ROSS DECOYS

Eastern Shore of Virginia

~ Traditional Gunning Style Decoys ~

Ducks and Shorebirds


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The Eastern Shore of Virginia, which is bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, has a rich history of waterfowling and decoys.  Many working decoys combined a simplicity of design and adornment that was effective as a tool, but also appealing to the eye.  Such works transcend function and have become a unique form of folk art that is distinctively American.

P.G. Ross grew up gunning waterfowl on marshes and waters of the Eastern Shore.  Using and admiring hand-made wooden decoys inspired him to start whittling in his mid-teens.  Today, he makes decoys using traditional tools and techniques that are based on the characteristics of live birds.  However, their form has been strongly influenced by both past and modern carvers who fashion birds in the  gunning tradition.  

 

P.G. carving a duck body with a drawknife using a "shaving horse" to secure the piece (constructed based on a pattern given him by Pete Peterson) 

Decoys Currently for Sale
(click for details & more images) 

                                

                       Curlew, 2008         Tern, 2008        Turnstone , 2008
                                    

Primitive Beach Bird, 2007   

P.G. typically makes decoys "to order" so customers get exactly what they want.  Occasionally he'll make a couple extra of a species he is custom making for someone or will just make several when the "feeling" hits that are not promised to patrons.  For more info on How to Buy a decoy, click here.

However, P.G. does have some shorebird decoys for sale at the gift shop of the Barrier Islands Center in Machipongo, Virginia.  This facility celebrates the rich history of the Eastern Shore's barrier islands and their people and culture.  A portion of the proceeds from these decoys goes to support the Center.

P.G. specifically designed two old-style decoys for the Barrier Islands Center in the spirit of exploring our fowling heritage:

Tack-eye curlew based on a decoy from the Wallop's Island Gun Club

"Flattie" yellowlegs with a rusty nail for a bill

The Workbench with a couple of decoys underway 

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