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Bird in the Hand

Decoy maker Tom Boozer with a wood duck.

Photo: Imke Lass

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Boozer shapes a decoy with his antique drawknife.

Photo: Imke Lass

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Rarest Forms

A collection of finished ducks.

Photo: Imke Lass

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Bonus Images

The hollow inside of a decoy in progress.

Photo: Imke Lass

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The last step in Boozer’s process—cleaning varnish off the glass eyes.

Photo: Imke Lass

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Boozer has carved over 3,100 birds and is also known for museum-quality boat models.

Photo: Imke Lass

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Hard at work.

Photo: Imke Lass

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The finished products.

Photo: Imke Lass

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Boozer uses a variety of tools to carve decoys.

Photo: Imke Lass

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Photo: Imke Lass

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Decoys are primed with spar varnish and painted with exacting detail.

Photo: Imke Lass

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Boozer builds each decoy “to go overboard,” be it destined for the mudflats or the fireplace mantel.

Photo: Imke Lass