Results from 2023 Maumee Bay Carvers 41st annual

Decoy Show and Swap & Sell Event

Magee Marsh State Wildlife Visitors Center, Oak Harbor OH​.

Sat., August 12, 2023

Congratulations Best of Show winners: Darthon Skelton, Gary Hanson and Jon Jones!
51 entries, great turnout!
Carvers from Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio traveled to the Ohio Magee Marsh Wildlife Area to enter their working decoys and shorebirds in four contests, Aug. 12, 2023. The contests were held at the newly-renovated Magee Marsh Visitors Center. Entries in three of the contests, Lake Erie Singles, Pairs, and IWCA style Working Class were floated in a water-filled tank. The working shorebirds were stick-mounted on a base. The contests are based on the tradition and heritage of basic, functional, hunting-style decoys.

Winners of 2023 Maumee Bay Carvers Contests Decoy Contestants
Best of Show SINGLES - Open:
1st BEST OF SHOW, Gary Hanson, wigeon
2nd BEST OF SHOW, Jon Jones, long-tailed duck
3rd BEST OF SHOW, Gary Hanson, Canada goose
Best Marsh Singles
1st Best Marsh, Gary Hanson, wigeon
2nd Best Marsh, Jon Jones, shoveler
3rd Best Marsh, Jon Jones, green-winged teal
Best Diver Singles
1st Best Diver, Nick Amazzalorso, goldeneye
2nd Best Diver, Gary Hanson, ring-necked
3rd Best Diver, Tom Serwell, scaup
Best Sea Duck Singles
​1st Best Sea Duck, Jon Jones, long-tailed duck
2nd Best Sea Duck, Jon Jones, harlequin
3rd Best Sea Duck, Nick Amazzalorso, white-winged scoter
Best Confidence Duck Singles
1st Best Sea Duck, Tom Serwell, grebe
2nd Best Sea Duck, Dalton Skelton, least grebe
Best Goose Singles
1st Best Sea Duck, Gary Hanson, Canada goose
2nd Best Sea Duck, Jim Brace, brandt

Best of Show 2 - BIRD RIGS, drake & hen, - Open:
1st BEST OF SHOW, Jon Jones, long-tailed duck
2nd BEST OF SHOW, Gary Hanson, greater scaup
3rd BEST OF SHOW, Nick Amazzalorso, gadwall
Best Marsh Pairs
1st Best Marsh, Nick Amazzalorso, gadwall
2nd Best Marsh, Martin Meinke, mallard
Best Diver Pairs
1st Best Diver, Gary Hanson, greater scaup
2nd Best Diver, Jim Brace, canvasback
3rd Best Diver, Tom Serwell, blue-billed
Best Sea Duck Pairs
1st Best Sea Duck, Jon Jones, long-tailed duck
2nd Best Sea Duck, Doug Dariano, surf scoter

Best of Show Working Class / IWCA Style – Open:
1st BEST OF SHOW, Jon Jones, canvasback
2nd BEST OF SHOW, Jon Jones, Steller’s eider
3rd BEST OF SHOW, Jim Brace, blue-winged teal

Best of Show Working Class / IWCA Style – Novice:
1st BEST OF SHOW, Tom Serwell, gadwall
2nd BEST OF SHOW, Ted Fisher, harlequin
3rd BEST OF SHOW, Mark Langenderfer, mallard
Best Marsh Singles
1st Best Marsh, Mark Langenderfer, mallard
2nd Best Marsh, Mark Langenderfer, wood duck
Best Diver Singles
1st Best Diver, Tom Serwell, gadwall
2nd Best Diver, Doug Darino, redhead
3rd Best Diver, Doug Darino, redhead
Best Confidence Duck Singles
1st Best Sea Duck, Ted Fisher, harlequin
2nd Best Sea Duck, Don Holsinger, harlequin
3rd Best Sea Duck, Mark Langenderfer, harlequin

Best of Show Gunning Shorebird – OPEN:
1st BEST OF SHOW, Darthon Skelton, kildeer
2nd BEST OF SHOW, Ted Fisher, sora rail
3rd BEST OF SHOW, Tom Serwell, plover
For Immediate Release:
Maumee Bay Carvers Association

Decoy Show and Swap & Sell Meet
Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, 9a.m.
Magee Marsh Visitor Center
West State Route 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449

​
Steve Secord, Maumee Bay Carvers President
3443 Glynn Dr., Toledo, OH 43614
419-262-2767
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

The public is invited to attend the Maumee Bay Carvers Association 42nd Annual Decoy Show and Swap & Sell Meet, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at the Magee Marsh Visitor Center, 13299 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449, rain or shine.

Carvers of all skill levels are encouraged to compete by entering their working decoys and shorebirds which will be judged and awarded cash prizes and medallions. Entries in three of the contests, Lake Erie Singles, Pairs, and IWCA style Working Class are floated in a water-filled tank. The working shorebirds are stick-mounted on a base. There is a small entry fee for the competition.

This family-friendly event is a great opportunity to view beautifully carved decoys and shorebirds made by hand in the tradition of the American hunting style decoy. Last year in 2023, carvers from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio entered over 50 decoys.

Registration for carvers begins at 9 a.m. and judging follows registration.

A Sell & Swap meet will also be held. Bring your hunting items, decoys, carving items, wood supplies, etc., to sell or trade. There is no cost and bring your own tables.

Admission to the show is free, and the newly renovated Magee Marsh Sportsmen's Migratory Bird Center will also be open. The museum features decoys on display made by Ohio renown carvers including “Buckeye” Joe Wooster. The collection is considered to be one of the most comprehensive displays representing Ohio decoy carvers.

Visit www.maumeebaycarvers.com for the rules and awards.

Over 40 years ago, the Maumee Bay Carvers Association was organized with the purpose to promote, preserve and mentor the art form and tradition of carving and painting waterfowl. Whether you are a beginner or advanced carver, we invite you to attend our free Wednesday carve-along sessions held at the Waterville Public Library, 800 Michigan Ave, Waterville, OH 43566, 3:30 to 5:30.
“Bring along your current project or we will help you get started with carving tips, advice and lots of fun,” said Steve Secord, president.