Barnegat Bay Duck Decoy. Photo courtesy Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission

Barnegat Bay Decoy Carvers

The forty-five mile waterway of Barnegat Bay, from Bay Head to Little Egg Harbor, has developed a hearty breed of baymen who have crafted a culture of their own.

The sportsmen/duck hunters who began gunning on the bay in the late 19th century bought their hand-crafted decoys from the baymen. These hearty men used decoy ducks to attract flocks of Canada geese and ducks during their migratory fly-over enroute to warmer climates.

The craftsmanship of these bay carvers continues today, thus preserving the cultural folk life of the region.

Documentation comprises a page of text and a photograph.

Originally submitted by: Christopher H. Smith, Representative (4th District).

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