~ In the Beginning ~

Starting from a simple block of wood, a decoy goes through many stages of development.  Bill has a pole building full of White Pine and Bass Wood waiting it's turn.
This isn't store bought wood, but rather wood that he has cut himself. Since it's not kiln dried, it must be stacked with wide air spaces and allowed to dry.  This can take a year or more.

The pole building where all this wood is stored isn't immune from the hanging collections of Carver Bill. Homemade forms for muskrat and beaver pelts decorate the ceiling, along with other important knick knacks, some of which remain distinctly unidentifiable.

~ Removing Unwanted Wood ~

The object is to scrape away all the excess wood, leaving just the fish behind. One can hopefully accomplish this without the loss of fingers.

~ Primed and Ready ~

Showing some rough lines, and missing its eyes, this 10 inch trout is nearly ready for the finishing stages.  The third picture includes a miniature that is also at about the same stage.

~ Burnt to Scale ~

The scales are burnt into the wood one at a time.  Each is carefully spaced and true to life.  Every species of fish is scaled slightly different.  This adds to the challenge of making a truly realistic decoy.

~ But can it Swim? ~

Every decoy is carved with swimming in mind.  The tail is curved to make the fish circle, and lead is hollowed into the decoy's belly to give it just the right balance.  That also keeps it from floating.

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