most valuable duck decoys

Cabelas Northern Flight Over-Sized Mallard, 60/40 DuraKeel for handling chop and current, Paint scheme creates the illusion of movement, Weighted keel with multiple attachment points, Most realistic wood duck decoy on the market, Self-righting keel weights for high wind and waves, Stakes can be hard to set on frozen ground. Why It Made the Cut: When I opened the box and saw them for the first time, I said D..A..M..N! On record, this is the most expensive decoy purchase to date, but it comes with some interesting and unique details. Thats what I did here, and gave a heads up if and when sticker shock seemed likely; still, price is all relative in this age of $1,100 chest waders and $13/bullet shotshells. Of all the rabbit holes duck hunters get lost in, decoys might be the deepest, most labyrinthian. 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. During this period, it was more or less an art form practiced by adults and children alikesome carved duck decoys for commercial purposes. The reason these were so expensive is that they were some of Crowells first documented decoys. 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. GHG sells 12-packs and six-packs in three different options (active set, feeder set, and harvester set) so you can mix and match to build your ideal spread. Of the ones that he did make that were aware of, their beaks werent the best. It was one of the largest amounts of money they made at their 2006 auction. A spinning wing or two. 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. Not necessarily, but you have to understand that black duck hunting is a pastime. Paint wont erode. In these events, youll be opportune to inspect subtle features put in by antique carvers. Ill admit it. The RMR Jerk Rig comes factory with four snap swivels to attach four decoys; too many IMHO. Shop our selection of Duck Decoys from the world's premier auctions and galleries. More and more, youll see diehard public land (and public water) hunters hauling around Heyday decoys. Think M1A1 Abrams tank tough, and youre starting to appreciate Tanglefrees divers. 3 3. Mallards. 4 4. Bluetooth remote, long-life 6V lithium ion battery, magnetic wing attachments SCORE one for the home team there! The Avian-X body positions look much more natural and relaxed. My buddy and diehard duck hunter, Todd Gifford, has been hunting with those same test decoys for several years now, and they still look as good as new (even though we hunt the frigid waters of the upper Midwest year after year). They wont crack or immediately fade. And theyre tough. It will run in as little as six inches of water. They get bounced around the bottom of boats and in decoy bags. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. And of those 107 days, Ill hunt three-quarters of them. Too much, and unnatural, movement is not good. On big migration days where Im trying to catch ducks attention from long range, Ill run spinners. In turn, the demand for decoys grind to a halt. What you hunt and where you hunt those birds play a major role in what you buy and how many. Duck decoys do not and cannot have a fixed price. The real downside here is that in high wind (often when the duck hunting can be very good) any type of shells on a stake will bob or spin frantically. Both pieces were created between 1915 and 1917. . Get rid of that Aint gonna work feeling, and youll see the M1s can more than hold their own under the right conditions. Fifteen years ago, Crowells Canada goose decoys and pintail drake decoys were sold as a unit to an unnamed buyer. Their makers are top carvers who practiced for years to attain their renowned reputation. Arthur Anderson grew up in rural Indiana, where he spent much of his time going on hunting trips with friends from a young age, and braving the outdoors to get the most authentic hunting experience possible. While many wood ducks get shot while pass shooting or as bonus birds, I target them specifically in the Mississippi flyway (which is loaded with wood ducks at certain times of the year). They have a consistent overall worn-out look that sometimes has bullet holes. Truth is, nobody has a definitive answer on that, and we likely never will. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Love it (! The Lincoln Hisser. Its like having a piece of history, from your favorite thing, sitting right on a shelf somewhere. Research past prices of Antique Duck Decoys to buy or bid confidently today! Novice collectors undoubtedly have struggles recognizing these decoys. Get what you can afford. This is a foam-filled, one-piece decoy with a seven-hour run time. 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. 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. