Which book?

Tom Wall

Tom Wall

Well-known member
I'm just starting to carve, heads from Rutgers starter kit last year. I'm going to get a book. So, which book should I get first?

This is a very low priority project with the CFO so the budget is tight. I hunt mainly puddle ducks. I'll get the books as I get the money set back. Which one would you get first and why?

Tom
 
Tom
I would go for :-
Workbench projects, Traditional Hunting Decoys by Mark Costilow.
take care and God bless
Eddie.
Its all about Building that Bond.
 
This is a very low priority project with the CFO so the budget is tight.

Tom
Click to expand...

Well, as much as myself and everyone else who has read it would recomend Keith's book, that doesn't seem to fit here...but keep it in mind as you progress in your addiction.

I'd get Grayson Chessers 'Making Decoys the Century Old Way'...no nonsence approach to making working gunners. I wish I had bought it sooner!

Chuck
 
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I'll second Chuck's recommendation. Chesser makes a real gunner and covers all of the bases. His book also has patters of various head poses that will work on one basic body shape. A good place to start for any beginner. Remember, ducks don't have flat spots...
 
no book is an accpetable alternative to getting with a carver. I have chessors book and it is good but time spent with other carvers is where my learning curve really took off.

Good luck
 
Willey's tutorial on his "Duckblind" web site is very good and free. Mark Castilow's book is good, too, but can also encourage you to carve bodies....

-Bill
 
Willey's tutorial on his "Duckblind" web site is very good and free. -Bill
Click to expand...

Bill,

I have printed that off. When you're starting out you always think there is more to something than there often is!

Thanks,

Tom
 
tom, i would recommend bruce burkes "Game Bird Carving". this was my first book years ago and i still use it from time to time. its a very thorough book. best, mark

http://www.amazon.com/Game-Bird-Carving-Bruce-Burk/dp/0832904392/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271723702&sr=1-1
 
Mark Costilow's Workbench book really covers the fundamentals, even though the book covers diving decoys it will get you on the right track. Especially if you just want to carving gunning blocks. that book coupled with one of Pat Godin's pattern books would really help. That and study lots of reference photos.
 
Well, two--Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America--Francis Kortright--Stackpole Books--not in print, but abailable--good reference
Interaction of Color--Joseph Albers-Yale Univ. Press--Great little reference on color.
Use specimens you have gathered for deriving patterns--It will come with practice and some committment.
 
If you decide to get Chesser's book then look for the 2006 Expanded Edition. Likewise, Bruce Burk's 1988 3rd edition of "Game Bird Carving" contains more info than the two earlier versions.

A good site to search for new and used books is www.bookfinder.com
 
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