First four for the rig.

Brandon Yuchasz

Brandon Yuchasz

Well-known member
Thought I would share with you all what I have been doing in the evenings to keep myself sane this winter.

I think it was on this board in regards to a goose that someone outlined this definition of a gunning decoy.

The decoy should take no more then three hours from start to finish and be painted in a way that the hunter could keep the paint fresh.

I really like that definition and it kept my work time within reason. I was able to work towards clean carved decoys with clean plain paint and not get caught up in things outside my skill level. My decoys took 4 hours but I forgive myself for it :)

Don't get my wrong I like trying new things and pushing to learn more skills but I am doing that on other birds. These ones I am simply enjoying making them and I feel like I have freedom to try what I want with each one getting better.

Feedback is welcome and encouraged. I am looking to improve!
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Yep the paint took one hour. Carving, sealing, and texture took the first 3 hours. Right now I have a hen and drake head sitting here on the table I am starting on the bodies soon.
 
Brandon,

They look super and would be great to hunt over. If you decide you don't want them, send 'em over my way and I'll take good care of them for you. :-) LOL

Love those butterballs.

Charlie
 
Great job Brandon! It takes me about 2.5 to 3 per bird right now. I try to balance time and detail. They look great and I'm sure you'll have a blast hunting over then.
 
Brandon - Nice job on the butterballs! How big are they and what type of keel do you plan to use? How big of water are you hunting.

Lookswise, I think these look great! Theyd represent butterballs on the water well. I especially like the texturing and body contours. I also appreciate you keeping your time down in these birds. Always balance that with quality.

Great start and keep up the good work!
 
Pat,
They are around 9 inches long and 4 1/2 inches wide.

I think I will keel them very simply with a 3/4 x 2 1/4 inch hardwood keel. I already tested with one it takes 2 oz of lead to self right them. Proabably just use a 45 on each end since these will be long lined I dont need to wrap any line.

I hunt big inland lakes and a little on the great lakes. They will not see much over 2 foot waves and most likely 1 foot or less on most hunts.

Buffies make up a big part of what we see and I try to shoot only drakes. I know they are not the smartest birds but the dog sure doesn't mind and they taste good on kabobs. Because I pass on the hens I dont feel to bad filling out the rest of the bag with them. Besides they decoy so nice...
 
Brandon - You are on the right track and sounds like your set up is good for the conditions you have. Your buffies ought to bring them in just fine. And, for the record, I love shooting butterballs too! And, they do make great kabobs! Don't have to be the sharpest tack on the food chain to taste good and decoy nice...

Keep up the good work, shoot straight and God bless!
 
Brandon, your decoys are looking good. I went with composite board for the last dozen blue bills I made for a keel. No need for weights as the composite is quite heavy.
 
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