Hometown: Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania

In 1998, I had a chance meeting with a co-worker, Ross Smoker (2023 Ward Foundation Living Legend).  He invited me to try carving at the Smoker’s North Shop in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.  I really enjoyed that carving experience and Ross has been my mentor ever since.  I began carving as a way to add something different to my duck hunting decoy spread.  This hobby and passion has now evolved into more than just carving hunting decoys.  

I have carved a variety of different birds over the last 25 years.  I have made owls, songbirds, shorebirds, penguins, and of course, lots and lots of waterfowl.  I have carved miniatures, contemporary antiques, gunning style decoys, and several waterfowl with more detail than any hunting decoy would ever need.

I have been fortunate, over the years, to receive many ribbons and win numerous Best of Show awards.  I enjoy competing, but also enjoy researching and creating new patterns for my carvings.  This allows me to mix styles together and make my carvings one of a kind.

Carving has been a great creative outlet and hobby for me.  I would like to thank my wife, Sue, for putting up with me painting all these years at our kitchen table in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania.