Alligator River/Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
P. O. Box 1969
Manteo, North Carolina 27954

Contact: Bonnie Strawser - 252-473-1131

News Release

September 15, 2006

Some call it art, others say it's a tool, but all call it fun

The 10th Annual Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival, Nov. 7-12, isn't just about looking at wildlife. The six-day event also includes learning programs that will allow participants to launch a new hobby or enhance an old one.

Decoy-carving, once considered a must-do chore by hunters, now is viewed as an art form.

Carver Chandler Sawyer of the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla will teach a half-day class for wanna-be decoy carvers who register to participate in Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival.

Participants will see examples of antique decoys from our region while learning the importance of their functionality and style. They also will learn basic decoy carving techniques and carve a decoy body that is theirs to keep.

Native Americans used decoys to lure prey within range. They shared the art of this hunting method with early European settlers who began carving on their own.

But decoys haven't always been carved out of wood. Straw decoys enhanced with feathers, dating back to about 2000 years ago, have been found at Native American sites in the southwest.

And in Europe , live ducks and geese were used as decoys or "coys".

Today, not only hunters use decoys, but wildlife photographers use them to lure birds closer for great photos and decorators use them as accessories around the home. Once sold for just a few dollars, many antique decoys now fetch prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy and explore the Outer Banks of North Carolina during the time of year when the birds are flying, traffic is light, and accommodation costs are low.

Dozens of birding, paddling, natural history programs make this event one that you won't want to miss.

For more information about programs and registration, visit www.wingsoverwater.org; or call the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce at 252-441-8144.