Herter's Model Numbers (s) needed

[Steve Sanford]

All~

I recently got an inquiry about the model number for a line of decoys that Herter's sold later in their long run as a maker/purveyor of gunning decoys. I recall this line from the 1970s and maybe 1980s, I think.

Here's a Bluebill (Broadbill preferred!):



Here's a Canada.



Both were hollow plastic, 1-piece decoys with a fin keel. I have never owned one ('til this morning when I bought that Bluebill on eBay). I cannot recall the model numbers(s). Usually Herter's assigned one number to their ducks and a different number to their geese - even though the same line/technology.

I have a bunch of old Herter's catalogs but not sure if I have anything after 1966. I am traveling 'til early January. Does anyone know the model numbers? Ultimately, I want to get a scan of the catalog page that offered them.

Thanks - and Merry Christmas!

SJS

 

[Matt C]

I used to have a few of the mallards, and I was told that they were model 96. Not sure about the Canada though.

 

[Steve Sanford]

I used to have a few of the mallards, and I was told that they were model 96. Not sure about the Canada though.

Matt~

Correct! I was able to "page through" some old catalogs on-line. This was from 1971 (Model 96 over on right)



This (above) is 1978 catalog. The Bluebill looks like the bird I just bought:



The Geese are also Model 96. This is a 1975 catalog.



All the best!

SJS

 

[Vince Pagliaroli]

I bought a dozen of the Mallards and a half dozen of the Canada Geese in the late 1960's. Both were notorious for flipping over in high wind and waves until I weighted the keels. I heated a screwdriver to make a clean sealed hole in the plastic keel then I hung keel weights to the keep the decoys upright. It worked. I have a Herter's catalog from 1970 that shows them both and all other decoys as well.

The decoys were used for many years and took a helluva beating and held up much better than the Foam decoys. The Mallards were left in PA when I moved to western NY. The Canada geese are in a mesh bag stowed way back up in the attic awaiting use IF need be.

If I recall someone on this site wanted to purchase as many of the geese as possible as they work very well repainted as Brant. Made perfect sense to me as they are of the correct size for Brant Decoys.

my 2 cents

 

[Steve Sanford]

Vince~

Good to hear about the durability. I imagine the polyethylene is a lot less brittle than the Tenite.

We have no snow here in Berlin - and just the right amount (2-3 inches - no shovels needed) back at the farm.



Have you been OK in some of these "lake effect" storms we see on the news?

Happy Holidays!

SJS

 

[Vince Pagliaroli]

Steve,

We have what is considered a dusting of snow here now about 4". During the last lake effect West Warsaw (4 miles away) had 28.5" of snow. Since we are in a freeze and thaw cycle I've lost count of how much there has been it varies so greatly over such a near and wide area. One place has a little and not far away has Feet.

All I do know is when it begins to snow here ya expect the worst and hope for the best. Unless the snow is measured in feet no one here gets nervous about it. Then the Roof Rakes come out. Hibernation is a way of life here when we get several feet. I will say the snow removal here by the Village, Town, and NY State is the best I've ever seen. Even have a machine for the sidewalks where there are sidewalks. Never saw that in PA.

We did have plenty of rain prior to much of the snow which really helped the drought conditions. Footing while hunting has been interesting as there is much mud under the snow. There is no such thing as Flat Ground here. Either up or down and usually steep. Being so close to Lake Erie and Lake Ontario wind direction sets things up for lake effect. Snow Storms, now that is a entirely different weather event. Combine the two and it gets very interesting. The blanket of Snow always makes the days brighter and good conditions for my painting when I'm indoors. Outdoors the tracks in the snow from beasts & birds each day make me smile. At the present time all ice is unsafe and day be day we are getting closer to Spring.

Merry Christmas & Happy 2025

Best regards
Vince

 

[noweil Mike]

I have only ever found a couple of goose decoys that will ride current well in shallow fast moving rivers and streams. Those plastic Herters decoys are one of the decoys that will. Where most decoys plow water, dig in and stand on their nose. Those decoys get up on plane. Wish I had a bunch of them, very light to carry.