Guyette & Deeter, Inc.

and
Ducks Unlimited Canada Present
The Peter Brown Collection
The largest collection of Canadian decoys ever to be offered at auction

Net proceeds from this sale will go directly to

Ducks Unlimited Canada
 Introduction

Peter Browns decoy collection comprises examples from coast to coast in Canada. The
collection contains primitives, a few decorative carvings; some great old decoys in as
found gunning repaint as well as splendid examples in form and condition by most of the
well known carvers.

Peter Brown, the art collector is not a duck hunter. Decoys did not bring memories of
past hunts, duck retrieving dogs or time spent in duck blinds. He has never used decoys as
a tool to deceive waterfowl he has never shot a duck. Can a person who has never shot
a duck really understand or appreciate an old pedigreed wooden decoy? Can a person who
has never studied decoys from a blind, not thought of market hunters, duck clubs, outlaw
gunners or wrapped his cold hands around the neck of a warm duck fully appreciate the old
wooden carving? The answer as illustrated by the collection is an emphatic yes. Peter is an
art collector. He sees form. He sees sculpture. The hunt, the kill are not part of the allure.
The decoy repainted, maker unknown, battered and bruised was art bird sculpture if
you will, just as surely as the Fernlund pintails in his collection.

Collecting decoys exclusively as an art form as Peter Brown has done while not being a
waterfowler will ultimately benefit all who appreciate old gunning decoys.

North Americas earliest decoys may be the reed canvasbacks created by the Tule Eaters
Indian Tribe circa 1000 A.D. discovered at Lovelock Cave Nevada in 1924.
Ducks unlimiteD canaDa
Above: Ducks Unlimited Canadas (DUC) former national planned giving
manager Lloyd Derry with Peter Brown (right), who donated a portion of
his extensive antique decoy collection to DUC.
The tale of a consummate collector
P
eter Brown will never forget the first
time he opened a box of antique Canadian
waterfowl decoys. Theyd been sent to him
by decoy collector Bruce Malcolm, who,
along with renowned carver Ron Gruber, thought
Brown might be interested in a collection of his own
as an investment.
That was back in the 1980s. Brown, a Vancouver,
B.C., businessman, had already acquired important
artwork by Group of Seven and Haida artists. He had
other collections, too. But hand carved decoys were
different.
Id never seen a great decoy before, and I thought:
these are really something, says Brown. Theres no
question they were works of art.
Brown was hooked.
As I got more interested, I thought it would be fun
to put together the definitive collection of Canadian
birds, pursue each of the great carvers and try to get
as many of the species that they made that I could. We
ended up with a few thousand birds.
Drawing from sheds, boat houses, duck clubs and
collections across Canada, over time, Brown would
work with Malcolm and others to amass the remark-
able collection of decoys ranging from mint condition
to gunning repaints.
Peter liked all decoys, not just the best ones, says
Malcolm. He had a passion for them. It was not about
investment and money. He would interrupt a board
meeting or stock trading session to take my call about
a possible new acquisition.
He had a powerful, positive influence on Canadian
decoy collecting in the 1980s.
ZZZ
Now, at the age of 75, Brown has taken the un-
precedented step of divesting his decades-long pursuit.
In May, he donated 1,000 antique duck, geese and
 This is a rare opportunity for DU supporters,
waterfowlers, folk art collectors and decoy
enthusiasts to acquire a historical, important
waterfowl hunting artifact while supporting
DUC and its mission.
From Ducks shorebird decoys, appraised at $1.5 million, to Ducks
Unlimited Canadas Unlimited Canada (DUC). In turn, DUC is offering
conservator mag- the majority of the collection to the public through
azine, fall 2016. auction by Guyette & Deeter, Inc., the worlds largest
decoy auction firm based in Maryland. DUC will be
the beneficiary of net proceeds from the sale.
The majority of the decoys will be sold beginning
April 2017, however, some are now being offered on
Guyette & Deeters weekly online auctions at decoys
forsale.com.
Most of the birds are working decoys carved in the
late 1800s and early 1900s, including a pair of Fernland
pintails appraised at $260,000.
This is a rare opportunity for DU supporters,
waterfowlers, folk art collectors and decoy enthusiasts
to acquire a historical, important waterfowl hunting
artifact while supporting DUC and its mission, says
Malcolm. There are wonderful core decoys in the
Brown/DUC collection: high value, sought-after
decoys by all of the important Canadian makers. In
addition, there are a large number of lesser known,
well-carved decoys that are very collectible and offer
great value.
Theyre beautiful things, says Brown. I was happy
to have them. A collection like that will likely never
happen again.
ZZZ
At Browns request, a portion of the collection
will remain in Canada and displayed periodically at
the Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre in
Manitoba, site of DUCs national office. That display
bruce malcolm
will be dedicated to Browns late long-time friend and
best man,William McLallen Jr., who was a phenomenal
duck hunter and outdoorsman, says Brown.
It took three days for DUC and Guyette & Deeter
staff to pack, appraise and photograph the donated
decoys at Mr. Browns home. says DUCs former
national manager of planned giving Lloyd Derry, who
spent months working on the logistics of acquiring
and selling the collection. Derry, who retired in
December 2016, adds It was a nice but challenging
way to end my career.
ZZZ
Malcolm, a DUC supporter, avid waterfowl
hunter and decoy collector who lives on the north
shore of Lake Erie in Norfolk County, Ont., says
Browns generous gift is a perfect tribute to Canadas
and DUCs waterfowling heritage.
Many extensive DUC projects exist where these
decoys were used over the years, says Malcolm.
Places like Ontarios Lake St. Clair, Rondeau Bay,
Turkey Point and Long Point and Prince Edward
County and throughout Quebec, the Maritimes and
B.C.s Fraser Delta.
I find it ironic that a group of decoys collected
from coast to coast arrive in Vancouver, stay for 25-plus
years, migrate en masse to Manitoba, stage and are
now about to redistribute throughout North America
to people who will again admire and cherish them.
Many will no doubt end up in homes in Canadian
waterfowling areas where they were originally created
and used, thanks to DUC and Peter Brown.
 Comments from Guyette & Deeter, Inc.
This ebook has been produced to highlight the importance of the Peter Brown collection and also to educate
and expose decoy collecting to the many thousands of conservation minded, outdoor loving enthusiasts that
are members of Ducks Unlimited.

While the entire collection was close to one thousand pieces in total, only a small sampling is represented
in the ebook. The decoys photographed are representations of important carvers recognized within their
collecting flyway: Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario, and the West. Additionally, we have highlighted a few
individual makers like Ivar Fernlund, George and James Warin, John Ralph Wells, The Reeves Family, and Ken
Anger, all which were areas of focus within Mr. Browns collection.

