May Workbench

[Don Mintz]

more synthetic tupelo hunting decoys. William, about the time we think we've got it figured out, we figure out something better. My son painted the drakes and I painted the hens.

 

[William Reinicke]

more synthetic tupelo hunting decoys. William, about the time we think we've got it figured out, we figure out something better. My son painted the drakes and I painted the hens.


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I’m gonna nickname those hens…. 50 shades of gray lol

 

[Don Mintz]

William, I could have just flocked them grey and brown and they would hunt just fine, but where would the fun be in that. One thing that I always teach is "do the best you can in everything you do, not the least you can get away with". The trouble with most ducks is if you have 42 photo references of some species, you will have 42 different looks to them. I pick out a pose or or color layout that I like and start carving and painting till I get as close as I can. Painting anything, especially detail over flocking is a challenge as you already know, but there is no other way to do it and I won't hunt decoys that aren't flocked.

 

[William Reinicke]

more synthetic tupelo hunting decoys. William, about the time we think we've got it figured out, we figure out something better. My son painted the drakes and I painted the hens.

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Always striving to be better and better Don. From my first decoys that weighed 3lbs a piece, to where are now with this synthetic tupelo. Pretty interesting fun stuff for sure. Not sure we could achieve lighter with the same durability.

Foam mallard Caller (last year): 1lb 8.8oz
Synthetic Tupelo Canada goose Caller (current): 1lb 10.8 oz.

Just 2 oz difference and MUCH bigger size profile.

 

[Joe Friday]

Last pic for May, because I've used all my lumber, wire, and canvas. I wanted a gunning box to match this Redhead...