1985-1989 Issues of Wildfowl Carving Magazine
This collection features the previous issues of Wildfowl Carving Magazine from the years 1985 to 1989. With four issues per year, the magazine offers an abundance of carving demonstrations, tips, step-by-step tutorials, reference articles, and more.
These years offer some of the most classic wildfowl: falcons, screech owls, ring-necked drakes, and waxwings—just to name a few. Plus, readers can learn more about the culture of wildfowl carving through articles on auctioneering such as "Crowell Pintail Sets Record at $319,000" in our Fall 1986 issue or soak in some historical facts about decoys in "A Little Decoy History" in Spring 1989.
1989
Fall 1989:
The Legendary Canvasback (The United States’ most common duck) by G. Michael Haramis
Service Class Sprigs, Part One (Pintail demonstration) by Robert Capriola
Returning to the Delaware (An interview with Bob White, well-known carver and collector of the Delaware River Valley) by Gene and Linda Kangas
Airbrush Techniques (Demonstration) by George Kruth
Beginner’s Notebook: Making Your Own Patterns (Learn how to make a composite drawing from several tracings) by Don McKinlay
Illinois’ Best (A feature on Illinois River Valley carver Charles Walker) by Donna Tonelli
World Class Museum (The dream of building a facility devoted entirely to wildfowl art comes true) by Curtis J. Badger
Source: Listing Updates (The latest information on carving clubs, carving and pattern books, seminars, and museums)
Quillen or Smith? (A comparison between two Michigan carvers) by Joseph B. French
Weighting Decoys (How to weight your decoys to they float life-like on the water) by John A. Nelson
Summer 1989:
The Familiar Red-Tail (This hawk can be found in most parts of the country) by Ron Austing
Beginner’s Notebook: Form and Feathers (A short demonstration focusing on the two most important aspects of a good carving) by Jon E. Jones
Birds in Flight: The Carvers’ Techniques (What contemporary carvers are doing to create action poses) by Roger Schroeder
Kingfisher Crest (Demonstration) by Jim Hazeley
A Bridge to Bay History (During the ’30s and ’40s, Jake Ferreira carved stylish decoys around the San Francisco area) by Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson
Expression Takes Flight: Works of Grainger McCoy (A visit with one of South Carolina’s most talented wildfowl artists) by Charles E. Warrington
Slick-Style Woodie (Demonstration) by Eric Hutchison
A Little Decoy History: Conclusion (The final chapter looks at factors that influenced decoy design, the history of factories, and the carvers on the West Coast) by Gerald M. Rosenthal
Spring 1989:
Feeder Favorite (The cardinal is a familiar and welcome sight throughout the United States) by Dawn M. Coughlan
Chip Carving (Jerry Polan revives an old-time method of carving) by Bill Baines
Wild About Birds (Floyd Scholz talks about his progress from teenage carver to respected artist), interview by Donna Sanders
Ornithologists Critique a Carving (Floyd Scholz visits Cornell University with a carve Peale’s falcon) by Roger Schroeder
The Bayou Terrebonne Legacy (Louisiana decoys made the old-fashioned way) by Charles W. Frank, Jr.
Beginner’s Notebook: Feet and Legs, Part Two (One carver’s successful method for making feet and legs) by Don McKinlay
A Little Decoy History (The first of a two-part series tracing the decoy’s origin) by Gerald M. Rosenthal
Masterwork Gallery: Northern Flights (A look at the work of Al Glassford, William Hazzard, and Robert Ptashnik) by William Koelpin
Painting the Mini-Mallard (Demonstration) by Phil Galatas
A Duck Comes Home (Through a series of coincidences, an amateur carver meets R. Madison Mitchell) by Mary Morris
Index (Spring 1988 to Winter 1988/89)
Winter 1989:
Dabblers of the Prairie (The blue-winged teal is at home on the grasslands of the Midwest) by Glen Smart
Out of the Shadow (Setting the record straight on three oft-forgotten Illinois carvers) by Joseph B. French
Beginner’s Notebook: Painting Primer (Definitions and descriptions of basic paints, tools, and techniques) by David Mohrhardt
Documenting West Coast Decoys (Michael Miller and Fred Hanson discuss their new book), interview by Eleanor Mosca
Mini-Mallard (Demonstration) by Phil Galatas
Alluring Loon, Part Two (Demonstration) by Jim Reynolds
Falcons (A falconer and top-notch carver explains what you need to know to carve falcons accurately) by Greg Woodard
The Humboldt Bay Bunch (Meet West Coast carver Bill Pinches and three of his former apprentices) by Bill Baines
Source: Carving Clubs (Information about membership and activities from clubs across the country)
Starting a Carving Club (All you need to know to start a club in your community) by Charles Echols
1988
Fall 1988:
The Elegant Yellow-crowned Night Heron (The yellow-crown adds class to marshes, swamps, and bayous) by Dr. Mark Riegner
Caring for Carvings (Ways to keep your carvings looking new) by Terese Heidenwolf
Fakes(Exploring Deception in the antique decoy market) by Gene and Linda Kangas
