What is wooden mallards?

Wooden mallards, also known as wooden duck decoys, are hand-carved and painted wooden figurines that imitate the look and behavior of live mallard ducks. These decoys were used by hunters to attract live ducks to their hunting blinds, as well as by collectors and enthusiasts for decorative purposes.

The use of decoys to lure waterfowl dates back thousands of years, with ancient cave paintings depicting hunters using decoys made from reeds and grasses. However, the wooden duck decoys as we know them today originated in North America in the 19th century, where they were first made by Native American and European settlers.

Wooden mallards are typically carved from softwoods like pine or cedar, since these woods are easy to carve and lightweight. The decoys are then carefully painted to mimic the coloration and markings of a live mallard, with attention paid to details like the feather patterns, eye color, and bill shape.

While wooden mallards were once used primarily for hunting and collecting, they have also become popular as decorative items for rustic or country-themed homes. Today, many artisans continue to craft and sell hand-carved wooden duck decoys, and there are even international competitions and exhibitions dedicated to the art of duck decoy carving.