Cork Decoy Question

[Zach White]

One of my buddies has a bunch of old cork decoys from the 70's he bought them new but he hasnt hunted over then in some years. He was wondering if they are worth some money cause hes thinking about sellin some or he wants to repaint some and start hunting with some of them again, depending on how much they are worth. He has 4 dozen and i am the one who will be repainting them and fixing them up but i told him i better make sure they arent worth alot more as origionals. I told him i'd ask the Prostaff guys what they thought.

[Jason Connellee]

Zach,

Cork decoys have been used in my area by a lot of hunters for decades. In a town not far from my house, there are a few decoy makers that still make cork ducks. In the past, I have worked for a few of them. Turning out wood decoys and making cork decoys as well. Very timely process. Very messy. The problem with cork is that you have to be very careful on how you handle them. You can't toss them in a boat when picking up at last light. You should'nt pile them in a decoy bag all together. That will cause body damage, tail feathers to break off, etc.... The slotted decoy bag Avery offers is ideal for this. As "value", I really can't tell you without seeing one. I am by no means a "decoy expert", but I have seen my share. Care for cork ducks is very crucial. Mice love them. I have seen so many chewed up by those little devils. Then you have the head issuse, either coming off, coming loose, or spining around in circles.

I feel with today decoy design, realism, and construction offered by Avery, a hunter will have a long and lasting rig of ducks. Not only will they look good but they will also perform just as well with a fraction of the maintence that is required for cork for years to come.

[Zach White]

Jason
Do you know anything about how to seal the cork decoys before you paint them. I know your suppose to do it so the corks wont take in water but what do you use and where could i find some. Also what kind of paints do you use? thanks

[SwampHunter]

Zach,
First I would find out who made them. You might or might not have something that is worth something. I wouldn't do anything to them until I found out.
After you found out, we can go from there on sealing and painting if needed be.