Painting Iridescence (An experienced carving and painting instructor describes four methods) by Dan Williams
Alluring Loon (Demonstration) by Jim Reynolds
Beginner’s Notebook: Feet and Legs (How to work around the problems of cast feet and legs) by Don McKinlay
The Blair “Mystery” (Sorting out the confusion that surrounds the decoys of John Blair) by Kenneth L. Gosner
Decoys “Down Under” (Wildfowl carving in the land of the freckled duck) by Dr. Hugh Lavery
Different Stokes—New England Style (A look at the individual styles of six Yankee carvers) by Louis Borie
Midsummer Decoy Auctions (Highlights from Harmon/Eldred, Bourne, and Oliver auctions)
Goose Appreciation (The price of a Schoenheider goose soars to $60,000) by Joseph B. French
Have You Tried a Clay Model? (The advantages of working in clay before you carve) by Charles Echols
Summer 1988:
The Glories of the Meadowlark (An exuberant song and a lemon-yellow breast get the meadowlark noticed) by Steve Maslowski
A House Fit for a Duck (A guide to aviaries for beginners) by Jim Sprankle
Photography in the Aviary (Making the most of your backyard aviary) by Jim Sprankle
Profile of a Classic Carver (A visit with Arnold Melbye, the dean of bird carving) by Roger Schroeder
Tracking the Elliston Decoy(A collector’s search for some of Illinois’ finest decoys) by Joseph B. French
Beginner’s Notebook: Burning Tools(Tips on how to use and care for burning tolls) by Don McKinlay
Quail: Habitat and Feet(Demonstration) by Roscoe A. Condon
Masterwork Gallery: Sun Kings (Yellow-headed blackbirds) by Grant Golz
Carving Spread Wings (Demonstration) by Grant Golz
Michigan’s Pioneer Collector (Phyllis Ellison talks about the early days of collecting in Michigan), interview by Gene and Linda Kangas
Spring 1988:
The Regal Pintail(Striking plumage and elaborate courting displays make this duck one to watch) by Dr. Robert I. Smith
Masterwork Gallery: The Eastern Bluebird by Van Keuren Marshall
Simple Elements, Strong Statements (The art of composing simple yet effective habitat) by Charles E. Warrington
The Doctor from Texas (James M. McCleery, collector with a discerning eye), interview by Gene and Linda Kangas
Painting the Bill (Scaup mini-demonstration) by Steve McCoy
A Wisconsin Find: Enoch Reindahl (Uncovering a new legacy in the collecting world) by Donna Tonelli
Flying Pheasant in Miniature (Demonstration) by Gerri Butcher
Beginner’s Notebook: Texturing Stones (Essential tools for creating details) by Don McKinlay
The Lighter Side of Learning to Carve (Interviews with seminar students and a first-person account of a true novice carver) by Cathy Hart
Winter 1988:
The Fencer Among the Falcons (The American kestrel earns points with its finesse in flight)
Beginner’s Notebook: The Fine Art of Sanding (A new feature addresses the needs of the novice carver)
I Think I’m in Love with my PC (Collectors and carvers alike can put modern technology to work for them) by Charles W. Frank, Jr.
Design and Composition(A brief history of artists’ bird carving designs) by Roger Schroeder
More Small than Big (Bob Guge—his home, his workshop, and his philosophy of carving), interview by Donna Sanders
A Concern for Form (Balancing form and space correctly can transform an average piece into a masterpiece), demonstration by John Mullican
Maybe Shangri La (A coast-to-coast search for the maker and origin of nine hump-backed decoys) by Bernard Crandell
The Accent’s on Painting (Acorn woodpecker demonstration) by Peter Kaune
Joseph B. French’s Decoy Collecting Network (A look at the people who first collected decoys), interview by Jackson Parker
Shooting Your Carving (A step-by-step guide to photographing your latest work) by J.P. Kaufman
1987
Fall 1987:
The Busiest Duck Around (Constant activity marks the bufflehead, nature’s busiest duck) by Dr. A.J. Erskine
Reaching the Limit (George Goertz lived of life of innovation and adventure on San Francisco Bay) by Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson
Will the Real “Doolittle” Please Stand Up? (Californians defend Ralph Martin in a case of mistaken identity) by Roger W. Barton
Choosing Wood(A Basic comparison of three popular woods: basswood, jelutong, and tupelo) by Jim Hahn
The Eyes Have It (Demonstration) by Steve McCoy
Masterwork Gallery: World Class Songbirds (Barth, Hare, Muehlmatt, and Osborne explain the intricacies of their entries in the 1987 World Championship) by Judith Schnell
Carving the Competition Feather, Part Two (Demonstration) by Jim Sherman
My Birds Just Sparkle (Joe Tonelli remembers how he built his cream-of-the-crop collection) by Jackson Parker
Summer 1987:
The Tattle-tale Yellowlegs(A bird normally on the beach that guards its nest from the trees) by Dr. Paul A. Johnsgard
When Should I Use Feather Inserts (An overview of when and when not to insert feathers) by Roger Schroeder
Masterwork Gallery: The Harpy Eagle (William Schultz’s blazing masterpiece), comments by Marcus Schultz
In the Louisiana Wetlands (Meet Earl Pierce, whose decoys outwitted the ducks of the Louisiana bayous) by Charles W. Frank, Jr.
