Related photos....page 3
Proud and independent waterman of the Chesapeake, owing nothing to no man, his only master, the wind, tides and bounty of the bay. His ancestors may have said to hell with King George and defended the bay country in the the war of 1812. SPECIAL: Read about a real modern waterman's life
Master waterfowl decoy carver. Folk art craftsman of the Chesapeake using local wood, household paints and much skill creates decoys for sport and decoration.
The Eastern shore of the Delmarva (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia) if the Carolina's are included, probably the greatest waterfowl wintering grounds in the world at the turn of the 20th century, never to be seen again. (SEE MAP OF THE CHESAPEAKE and DELMARVA)
Deploying decoys (setting out) On the Susquehanna flats as many as 500 or more would be used. This entailed hours of setting out and picking up the decoys. DUCK BOAT FORUM HERE
"Old Chump" brings in what the old waterman termed a "trash " duck. This meant any duck other than a Canvasback, but sometimes in a lighter mood, a Redhead would be accepted as a real duck. The dog is a pure bred Chesapeake bay retriever. The dense think oily coat keeps out the cold bay water. Chesapeake's are known to actually dive deep underwater to chase wounded ducks. MORE BAY RETRIEVER INFO
The Corporate world of the suit is not for him, and he's a better man for it. Notice the small miniature decoys on the second shelf.