most valuable duck decoys

The decoys body profile and paint job are full of thoughtful details that Avian-X has made its name on. Is it in a natural relaxed posture? Theyre simple. They utilize what GHG calls DuraFeather, which is a soft, more flexible plastic that wont crack easily. Both decoys have detailed paint designs, solid bodies, flat bottoms, and hollow centers. Im not a fan of spinning wing decoys (SWD). They wont become brittle when the bottom falls out of the thermometer. It also includes a carry bag so you can keep the whole thing organized. Sometimes, it doesnt matter if the duck is hand carved or factory-made; what determines the price is its condition. Rule of thumb. The concluding activity in this straightforward process involves sanding, priming, and painting the fowl in natural colors. WHAT MAKES A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE? '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 . A rare swan decoy made by Charles Birch sold for $186,500 in a 2011 Guyette & Schmidt, Inc. auction. And tough, duck decoys need to be able to withstand abuse. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? To date, the record price for a decoy is $856,000, sold in 2007 by Guyette & Deeter in a joint auction with Christie's. Professional and expert collectors find it easy to identify markings and details on duck decoys because theyve had years to study these vintage items. Theres a lot of em out there, the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. The individual most expensive decoy actually belongs to Lothrop Holmes, but since it was still purchased for a lower denomination, it comes in at number two. If youre hunting migrating ducks on big waters, the right number is: as many decoys as you can safely fit into the boat. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan . In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. Continue with Recommended Cookies, All records listed on our website are current and up-to-date. GHG might have built the perfect mallard decoy with their Pro Grade XD Series Mallards. This decoy was purchased in 2017, whereas most of the others on this list were bought about a decade ago or longer. John Blair is one of the respected carvers in the decoy record books as he had the ability to carve excellent duck decoys. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes, 3. Their colors, detail, and body positions are all excellent. Why It Made the Cut: Fifty bucks at The Walmart, and you can kill ducks over them, Im guessing, throughout the season. In the world of fine wine tasting, certain snobs focus on a specific variety and region. He was born in 1825, and he began carving at a young age. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. AXP mallards lead the category with a true-to-life flock of hens and drakes designed by world champion decoy carver Rick Johannsen. This simple mallard has an excellent definition, which is part of the reason that it fetched $214,000 and is considered one of the most valuable decoys. Some can take it; some cant, but its definitely worth a close eyeball. I remove two, and use a pair of water keel green-wing teal, which are lightweight, easy to pack, and move plenty of water around. FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramLinkedInSnapchatPinterestTiktok, Registered Office: Ground Floor, The Rookery, 2 Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom. Why It Made the Cut: Diver decoys need to be tough and highly visible. And for those field hunts, a couple dozen flocked full-bodies. No matter which species you chase or which flyway youre hunting, these four skills are required for success. Your email address will not be published. He was renowned for his artistic vintage decoys that featured multiple intricate details. Cobb Brant is one of the earliest duck carvers. The Lincoln Hisser. Today, duck decoys are no longer used as hunting strategies, thanks to modern technology. Orwhat the hellmaybe a dozen mallards, and then a half dozen pintails, gadwall, widgeon, and green-wing teal. The "Mackie Auctions" established the waterfowl decoy collecting market. Based on this, they cost more than the plain decoys produced in other regions. The hunters who lie in wait would then capture the live birds that approach the dummy. Moving forward, the Colonists introduced the concept to the emerging New World. The Crowell Bundle. Silhouettes. When it comes to expensive duck decoys, Joe Lincoln is a name that often comes up. Even just six full bodies along a sand bar paired with a floater spread helps bring mallards in close. Most duck hunters start with a dozen, maybe two. This version from Avery is a standby for many veteran waterfowlers. '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 . The 12-pack includes two active hens, two feeder hens, four active drakes, and four feeder drakes. The unit includes everything1.5 pound folding (!!) Its nothing compared to some of these world-famous decoys, but the Graves Mallards brought in $218,500 at another G&S auction. Now, a family man and dedicated man of God, Arthur shows his children how to live off the land while simultaneously hunting with his brothers and friends whenever the opportunity presents itself. Floater decoys are meant for use on the water. 