Tribute Decoys...anyone hunt theirs?

[David Ludington]

Last year about this time I was lucky enough to be guided through the process of carving decoys by Pat Gregory. During this process, I wanted to carve a Pintail using his great grandfather's (George Barto) patterns and paint scheme. Last fall I was blessed, when I tossed my bird into the water, Pat threw an original George Barto next to mine and we hunted over the pair. What a great experience and hopefully I can get Pat to post a photo of the two blocks hunting side by side.
So, did any one else hunt a tribute bird last year?

 

[Pat Gregory]

Dave - We were blessed with a great day and, I was with great guys. My day with you, Gary and Shelly was one I think about often. Shelly's great retrieves, the screaming wood ducks... Great day! And, to float your sprig decoy with grandpas was too cool. He'd be proud of you... Here are some shots of the carver and his tribute decoy...

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Here is a picture of Grandpa's sprig decoy from the 1920's...

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A great day was had by all...

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Sorry Dave, I had to post the widgeon...

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[george w]

Occasionally, i drag out some of the old iron keel cans that i have gathered over the years--Last gang hunt was back in the early 80's and that included a hen can from the reckless, along with a bunch of long gone upper chessy bay makers. Was fun, AND to make things better, we did manage to scratch a few cans over the old rockers.
I have a widgeon that contains the ashes of my last dog, Can-He still gets to gun widgeon when they are around.

 

[Pat Gregory]

George - It was comforting when hunting with Tim Speight and Jim Williams in their layout rig, to look over and see a George Williams sleeping can hen. Great bird! Keep up the good work my friend. Trust you are well... Pat

 

[george w]

having a good time mentoring Scott Green's oldest son, Daniel--Hey, he wanted to learn some speed stuff, so he comes into the shop a few times a week--Poor kid even got to listen to La Boheme a few weeks back. He is coming along pretty well--I DO have to take away his smart phone before we get started--too much of a distraction! hehehheh-Buy the sign, Pat!