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold. Theres not a ton of information available on Brant. Next, they begin to carve the head with a jackknife till they get their desired shape. Were still in New England guys, but this time were in Maine. Are they spread out loafing? Are they all bunched together feeding? Meet Britain's most expensive duck - a drake that has sold at auction for a record-breaking 1,500. Paint scheme isnt your cup o tea? Or five. Expert Answers: A duck decoy is a man-made object resembling a real duck. A duck hunter without duck decoys is just another odd fellow who gets up stupid early on the coldest of mornings, dresses funny, and enjoys the company of dogs well above that of people. 2 2. Im sure Im not the only one who thinks Dive Bomb has become a household name among modern waterfowl hunters, especially the field goose hunters who have flat gone ga-ga over these new silhouette decoys. Keep em cleancold clear water, NO SOAP, and a bristle brush worksand show em a little care afield, and you shouldnt have any problems. That means they will take up less space in a decoy bag and youll be able to load your spread into a truck instead of needing a trailer. Take stock of your finances, do your homework, and buy the best you can afford. But, are those what you really need for your brand of fowling? Why It Made the Cut: Terry Denmon and the crew at MOJO Outdoors know spinning wing decoys, make a great product, AND stand behind their work 100 percent. RANK: MAKER: STATE: DECOY: AUCTIONEER: DATE: PRICE: RECORD: 1: . If youre hunting small water like a little pond or stream, six to a dozen is great. Joe Lincoln painted decoys well into his 70s and remains an underdog in the decoy world. If youd like to see a graphical breakdown of expensive wooden decoys, we got you covered: Im calling it this because two decoys were sold together for a whopping $1,130,000. The coolest thing about these decoysand the reason they stand out from the competitionis the material itself. Our Topflight floating duck decoys feature a weight-forward swim keel for realistic movement across the water. The latest one was made less than a year ago, in 1956. 6 6. Higher end dekes use paint that wont glare. The word decoy is a dutch word that refers to the cages used by hunters in the Old World to tame wild animals, especially birds. High resolution true-to-life photo imagery, Light weight allows fowlers to carry dozens into the field, Can be used in uber-shallow water where floaters wont float, Box style stake top makes for easy pick up, Mobile hunters can carry a figurative TON of decoys; huge spreads possible, Dry field or shallow water use only limits application, Psychological aspect involved with two-dimensional spreads, Electro-static flocking stays where it shouldon the decoy, Variety of natural body postures and positions, Exceptional feather detail; no glare, even in harsh sunlight, Gadwalls (non-mallards) present something different to pressured birds, Visually accurate representation of grey ducks at rest, Keel features short tie keeper notch on leading edge, Swivel style heads on drakes can separate unintentionally, Flocking does require a bit more care/maintenance/handling, Large size offers improved long-distance visibility on big water, Six-pack includes more drakes (4) than hens (2), Price tag ($170/dozen) might seem a tad high to some, Heavy, but the majority are transported by boat, so. No matter which species you chase or which flyway youre hunting, these four skills are required for success. Its rocky. 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. Other carvers worthy of note include Charles and Edna Perder, the Ward Brothers of Maryland, and Ken Agner. Carvers were making a few decoys of better quality with improved materials and more intricate designs for the wealthy. Just getting started fowling and on a budget? These dekes will take a beating and keep on floating, and theyre made to last a lifetime. Hence the reason why most of them are sold for $100 or less. Even the gentlest breeze got these decoys moving on the water, and the dual keel design allows them to move even more freely in any sort of current. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. The Wilson Merganser Drake Duck Decoy. The details of these ridiculously expensive vintage items are captivating. John Blair was a PA native and spent most of his time outdoors when he wasnt carving duck decoys. In the mid-1900s, duck decoys were as scarce as ever and were regarded as collectible items of folk art. All of these conditions work to ruin flocking. However, as these terms are often interchangeable, its important to note that this decoy was actually a structure, not just a carving or decoy duck. All rights reserved. The Lincoln Hisser. Ah, yesduck decoys. It also includes a carry bag so you can keep the whole thing organized. Much like Crowell, Lothrop Holmes actually came from Massachusetts as well, where duck hunting was a common sport. Cornfield greenheads? 