Bluebill Decoys - The War Horses

[Geoff Vine]

These Bluebill decoys were carved for a friend of my in exchange for a week at his lake home in northern Wisconsin. They now reside on his mantel over looking the lake. They are carved in an old school traditional style which reminds me more of a Minnesota decoy. Very indicative though of the decoys that may have made their way a little east to do duty in the lakes and marshes of northwest Wisconsin. Reminiscent of an era gone by...Gordon MacQuarie...the Armistice Day Storm, etc.

They are hollow carved to be lighter than they look. Balanced and pad weighted to self-right. Painted in oils from tail to tip one sitting except for a few details. The primraries were scratch painted while wet, along with the vermiculation on the drakes back. Eyes are solid brass tacks...the drake bright brass...the hen an antique brown brass.

It's the lore, of hunting Bluebills back in the hayday, in Wisconsin that has made them one of my most frequent subjects. There isn't a day that I hunt in the late season that I don't hope a small flock of these guys barrel into my spread with reckless abandon. Nothing quite like it.

Hope you enjoy the pictures.

 

[CAnderson]

Geoff-

Those are down right cool. I can picture the MacQuarie stories as I look at your pair of Bluebills. Fine work.

cja

 

[Tom Modin]

Great pair of decoys Geoff. I hope you enjoyed the week on the lake

 

[Andrew L.]

Great stuff Geoff! Hunting divers in the northern reaches of our states in something I will always enjoy. Only about 2 months until we can all enjoy it again!!

 

[bob welsh]

Well done. I enjoy the corresponding curves in your wood and paint.

 

[Kevin Wharton]

very nice Geoff

 

[Pat Gregory]

Excellent Geoff! They could only be bettered by seeing 24 of them with their tails rifting in the chop from a layout with a squadron of 8 bills entering into my gunshot... pg

 

[Mark Vanderhoof]

Awesome... love the tail structure. unique...

 

[wis boz]

Geoff
They bring up great memories.
wis boz

 

[Al Hansen]

You and your friend were both the winners.
Al

 

[JimG]

Only one week? Wow.... awesome work Geoff

 

[Tim Speight]

Wow...beautiful work Geoff!

 

[Phil Eager]

Mr President might not floated those.. The broadbills came at dawn!!!! Very nice Pat!!!


Phil

 

[Steve Sanford]

Geoff~

Gorgeous! and Broadbill (sorry - native Long Islander....) are my favorite!

Love the photos, too. What lens are you using?

All the best,

SJS

 

[jim Williams]

Awesome looking decoys as always.....like we talked about I've got a great place for you to hunt those!

 

[David Robinson]

Geoff,

Those are killer! We only have 5 weeks until the opener in da UP of Michigan. I'd love to float those on my long lines.

 

[Geoff Vine]

Thanks for all the nice comments guys. Anybody who doesn't get the references to Gordon MacQuarie and the "Old Duck Hunters" should read the books. They are highly recommended.

Every year around this time I get mine out and read a few stories. Usually with my son. Helps me get in the mood...and remember why it is, that we do what we do out in nature.

 

[Brad Bortner]

Geoff

very clean as your usual work. Bring a dozen out west and we can watch their feathered cousins rip the fabric of the sky.