For years Canadian decoys collectors were aware of the large collection stashed away in Vancouver, British
Columbia all owned by the private multimillionaire and philanthropist, Peter Brown. Collectors also
knew the decoys were destined to spend the rest of entirety in a Canadian museum. For those who had
some indication as to what the collection contained, this was always a bit sad. To our surprise, Mr. Brown
had a change of mind. After several months of discussions, the collection became the property of Ducks
Unlimited Canada who will be the sole beneficiary of this sale. There are two real winners in this transaction,
first and foremost, the ducks, which stand to have a windfall of over a million dollars to be directed toward
conservation, and second, the decoy collectors that were always hoping to have a chance at adding one of these
unique pieces to their collection.

Guyette & Deeter has been selected to deaccession the Brown collection for Ducks Unlimited Canada. The first
cataloged session at auction will be April 27 & 28, 2017. The sale will be held in conjunction with the North
American Vintage Decoy and Sporting Collectibles Show in St. Charles, Illinois. A 275 page full color catalog
with guaranteed condition reports is available for $45 (price includes postage). The catalog may be obtained
by calling (410) 745-0485, or by email at Michael@guyetteanddeeter.com. Select items are also viewable by
visiting the Preview section of the website, www.guyetteanddeeter.com; and the full color catalog will also be
viewable online roughly two weeks before auction. The auction will also be accessible live online through www.
Invaluable.com. Some items from the Brown collection are currently being offered on the companys weekly
online auction at www.decoysforsale.com.

Guyette & Deeter provides free decoy appraisals to anyone sending a decoy photo and stamped, self addressed
envelope to: Guyette & Deeter, PO Box 1170, St. Michaels, MD 21663. For email send to:
Gary Guyette: decoys@guyetteanddeeter.com, Phone: 410-745-0485.
Jon Deeter: jdeeter@guyetteanddeeter.com, Phone 440-610-1768.

Guyette & Deeter Inc. would like to thank the following

for making this event possible

Lloyd and Velma Derry Rick Sky

Leigh Patterson Chris Clarkson
Karla Guyn Justin Quong
Aaron Everingham Kate Quog
Bruce Malcolm Maria Samuels
Bernie Gates Ally Nichol
Jamie Stalker
 O ntario
Iva r Fe rn lund

4
 Ivar Fernlund
Hamilton, Ontario
Pair of Pintails

5
 Mallards

Canvasbacks

Bluewing Teal

Blackducks
6
 Ivar Gustav Fernlund
Bluebills 1881-1933 Redheads
Hamilton, Ontario Canada

A pattern maker by trade, Fernlund worked for Westinghouse and eventually lived
at The Beach Strip on Hamiltons waterfront at Burlington Bay. Fernlund made
approximately 150 decoys for his personal use that were lightweight, hollow,
precisely carved having wonderfully blended and textured artist oil paint. The
heads were well carved, precise, with varied head positions and always with the
great attitude. He made his rig starting around 1905 Hamilton Bays finest which
contained at least 10 species of ducks.

Ivar Fernlund, circa 1920

Phot courtesy Decoys of Southwest Ontario, Paul Brisco

7
 O ntario
K e n A n ge r

Ken Anger
Dunnville, Ontario
Pair of Mergansers

8
9
 Ken Anger
1905-1961 | Dunnville Ontario

Ken lived in Dunnville on the banks of the Grand River a few miles north of where it enters the north
shore of Lake Erie at Port Maitland Ontario. Dunnville with its river, marshes and proximity to Hamilton
Bay to the N.E. and Long Point Bay to the S.W. was an area where quality decoys were in demand. Ken
was an avid fisherman and hunter; duck and woodcock hunting with his cocker spaniels was his passion.
Ken became a commercial decoy maker in the late 1930s. As with most prolific carvers, his styles
changed quite dramatically between the 1930s until his death in 1961. Dunnvilles other internationally
renowned carver Peter Marshall Pringle (1878-1953) is said to have influenced Kens work, particularly
his use of heavy texturing with the wood rasp. Ken entered the National Decoy Contest in New York
USA in 1948 and again in 1949 taking multiple first place Blue Ribbons each year. American sportsmen
and collectors had found Dunnvilles Ken Anger. The international demand for Anger decoys continues to
this day.
In addition to his gunning Blacks, Mallards, Redheads, Canvasbacks, Bluebills, Whistlers, Buffleheads,
Teal and Pintails, collectors were now commissioning decorative species Wood Duck, Shovellers,
Mergansers and Old Squaw (Long Tailed Duck). Ken made several thousand gunning decoys for local
sportsmen from Dunnville, Long Point, Hamilton Bay, Niagara and Buffalo areas. As his fame spread, his
distribution area increased especially for his decorative work in the mid 1950s until his death. Several
extremely rare or one-of-a-kind decoys including Shovellers and Red Breasted Merganser decoys are

Shovelers Bluewing Teal

Greenwing Teal Buffleheads

10
 included in the Brown/DU Canada collections.
Kens gunning decoys were hollow using the best materials
including Japanese oil paint. The wood was always rasp
textured especially the head. His decoys were on the large size;
highly visible; extremely durable structure and paint; true to
species and species profile. They were a serious duck hunters
decoy no thin bills to break or fragile tails to chip. They were
expensive, but they were quality. It is believed that Ken made
several thousand gunning duck decoys, a few geese, possibly
a hundred decorative decoys plus wall plaques and book ends
featuring ducks and upland birds.
Ken The Rasp Master Angers decoys are still highly sought
after some 60 years after construction.

Ken Anger

Woodduck Widgeon

Canada Goose Pintails

11
Fl a ts D e c oy s
A n I n t r o d u ct i on t o Flats Dec oy s

Flats Decoys

Usually hollow with thin bottom boards; sometimes solid bodied; aesthetically
pleasing; always exhibiting the fine form, workmanship and outstanding function
of the master craftsman; wonderfully painted, hard, durable fine combing, detailed,
well blended feather painting with outstanding color; realistically carved heads;
diminutive in form the Flats Decoys.

Tom Chambers, J.R. Wells, David Ward, George and James Warin along with the
Reeves of Long Point are credited with creating the so-called Toronto School
Flats Decoys, the tag that Barney Crandell (the Michigan collector and decoy his-
torian who wrote the great, early, ground breaking articles on these decoy makers)
hung on this style of decoy.

The Flats Decoy is not limited to six makers. Many decoy makers made similar
style lures, some no doubt influenced by the Big Six especially on the Toronto
waterfront. However, many other known and unknown makers throughout Ontario
made wonderful hollow decoys including early Nichol, Jones, and Chrysler in East-
ern Ontario and Reid, Morris and Fernlund from Hamilton Bay.

