At Eastern Shore Decoy Show in Cape Charles, collectors and enthusiasts bring their passion for the region’s rich carving heritage
By Rachel Kester
If you told Eastern Shore decoy carvers back centuries ago their pieces would one day cost millions, they’d likely laugh in disbelief. Let alone discover that thousands of people from around the area and even states away would eventually gather at an event celebrating their unique work.
Held for its second year this past February, the Eastern Shore Decoy Show was hosted at The Oyster Farm at Kings Creek. The Cape Charles event showcases the area’s rich decoy carving heritage. Organizers hope to continue the tradition in 2025 and beyond.
This year, 100 vendors were present including Massachusetts’ Copley Fine Arts Auctions and Maryland’s Guyette & Deeter–two of the biggest decoy auction houses in the world.
Carving demonstrations were on show alongside various nautical and outdoor-themed goods for sale, like painted oysters and nature photography. To make things even more special, Cork McGee, a 93-year-old legendary Eastern Shore carver was given an award recognizing his vast contribution to the decoy world.
“We’ve expanded a lot this year,” says Tommy O’Connor, the event organizer. “We had to turn away people because there was more interest than table space.”
It’s estimated around 4,000 people attended the event—double the amount from 2023. “We hope to turn it into one of the most premier decoy shows in the country,” says O’Connor.
Seeing so many flock to Cape Charles in the middle of winter is unheard of, but it demonstrates just how cherished decoys are. Originally intended to help hunters deceive waterfowl, decoys have grown to become a sacred piece of American folk art.
“Some are meant for hunting birds but they’re often so pretty they end up on the mantle,” says O’Connor.
Handcrafted decoys can sell anywhere from $100 to a million depending on their history and condition. While the majority are of waterfowl, songbirds, shorebirds and fish are also commonly carved.
O’Connor, a longtime decoy enthusiast, has been collecting the items since he was a kid. Throughout his life, O’Connor has met many of the region’s greatest carvers and has amassed an extensive decoy collection over the years—several of which are on loan at nearby museums. Some of his favorites are from Cobb Island.
Situated off the coast near Oyster, Virginia, the barrier island was famous for its decoys carved by the Cobb family. Those crafted from 1865-1900 are considered to be the best and have become some of the most sought-after globally. The island was famous for its black duck decoys in particular which is featured in the Eastern Shore Decoy Show’s emblem.
Decoy carvers each have a unique style and a fondness for certain carving woods. Some of the most popular include juniper and pine, but many Eastern Shore carvers swear by cottonwood—a tree that grows along Chincoteague. Depending on where the carver is located, their treasury of birds will also often vary based on native species.
While many of the region’s revered carvers are advancing in years, there’s noticeable interest from the younger generation. Kids as young as seven have already been seen whittling away creations. A few are advised by these respected experts who have gone through numerous trials and errors and wish to assist them.
“Some will help with teaching the ins and outs,” says O’Connor.
The passion for Eastern Shore decoys only continues to grow as more gain an appreciation for this quintessential part of the area’s heritage. “Some of the best decoys in the world were made in this area,” O’Connor says. “This art form is something distinctive to this country, especially the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Rachel Kester
