Home of the Fish Decoy Carving World Championship

These are the 2008 rules and Classes.

(for September 20, 2008 - Pointe Mouillee State Game Area - near Monroe, Michigan.)

2008 World Champion Fish Decoy and Carving Contest Rules

1. Competitions are open to all carvers.  All entries must have been completed after the last GLFDCCA show.  All visible marks that would identify the carver must be covered; dark colored masking tape is recommended for decoys.
2. Only natural wood may be used as a carving material.  Wood composites, resins, or other plastic are not permitted. All fins or barbels are to be made from wood, leather or metal. Epoxy or urethane may be used to attach fins or eyes but not molded as a part of the fish. Materials used to cover lead cavities or make repairs are not restricted. Eyes are the only pre-formed material that may be used.

3. All decoys should display proper swimming attitude in the water.  Decoys should suspend at a relatively horizontal attitude and respond favorably to the jigging stick.  This generally means that the decoy, when dropped into the water, will move forward and “swim” in a circle. 
4. Each Carving Category will have at least three Classes.  Classes are listed on the Registration Form.  There will be five Categories as follows:
 A. Working Fish Decoys - Only the basic mouth shape, single gill coverings, and delineations for the beginning of the tail fin may be carved or burned into the fish. See diagram #1.  No texturing allowed, and no painted scales.  Judging criteria: swimming ability- 60%; likeness to species 30%; craftsmanship 10%.

 B.  Decorative Fish Decoys - Maximum details allowed.  Judging criteria: swimming ability- 40%; likeness to species 50%; craftsmanship 10%.

 C. Folk-Art Fish Decoys - Fish and critters must be generic in both form and paint in all Folk-Art classes except the “No Holds Barred” class.  The only rule in the “No Holds Barred” class will be rule #1, however the carver is expect to have made the majority of the decoy. Examples include: mermaids; fish painted 1/2 musky 1/2 pike; animal combinations, the use of glitter etc. Judging criteria: swimming ability- 60%; design and innovation 30%; craftsmanship 10%. 

 D. Jigging Sticks. Judging criteria: design 60%; functionality 30%; craftsmanship 10%.

 E. Decorative Fish Carvings - Must be original; contestants must create all elements from wood or metal, except sand, display plaques, and support structures.  Judging criteria: likeness to species 80%; design 20%.

5. The misplacement of fins will only be penalized in the Decorative Decoy Category.

6. Juniors are carvers who are 16 years of age or younger. 

7. Entry fee is $5.00 per individual entry; however there will be no charge for juniors.

8. Only one entry per contestant allowed in any decoy carving Class (Categories A, B & C). There is no limit to the number of entries per contestant in Categories D & E.

9.Warmwater and coldwater species allowed are limited to native freshwater fish found in the United States and Canada with the addition of brown trout and common carp.  Salmon will be considered freshwater fish.

10. Judges reserve the right to drill a small hole in any entry to check its composition in the event of a concern or protest as to permitted materials.  All decisions are final.

11. All contestants must agree to the rules, and complete and sign the Registration Form. 

Diagram # 1

Diagram # 1 shows what can be carved or burned into a working fish decoy.  Rules state – “Only the basic mouth shape, single gill coverings (one on each side), and delineations for the beginning of the tail fin may be carved or burned into the fish”.

In each class, first through third place ribbons will be awarded. Honorable mention ribbons will be awarded at the discretion of the judges.  Judges will determine first through third Best of Show for each fish decoy category (Categories A, B & C). The “Best Decoy in the World” will be selected from the three Best of Show fish decoys (winners from Categories A, B & C).  First Best of Show only awards will be selected for jigging sticks and decorative carvings (Categories D & E).

Registration for all categories will take place on the date of the contest from 8am to 10am, or at the show hotel at the discretion of the registrar. Mail in entries will also be accepted.  Entries can be returned to the contestant after the final award presentations, however contestants are encouraged to leave entries until Sunday for public viewing.

Mail in entries should be sent to:  Al Reeg, 195 N. Matteson Lk. Rd., Bronson, MI  49028.  Phone (517) 369-2364 – Carvings must be received by September 17th.  Return shipping and insurance fees, along with a return-shipping label, must be included.  These fees will be the actual shipping and insurance costs, or $10.00 for the first entry and $5 for each additional entry.  Decorative carving and large decoys will require actual return shipping and insurance costs.  A completed Registration Form, with checks for all entry and return shipping fees must be included.  It is suggested that all carvings be doubled boxed, with packing material between boxes.

For additional information, or questions - contact our Show Chairman:

Scott Morrison

525 River Lane

Belleville, WV  26133

shelldrakes@earthlink.net

Phone (304) 863-8151