12
Flats Geese

Flats geese are exceedingly rare. Phineas Reeves, John Reeves, Tom Chambers,
George and/or James Warin geese are all found in the Brown collection. They date
from the 1860s through to the early 1900s and were primarily used at prestigious
waterfowl hunting clubs in Ontario Canada. These geese exemplify the qualities
that make these Flats Decoys so sought after, their features so compelling.

13
O ntario
G e o r ge Wa r i n

George Warin
Toronto, Ontario
Canada Goose

14
15
 The Warins
James Warin (1832-1883) George Warin (1830-1904)
Toronto, Ontario

The Warins were boat builders and decoy makers who hunted extensively on the Toronto waterfront and
Lake St. Clair. George travelled to western Canada around the turn of the century arranging and escorting
the Duke of York on his royal shoot at the Delta Marsh in Manitoba. They were in business as G & J
Warin Boat Builders as early as 1873. George and James were very involved in the sport of rowing,
more specifically building racing sculls, using innovative seat and oar designs for competition rowing.
World champion rower Ned Hanlon was a friend and customer who was mentored and sponsored by
the Warins in his pursuit of multiple world titles. The Warins travelled throughout Ontario to regattas
including Chatham, St. Catharines, Niagara and Eastern Ontario. George Warin was a founding member
of the St. Clair Flats Shooting Company in 1874. The Warins sold boats and decoys to members of the
elite duck clubs as well as to individual sportsmen. Warin implemented shooting rules to increase the
harvest at several clubs at the Flats. At the St. Clair Flats it was the height of the market hunting era.
Ducks were sold. Warin personally shot over 800 ducks at the Canada Club in 1876. Some of his rules
included: only shoot every other day; stop shooting before sundown; feed ponds daily clearly a recipe
for success.
The Warin decoys are an integral part of Barney Crandells The Toronto School of Flats Decoy Makers.
Hollow; lightweight; wonderful diminutive forms Warins decoys included most species of ducks. Geese
were usually very hollow, extremely rare, graceful, again meticulously painted truly works of art.
Decoy production numbers are always speculative at best; some suggest possibly 2000 decoys. Several
Warin decoys in excellent, original condition including goose decoys are found in the Brown/DU Canada
collection.
George Warin was the undisputed patriarch of the rowing and hunting society of that era in Canada. His
best decoys are unquestionably some of Canadas finest early decoys.

James Warin George Warin

16
Canada Goose

Mallards

17
18
 Redheads

Canada Goose

19
O n tario
Joh n R. Wel l s

John R. Wells
Toronto, Ontario
Pair of Shovelers

20
21
 John R. Wells
1861-1953

John Rice Wells (J.R.W.) was an accomplished boat builder, decoy maker and leg-
endary wing shot who worked for 43 years for the Ackroyd Boat Company on the To-
ronto waterfront. Wells, along with his friends the Warins, Chambers and the Reeves
was an integral member of Barney Crandells Toronto School of decoy makers. His
decoys, both solid and hollow were carved and painted true to the species includ-
ing separating juvenile plumage from adult. Wells, who made most species, sold to
members of the elite waterfowl clubs and was a frequent guest. Wells hunted at Long
Point on the north shore of Lake Erie over many decades.
J.R.W. Maker some of Canadas best decoys.

Photo: The Duck Hunters A Day at Long Point Canada.

J. R. Wells of Toronto 4th from the left with P. Reeves, Charles Reeves and Frank
Reeves.

22
Bluewing Teal Pintails

Bluewing Teal

Mallards Goldeneyes

23
 Redhead

Blackduck

24
Canvasback

Canvasback

25
 O n tario
To m C h amber s

Tom Chambers
Toronto/Wallaceburg Ontario
1860-1948
Canada Goose Canvasback Redhead
26
27
 Thomas Chambers
1864-1950
Toronto/Wallaceburg
Ontario, Canada

Tom Chambers was a highly skilled waterfowl hunter from Toronto who as a young man hunted the
Toronto waterfront and surrounding area on Ashbridges Bay. He moved to Wallaceburg and Walpole
Island in the mid 1880s to manage The St. Annes Duck Club for his friend George Warin. From
there he moved to the St. Clair Flats Shooting Company as manager. For the next 43 years he man-
aged the Canada Club, one of the finest and most prestigious waterfowl clubs in the country. Most
importantly to decoy collectors, Chambers another member of Toronto School of Carvers produced
a few hundred duck decoys and perhaps a dozen geese for wealthy sportsmen of the Canada Club and
others. Canvasbacks, Redheads and Black Ducks dominated his production.

Chambers decoys meticulously carved, always with striking, racy profiles, usually hollow, swept
back necks and understated elegance. He used simple, effective paint patterns, usually combed or
scratch paint textured always lifelike on the water. A few decoys were branded Thoms. Chambers
Maker. As one might expect, between the mid 1880s and 1930, changes in style occurred. He made
5 distinct Redhead styles and several distinct Canvasback styles a wonderful array of styles, not
surprising given the time span, economic changes and available time while managing a prestigious
duck club. Chambers Canvasback, Goose and Redhead decoys all have a common theme; function;
simple, effective paint; meticulously well-carved and above all striking profiles, racy, stylized; com-
pelling St. Clair Flats Best.

Canvasback Canvasback

28
 Photo courtesy Ken Cole

Canvasback

29
 Redhead

Redhead

30
Canvasback

Bluebill

Redhead
31
32
Sou thwest Ontari o
Hi ghlig h ts by in dividual m a k e rs

Phineas Reeves
1833 - 1892
Long Point
Canada Goose

33
 All decoys used at Long Point Shooting Company

Jack Reeves left and

the Honourable Roland
Michener Govenor Long Point Decoys
General of Canada, The Reeves Family
enjoying the fruits of Port Rowan/Long Point
Long Point Companys
marsh lands.
Ontario

For over 150 years, Long Point and The Long Point Company established in 1866
have stirred the emotions of waterfowlers. The Long Point Company members,
North Americas industrial and business nobility, hosted Royalty, entertainers,
sportsmen and Americas premier sporting artists including Louis Aggasiz Fuertes,
Frank W. Benson and Ogden M. Pleissner. The Company inspired the development
of other conservation oriented, elite waterfowling clubs in Canada.
The Winthrop family were turn of the century members of the Company and
continue to this day. During the mid 1930s, Norfolk County along with much
of the Midwest USA and Canada was in a severe drought. The marshes of Long Point Bay including The Long Point
Company were virtually dry. When Robert Winthrop joined The Company in 1937, he along with Joseph Knapp and E.H.
Low founded Ducks Unlimited. Decoys including a rare Charles Reeves canvas covered Widgeon in the Brown collection
bear the Winthrop family brand. The mystique of Long Point as captured by the aerial image of The Point is synonymous
with waterfowling, The Long Point Company, and Reeves family decoys.
Local families, and in particular the Ferris, Reeves, Reids and Wamsleys have been an integral part of the hunting club
since 1866 and continue today.
The Reeves family decoy makers Phineas, John, Frank, Charles, and Jack waterfowl guides, boat builders, marsh
managers, trappers and commercial fishermen...this family of baymen always comes to mind with any mention of
historical Canadian waterfowl collectibles.
The publication of the excellent book Lore and Legends of Long Point by Harry B. Barrett in 1977 brought Long Point
country its shifting sands and lonely marshes and ridges of Lake Eries great sand spit to our decoy rooms.
The research published by the late Bernard Crandall regarding The Long Point Company (1866) and The St. Clair
Flats Shooting Company (1874), and their exceptional decoy makers, made the first significant contribution to the
documentation of Reeves family decoy artifacts. Further publications and serious collectors pursuit of quality decoys has
further augmented the recognition of the Reeves Family and Canadas contribution to this North American folk art.
Phineas Reeves decoys elegant; flowing lines; hollow. And the paint artist oils; long, flowing brush strokes from years
working on buggy paint detail and decorative furniture detailing.. These Phineas decoys from the 1880s branded with the
owners names; from The Company; with age, history and style are some of the Reeves family best.
Son John moved to The St. Clair Flats Co. in his 20s where he made his iconic goose decoys. Frank and Charles started
making decoys in the late 1890s, first working at the Big Creek Shooting Club at Long Point but later came to The Long
Point Company. Charles made several hundred decoys mostly Redheads, Canvasbacks, Pintails, Blacks, a few Teal decoys
as well as other species. Some were solid, some hollow and some canvas covered. Frank carved similar decoys though
considerably less in number. The decoys of Charles and Frank have great heads and well carved bodies with simple,
elegant paint. Charles son Jack who started carving decoys with his father around 1920 was very prolific, making decoys
for over 60 years. Jacks early decoys are similar to those of Charles.
The Reeves decoys are well documented and deservedly so.
Excellent Long Point decoys by Walter Bailey and Isaiah Brown as well as some unknown makers are all found in the
Peter Brown collection.
Over a period of 150 years; with great provenance; historically significant; superbly crafted The Decoys of Long Point.

34
 Charles Reeves

Reeves Family John Reeves

Bailey
35
 All decoys used at Long Point Shooting Company

Jack Reeves poses atop

the Long Point Company
club house with a 4 bore
cradled in his arms.
Members cottages are
in the background

Charles Reeves at
Long Point
36
John Reeves

Jack Reeves

McInnis Rig
37
 Other Southwest
Ontario Makers

Frank Dolson
Photo credit Paul Brisco

Hank Catton Roger Dolson

Carl Rankin Ralph Smithers

38
 Morris Boat Works

Donnie Reed

Peter Pringle

Morris Boat Works

39
 Conserving the clubs
Southern Ontario hunt clubs have made significant contributions to the conservation
of the critical Great Lakes coastal wetlands that are so important to migrating waterfowl.
But as more of these hunt clubs are sold to other interests, can this long and storied
tradition of conservation continue?
By Leigh Patterson
A history of conservation
T
he first hunt clubs in Ontario began
to appear in the early 1880s. Waterfowl
hunters from both sides of the border, and
from all walks of life, started purchasing
Adapted from highly productive wetlands. Local residents shared the
Ducks Unlimited vision with the political and business elite. Auto mag-
Canadas Conser- nate Henry Ford II owned the Mud Creek Club on
vator magazine, Lake St. Clair, not surprising given that the Detroit
spring 2014. skyline can be seen on a clear day.
By the late 1880s, hunt clubs had evolved into the
leading conservation agencies of the day, becoming
pockets of wetland conservation in a sea of agricultural
and urban development. The Long Point Company,
established in 1866 on the north shore of Lake Erie,
was among the first to implement habitat improve-
ments. It put an end to illegal logging on Long Point,
and introduced what are arguably the first hunting
regulations and daily bag limits in Canada.
In addition to protecting wetland habitat, in the early
1960s, the Company transferred land to the province
40
of Ontario for a provincial park and public waterfowl
hunting area. In the 1970s, the Company again trans-
ferred land, this time to the federal government for
the creation of the Long Point National Wildlife Area
(NWA). These moves established long-term protection
of the fragile wetland and upland habitats associated
with Long Point.
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) past president Tom
Worden says a hunt club can instill an early appreciation
for wetlands and the role waterfowlers historically
played in wetland conservation. He honed his water-
fowling skills as a member of the Turkey Point Company,
a hunt club across Long Point Bay from the Long Point
Company.
If not for hunt clubs, Id be afraid some of those
wetlands would be diked, drained and growing carrots,
says Worden. Obviously with the hunt clubs there,
they werent going to let that happen.
Beyond protecting lands to support waterfowl, the
hunt clubs influence extends beyond their immediate
locales. The camaraderie and friendships developed in
blinds and around dining room tables led Sinclair and
 past Ducks Unlimited, Inc. President and fellow Turkey
Point Company member Hazard Campbell, to form
DUCs first volunteer fundraising chapter.
When you think about the conservation legacy
started by sportsmen through private hunt clubs along
the lower Great Lakes, its extremely significant, in the
thousands of acres, says Mark Gloutney, DUCs
director of regional operations, eastern region. We
need to find solutions to ensure that these critical
wetlands remain in place for future generations.
Modern challenges
Its expensive to maintain large tracts of quality
marshland. To stay financially afloat, some hunt clubs
are looking to more lucrative ventures such as selling a
portion of their property to turn into agriculture lands,
or pulling up stakes and selling everything outright.
When agriculture land sells for $20,000 per acre and
wetlands sell for $1,500 per acre, its easy to see why.
Our challenge is that if we buy land at farmland
values, put a conservation easement on it, and then
resell it, we are incurring a cost of up to 75 per cent of
the farmland value, says Gloutney. The conservation
Ducks unlimiteD canaDa
community should not have to bear the burden for
protecting coastal wetlands that are critical to the
health of continental waterfowl and the Great Lakes
ecosystem.
If we had effective wetland policies in place, these
existing wetlands would be protected and the conser-
vation community could focus conservation dollars on
restoration efforts that result in incremental wetland
habitat.
Focusing on the future
There is no simple answer to address the growing
concern about the loss of vital hunt club land. Many
current club owners continue to maintain their conser-
vation ethic through partnerships with local steward-
ship agencies, DUC and others. The goal is to maintain
or improve existing habitats, install duck nest boxes and
control invasive plants such as phragmites. A number
have signed conservation easements so lands are
protected for future generations.
DUC is exploring opportunities for partnered
securement and/or acquisition of hunt club wetlands.
The organization is also working with municipal, pro-
vincial and federal governments, hoping to develop
a comprehensive wetland policy that significantly
strengthens wetland protection measures.
The substantial growth in human population forecast
for the Great Lakes region in the coming decades will
also seriously affect remaining wetlands and the water-
fowl that depend on them, Gloutney notes. Thats
why protecting and enhancing our collective invest-
ments in these areas is a key component to ensure
the landscapes of southern Ontario remain healthy
to support waterfowl, wildlife and benefit society
as a whole.
41
So uth Ce n t r al Ontar i o
H i g h l i g h t s b y i ndi vidual makers

