Decoys Through Decades

Episode 495 of the Midwest Flyways Podcast podcast, hosted by Midwest Flyways, titled "Decoys Through Decades" was published on March 31, 2026 and runs 22 minutes.

March 31, 2026 ·22m · Midwest Flyways Podcast

Summary

In this MWF History Lesson, we dive into the evolution of duck decoys—from the earliest hand-carved wooden blocks to today’s mass-produced plastics—and how each phase changed the way hunters approach the game. What started as simple tools rooted in Indigenous tradition grew into a craft, an industry, and eventually a collector’s market worth millions.   We break down the golden age of carving, highlight legendary makers, and explore the shift from handmade birds to factory production. Along the way, we touch on wild stories of decoys found in barns and garages that turned out to be worth small fortunes—and the reality that some of the most valuable decoys ever made were once just tools in a working spread.   At its core, this episode isn’t just about decoys—it’s about the constant evolution of waterfowl hunting, the people who shaped it, and the one thing that’s never changed: It’s not about perfection… it’s about creating confidence and fooling the bird.   Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!   Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

Episode Description