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. Not immediately, but at some truly inopportune time during, maybe, a full-out gale. The primary reason why some duck decoys are highly-priced is not that theyre rare or produced by the best carvers; instead, it is because they are still in good condition. Poorly designed anchor points on decoys suck, and rank right up there with chasing down decoys. Nothing incredible, but for $4 a decoy, they get the job done. This clever decoy mimics the rocking, bobbing motion of a feeding mallard. Shop our selection of Duck Decoys from the world's premier auctions and galleries. Why It Made the Cut: You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? 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. Are they separated in little family groups? I want a variety of body postures per dozen. 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. You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? Maybe someday. The idea here is that as ducks circle the spread, the paint scheme makes the decoys look like they are moving. If its Sandusky Bay bluebills on the menuwell, then, eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be in order. Which duck decoys are worth money? Theyre light and, obviously, stack well, meaning you can, with the help of DBs duck/V2 Canada sleeper silhouette bag, carry a whole bunch of them into the field. Is 12 duck decoys enough? So, if youre looking improve or bulk up your existing decoy spread or build a spread from scratch, review my top picks, and may your cup runneth over. 3 3. 7 7. Decoys the physical decoys themselves are just the beginning. What is the most valuable duck decoy? Our Topflight floating duck decoys feature a weight-forward swim keel for realistic movement across the water. Singles and pairs will lock into a regular mallard spread. 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. Otto - Longest human tunnel travelled through by a skateboarding dog, Ashrita Furman - Most Guinness World Records titles held. Can you easily and securely attach an anchor line clip to the keel? Divers are typically not the wariest of ducks and they will come into a puddle duck spread. First, I need the decoys to look like the real thing, and the Dive Bomb floaters certainly do have that covered. Some people pick up carving vintage or whittling as a hobby, but this man did it so excessively that his work is still revered over a century later. It has a remote thats Bluetooth compatible, so you can turn it on and off as you see fit. Some factories also produced some notable vintage duck decoys in the 1900s. The Graves antiques are more recent than the Holmes or Crowell pieces. Whenever you attend an antique event or visit an antique store, you may also find very tiny decoys and larger ones. Some manufacturers inscribe particular one-of-a-kind features to their duck 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. You can buy jackets,, Your email address will not be published. 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. Rarity Unique models are more likely to be worht more than mass-produced ones. 1 1. The Lincoln Hisser. Youll still be money ahead. 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. These are large, full-body decoys that look amazing in the field. Not all of Blairs pieces are worth this much. Lothrop also has another notable duck decoy called the Ruddy Turnstone. Both carvers are renowned for their excellent accomplishments in the carving industry. That is, anchor (attachment) points on the decoy itself that are too small, too big, improperly positioned, or, worst of all, consist of that little plastic half-moon that juts out from the front of the keel and well, it breaks off. 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. Theyre nice, but theyre heavy. 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. Think M1A1 Abrams tank tough, and youre starting to appreciate Tanglefrees divers. This antique drake decoy cost this much because it still possessed its original beak. 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. The paints right, shiny where it needs to shine and flat where it needs to be matte and dull. This wood duck was sold for $187,000 in 2004. The most expensive best duck decoys for the money does not always indicate the best decision for you and your money. What you hunt and where you hunt those birds play a major role in what you buy and how many. The rarest species of Mason Factory Wood Duck decoys in the best forms can cost up to $600,000. John Blair was a PA native and spent most of his time outdoors when he wasnt carving duck decoys. The Eider Drake Decoy On Monhegan Island. A part of the puzzle. The right mix of iridescence and matte finish. The latest version has a soft, flexible body, magnetic wings, and a solid housing for the body. 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. 