Ben A. Heinemann
Preferences of Gunner Decoys
Gunners are carved from several types of woods which typically are Northern Juniper, Western Spruce Pine, Northern Bass, and Tropical Light Mahogany. Sometimes a mix of these woods is used on one bird depending on the use of the decoy. Two or three and sometimes four pieces of wood may be joined together to achieve the thickness needed for that particular bird. The Gunner Decoys are almost always made hollow which relieves stress on the wood and creates a much lighter bird.
After the carving is completed, the birds are sealed with a sealing base and primed with Gesso. Oil and acrylic paints are both used individually and sometimes partnered to create the effect wanted for each individual area of the bird. Gunners are sealed with two and three coats of varnish and/or polyurethane. A line attachment and balance weight is attached at the correct place for proper floating and self-righting. These birds are made for the discriminating hunter; however, you will find them on the shelves of most serious collectors.
Gunners are carved from several types of woods which typically are Northern Juniper, Western Spruce Pine, Northern Bass, and Tropical Light Mahogany. Sometimes a mix of these woods is used on one bird depending on the use of the decoy. Two or three and sometimes four pieces of wood may be joined together to achieve the thickness needed for that particular bird. The Gunner Decoys are almost always made hollow which relieves stress on the wood and creates a much lighter bird.
After the carving is completed, the birds are sealed with a sealing base and primed with Gesso. Oil and acrylic paints are both used individually and sometimes partnered to create the effect wanted for each individual area of the bird. Gunners are sealed with two and three coats of varnish and/or polyurethane. A line attachment and balance weight is attached at the correct place for proper floating and self-righting. These birds are made for the discriminating hunter; however, you will find them on the shelves of most serious collectors.
Cut-String Decoys
From my own personal gunning rig. These decoys have been hunted over for the past several years. Contact me for selection and availability.
Every year I leave the lines on the decoys I've actually hunted over. During the next year I designate a few decoys from this shooting rig to be sold. The anchor weight is cut off leaving only six inches of string attached to the decoy; thus as the name implies “Cut-String.” These select birds are available only from me and not from any gallery.
The number of decoys allotted to this purpose is only about six to ten each year. These decoys should become collector items very quickly.
I do not recommend removing these strings as they have significant collectable value. Enjoy your birds as they are hand-made one-at-a-time the old fashioned way.
Good luck and happy hunting!
Every year I leave the lines on the decoys I've actually hunted over. During the next year I designate a few decoys from this shooting rig to be sold. The anchor weight is cut off leaving only six inches of string attached to the decoy; thus as the name implies “Cut-String.” These select birds are available only from me and not from any gallery.
The number of decoys allotted to this purpose is only about six to ten each year. These decoys should become collector items very quickly.
I do not recommend removing these strings as they have significant collectable value. Enjoy your birds as they are hand-made one-at-a-time the old fashioned way.
Good luck and happy hunting!
