History of Decoys
History of Decoys

 
 
History of Decoys

The practice of using the likeness of birds as decoys dates back over 1000 years.  The earliest decoys were formed from reeds covered with feathers and colored with natural dyes.
The use of decoys as hunting tools continued throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.  Artists carved the decoys from wood and painted them with stunning lifelike accuracy.

In 1918, the Migratory Bird Act was passed, establishing hunting limits which decreased the popularity of hunting decoys.

In the 92 years since, decoys have become prized for their artistic value and detailed representation of wildfowl species.  The popularity of collecting decoys has exploded and is enjoyed by everyone from purists interested in traditional arts and antiques to contemporary collectors in search of beautiful art, and wildlife enthusiasts everywhere.

 
History of Decoys

 


2 comments | Post comment

Shandel, You have done a superb job with the website. Thanks for all you do for PSWA.
-- Darlene Westbrock, 8/14/10

Great site. Good work Shandel
-- Del Herbert, 5/11/10


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