Recent content by Andy Grant

I think size difference between hens and drake decoys is not uncommon. The patterns I have used include both hen and drake sizes. It makes the most sense when using wood. A block maybe too small for a drake, but just right for a hen pattern. With cork that isn't as much of an issue unless...

Did you get all questions answered? I am certainly not an expert but you need enough height to fully conceal all of youself and movement. A low profile won't help if you poke out the top. It seems the scull needs to match your size and the water size. I have some study plans of the...

I thought about getting Field and Stream, etc. so my son could read basic articles, but they have WAY too many adult ads. I did not want to explain performance enhancers, Viagra, etc.

Like new Henry Taylor back bent gouge 1" wide, #8 profile Two Cherries intermediate size gouge #3208-08 Both for $65 shipped to lower 48 Trade for cork, tan or "good" black cork.

I used US composites some years ago and got blush as well. I cleaned it off with the apropriate liquid. I can't remember what. Also 50-60 degrees is pretty cold for epoxy. I had to use the 'hot' fast curing mix in cooler weather. If you heat it up after it is applied, hidden air pockets...

That's too bad, but there are many, many more humans beings that are killed each day which is more concerning to me.

I have used pine board from the local lumber yard. basic 1x8. The stuff worked, but was very hard to carve. The grain was random, which could be overcome. But the wood itself was very hard compared to normal carving stock. Perhaps from the kiln drying and age. The boards were 3/4"...

Adding ethonal is another faux-green mandate. The ethanol fuel is bad for equipment leading to breakdowns and even early replacement. Burning ethanol uses up crop production land that could be used for food or just left idle. Ethanol has less energy in it than regular gasoline. As you may...

Decoys Simplified by Paul Casson. Keeps things simple for the hunter and beginer. I still like his simple paint patterns best.

You can often pick up old plastic decoys for a buck or less and paint them black. They already have keels etc. I even have some I could get rid of, so check out craigslist in your area. Somebody likely has some to sell.

Handmade adz. I only used this a few times on my swan project. An unrelated injury prevents me from any further use. The handle is 17-18" long. The curved blade 2" wide. The head is reinforced with inset hardwood. $65 shipped.

I used boards on some black cork decoys. 3/4 pine boards. When I do it again, I will resaw the boards thinner. 3/4" doesn't seem thick, but the kiln dried pine was very hard and a pain to carve. Although it could just be the local non-carving pine the boards were made out of.

Also you don't incoming geese being possibly scared off by your big bruiser decoys as well. ;)[url]

If you want four pounds, you will need to go smaller. A low head would also help-less keel weight needed keep it upright.

I have a dozen black-cork brant that I made which I am considering repainting to Canada paint scheme. Although they a much smaller than the giants, they are good cackler size. But my main concern is will they bring in birds. I think they will.