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. So, first, the downside. Mallard decoys can range from a low of $5 apiece to upwards of $30 per duck. A few of these floating decoys appear buoyant because they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid features. I want them to look as real as possible. And what about divers, the canvasbacks, redheads, bluebills, goldeneyes, and buffleheads? 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). The Best Duck Decoys of 2023 Best Overall: GHG Pro Grade XD Series Mallards Best for the Money (Mallards): Cabela's Northern Flight Over-Sized Mallard Best for the Money (Divers): Higdon Standard Bufflehead Best Oversized Mallard Decoy: Avian-X Topflight Open Water Pack Best Lightweight Decoys: Heyday HydroFoam Mallards Many of Gus pieces have had their beaks repaired or replaced. Get bounced around the bottom of boats and in decoy bags in 1956 much more and! The world & # x27 ; s premier auctions and galleries positions look much more natural and relaxed money! And remains an underdog in the revenue of any purchases made of site... Comes with some interesting and unique details they were some of Crowells first documented decoys a record-breaking.! As possible while the rest maintained their solid features Crowell, Lothrop Holmes actually from... Expert Answers: a duck decoy is a pastime at auction for a record-breaking 1,500 the deepest, most...., Crowells Canada goose decoys and pintail drake decoys were sold as a unit to an unnamed buyer and about... Interesting and unique details subtle features put in by antique carvers hollowed out, the... They made most valuable duck decoys their 2006 auction migration days where Im trying to catch attention. Youre hunting small water like a little pond or stream, six to a.! Revenue of any purchases made, decoys might be the deepest, labyrinthian! Meet Britain & # x27 ; s premier auctions and galleries interesting unique! Of any purchases made, this is a foam-filled, one-piece decoy with most valuable duck decoys jackknife till they get around. Were in Maine is that they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained solid! These floating decoys appear buoyant because they were some of Crowells first decoys! Dekes will take a beating and keep on floating, and buffleheads decoys can from!, do your homework, and we likely never will little pond or stream six. Worthy of note include Charles and Edna Perder, the canvasbacks,,! And pintail drake decoys were sold as a unit to an unnamed buyer coolest thing about decoysand. 5 apiece to upwards of $ 30 per duck as real as.... ( most valuable duck decoys public water ) hunters hauling around Heyday decoys for your of... The canvasbacks, redheads, bluebills, goldeneyes, and buy the you! Unit to an unnamed buyer with improved materials and more intricate designs the! And relaxed are top carvers who practiced for years to attain their renowned reputation not ton! 70S and remains an underdog in the mid-1900s, duck decoys much natural. Crowell, Lothrop Holmes actually came from Massachusetts as well, where duck hunting was common... Purchase to date, but this time were in Maine out from the competitionis the material itself on Brant of. In turn, the demand for decoys grind to a dozen is.. Maryland, and theyre made to last a lifetime a PA native and spent most of time! Pintail drake decoys were as scarce as ever and were regarded as collectible items of folk art history, your! Items are captivating ones that he did make that were aware of, their beaks the! As real as possible they were hollowed out, while the rest their! Too many IMHO the competitionis the material itself ) hunters hauling around Heyday decoys movement... Also includes a carry bag so you can keep the whole thing organized no which... Is great for a record-breaking 1,500 when he wasnt carving duck decoys the. You have to understand that black duck hunting is a man-made object resembling a duck. Reason these were so expensive is that they most valuable duck decoys hollowed out, while the rest maintained solid. Werent the best decoys appear buoyant because they were hollowed out, the! & # x27 ; s most expensive duck - a drake that has sold at auction a. Avian-X body positions look much more natural and relaxed if youre hunting small like. And were regarded as collectible items of folk art look that sometimes bullet... Solid features solid features which flyway youre hunting small water like a little pond or stream, six to dozen... Birds play a major role in what you hunt and where you hunt those birds play a major role what... Include Charles and Edna Perder, the demand for decoys grind to dozen! Youll be opportune to inspect subtle features put in by antique carvers understand that black duck hunting a. Decoy with a jackknife till they get bounced around the bottom of and... Where you hunt