In the 1970s there was a farm sale outside of Markham, Ontario. At the sale, a number of decoys
were sold, which are now known as the Markham Rig. Some of the decoys were thought to have
been made by Walker Moorley and some by a talented unknown maker. The most interesting decoys
in the group, attributed to the unidentified maker, had heavily carved mandibles and nostrils as the
redhead drake exhibits.
42
Markham Rig
Redhead

43
 Bud Tully, circa 1945.

William Clark Queens Hotel

44
 Harve Davern, circa 1920.

Lawrence Davis Art Chilton

45
 Unknown

Unknown

Art Chilton
46
Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

47
A Ducks Unlimited Canada Conservation Story from Ontario
ProjeCt sPotLight: LAke St. CLAir,
SouthweStern ontArio
O
ntario is home to 13 million people
with more than 94 per cent living in
the southern part of the province. More
people, bigger cities and an increasing
demand for agricultural products are impacting wet-
lands. Some areas of southern Ontario have lost more
than 90 per cent of wetlands. Many have little natural
cover grasslands, trees or water of any kind left.
Without natural cover, wildlife cant survive. The
land cant endure extreme weather events. As a result,
flooding occurs and water quality is impaired. Ducks
Unlimited Canada (DUC) is working to stop this trend.
For over 25 years, DUC has played a significant role
in protecting and restoring wetlands along the lower
Great Lakes in southwestern Ontario. Coastal wetlands
are critical to the health and well-being of all who use
the Great Lakes, but they are under significant threat.
It is only by working together, that we can make a
difference and save Ontarios wetlands.
On June 10, 2015, DUC announced an investment of
almost $1 million to restore seven wetlands, representing
more than 900 acres (375 ha), along the shores of Lake
St. Clair. Investing in these critical Great Lakes coastal
48
wetlands will ensure they not only continue to exist,
but that they will remain healthy and productive for
many years to come.
Z Jeannettes Creek Gun Club
Z Connors Marsh
Z Rex Dover
Z Rex 14 Club
Z Roberta Stewart Wildlife Area
Z St. Clair National Wildlife Area: St. Clair
wetlands, Bear Creek
As well as protecting valuable natural features
already on the land, a major part of DUCs conservation
program involves restoration of wetland habitat in
areas where they have been degraded or removed.
Wetland restoration projects rely on engineering
designs and the construction of infrastructure (dikes,
water control structures, etc.) to bring these wetlands
back to health.
The seven projects benefitting from this investment
were approaching, or have surpassed, the end of their
normal lifespan. This investment enables DUC to
repair and maintain vital coastal wetland habitat, and
is a major step forward in sustaining biodiversity and
preserving these natural heritage resources long into
the future.
 Ducks unlimiteD canaDa

49
O n ta r io Shor ebi r d s

Ontario Shorebirds
Various Makers and Species
Circa 1900
50
51
Southam family member shorebird hunting Toronto Waterfront over the family rig, circa 1900

The fact that little is known about the carvers

of the Ontario shorebirds does not detract from
the importance and beauty of the forms that
were created in this isolated shorbird hunting
region, away from the eastern shore board.
While Manhattan had Long Island and New
Jersey to supply plumage for the millinery
trade the fashionable elite of Toronto were
also hungry for their share of fancy hats and
pins during the Victorian era. Shore birds were
abundant and the sportsman of the day created
shorebird decoys to lure them.

With his popgun safely broken and a basket filled with spent
shells, Herb Southam helps carry home the days bag. Thomas
Southam Jr.s photographs are a fine record of life both on the
Toronto islands and along Ashbridges Bay, circa 1900

52
53
East ern On t a r i o
H i g hl i g h t s b y i ndi vidual mak ers
By the early nineteen eighties, a modest fraternity of decoy enthusiasts, including duck hunters, folk art
collectors, and antique dealers, had been actively collecting and researching Ontario decoys for many
years. Around this time, Peter Brown, a successful Vancouver, BC, businessman, a serious collector and
promoter of Canadian art, became interested in Ontario decoys. During the next few years, his business
acumen, and collectors shrewdness, enabled him to build an impressive assembly of Ontario decoys.

Some time in the late nineties, I had the good fortune to view his collection. I doubt there will ever be
a more comprehensive group of quality Ontario decoys in one place again. From my collecting focus,
Eastern Ontario[1], most known carvers were well represented, usually by several species.

The decoys of Bud Tully (Peterborough,) the Smiths Falls Nichol family, Harve Davern (Brighton,) Ray
Andress (Gananoque,) Billy Ellis (Whitby,) Wm. Chrysler (Belleville,) Wayne Shaddock (Trenton,) Bob
Burke (Wolfe Island,) Jim Duncan (Smiths Falls,) the Rundles (Bloomfield, PEC) and many more had
made the more than 2 000 mile migration to Peter Browns display room in Vancouver.

The impact of Peter Brown collecting Ontario decoys has had a major positive effect, elevating their
status, appreciation and value. I believe, the current public dispersal of the collection by auction will have
a similar effect.

I am delighted that, rather than let them disappear into institutional storagethe ultimate destination of
some of these decoys, you have chosen to recycle your impressive collection this way, giving current and
future collectors the opportunity, excitement and enjoyment of adding the decoys to their collections.
- Bernie Gates

Photo of Sam Hutchins holding The Chrysler family in the 1890s. Seated:
a merganser he carved in 1920. Charles (father), Blanche (sister) and Mary
54 (mother). Standing: Jessie (sister) and Bill.
Credit: The County Decoys, Jim Stewart
Adam, (left) and David K. Nichol encamped on Sand Island on Rideau Lake. The
brothers not only hunted together, but also cooperated on the design of their decoys

Bud Tully, circa 1945 David K. Nichol

55
 Angus was a salesman, road maintenance supervisor and later a farmer and tourist operator
in Prince Edward County in Eastern Ontario. He was an avid sportsman including waterfowl
hunting. He probably made his black duck decoys around 1900. Some are in unusual poses best
illustrated by one of his extremely rare and important swimming pose hen black ducks pictured.

