Greetings,

 

Fall brings many different events.  The long lines of the ducks and geese are starting the annual movement to the south bring to life many of us to look forward to annual hunt.  The decoys are dug out and looked at for repair or paint where necessary.  Hunting gear, guns and boats are brought out to get ready for the first morning.   Many of you have already spent time in the marsh during the early season and visiting the hunting grounds of Canada.  This is a special time of year for all us to give thanksgiving to all we have in life.  

 

This fall has brought much despair to our fellow collectors and carvers in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama.  Our prayers and best wishes go out to our friends that all is well and that they may get on their feet soon.  Help them in any way if you can.  Below is an article of how you can help?

 

The IWCA Style Hunting Decoy Contest finals were held at Cabela’s, Dundee, MI in early August.  Our Gary Joe Bryan walked off with the Best of Show with a simply great Grebe.  Working The Mountain Beaver Dam pond this year were Gary Joe Bryant, Niel Wheeler, Mark Costilow, Steve Secord, Garrett Secord and Luke Costilow.  The master of ceremonies was none other than Paul Busick.  Charlie Hall and I painted and carved for the many visitors who came to the event...  During the annual meeting Gary Joe Bryan was elected Vice President of the IWCA, Mark Costilow, Treasurer and Niel Wheeler was named the Gunning Decoy Representative.    Congratulations to newly elected officers of the IWCA. The new president of the IWCA is Bryn Watson and Bobbie Sutton was elevated to Chairman of the Board.

 

The committees are working on the 2006 Show and Sale events.  Carole Kmetz has done an excellent job in preparing and arranging for the publication of the rules booklet that is included with this newsletter.  As always you have done a super job Carole.

 

Scott Wodrich has coordinated with Holiday Inn West, Westlake, OH staff all of the events, our rooms and even what the menu will be this year.  Scott works on this throughout the year watching for changes in the staff and making sure we are well taken care.  Scott we cannot thank you enough for the outstanding work you do each year.    Included in the envelope is the room reservation card that should be returned as soon as possible.  Send your response cards in as soon possible.

 

The Bird in Nest contest sponsored by Betty Odine will feature any bird this year.  Tom Whitlock will again sponsor the Gunning Shore Bird Contest. We appreciate and thank them for their support.  Our flat art contest for our 30^th year features any of the following three, vintage decoys, any North American duck or goose, a shorebird or a bird from the rest of the marsh. 

 

We are pleased that Tommie Stewart will be presenting this year’s seminar. This seminar will feature the shorebird.   Get your reservation in quickly for the seminar, as the openings will fill up quickly.

 

Again we have the pleasure of having Ted Harmon putting on his great vintage bird auction.  Decoy Magazine will again sponsor the Vintage Decoy Contest.  Wildfowl Carving will sponsor the Decorative Peoples Choice Award and feature the show in the 2006 Competition issue.  We are privileged and honored to be part of these two great magazines.

 

It won’t be long and March will be here.  Let’s get those tools out and carve some great birds for the tanks and pool.   Collectors start to pick out those special decoys to show and sell. 

 

Happy Collecting and Carving,

 

 

Bob Lund, Chairman Executive Board