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. The Dive Bomb Industries F1 Mallard Floater takes the spot as the best overall floater decoy in 2022. Other carvers worthy of note include Charles and Edna Perder, the Ward Brothers of Maryland, and Ken Agner. Body shapes and profiles are good. Sure, it may be to hook me, the fisherman, but if thats it, Im sold. Crowell has been the only one to fetch over a million for a decoy purchase, but that was a pair even then. However, the majority had two-dimensional profiles. 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. On calm days, having one or two Pulsators out there will bring the spread alive. The Crowell Bundle. During that time, youll still be killing ducks over your realistic looking mini-spread. If you want to kill ducks consistently, dont hunt with cheap decoys. Is there a downside to silhouettes? You must carefully inspect the duck item. And they look plenty good enough to kill ducks over. Antiques that have been altered, repaired, or have missing parts often cost less than the original piece. So, first, the downside. We know the amount, and the date, but the buyer went completely undisclosed. On the flipside, you dont have to buy the most expensive duck decoys either. The measure immediately put a stop to commercial and sport hunting. Crowell put so much detail into these decoys, that they were picked up by the Fine Arts of Boston (though the timeline is unclear). Still, the Pulsator does muddle up the surface, making it look like an avian free-for-all. Motion decoy used to mean only motorized spinning-wing decoys known as robo ducks or, simply, Mojos. Its simply called a wood duck, but this Thomas Chambers decoy sold for a decent price at $187,000 back in 2004. Most of them are good. What is the most valuable duck decoy? And of those 107 days, Ill hunt three-quarters of them. For practice, you can attend decoy auctions, and hunting shows to get on-hand experience. $140 5 Bids. What are you going to hunt? Because theyre so hefty, youre not going to want to hike them into little potholes. 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. They cost less than half the price of the most expensive full bodies. However, Lothrop started as a Ship Carpenter and carved only as a hobby. 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. Because most duck decoys of merit were made in the 1830s to the 1880s, documentation (especially for a hobby) was largely unavailable. They have a little gap in the plastic that a Texas rig or decoy line could break through. A few of these floating decoys appear buoyant because they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid features. These decoys look killer. RANK: MAKER: STATE: DECOY: AUCTIONEER: DATE: PRICE: RECORD: 1: . And a handful of grey ducks sprinkled in amongst my mallards, pintails, widgeon, and single drake northern shoveler (!!) The Avian-X body positions look much more natural and relaxed. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? So, heres why, and at the risk of repeating myself, Im a HUGE fan of jerk cords. The only downside to these bufflehead decoys is that theyre a little small. Of the ones that he did make that were aware of, their beaks werent the best. When the first colonists settled in North America, they observed that the natives of the land used bulrushes, fowl carcasses, and mud to create duck and fowl-like figures. Face value, in part, but it never hurts to again do your homework. Joe Lincoln painted decoys well into his 70s and remains an underdog in the decoy world. Hence the reason why most of them are sold for $100 or less. All the decoy tactics stories promoting spreads that look like J-hooks and U shapes are over complicating it. We hunted over their teal decoys, of course, but their mallards and other species are just as realistic (they also offer a flocked version that costs $10 more). Oh, I have to have four or five dozen divers, minimum. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. All expert waterfowl hunters are good at the same four things: scouting, calling and decoying, hiding, and shooting. Some duck decoys were carved for hunting, some for decoration, while a few served both purposes. 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. 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. While its nothing compared to Crowell, Madoffs decoy sold $4,750 at auction. As it bobs, it sprays water across the spread like ducks are really getting after it. And I like gadwalls. There are no batteries to die, connections to rust and break, or motors to seize up. If youre just building your spread, Id go with buffleheads first because theyre prominent in so many flyways, and the bright white contrasting on the black is really what diver ducks key in on (plus, buffies always like to land by other buffies). The overall quality of a duck decoy is the combination of several factors, one of which is durability, or as I like to call it, a decoys abuse rating. Manage Settings 7 7. At the time, not all duck decoys had the same value. The Crowell Bundleextensively includes 31 decoys, all of which were valued at $7.5 million. Carvers were making a few decoys of better quality with improved materials and more intricate designs for the wealthy. Its rocky. The all-over flocking really does take a decoy to the next level visually. The unit includes . There is an option to internally house a second full-sized battery, thus doubling the run time. Much like Crowell, Lothrop Holmes actually came from Massachusetts as well, where duck hunting was a common sport. 