Smoker, Rich (American, b. 1952)
Shootin’ Rig
Red-throated Loon and pair of Red-breasted Mergansers
2008, 10”x 16”x 9” (Merganser, drake), wood

    Rich Smoker grew up as an avid bird hunter in Pennsylvania. He began his career as an avian taxidermist before he began carving decoys in the late 1960s with his father for hunting on the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. Since then, he has been a full time bird carver and has won many awards for his creations including 500 ribbons and 60 “Best in Show” in competitions. Shootin’ Rig won “Best in World” in 2008 at the Ward World Carving Championships in Ocean City, Maryland.

    The Shootin’ Rig World Championship is comprised of three birds of any world-wide species of waterfowl; a drake and hen of one species and a third bird of choice. These decoys are judged on technique/craftsmanship, accuracy, artistry, overall presentation and proper realistic floatation. They are judged closely on a table and then floated as a rig in a nearby bay by judges a minimal distance of 20 feet away on a platform.