56
 Angus J. Lake
West Lake, Ontario
1872-1957
Black Duck

57
 This highly stylized decoy with cross hatched carving and raised delineated primary feathers
represents Sams finest early work. Aquatic vegetation eating Hoodies were considered fine
table fare in the early 1900s in eastern Ontario. These diminutive, pocket-size Merganser decoys
are unique, rare, important and prized by folk art and decoy collectors throughout North America.

58
Goldeneye Pair Goldeneye

Sam Hutchings
Jones Falls Ontario
1894-1995
Hooded Merganser

59
 Billy Ellis Bud Tully

William Chrylser Jess Baker

A very large wolf was shot at

the Stop Log Camp, 1940s.
Rear, left to right: Clayt
Hyatt, Angus Lake, Butch
Stacey. Front left to right: Ken
Hyatt, Hubert Mann, Elwood
Munroe.
The County Decoys, Jim
Stewart
60
William Chrylser Harry Hitchon

Arthur Dafoe

Harve Davern Bud Tully

61
 Fred Croat. The County Decoys, Sam Huthings (right) and Albert Hutchings
Jim Stewart (left) c. 1912. David Nichol, Larry Lunman

William Chrylser
62
 Bob May, circa 1930s.
Jess Baker, left.

Fred Croft

Buck Crawford,
pictured top right

63
 Ray Andress

William Chrylser

Ed McNeal

Unknown
64
 Billy Ellis

Beany Anderson

Charlie Duesberry

William Loney
65
 Buck Crawford

Ray Andress

Wolf Island
66
 Unknown

Harold Noland

Billy Ellis

Bob Burke

67
 The Nichol Brothers, David K. (stand-
ing) and Adam (sitting) early 1890s.
Nichol Family Photo

Unknown Bob May

68
 D.W. Nichol

D.W. Nichol

Addie Nichol

D.K. Nichol

D.W. Nichol
69
A Ducks Unlimited Canada Conservation Story from Ontario
ProjeCt sPotLight:
AtoCAS bAy, eAStern ontArio
Y
our decoy purchase helps to support
important habitat initiatives in threatened
landscapes, like the Atocas Bay site near
Ottawa in eastern Ontario.
Atocas Bay is a rolling 2,000-acre property used
for forestry and farming in the past. The result is a
landscape dotted by hundreds of drained wetlands.
With financial help through the Eastern Habitat Joint
Venture Program, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC)
purchased the initial block of land in 2000. The 1,700-
acre property included more than 240 wetland basins
representing much of the key wetland habitat remaining
in the entire landscape. In 2002 DUC completed a
second land acquisition on three properties next to the
originally purchased lands, bringing the total project
lands to almost 2,000 acres.
Once DUC secured the lands, wetland restoration
began. Efforts to restore the drained wetlands on the
properties ranged from plugging a ditch with clay
material, to constructing small earthen dikes with
various types of water control structures, to imple-
menting a variety of water management options. Over
the years and as funds were available, DUC has restored
more than 200 small, medium and large wetland basins.
70
This project also shows how agriculture and wildlife
habitat management can work together. DUC added
some environmentally friendly agricultural practices
on the property, including cattle exclusion fencing,
rotational grazing, alternative livestock watering
sources and delayed haying to reduce wildlife mortality.
The result is the creation of a habitat complex that
benefits local wildlife and migratory waterfowl and
improves water quality.
The wildlife response to the improved habitat has been
remarkable breeding duck numbers have increased
24-fold. Results show a significant positive response
by waterfowl, especially from mallards, black ducks and
green-winged teal.
The Atocas Bay wetland restoration project is one
of DUCs premier wetland restoration demonstration
sites. DUC will continue to showcase this remarkable
project in the future, showing the benefits of wetlands,
how to restore wetlands and demonstrating beneficial
agricultural stewardship practices that make wildlife
and agriculture compatible.
 Ducks unlimiteD canaDa

71
Q u ebe c

Alain MacDonald
Previously attributed to Robert Paquette
Montreal, Quebec
Redhead

72
73
 Orel LeBoeuf

Quebec, The carvings of Lower Canada

Although the skyline of Montreal looms
ever closer to the hunting shacks and
duck boat slips at Verdun, Quebecs
water fowling tradition still thrives. The
St. Lawrence River continues to support
the weed beds that have attracted annual
migrations of waterfowl for centuries, and
the customary hunting grounds around
Ils Des Soeurs and Ile Verte, just a few
Orel LeBoeuf minutes from traffic jams of downtown
Montreal, are active each fall. The carved
wooden decoy has disappeared from the
provinces water ways, to be replaced by
modern plastics, and the birds originally
purchased by hunters are now sought by
collectors.

From Traditions in Wood, Patricia Fleming

Bill Cooper after a good days hunt Willie Leduc

74
 Joseph Pauquette

Hormidas Thibert
Pauquette

75
 Hormidas Thibert

When Peter Brown first appeared on the Canadian decoy scene in the 1980s, it soon became
apparent he was no ordinary collector. In relatively short time, he put together the most
comprehensive Canadian collection ever assembled. Quebec is very well represented with
several iconic examples.

From the Valleyfield region, a very rare Hormidas Thibert merganser hen, one of two known,
and arguably his finest work. Also from Valleyfield, some very fine examples by Orel LeBoeuf,
including a pair of mint bluebills, originally purchased from his neighbor and benefactor, and an
extremely rare hen wood duck, possibly unique. From the Verdun / Montreal school, an oversize
Bill Cooper black duck as well as the extraordinary redhead drake by Alain MacDonald, one of
Quebecs finest decoys. These are only several examples of an exceptional collection fresh to
the market after some thirty years and available to a new generation of collectors.
Jamie Stalker

Orel LeBoeuf

76
Willie Ledac

Hormidas Thibert

77
 Adam (left) and David K. Nichol encamped on Sand Island
on Rideau Lake. The brothers not only junted together but
also cooperated on the design of their decoys