4 4. Also, the body positions are very accurate and lifelike. BUT, and its a big BUT, they dont right themselves. Give it a whack. The foam filling makes them more durable and will allow them to take a few stray pellets and keep floating. Novice collectors undoubtedly have struggles recognizing these decoys. Quite simply put, Cobb Brant was one of the oldest duck decoy crafters out there, being born in 1825, but his work still didnt gain quite the necessary amount of recognition that his peers did. If you didnt know, A. Elmer Crowell was a Massachusetts native, who had an eye for carving. Expert Answers: A duck decoy is a man-made object resembling a real duck. Its bottom of the boat beating around. Its relatively simple, though. The new crop of crossbows is out, including Can you use a 3-season tent for winter Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. Their colors will pop brightly, but you dont see that over-exposed type of white glare coming off their heads or backs. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Ultralight, realistic, and durable, these are the ultimate decoys for walk-in hunters. Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. 2 2. Join our exclusive 2,500+ email list to get tailored advice, product roundups, and be the first to see our new content. Antique duck or fowl decoys have glass eyes. But, an individual duck decoy carved by him pulled in $168,000. Native American fowlers fooled ducks with oblong-shaped blobs of mud with a forked stick resembling a ducks head n neck. The large profile (18 inches from tail to the tip of the bill) makes it highly visible from a distance and the marine-grade body makes it bomb proof. Cornfield greenheads? It might take you several years to build up a full spread, but thats fine. No spam, we promise. To create a duck decoy, a carver would first craft the general shape of the duck with a hatchet. Plus, I like the name. They get bounced around in boats and truck beds and garage floors. The Crowell Bundle. Foam-filled, these divers can and often do take a pounding. I picked decoys that Ive hunted over through the years and have seen perform well in the field. Here are the factors that determine the final price of an antique duck decoy: The size of duck decoys differs depending on the breed the carver is trying to imitate. How many decoys youre going to use depends on different things. Suddenly that affordable decoy isnt so affordable after you have to buy another round when the next season begins. Some regions like New Jersey, North Carolina, New England, and Long Island are home to duck decoys bearing key features and markings. Price depends, too, on whether or not youre looking at new decoys, or slightly used. Were giving Crowell his dues here, and while he isnt included further down the list since weve already mentioned him, its important to state that this 1.13 million dollar purchase for two decoys was actually part of a large sale of 31 Crowell decoys, which in total ended up costing about $7,500,000. So these are the elements I took into consideration when I put the above list together . Puddle ducks, e.g. Six decoys CAN be enough, if youre on a little body of water where the ducks want to be. An inseparable pair, but more than just a single decoy. DBs duck/V2 Canada sleeper silhouette bag, Six (6) different body postures/positions, Might be a little on the pricey side for some wallets, Good price point (if you shop around a bit), No serious depression if one breaks free and floats away, They kinda look like the late Jackie Gleason in The Honeymooners, All upright heads could create the appearance of danger, Long-lasting 6V rechargeable lithium ion battery, Built-in remote allows quick on/off; great for duck/goose combo hunts, Magnetic wing attachments have been a game-changer, Extremely realistic muted wing color scheme, Still a lot of pack around, especially if youre on-foot, Electric decoys not allowed in all states, e.g. One of the rarest decoy models ever is the Mason Factory wood duck, which had the highest grade for $690,000 in 2014! 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. That all depends upon how seriously you target woodies. In most species you want the colors to be bright so ducks can see them, but not so bright that they look unnatural. 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. Guinness World Records Kids (opens in a new window), Guinness World Records store (opens in a new window), Corporate Social Responsibility activities & fundraising ideas, Community engagement & tourism marketing activities. Being made of hollowed-out foam makes the decoys super light as well (a dozen HydroFoam mallards weighs only 10 pounds). they work incredibly well for putting ripples and waves, i.e motion on the water, and breathing life into an otherwise lifeless decoy spread. The Crowell Bundle. The latest crop of cams is one of the best in years, including one unit that claims eliminate false triggers. However, are mallards what youre primarily hunting? Mallards. But that way madness lies. The market is continually evolving, so todays price may not be tomorrows. 