How to Carve a Decoy

Decoy carving is an artform rich in tradition.

Hand carved decoys are a traditional art. Waterfowl decoys that once were carved for hunting are now carved primarily for collectors. Wooden decoys are carved using basic woodcarving tools. Cedar is a traditional choice of wood for decoy carving. Start off by carving a traditional decoy. Master the basic techniques and a new creative medium for carving will be available to you. Over time you will adapt your own technique and out of that, your own decoy carving style.

Things You'll Need

• 8-by-12-by-16-inch cedar block
• Pencil
• Band saw
• 3-by-3-inch cedar block
• Carving knife
• V-gouge chisel
• 1/4-inch drill bit
• Drill
• 1/4-by-3-inch dowel
• Wood glue
• Damp rag
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Wood finish
• Finish applicator

Instructions

1. Draw the top profile of the waterfowl's body on the 12-by-16-inch surface of the block. Draw the side profile of the waterfowl's body on the 8-by-16-inch surface of the block. Don't worry about the head yet; it will be formed out of the second, smaller block of cedar.

2. Cut out the top profile of the decoy using a band saw. Slowly guide the saw through the block while following along the pencil lines. Cut out the side profile of the decoy using the same procedure.

3. Draw the side and top profile of the waterfowl's head on the 3-by-3-inch cedar block.

4. Cut out the side and top profile using a band saw.

5. Carve the decoy body and head with a carving knife. Round the edges and begin to rough out the overall shape. Take off small chips of wood at a time.

6. Continue to refine the body and head shape. Draw details on the body such as the wings and feathers. Draw details on the head such as the eyes and beak.

7. Cut the fine details and lines of the decoy body and head using a v-gouge chisel. Apply slight pressure to the chisel to remove small slivers of wood at a time. Continue to add detail to the carving until you are satisfied.

8. Drill a 1/4-inch hole at the neck area of the decoy body two inches deep. Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the neck of the decoy head block one inch deep.

9. Apply glue to both ends of the dowel. Insert one end into the body. Place the head on over the dowel to seat the head against the body. Wipe off any excess glue. Allow the glue to dry.

10. Sand the decoy with fine-grit sandpaper. Sand in the same direction as the wood grain.

11. Apply a wood finish to the decoy. Allow the finish to dry before handling.

Tips & Warnings

• Carve several kinds of waterfowl such Mallards, Wood Ducks and Green Wing Teal.

• Wear eye protection when carving wood.

References

• The Duck Blind: How to Carve a Hunting Decoy
• Wood Carving Illustrated: Antique Style Decoy Carving

Resources

• Carver's Companion: Nuts and Bolts of Wood Carving