Wooden Counterfeits

[stumpstalker]

My brother moved up to a 30-foot diesel-powered “down Maine”-style fiberglass Bluefin Tuna fishing boat in 1988. It was a big deal for us.

Delivering her from where she was bought in early Spring, he asked a friend while stopping along the way at a small fishing port, what the species of diving duck was that he was seeing in the harbor. He was told that they were Sheldrakes, capable of diving 60 feet. He then decided that SHELDRAKE would make a good name for his new boat.

Familiar with how wooden half-models used by old-time boat-builders, after serving their intended purpose, often became wall decorations, I asked a young carver if he would make a ¾ model Sheldrake wall decoration to present to my brother as a Christmas gift.

The carver said he had never been asked for anything less than a full-model decoy, be it decorative or user, but would be happy to attempt what I wanted. It would be a first for him.

Pictured below is the result, front and back.

The boat has gone to a new owner; big game fishing is a matter of memories for us now; but the model still decorates my brother's home.

[Wild Skies]

Recently created and carved by Casey Edwards of Mason, WI is this drumming Ruffed Grouse. The bird just flew in and landed on the top of my roll-top desk and immediately started drumming. He hasn't stopped! This Ruffed Grouse is a little different from others of his species as he's a silent drummer. Those that are familiar and have spent time in the habitat in which Ruffed Grouse live know the unmistakable sound of a drumming Ruffed Grouse. Well, in this case, you're going to have to use your imagination to hear the sound. It's easy if you try!