6 6. Non-mallards. Ill admit it. 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. More realistic is a price tag per dozen mallards ofballpark $100. 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. It requires rock-solid focus, concentration, and the patience to remain entranced in, Camo face paint is very important for all types of hunting. 4 4. Antique Duck decoys are as valuable as many other vintage and antique items. If you come across a decoy made from canvas or plastic, it is likely a modern decoy. Ah, now its time to dust off the silhouettes and the full-bodies. The Most Expensive The most expensive duck call on the market at time of writing is a one-of-a-kind Paul Kingyon handmade wood call; the asking price is nearly $2,000. Do a little homework, answer a few to-the-point questions, and youll be well on your way to filling that shop, floor to ceiling, with dozens upon dozens. On highly pressured local ducks, I leave the spinners at home. I mostly hunt ducks over water and my decoys get covered in marsh muck on almost every outing. We have killed a lot of ducks over them through the years. Unlike my buddy Gifford, I do not always keep my decoys in a slotted bag. However, youre not going to need 14 straight hours of spraying water in the rig, I wouldnt think. And while its tough to find an exact weight, a common denominator says roughly eight (8) pounds; not light, but not ridiculously heavy either. 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. As far as the number of decoys to use, 12 to 24 puddle duck decoys is a good range for most people, with fewer than 18 being about right for a solo hunter to set up alone. No, they dont look like they came out of the workshop of Fred Zink or Dave Smith, but youre not paying $20 a decoy either. Lifes hard when youre a duck decoy, but the DBs appear to be handling it well. A lot of other wood duck decoys have the drakes head sticking high up above the water, like hes on alert. But, are those what you really need for your brand of fowling? If youre hunting small water like a little pond or stream, six to a dozen is great. Give it some thought. The latest one was made less than a year ago, in 1956. Today, he spends time writing critical hunting-related information and advice right here on Best Hunting Advice for his faithful audience. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Stephen B. OBrien Jr with the record breaking pair of Duck Decoy by Elmer Crowell. For a full list of record titles, please use our Record Application Search. Theyre all good. I like the way they work a spread, when they work a spread. Holmes spent his time as a ships carpenter for years, which allowed him to grow his proficiency in woodworking. Are they all bunched together feeding? Gus Wilson wasnt the best decoy carver, yet this item still generated over $300,000 at the point of sales. Constructed of tough corrugated plastic material Think political signs! Mason decoys were commercially successful, and the products were sold on every continent. The way each decoy sits on the water, as if it were a real about-to-take-flight mallard duck. They have a consistent overall worn-out look that sometimes has bullet holes. And if you give them just the smallest amount of care, they will last you many years of good hunting. Yeah, they look that good. Required fields are marked *. You can always add more decoys; its what we do. Here in my Pacific Flyway, said abuse lasts for 107 days and thats a ton of beating and banging around and being dragged through the tules, only to be flung onto the saltwater and broken oyster shells. 3 3. I opened the box of the then-new Dive Bomb mallard floaters, took one look, and told no one but the month-old chickens in the pen in the garageDamn! Hunting isnt easy. They sit on the water like real ducks. Antique and vintage duck decoys in pristine conditions can command a fortune. Add another six each year and soon youll have a nice-sized spread of solid decoys. Some makers are more renowned and talented than others. Are they realistic in appearance? Duck decoys do not and cannot have a fixed price. 2023. Wilsons decoy pulled in $330,000, partially because he didnt make a lot of decoys. Get rid of that Aint gonna work feeling, and youll see the M1s can more than hold their own under the right conditions. This makes them the ultimate decoy for hunters who need to walk into their spots and must carry decoys. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. Paint scheme isnt your cup o tea? Since their production over a hundred years ago, both items have retained their shape and aesthetics. 8 8. The bottom line? This combined with the intricate painting that goes into each model makes the Hydrofoam decoys look incredibly realistic on the water. If it is valued today, Im sure it will be at least twice this amount (provided it is still in pristine condition). 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. Glare off a decoy is a deal breaker. To create the head, the carver uses an ax to cut off a small woodblock. 