Seeing Red
A master decoy carver explains how to tackle a drake redhead.
The striking colors of the drake redhead are unmistakable on the water, one reason why this is among my favorite duck species. I have been fortunate to win many best of show awards with redheads, including my world shootin’ rig win at the 1999 Ward World Championship. Redheads always seem to be strong contenders in decoy carving competitions. Along with success in competition, I have wonderful memories of hunting redheads on Michigan’s Houghton Lake. The sights and sounds of redheads in the wild and my appreciation for this beautiful bird fuel my
passion for the species.
In this article I will cover some of the basics of carving and painting a redhead drake decoy. I made this decoy for my 2019 rig entry. My hope is that this will encourage carvers to try making their own redhead
decoys. Good carving to you!