GEORGE E.

KELLER
WILDLIFE ARTIST AND COMPETITIVE CARVER
ROCHESTER, MICHIGAN
From the age of six, George Keller, born 1972 in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, grew up
hunting waterfowl with his father, both in the U.S. and Canada. It was during this period that his
interest and appreciation for the history and methods of waterfowling surfaced, including the
love for the art involved in producing the wooden bird. His fondest and most cherished memories
relate back to this youthful period. Even today, when he holds a decoy he has carved or a
collected Michigan gunner, he is haunted by memories of cold and moonlit nights when
returning from hunting. He recalls being tucked between the shivering and exhausted retrievers
and wet ducks, on a stack of wooden blocks, while being mesmerized by the sound of the native
boat hull smacking the water as the marsh gave way to the open lake. Although George has
continued to add to his gallery of memories through extensive worldwide hunting with his father,
the passion for waterfowl hunting has remained at the forefront.
In spite of his close connection to waterfowl carvers, Georges hidden interest to carve
was suppressed until after completing law school and marriage to his beloved wife Carey. One
connection being the father of his aunt, the late Gordon Pecore Fox, a renowned St. Clair Flats
decoy carver and duck boat maker. Another, Earl Velger, his fathers business partner and an avid
duck hunter who dabbled in decoy carving for his personal needs.
The first house George and his wife purchased was from a widow of a decoy carver. Her
husband and his nephew had capsized and drowned while duck hunting on Lake St. Clair.
George was blessed to observe the numerous decoys he had carved. They were intricate in detail
and attitude and extremely inspirational. So inspirational, that, at that very moment, George
chose to set aside all believed shortcomings and lack of courage to finally follow his heart.
Looking back, George feels that the adoption of an unbridled approach has been instrumental in
his carving achievements.
In addition to the home, George was afforded the opportunity to purchase the tools, wood
and reference materials of the owners late husband. Through research and inquires, he obtained
information regarding the local carving circuit and began attending regional carving shows.
After familiarizing himself with the tools and carving process, his self-taught efforts to create
duck decoys commenced. These personal efforts continued for upwards of five years. With a
growing interest and passion, he subsequently sought out the help of local blue ribbon carver
Gary Hanson. The rewards of private lessons were immediate. Along with the secrets shared by
his seasoned mentor, and Georges determination and eye for detail, he was competing in a short
period of time.
Recent Carving Accomplishments
Since his first competition in 2009, George has won Best of Shows at every active
Michigan and Ohio decoy carving competition. He has placed in the Top 3 gunning bird Best of
Show category 18 times. His most recent win was at the 2016 Ohio Decoy Collectors and
Carvers Association (O.D.C.C.A.). He also won the prestigious International Waterfowl Carving
Association (IWCA) Working Decoy Championship in 2010.
Here at the Saginaw Bay
Waterfowl Festival, he was awarded Best of Show working decoy at the competitions charter
year in 2012 and last years 2015 show.
George will always respect waterfowl hunting and the heritage and art of the wooden
decoy. He promises to continue his efforts involve and educate youth and will always cherish the
friendships he has made while hunting and carving.