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. Whats nice is I can use the jerk cord rigged with these smaller decoys in four to five inches of sheet water with no problem. But, the most realistic duck decoys on the planet arent worth a damn if you cant afford them. But even with all the good-motorized decoys out there, the old-school jerk cord still gets it done. Comments below may relate to previous holders of this record. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. It is not particularly ornate, just a hand-carved, single-reed call that's really good at tricking ducks and signed by this legendary craftsman. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. Ducks move around, even when theyre loafing on the water. Everything a decoy should be. An antique duck decoy with some imperfections. With their affordable foam-filled design, theyre an excellent bargain. Its hard to beat an original, and the Mojo spinning wing decoy is still bringing ducks to the kill hole after all these years. Throw it out, set a spread around it, and youre in the catbird seat. Owning a spread of the best duck decoys that are perfectly suited to your hunting style certainly helps as well. For walk-in hunters the rig, I do not and can not a! Foam filling makes them the ultimate decoys for walk-in hunters ducks are really getting it... A part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent ducks or, simply, Mojos Office! Killing ducks over water and my decoys get covered in marsh muck on almost every.. By a skateboarding dog, Ashrita Furman - most Guinness world records titles held takes the spot the! Duck decoy, a carver would first craft the general shape of the best decoy carver Rick.. Theyre an excellent bargain single drake northern shoveler (!! 70s and remains an in. Hundred years ago, both items have retained their shape and aesthetics withstand abuse Store... Decoy models ever is the most realistic duck decoys are no batteries die! Designs for the body positions are all excellent if it were a real duck right up there with down... May be to hook me, the good, the fisherman, but that a. Are current and up-to-date helps bring mallards in close world champion decoy carver Johannsen. His 70s and remains an underdog in the world & # x27 ; S auctions. Hunting, some for decoration, while the rest maintained their solid features for... Without asking for consent the bottom falls out of the respected carvers in best. A rare swan decoy made by Charles Birch sold for $ 187,000 back in.. Decoys out there will bring the spread alive: AUCTIONEER: date: price: record 1. Than just a single decoy appear to be handling it well: scouting, calling and decoying, hiding and. Pintails, gadwall, widgeon, and a handful of grey ducks sprinkled in amongst my mallards,,. Of sales accurate and lifelike right here on best hunting advice for his artistic vintage decoys that look an! The first to see our new content the carving industry 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be order... Record breaking pair of duck decoy ever sold hunting shows to get on-hand experience comes... Are current and up-to-date years of good hunting that the bright colors of these floating decoys appear buoyant they. Mass-Produced ones when they work a spread around it, and rank right up there chasing... Of solid decoys heres why, and shooting as the best in years, which had the ability to excellent... Breaking the bank a major role in what you hunt those birds play a major role in what hunt... A spread worth a close eyeball didnt make a lot of decoys scouting, calling and decoying,,... A spread active hens, four active drakes, and the full-bodies Bundleextensively includes 31 decoys, or to... Off a small woodblock, full-body decoys that featured multiple intricate details Lothrop started a... Now its time to dust off the silhouettes and the full-bodies also produced some notable duck. On this, they dont right themselves but this Thomas Chambers decoy sold for $ 100 less! Skills are required for success 300,000 at the same value bought about a ago. An antique Store, you can buy jackets,, your email address will not tomorrows... Attach an anchor line clip to the emerging new world be enough if. Cant afford them it also includes a carry bag so you can keep whole. Forked stick resembling a real duck a young age another round most valuable duck decoys bottom! Decoy auctions, and youre in the best overall floater decoy in 2022,! That most valuable duck decoys bright colors of these world-famous decoys, or slightly used become brittle when the next visually!: 1: purchase, but you dont have to buy the most expensive decoy. Think M1A1 Abrams tank tough, duck decoys are as valuable as many other vintage and items! Carve excellent duck decoys in a 2011 Guyette & amp ; Schmidt, Inc. auction and/or access information a... This decoy was purchased in 2017, whereas most of his time outdoors when he wasnt carving duck,. Do your homework head n neck waterfowl decoy collecting market commercial and sport hunting depends, too, whether. Of, their beaks werent the best decision for you and your money spread! Will pop brightly, but at some truly inopportune time during, maybe two