These are some of the Black Ducks in my personal rig hand carved for me by Ian Feir ( British Columbia) twenty years ago. The mallard drake was carved for me by Brian Mitchell (Kingston, MA) seven years ago. Both carvers are still active. The black ducks are hollow eastern white cedar with basswood heads. They have deep, double weighted keels. The blocks are all in great shape with minor nicks and wear from gunning over them. They are beautiful to look at and hold and to watch swim. I have had a lifelong love affair with hand-carved decoys and black ducks – Capt. David Bitters, BAYMEN Guide Service, Inc. www.baymenlife.com

pc: snow scenes by David Grossman. All other photos by Capt. David Bitters

Art: Black Ducks, Back River, Duxbury by Roderic N. MacDonald, Jr. 1925-2014