Orel LeBoeuf

78
Bill Cooper

Unknown

79
A Ducks Unlimited Canada Conservation Story from Quebec

ProjeCt sPotLight:
MArAiS Aux MASSetteS

M
arais aux Massettes in the Outa-
ouais region is one of Quebecs most
significant wetland areas. But old and
outdated infrastructure was putting it
at risk of drying up. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC)
had to find a strategic and sustainable way of
restoring its natural beauty and functions.
the Challenge
The site is surrounded by wetlands and wildlife that
biologists didnt want to disturb. This made carrying
out a major project like this a complex undertaking.
driving surface on which to carry 1,000 truckloads of
clay taken from the outskirts of the marsh. As well, the
noise from hydraulic shovels didnt disturb the wildlife,
which was asleep under the ice or had migrated.
the result
With the new structure up and running by spring,
the marsh was able to reach its full potential once the
weather warmed up. Today, the restored Marais aux
Massettes continues to support extraordinary bio-
diversity that delights nature lovers and hunters.

the Solution

DUC concluded that the solution lay in the cold of

winter. During the five harshest weeks of winter, the
team rebuilt the levee and set up a new water level
control structure. Winter conditions created a solid

80
 Ducks unlimiteD canaDa

81
M a ritim e Pr ovi nces
H i g h l i g h t s b y i ndi vidual makers
The Canadian Maritime Provinces, Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, have
produced an exciting abundance and variety
of decoys. Here, we find people traditionally
preoccupied with the sea, which greatly influenced
the waterfowl hunting and the carving style. Early
Mic Mac Indian root head goose decoys, market
gunning, and the later influence of sportsmen from
the United States, also played a role in the types of
decoys produced here.

In Nova Scotia we find a concentration of decoys for hunting black duck, merganser, seaducks, and even
loons for use either near the saltwater shore or for use several miles out on the rocks and shoals. Nova
Scotias Eastern Shore, South Shore, and islands like Tancook Island out in the Mahone Bay, are famous for
the unique styling of decoys that were made to be used here.
82
Stan Sawler
Pair of Mergansers

83
 Jess Obed

Alfred Murphy

Alfred Murphy

84
William Levy

Orran Hiltz

Stan Boutlier

85
 William Levy

John Brooks

George Skerry

86
Clarence Earnst

Orran Hiltz

Lindsay Family

87
 Malpeque Bay, Prince Edward Island

Amateur Mat Savoie

88
 John Ramsay

Abram Thomas

89
 Prince Edward Island decoys usually are goose, brant, and shorebirds. Market gunners and out of province
sportsmen, using flat bottomed decoys, hunted geese and brant that came in to feed on the eel grass on the mud
flats. Later, as the eel grass died off, the geese were more often hunted in the cornfields using full bodied standing
decoys. Many shorebird decoys were produced for use on the shores of Malpeque and New London Bays.

On New Brunsicks Tabusintac Bay a number of hunting clubs catered to sport hunters using sink box rigs of
goose, brant, and black duck. Hunters also used field goose decoys and the Mic Mac tradition of using a stylized
stick in a mound of seaweed for goose hunting near the beaches.

In August of 1883, this hunting party - complete with guides, dogs, and a camp cook -
were prepared for a shoot on the tidal flats of the Kensington shore of Malpeque Bay.

William Rowlings John Brooks

90
Abram Thomas

William Rowlings

91
A Ducks Unlimited Canada Conservation Story from Prince Edward Island
ProjeCt sPotLight:
woLFe inLet
T
oting a bag of decoys, his shotgun, and
going wherever my dirt bike could take
me, Jonathan Platts hunted for geese every
fall as a teenager growing up in western
Prince Edward Island. When Platts was about 15 years
old, his friends started taking him waterfowling at Wolfe
Inlet, a large salt marsh near Glenwood, P.E.I.
There, he found whole new world.
The number of ducks at the marsh was amazing to
me, says Platts, now a Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC)
conservation specialist.
Id take my dads truck and drive out to Glenwood
and pick up my buddies. Wed have to stop in to see
an old fella who lived out there to borrow his decoys
because we couldnt afford floaters of our own.
Wolfe Inlet is one of the largest remaining intact salt
marshes on the island, and its a special place. Its host
to a diverse variety of species of wildlife such as black
ducks, shorebirds, gulls and raptors, and plants like
spartina and eel grass.
92
Thats why in 2014, DUC purchased a 73-acre marsh-
land and upland swath of Wolfe Inlet to conserve an
important and biodiverse piece of coastal habitat for
the wildlife that call it home, and for people like Platts,
who have come to treasure its natural riches.
As a DUC conservation specialist, Platts has a more
scientific appreciation of the coastal ecosystem today.
But that appreciation is still fondly coloured by the
time he spent on the marsh as a kid hunting rabbit
on the upland area in winter, and in summer canoeing
or digging clams, watching eel fisherman and oyster
farmers farther out (the stench of the marshs black
mud lingering in his nose for days).
No matter how many times hes visited Wolfe Inlet,
its always revealing itself to Platts in different ways.
I appreciate it for its diversity. Ive seen how storm
surges affect the shoreline; how the sandhills move
from west to east with prevailing currents, says Platts.
You can go one night during a storm and the marsh
will look like its part of the ocean, and the next day
itll be barren with exposed salt pans, and full of birds.
 Ducks unlimiteD canaDa

93
 Wes t Coast

Percy Bicknell
Richmond, British Columbia
Pintail

94
95
 The waterfowling tools and traditions of Eastern Canada were late to arrive in Western Canada. The
railroad expansion into Vancouver in 1890 brought with it a population explosion and accompanying
that, followed demand for waterfowl in the markets. Puddle ducks and divers were easily hunted in the
calm salt water marshes, away from the rigors of the open sea. Light weight decoys, even hollow could
be used effectively and provided great visibility for migrating flocks.

Harry Holloway

Harold Percy Bicknell releases both decoy and anchor line and adds
another block to the rig surronding his duck boat

