Will Kirkpatrick's Decoy Shop

South Atlantic Decoys

The sheltered bays and rich marshland of the South Atlantic Coast have always provided habitat for wintering waterfowl. Decoy makers developed a rich regional tradition. Decoys were carved quickly but skillfully, and were conceived as working tools to harvest a crop. They didn't waste time with fine details.

  1. Cobb Islain Curlew - 15" long, carved hardwood bill, glass eyes, stippled paint, distressed patina. $140.00 (Item #1) DISCONTINUED
    In the wild, birds assume this position for fleetingI instants. This Hudsonian curlew or whimbrel, also displays a gracefulness and beauty that flow from the maker's familiarity with his quarry.
  2. Fitchett Robin Snipe - 10" long, painted eyes, carved hardwood bill, beak tenoned through head, distressed patina. $95.00 (Item #22) DISCONTINUED
    Alma Fitchett carved the original decoy while manning the desolate Smith Island Life Saving Station. Shooting was a favorite pastime. Years later, their decoys were found in an abandoned building.
  3. Hudson Dowitcher - 10-1/4" Will tenoned through head, raised wing, tack eyes, scratch paint, distressed patina. $85.00 (Item #66) DISCONTINUED
    Ira Hudson of Chin-coteague Island, a highly respected maker of boats and decoys, often changed patterns to improve his work. Will's reproduction epitomizes the charm of his shorebirds.
  4. Umbrella Dowitcher - 8" long, carved hardwood bill, tack eyes, rough carved body, distressed patina. $85.00 (Item #65) DISCONTINUED
    Dave "Umbrella" Watson of Chincoteague, Virginia was a colorful market hunter and fisherman. When commercial gunning was outlawed he became a successful guide and decoy carver. His shorebirds are rarely found treasures.
  5. Chincoteague Merganser - 13-3/4" long, hollow, painted eyes, distressed patina. $195.00 (Item #64) DISCONTINUED
    This red-breasted merganser was inspired by the rough-carved decoys made by Doug Jester (1876-1961) of Chincoteagtue, Virginia.

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