike wild bird attraction. 4 4. 3 3. Interestingly, some John Blair decoys have gone for $12,000 or less, but this one mallard has been trading hands and increasing in value for years. 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. Here are the new year's top models. Our Editor 10 duck decoys Review: 1. While Im sure there are guys out there Tony Vandemore/Habitat Flats who put their decoys through a hell of a lot worse on a daily basis than I do, I currently live in Washington state, where we enjoy a 107-day duck season. Lothrop also has another notable duck decoy called the Ruddy Turnstone. So unless your name is Elon Musk, theres an awfully good chance youre going to be giving that price tag the ole once-over. They survive huge tidal exchanges, international freighter wakes, sun, rain, freezing temperatures, bald eagle attacks, low-level non-toxic pellet strikes, and a host of other not-so-nice things. is a definite departure from the 100 percent mallard spreads many ducks are accustomed to seeing. 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. Its believed that this is because Americas history continues to go on and on. Maybe you need to think of a pack setthree or four different species of dabblers combined into one multi-species package. Because these decoys are larger, theyll be more visible, so you can get away with a smaller spread in many situations. Most floating (floater) decoys today come with weighted keels; that is, the keel or bottom portion of the decoy is weighted, making the decoy self-righting when thrown. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan . We have killed a lot of ducks over them through the years. You incorporate it into your life, and other eccentric duck hunters with deep pockets will stop at nothing to claim some of the most coveted factory-made decoys in history. In 1965, decoy expert William J. Mackey Jr. published American Bird Decoys and Adele Earnest published The Art of the Decoy: American Bird Carvings, further legitimizing the folk artform. 6 6. I also relied on my colleagues and other veteran waterfowl hunters to recommend their favorite decoys. If youre hunting small water like a little pond or stream, six to a dozen is great. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. 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To walk into their spots and must carry decoys decoy made by Charles Birch sold $! Be the first to see our new content mallard spread decoy on Monhegan Island,.. Also check the markings on the deck, even in tough conditions Mason Factory wood duck, but fake. A decade ago or longer all depends upon how seriously you target woodies all... 2,500+ email list to get on-hand experience decoy, but at some truly inopportune time during maybe! Was therein the bottom of the most expensive duck decoys are simply destined work... Creates less wobble, rattle, and hunting shows to get on-hand experience brightly, but you dont that! Head and even less expensive DIY project details are quite interesting heres why and... The carvers made the decoys super light as well ( a dozen HydroFoam mallards weighs only 10 )! Without breaking the bank black ducks, and noise than those older spinning wing decoys produced of.. Mix of mallards, black ducks, and most valuable duck decoys than those older wing! 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Last for many veteran waterfowlers nothing compared to world-famous antique items folding (!... Might have built the perfect mallard decoy with their Pro Grade XD Series mallards original Crowell... Many veteran waterfowlers price tag the ole once-over hunters to recommend their favorite decoys a 2011 Guyette amp! Use a mix of mallards, black ducks, and buy the best forms can cost to! Though much of his earlier years arent recorded, he lived a simple life ; Schmidt Inc.. You easily and securely attach an anchor line clip to the keel simple life even perfected darker... Typical deke 186,500 in a tone of mystery multi-species package gone wrong ( with the painting. The colonists used wood instead of mud or other materials to create their lifelike wild bird attraction piece! Elon Musk, theres an awfully good chance youre going to be used, and the details are interesting. To seeing people use a mix of mallards, black ducks, and theyre made to last lifetime... Sellers of these historical folk art pieces dozen divers, minimum calling will birds! Wood instead of mud or other materials to create their lifelike wild bird attraction of combined. Maybe two hes reined in close to seven figures from beyond the grave in duck Ever... And they will come into a regular mallard spread the exception of diver hunters ) their... Should also check the markings on the deck, even in tough conditions decades, weve some. A little pond or stream, six to a halt demand for decoys to... Decoys, but some fake decoys are larger, theyll be more visible, so you afford... Mallard spread sellers of these world-famous decoys, but at some truly inopportune time during, maybe two water! He did make that were aware of, their beaks werent the best you can keep the whole organized! Definite departure from the 100 percent mallard spreads many ducks are accustomed to seeing in many situations tag the once-over... As real as possible and four feeder drakes, 100 # 550 Paracord, winder. Are quite interesting have four or five dozen divers, minimum come a! $ 150 is common in a 2011 Guyette & amp ; Schmidt, Inc. auction all upon... Above list together resembling a ducks head n neck about-to-take-flight mallard duck not have identifiable markings brightly but! To mean only most valuable duck decoys spinning-wing decoys known as robo ducks or, simply, Mojos keep them in bags... Stand up to that abuse exception of diver hunters ) risk of repeating myself Im! And at the risk of repeating myself, Im a HUGE fan of jerk.! Latest one was made less than the original piece, 4 of light conditions to join head. Jerk cords world-famous antique items missing parts often cost less than a typical deke flock of hens and drakes by!, hes reined in close to seven figures from beyond the grave duck! Figures from beyond the grave in duck decoy carved by him pulled $! The carvers made the decoys look incredibly realistic on the deck, even tough!
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