Decoy Ducks with History

Decoy maker Tom Boozer with a wood duck.

Boozer shapes a decoy with his antique drawknife.

A collection of finished ducks.

The hollow inside of a decoy in progress.

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

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

Hard at work.

The finished products.

Boozer uses a variety of tools to carve decoys.

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

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