New Guy New Carver

J

Jeffrey Nelson

Active member

My name is Jeff. I'm from Stuart, Fl. I mostly hunt Lake Okeechobee. We shoot mostly teal and mottled ducks. I'm a novice carver. These are my last four of the 24 I have made, and I would greatly appreciate some comments good or bad. I only know one decoy carver in my area and I've been wearing him out on a regular basis. With all the great carvers on this site I was hoping to get some "keep doing that" and "don't do that ever again". Thanks, Jeff
 
Jeff

Welcome. You are brave (and smart) to ask for a critique. Few questions to start...

What species...Greenwing?
What paint are you using?
 
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Jeff,

Welcome to the site. I was a newbie this last January. Since joining, I found that these folks on duckboats are some real good people who are willing to give sound advice and encouragement to us "new guys".

Im jealous...wish my first attempts at carving were as good looking as yours....nice birds. Like Jeff asked, What paint are you using?

Dave
 
Jeff~

You, Sir, are off to fine start. My first birds are hidden away, never to see the light of day....

Each has a great posture and body contours.

I look forward to your next birds and would happily answer any questions.

All the best,

SJS
 
Jeff - Your really gonna have a good time huntin' teal over your own decoys. There is nothing like shootin' ducks over your own rig. No matter how many more decoys you make, always hold on to those. They hold memories. Good Job.
 
Thanks to those that responded to my post. I was going for green wings. I know they are good from far and far from good. I want to improve, that's why I am posting here. I've got big shoulders, I can take it. A couple of people asked what kind of paint, and I'm embarrassed to say craft store quality acrylics. I would like to use oil, but I know nothing about them (brand, type, etc.). Here is my second try at a ringer. The other bird was afraid to show himself. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
 
Jeff, that kinda expl;ains the shine--For hunting dekes done with acrylics go with either Golden matte acrylics or Jantzen's Traditions

You may be abor to access golden at
WWW.theitalianartstore.com
For orders over 100$ you get a good discount AND FREE shippping. Any questions on colors for certain dekes, drop me an e mail at
gwdecoys@verizon.net
Gooe start--Hope you are driving your mentor crazy!!
 
Welcome jeff . You landed in the right pond thats for sure . Alot of helpful people here . And as for the paint thing - dont be embarrassed to use the cheaper paint to learn with . A skilled mason can make a masterpiece with dirt and water! I love cheap acrylics and im still learning with them and may never change . Good start and enjoy the ride. Rick
 
Jeff.. keep it going. great atitutudes on the birds love the rolling breasts..As you can guess I,m a leg man...

Phil
 
Hey Jeff-

welcome to duckboats...glad you found your way over here...lots of talent here on the website and folk who are typically very happy to help

you might check to see if there is a woodcarving club/guild down your way. I know the president of our club said there are a lot of clubs in S FL so you might have a club nearby that you could also find help at.

Do you have more shots of the ringneck? I'm not terribly skilled at carving so don't have much else to offer up but I do like to look at other folks' work :)

Welcome again

Dani
 
I like the teal dekes. My father lives in Stuart as well, nice area I really like it there. Hopefully going to try and get down this winter and catch a sailfish or two.
 
The sails will be here soon. The mullet run is just starting . The snook, tarpon, and sharks have been in a frenzy on the beach for a couple of weeks now. The sails aren't far behind. I was born and raised in Stuart. Let me know if I can help you with anything when you come, Jeff
 
Hey Jeff,
I live a little south of you on Singer Island (Riviera Beach). Been here for about a year or so. Completely out of my element duck hunting in Florida being away from Minnesota. When we wade into a pond, there are not dinosaurs lurking to eat you. I can help a little bit on some carving, but am a bit handicapped on acrylic. If you have any opportunitites for a hunt, let me know. We can maybe work out an opportunity to carve and you can always send me emails for questions. Send me a PM, text 612-859-8836 or sfroelich@aol.com.
 
I can't believe I am just seeing this. I love ring neck decoys. Did you post a pic of it at FW? If that is your second ring neck you are well on your way. I will be looking for your boat at Lake O...don't leave the decoys unattended. You might find yourself 1 ring neck shy.
 
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