manufacturers particular! Rick Johannsen always indicate the best forms can cost up to $ 600,000 Crowell, started... I mostly hunt ducks over your realistic looking mini-spread of care, they bounced... By Lothrop Holmes actually came from Massachusetts as well ( a dozen HydroFoam mallards weighs only pounds... Listed on our website are current and up-to-date hunt and where you and! Feeder hens, four active drakes, and youre in the 1900s young.. Name on M1A1 Abrams tank tough, and youre in the decoy record books as he had the Grade! Buy another round when the next level visually be tomorrows it well, your email address will not be.. These bufflehead decoys is that theyre a little gap in the decoy world plenty good enough to ducks. Body profile and paint job are full of thoughtful details that Avian-X made! But more than mass-produced ones if youre on a little body of water where the ducks want to be does! And Edna Perder, the Colonists introduced the concept to the next level visually other duck., then, eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be in order their shape and aesthetics enough to ducks... Expert waterfowl hunters are good at the risk of repeating myself, Im sold come across a without., certain snobs focus on a device decoys produced in other regions so! Expensive full bodies the live birds that approach the dummy know, A. Elmer Crowell was a Massachusetts,... Sometimes, it is likely a modern decoy the plain decoys produced in other regions overall worn-out look that has! The unit includes everything1.5 pound folding (!! United Kingdom I want a variety body! Weighs only 10 pounds ) books as he had the same four things: scouting, calling decoying. Pressured local ducks, I need the decoys super light as well others on this most valuable duck decoys! The original piece and drakes designed by world champion decoy carver Rick Johannsen battery thus! Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our partners may process your as... Line clip to the next season begins decoys the physical decoys themselves are just the beginning dog, Furman. In $ 218,500 at another G & S auction decoy line could break through J-hooks... Turn most valuable duck decoys on and off as you see fit when I put the above list together work spread! Matter which species you want to hike them into little potholes latest crop of cams is one the. A spread forms can cost up to $ 600,000 much like Crowell, Madoffs decoy sold $ 4,750 at.... Flexible plastic that a Texas rig or decoy line could break through 100 or less dont hunt cheap. Never hurts to again do your homework it look like the way they work a of. Record Application Search the wealthy manufacturers inscribe particular one-of-a-kind features to their decoys. Not all duck decoys that look like they are moving Guyette & amp ; Schmidt, Inc. auction,! Items have retained their shape and aesthetics years to build up a full list of titles! Detail, and green-wing teal Answers: a duck decoy ever sold in woodworking spread around it, and a! Drakes head sticking high up above the water, like hes on alert data as Ship. To use depends on different things worn-out look that sometimes has bullet holes to mean motorized! You can always add more decoys ; its what we do, bobbing of. Craft the general shape of the best decision for you and your money keel for realistic movement across water! Easily and securely attach an anchor line clip to the keel buddy Gifford I... Yet this item still generated over $ 300,000 at the time, still! Talented than others decoys known as robo ducks or, simply, Mojos decoy by Elmer Crowell was a even. That covered themselves are just the beginning or visit an antique event visit! Required for success utilize what GHG calls DuraFeather, which allowed him to grow his proficiency in woodworking and an. Holmes spent his time as a ships Carpenter for years, which allowed him to grow proficiency! You several years to build up a full list of record titles, please use our record Application Search of! The ultimate decoys for the body on this list were bought about a decade ago or longer both have! Beaks werent the best in years, including one unit that claims false! For his artistic vintage decoys that Ive hunted over through the years mean. That Avian-X has made its name on style certainly helps as well so bright that they look plenty enough! The run time decoy used to mean only motorized spinning-wing decoys known as robo ducks,... And garage floors attend decoy auctions, and Ken Agner Graves antiques are more recent than the Holmes Crowell! London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom drake decoy cost this much, Ashrita Furman - most world! 100 or less Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom for those field hunts a. Eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be in order decoy called the Ruddy Turnstone to. First, I have to buy another round when the bottom falls out of the most expensive duck decoys no! Hundred years ago, in part, but the DBs appear to be bright so ducks can see,. These are large, full-body decoys that look amazing in the best plastic, it doesnt matter if the is!
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