Inserts for Wings In-Flight (Demonstration) by Lynn Forehand
Source: Listing Updates (Additions to previous source articles on museums, carving books, seminars, and decoy appraisers)
Carving the Competition Feather, Part One (Demonstration) by Jim Sherman
Climbing the Beanstalk (A review of the phenomenal 1986 year for decoy auctions) by Jackson Parker
Spring 1987:
The Woodcock, a Classic Recluse (Incredible close-ups paint an intimate portrait of the elusive woodcock) by Ron Austing
An Introduction to Songbird Wings (Text plus illustrations give an overview of how skeletal structure affects feather tracts) by Robert Braunfield
The Many Talents of Charlie Perdew (A true craftsman, the Illinois carver made more than just decoys) by Donna Tonelli
Perdew’s Amazing Owl (The touching story of why Perdew carved his famous owl decoy) by Judy and Randy Mayer
Wood Duck Head, Carving and Painting Techniques: Part Three (The series concludes with a demonstration of Godin’s painting techniques) by Pat Godin
Remembering “Doc” Starr (A close friend shares her memories of the late George Ross Starr, Jr., an influential figure in the decoy collecting field) by Eleanor Mosca
Wildfowl Painting and Photo Reference Books (A listing of over two dozen books)
Carving Small (Miniature brown pelican demonstration) by Joan Wolf
Art Law (A look at copyright law as it applies to art) by Don Briddell
Winter 1987:
The Bright and Lively Bluebird (A songbird enjoyed by many for its beautiful color) by Dr. T. David Pitts
Wood Duck Head Carving and Painting Techniques: Part Two (Covers bill carving and head burning techniques) by Pat Godin
Researching Decoy History (A how-to approach for uncovering facts about decoys and their makers) by Gene and Linda Kangas
Study Skins: An Indispensable Tool (An in-depth examination of study skins—where to find them, the legalities involved, and more) by Cathy Hart
The Chesapeake Master (A profile of R. Madison Mitchell with photos of his classic decoys) by Roger Schroeder
Masterwork Gallery: Wild Threats by Barton Walter
Balsa Decoys Made Simple (Step-by-step instructions for making a working balsa decoy) by John Nelson
Last of the English Decoy-makers (A WC&C exclusive profile of Ted Grace) by Guy Taplin
“Fresh-Air” Dick: California’s Remarkable Craftsman (A case for why “Fresh-Air” Dick Janson is considered the greatest decoy maker in the West) by Roger W. Barton
1986
Fall 1986:
The Plain and Fancy Gadwall (A dabbler with feather-patterning second to no other bird’s in subtlety and beauty) by Robert J. Blohm
Wood Duck Head, Carving and Painting Techniques (The first installment of a three-art series covers carving and eye placement) by Pat Godin
Henry Fleckenstein: Collecting Memories (Henry shares some special moments in his long collecting career) by Jack Ruttle
Crowell Pintail Sets Record at $319,000 (Auction news from the July auctions of Olivier and Bourne) by Jackson Parker
Making Use of Mounts (Discussion of why and how to use this important reference tool) by James Riek with Frank Newmyer
Brant Basics (Demonstration) by June Noll
Auction Retrospective (Three top decoy auctioneers look back over the past decade) BY Gene and Linda Kangas
Avian Anatomy (Text and illustrations explain important aspects of avian skeletal structure) by Robert Braunfield
Summer 1986:
Dance of the Prairie Chicken (Few species match this elaborate courtship ritual) by Drs. Frederick and Frances Hamerstrom
The Dolsen Clan of Canada (Newly researched carvers from Martin Islands, Lake St. Clair) by r. Paul Brisco
Showing Your Carving (humor) by Robert Braunfield
From Folk Art to Fine Art (Harold Haertel, the 81-year-old Illinois legend, makes the transition) by Mick Zawislak
Masterwork Gallery: Larry Barth
Decoy Appraisers (easy-to-read listings by state)
Creative Carvers of Vermont (Meet five craftsmen carving their niche in the hills of Vermont) by Tom Hill
Decoy Auctions of 1985 (Review of a record-setting year) by Jackson Parker
Softness from Shadows (blue-winged teal demonstration) by Steve Fland
Spring 1986:
Mallard Mania (Not the largest, prettiest, or fastest, but still the most successful duck on the continent) by Steve Maslowski.
