Since 1955….

My Story

I started carving simple hunting birds at the age of 14. I lived on Long Island, New York my entire life, until retiring and moving to GA then Georgetown, SC.

I have been carving decoys for well over 60+years now. I am totally self taught, never took any lessons. Each of my birds are one-of-a-kind, as I do not, and never have used a duplicating machine. I carve anything from simple gunning decoys to finely detailed works of art. I use my own patterns which are made from my collection of taxidermy birds, so that each bird is as realistic as possible. I started my own decoy company “Great South Bay Decoys” and at one time was carving full-time. My works were sold at Crossroads of Sports & Orvis and were listed in their catalogs.

In my early 20’s I entered my first professional competition , with a Woodcock decoy, and it won first in Professional Class at U.S. National Decoy Show. I also participated in the Easton Waterfowl Festivals in Maryland, which is by invitation only, and was invited back for 10 years in a row. I won many awards over the years at the shows.

My works are in collections around the entire country and worldwide.. I have been mentioned in many hunting and decoy books and magazines, such as Decoy Magazine and even received a mention in the Wildfowler Decoy Book by Richard Cowan and Richard LaFountaine. Many of my works have been purchased for Corporate and even political gifts. They have also been auctioned at Ducks Unlimited Banquets. I also had birds on display at a local museum here in South Carolina.

I guess you really never retire from doing something that you really enjoy doing!