Innaugural carving get together a success!

Rutgers

Rutgers

Well-known member
I think the first winter carver's get together tonight was a success. I'm still trying to sort out my thougts from tonite, so bear with me. DHBPer David Robinson made the trip down as well as locals Rick Troutman, Boutell, Gerry Vanderweel, Mike Chirappa, and a few others made cameo appearences. There was a lot of talent represented. Dave, I'm glad you could make it, it was a pleasure to meet you. For those of you who are unaware, Dave is a very talented carver and passionate waterfowler. I'm looking forward to seeing more of his work!

Mike Chiarappa is originally from New Jersey, and is really into the Jersey birds. He brought along his copy of The Barnegat Bay Tradition. For those of you who have not seen it, this movie features sneakboats and decoys from the Barnegat Bay area. It showcases (amongst others) Sam Hunt and Harry V. Shourds. Watching either of them is a real eye opener for both boat building and decoy carving. A point of added interest is that Mike had earned a doctorate in history, and studies things like commercial fishing, oystering, decoys, and boats! He knows or has at least met most of those involved in the film, and was able to provide some background and insite. I think we all learned something from and enjoyed it.

I'd like to be able to include something like this each week. Personally, I think our waterfowling heritage in West Michigan needs to be rekindled before it flickers out. Like I mentioned before, all are welcome, and this is a great opportunity to learn some stuff. No matter how experienced you are, everyone has something to offer and gain. I'm pretty excited at the prospects of this. Take Care,

Paul
 
Hi Paul !! Glad your get together was a success. Sorry I couldn't make this one as I was busy building a Hayden Scullboat for a hunter in California.
Would have enjoyed talking to Mike Chiarappa about Southern New Jersey. I had a Duck Hunting house on the water at Stone Harbor for years so I knew Sam Hunt , Harry Shourds Jr. and Tony Hillman well. In fact I sold my place to Tony a few years ago.
Used to visit with Sam Hunt every chance I could and watch him build his Barnegat Bay Sneak Boxes. In fact I still have the one he built for me back in the 70's. It has never been in the water. Thinking about selling it as I'll never use it.
Let me know when the next get together is scheduled and I'll try my darnest to get up.
Did the carver from Fort Wayne make it ? Tell him to contact me so we can arrange a visit to my shop. We're only 30 minutes away.
Western Michigan was where I grew up. Started Duck Hunting in 1943. First hunt was at Spring Lake. If I can ever help you on some of the History of that area, just let me know.
Safe Hunting!! Bob Hayden
 
Hey Paul,

Sounds like a great time, sorry I couldn't make it but like I said you can count me in for next week, assuming I can get this frog out of my throat.

Chuck
 
Bob,

I would LOVE to have you come up! I've been meaning to give you a call but had lost your phone number, and when the shop flooded the other day and I was cleaning stuff up I found the stack of registration cards from the fist waterfowler's jamboree at my house 4 years ago. Is the nuber still the same? I'd love to come down and visit again. Mike I'm sure would love to as well. You guys probabally know a lot of the same people. I need a refresher on the stamping you showed me too. I've managed to get my hands on a few more of your brant as well. They are the perfect brant decoy in my opinion. I've got some nice brant hunting pictures to show you too. I'll be in touch.

Chuck-I hope yo get to feeling better. Look forward to when you can finally get down here.
 
Paul

Let me know if you'll be finished cleaning up that shop by thursday. I'm like Lee, if I am going to work in a messy shop, I might as well stay home;)

Chuck
 
Negative on the 12 pack. You gotta see the stuff he's be carving lately. He's been working on some mallards that are absolutely sick! Copper tail curls and everything. That dude can carve!
 
Yo,
A big THANK YOU to you, Paul! It's the generosity and enthusiasm for waterfowling history and carving that keeps one of America's true art forms alive. Mike knows his stuff and I'd say that was one of the coolest history movies I've ever seen - thanks Mike. It was awesome to be in a real decoy carving shop (wood stove for mistakes, dekes everywhere, tools and tales, and even woodchips on the floor:) with avid waterfowlers that wanted to share ideas, stories, and learn about the greatest sport on earth. I had a great time and I'm looking forward to next Thursday. FYI - if you leave the tailgate down on the truck, Pauls driveway isn't so bad to back out of, Bawahahahah!!

Later,

Dave
 
Paul,

I was bummed to have to miss out but I still plan on trying to make a run or two down. All I have to do is to try and re-resign from my Athletic Directors position for the third time and I will have free time again.

Later, Ballard
 
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