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