Eaton Conservation District-Michigan Arbor Day Alliance – Make Your Dollar Holler For Conservation
Auction Ends: Mar 31, 2010 11:59 PM EDT

Collectibles

Michigan Basswood Carved Fish Decoy

Item Number
298
Estimated Value
95 USD
Sold
50 USD to JoAnnEGibbs
Number of Bids
1  -  Bid History

Item Description

Winner will receive a Coho carved fish decoy. Decoy has been weighted and balanced. Carved and painted by World Champion decoy makers, Fred & JoAnne Campbell.

The making of decoys for spear fishing is part of a long and rich tradition of ice fishing. There is documentary evidence that Native Americans have speared fish through the ice using handmade decoys since prehistoric times. The earliest decoys known are from around 1000 AD. The oldest in existence were made from stones, bones, antlers and shells.

Functional fish decoys are objects used to attract large fish, primarily pike, musky, and sturgeon, for the purpose of spearing them through a hole in the ice.

For the collector, this more obscure art in American heritage is at a time when serious collecting is just beginning. Understanding the sport of spear fishing and the art of fish decoy making provides insight for the collector at a time when old fish decoys are being sold and auctioned for thousands of dollars. There are still many fish decoy carvers working today who understand both the art and sport of fish spearing.

To learn more about our decoys, check out our website: www.BenzieJo.com

Item Special Note

Winner must pick up item from Eaton Conservation District-Michigan Arbor Day Alliance or pay for shipping.