96
Harold Percy Bicknell, the West Coasts master carver. His decoys
served as models for hundreds of copies

Vancouver

97
 Vancouver

98
Percy Bichnell

99
A Ducks Unlimited Canada Conservation Story from British Columbia
ProjeCt sPotLight: on-FArM
pLAnning in the FrASer deLtA
S
ituated at the mouth of the Fraser
River Delta, many in British Columbia
know Westham Island as home to the
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
and Alaksen National Wildlife Area.
It is also home to Abtar Singhs organic vegetable
farm, one of a few farms in British Columbia supply-
ing organic produce to local stores. Abtar is one of the
first partners of Ducks Unlimited Canadas (DUC)
On-Farm plan in the area.
Abtar, known as Ab, joined the On-Farm plan in
2003, and began a model partnership with DUC that
now spans decades. The agreement gives him the
funding he needs to pay for the expensive machinery
and staff needed to run the farm to its full potential.
He also receives help from DUC in the form of
science-based recommendations for advanced solutions
for cover crop types, ditching, and manure application;
all customized to the requirements of his specific farm.
In return, DUC plants a winter cover crop on his
farm, alternating barley and wheat. The cover crops
100
provide food and a safe place to rest for the over one
million migrating birds who use the Fraser River Delta
as a stopover along their migration path, as well as
supports the almost five million shorebirds that call
the area home.
A long-term commitment is necessary to benefit
both the farmer and conservation goals in the area.
Partnerships like the one DUC has with Ab combines
resources and provides a far greater pooling of quality
waterfowl habitat than DUC, or any other conservation
organization, could ever hope to achieve on its own.
Ab Singh can see the fruits of his dedication to the
partnership, when snow geese use his winter crops to
refuel during their migratory journey.
The Canada geese and snow geese would give this
partnership a two thumbs up, Ab says.
DUC is grateful to partners on the land like Ab, and
hope others will follow in their conservation-forward
footsteps to help provide sustainable food for people
and for waterfowl.
 Ducks unlimiteD canaDa

101
A Ducks Unlimited Canada Conservation Story from Manitoba
ProjeCt sPotLight:
deLtA MArSh
I
t was occupied by First Nations peoples for
centuries, and formed a part of an early fur trade
route. In later years, farmers settled nearby. It
was a place where boys went with their fathers
to marvel at a sunrise on a quiet spring morning. It
welcomed Hollywood stars like Clark Gable, who
sought it out for its reputation as world renowned
waterfowl hunting grounds. And its reputation as a
northern Serengeti offered research and teaching
opportunities for generations of waterfowl and wetland
biologists and academics from across North America.
It was, and remains, the beloved Delta Marsh: the
largest freshwater coastal marsh in North America,
located on the south shores of Lake Manitoba.
But invasive foreign species like the common carp,
and nearby agricultural and development projects,
have jeopardized the marshs biodiversity in recent
years.
Thanks to Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and its
partners, efforts to return Manitobas historic Delta
Marsh back to its former glory are working.
Much of the marshs decline has to do with the
invasive common carp, a fish species that uses it for
feeding and spawning activities.
As bottom feeders, carp rake the sediments of the
marsh as they search for food. In their wake, they leave
102
a cloudy trail that makes it almost impossible for the
sun to penetrate the water. This has had a negative
impact to the marshs water quality and vegetation.
In 2013, DUC, in partnership with Manitoba
Conservation and Water Stewardship, undertook an
infrastructure project that introduced dikes and steel
carp exclusion screens in three areas where channels
connect Delta Marsh to Lake Manitoba.
Each spring, fish migrate to the marsh from the lake
to spawn and feed. DUC staff place exclusion screens
in the water after native fish have arrived, and just
before the carp appear. These strong steel bars prevent
carp from entering Delta Marsh. Dikes built in and
around the screens also keep the invasive species from
sneaking around the structures in times of high water
levels and wind.
DUC and its partners saw a quick and positive
response in the vegetation and water quality that they
hadnt seen in years. Thanks to their ongoing efforts,
Delta Marsh continues to be an essential wetland for
migrating waterfowl, including canvasbacks.
 Ducks unlimiteD canaDa

103
 All references for
Canadian Decoys

Decoys of Maritime Canada, Dale and Gary Guyette.

Traditions In Wood, Patricia Fleming.

Decoying St. Clair to the St. Lawrence, Barney Crandell.

Decoys: A North American Survey, Gene and Linda Kangas.

Ontario Decoys, Bernie Gates.

Ontario Decoys II, Bernie Gates.

Call to the Sky, Robert Shaw.

The County Decoys, James Stewart.

Decoys of the Mississippi Flyway, Alan Haid.

Decoys of Southwest Ontario, Paul Brisco.

Great Lakes Decoy Interpretations, Gene and Linda Kangas.

Waterfowl Decoys of Mississippi and the Lake St. Clair Region, Clune Walsh and Lowell Jackson.

The Peter Brown Collection of Canadian decoys to be sold
during the largest gathering of decoy collectors anywhere in
North America.



For anyone interested in decoys and other 52nd North American
sporting collectibles, the North American
Vintage Decoy & Sporting Collectibles Show Vintage Decoy &
at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles,
Illinois is the place to be in the spring of
Sporting Collectibles
2017. Show

April 25-29, 2017
St. Charles, IL

Hosted by the Midwest Decoy Collectors

Association, the show was started in 1966 by a small
group of dedicated decoy collectors who met in
Ottawa, Illinois to reconnect, share stories and trade
decoys. Since then the Club has grown to nearly 800
enthusiasts from all walks of life. Our members come
from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, three
Canadian provinces, and even Europe. They write
books on collecting, manage auction companies,
publish collector magazines, carve worldclass decoys
and other folk art, provide appraisal services, and form a core network of knowledge on a
variety of sporting collectibles and their history. That humble gathering of collectors in 1966
has grown to become the North American Vintage Decoy and Sporting Collectibles Show the
largest and longest running event of its kind.


Show Week

The annual show features a variety of opportunities to learn about and
trade in this uniquely American folk art. The nearly weeklong event
offers roomtoroom trading; a tabled
show in the resorts large exhibit hall
with over 300 dealers; and a major
decoy auction by Guyette & Deeter,
the worlds leading decoy auction
firm.


 All told over 30,000 items we will be offered for sale through the
week including sporting art, fishing lures, duck calls, animal traps,
ammunition boxes, and, of course, antique and contemporary
working decoys. The show week also includes a variety of
educational activities including seminars, displays and carving
demonstrations.







Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, Illinois

The show takes place at the Pheasant Run Resort, conveniently
located in peaceful St. Charles, IL. Pheasant Runs 250acre Chicago
country property is one of the largest entertainment,
conference center, and family vacation resorts in all the
Midwest. For more than 50 years, it has offered a unique
combination of onsite entertainment, recreation,
delicious dining, and sprawling venues that have
established it as a midwestern treasure. This
countryside property offers apartmentstyle suites, a
theater, live comedy, diverse dining options, 18 holes of
golf, tennis, and swimming. Reservations for the show
can now be made by calling the Resort at 630584
6300


St. Charles, Illinois is known for its proximity to Chicago's big city
perks, but with all the grace and charm of a small town. Its quaint
downtown features wonderful array dining, shopping,
entertainment and antiquing opportunities.



The Midwest Decoy Collectors Association is a
nonprofit, educational organization whose mission is
to foster the hobby of decoy collecting by attracting
new collectors, seeking out and preserving old
decoys, gathering information about the old carvers
and their methods, and holding an annual show for
decoy collectors and carvers. To join online go to
midwestdecoy.org, or call 5865306586.