Don’t Lose Your Head
An innovative way to attach head to body on a mallard decoy
Through the years, I have tried many different ways of attaching a carved decoy head to a body. I have used epoxy only, a wood dowel with wood glue, nails, an all thread (twisting the head into place), and other methods. I have now settled on, and am quite happy with, the method I demonstrate here. I know there are other good methods that carvers use, and I am not proclaiming this to be the only, or even the absolute best, way. But it is an effective method and, I think, valuable to know, and perhaps you will perfect even further what I am illustrating. When done accurately, this technique can produce an almost seamless connection—a very desirable and sought-after look. No wood dough or body putty is needed on the surface of the wood. Next time you make a decoy, give this technique a try, taking an extra step when dealing with glue joints.