Of Wooden Birds and Western Waters (Collector Jim Keegan shares the West Coast history and its decoys) by Bill Baines
Quiet Carvers of the Bayou (Louisiana’s old carvers only now coming to light) by Charles W. Frank, Jr.
If My Dad Could See Me Now (A personal visit with champion Marcus Schultz) by Donna Sanders
The Wards’ Patterns: An Artistic Legacy (The facts about how and why they were catalogued) by Don Briddell
Hollow Birds, Solid Gold (The first published interview with investor Jim Cook of Minneapolis) by Jackson Parker
Animation Afloat (Ruddy duck pair demonstration) by Tom Shumate
Scotland’s Pringle (A mysterious Scot from Canada who influenced Ken Anger) by Bernard Crandell
Masterwork Gallery: John Scheeler
What Do You Call a Collector (A humorous look at what’s in a name) by Don Wood
The Real Thing (L.T. Ward’s handwritten nights), contributed by Becky Kelher.
Winter 1986:
The Sociable Cedar Waxwing by Peter A. Cross
A View from Abroad (An Englishman visits “The World”) by Bog Ridges
One Dealer’s Decoys (What Bud Ward buys for his own collection) by Roger Schroeder
A New Breed in Louisiana (Carving talent promises innovation) by Charles W. Frank, Jr.
Decoy Collecting Clubs (Contacts, activities, memberships)
Mason Decoys: “The Finest Ever Made” (An in-depth study and identification tips) by Dick Clark, M.D.
The Best of the Birds (The Woodson Museum exhibits bird art each year) by Donna Sanders
New England’s Gold (The miniatures of Boyd, Burr, Crowell, King, Lincoln, and Morse) by Jackson Parker
Head of the Class: Ring-necked Drake (Demonstration) by Jim Sprankle
The Collector’s Dilemma (The possible risks of restoring an antique) by Robert Shaw
1985
Fall 1985:
Only a Whistle Away (Screech owls, red or gray, making beguiling predators) by Dr. Frances Hamerston
Decoy Art Speaks to Julie Hall (She collects the most imaginative, but no repaints, please!) by Bernard Crandell
Packing Your Carvingby Knute Bartrug
The Moseleys of Illinois (Douglas, a gentleman carver, and his wife Sarah Louis are documented for the first time) by Donna Tonelli
Details of a Sparrow (a demonstration) by Bob Guge
How Far Back?(Collecting bargains still exist) by Anthony Hillman
Wildfowl Carving and Pattern Books: A Bibliography
Textural Diversity: One Key to Success by Patrick Godin
Paper Ducks and Other Stuff (This collector says paper maché is legitimate) by Brian McGrath
Decoy Stamps for Duck Huntersby Jackson Parker
Masterwork Galley: Leo and Lee Osborne
Shadows of the Past (folding decoy silhouettes) by Richard Riemenschneider
A Carver’s Marketing Primer(Practical advice on selling your carvings) by Jack Curran
Summer 1985:
Attitudes of the Canada Goose by Paul A. Johnsgard
Fowler Turned Finder(Amos F. Hutchins, Jr.’s shorebirds collection) by Anthony Hillman
Charles Chase: Master of Form
Decoy Auctions 1984: Part II
Birds on Display(public collections of contemporary and antique carvings)
Falcon at Rest by Ron Tepley (Demonstration)
Alan Haid: State of the Art
The Wards: Decorative and Decoy Artistsby Samuel H. Dyke
Masterwork Gallery: Grainger McKoy
Spring 1985:
The Wood Duck: Its Life and Habits by Frank Bellrose
A Piece of Long Island (George Combs, Jr., shares his collection and his history) by Roger Schroeder.
Joy Yax: A New Perspective
Different Strokes by Charles W. Frank, Jr. (Examples of feather burning)
The Silar Tradition (a prolific carver from York County and his legacy) by Harold R. Buckwalter
Expressing the Meadowlark by Ernie Muehlmatt
Collecting Pacific Style (Collection and comments of Dick Knoer)
Woodburning Tools (a comparison of features)
Decoy Auctions of 1984
Thoughts on Art and the Ward Brothers by Don Briddell
Masterwork Gallery: Robert K. Searles
Read NextMake Your Habitat Blossom