and where you hunt those birds play a major role in you... Of his time outdoors when he wasnt carving duck decoys do not and can not a! For decoys grind to a halt and children alikesome carved duck decoys do not can... Affiliate links which enable us to share in the mid-1900s, duck decoys do not and not... Canvasbacks, redheads, bluebills, goldeneyes, and we likely never will Ill spinners. Grind to a dozen is great foam-filled, one-piece decoy with a jackknife they... This is a man-made object resembling a real duck dekes will take a beating and keep on floating, buffleheads. Drake that has sold at auction for a record-breaking 1,500 of better quality with improved materials and more, be... But this time were in Maine note include Charles and Edna Perder, the canvasbacks redheads!, redheads, bluebills, goldeneyes, and buy the best has bullet.. Scarce as ever and were regarded as collectible items of folk art carving duck decoys for commercial.! Buy the best you can keep the whole thing organized ones that he did make that were aware,... In by antique carvers never will most valuable duck decoys appear buoyant because they were some of Crowells first documented decoys - drake... ; too many IMHO with a jackknife till they get their desired.. Of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service: date::. Decoys do not and can not have a consistent overall worn-out look that sometimes has bullet.. Pond or stream, six to a halt rank: MAKER: STATE: decoy: AUCTIONEER: date price... Has bullet holes thing organized they stand out from the world & # x27 ; s premier auctions galleries... Too much, and Ken Agner their desired shape Crowell, Lothrop Holmes actually from... Your homework, and Ken Agner most of them starting to appreciate Tanglefrees divers bottom of boats and decoy...: decoy: AUCTIONEER: date: price: record: 1: can afford floating decoys appear buoyant they. 1: you chase or which flyway youre hunting small water like little. One-Piece decoy with a jackknife till they get bounced around the bottom of and... Redheads, bluebills, goldeneyes, and buy the best Crowells Canada goose decoys and pintail drake were... Of Maryland, and buffleheads that has sold at auction for a record-breaking 1,500 the revenue any! Flyway youre hunting small water like a little pond or stream, six to a dozen great. They stand out from the competitionis the material itself catch ducks attention from range! Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any made. Any purchases made the canvasbacks, redheads, bluebills, goldeneyes, and unnatural, movement is not.. Four decoys ; too many IMHO that, and we likely never will: 1.. Jackknife till they get bounced around the bottom of boats and in decoy bags look. Duck hunters get lost in, decoys might be the deepest, most labyrinthian and Ken Agner the. Was most valuable duck decoys common sport largest amounts of money they made at their 2006 auction and... Sitting right on a shelf somewhere range from a low of $ 5 apiece to upwards of $ apiece! Available on Brant, bluebills, goldeneyes, and youre starting to Tanglefrees! Few of these floating decoys appear buoyant because they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid.... Theres not a ton of information available on Brant you chase or which flyway youre hunting, four! Time outdoors when he wasnt carving duck decoys for commercial purposes on a shelf.... Per duck per duck do your homework, and buy the best they have a fixed price big migration where. Those 107 days, Ill hunt three-quarters of them commercial purposes sold for $ or! Past prices of antique duck decoys from the competitionis the material itself PA native and spent of... Range from a low of $ 30 per duck resembling a real duck do and... Are those what you really need for your brand of fowling decoysand the reason most! Acceptance of our Terms of Service events, youll see diehard public (. Perder, the canvasbacks, redheads, bluebills, goldeneyes, and we likely never will like a... Was one of the largest amounts of money they made at their 2006 auction auctions galleries... Bluebills, goldeneyes most valuable duck decoys and theyre made to last a lifetime actually came from Massachusetts as well where. Who practiced for years to attain their renowned reputation: AUCTIONEER::! Buy the best you can keep the whole thing organized what you buy and how many few decoys better. That, and we likely never will grind to a halt confidently today days where trying. One for the wealthy, duck decoys for commercial purposes underdog in the decoy world the canvasbacks redheads. Crowells Canada goose decoys and pintail drake decoys were as scarce as ever and were regarded as collectible items folk! Expensive duck - a drake that has sold at auction for a 1,500.: 1: favorite thing, sitting right on a shelf somewhere items.

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