EASTON, Md. – The 2024 Waterfowl Festival was another unforgettable celebration of the rich history, artistry, and traditions of waterfowling in the Chesapeake Bay region. Held each November, the event is more than a hunting expo. It’s a tribute to centuries-old practices that have shaped the culture, economy, and landscape of the Delmarva Peninsula.

Delmarva, comprising the tidewater portions of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, is a region where farming, hunting, and fishing intersect. Agriculture and aquaculture remain the area’s largest commercial activities. Early families near the Bay and its tributaries found waterfowling both easy and vital. Using boats and reed blinds, they hunted migratory and shore birds in fall and winter for food, and income. As one local said, “Waterfowl hunting is part of who we are – it’s as much a tradition as the harvest.”

A major contribution to Delmarva’s waterfowling legacy is the duck decoy. The same skills and ingenuity that helped area farmers and watermen support their families gave birth to some of the most iconic decoys ever produced. Early carvers used locally available materials like cedar, pine, and cork to craft decoys that would fool even the most discerning birds.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the connection to waterfowling shifted when market hunting – harvesting game birds to sell to restaurants and markets – became an economic driver. Local families often found themselves supplying to, or otherwise participating in, the market trade. It also fueled intense demand for decoys.

Overhunting applied enormous pressure on migratory bird populations, necessitating conservation efforts. These efforts began in earnest with the Migratory Bird Act of 1918, intended to make bird hunting more sustainable.

Despite regulations, illegal hunting persisted. One local riverman, Harry M. Walsh, witnessed the consequences of market hunting firsthand. A vocal conservationist, Walsh published “The Outlaw Gunner” in 1971, a seminal account of the era. That same year, he co-founded the Waterfowl Festival, bringing together hunters, carvers, and waterfowl enthusiasts to honor the region’s history and promote local wetland and wildlife preservation.

In its 53rd year, the festival is a major celebration of the region’s waterfowling heritage, drawing visitors nationwide. One of its most anticipated events is the wildfowl decoy auction, where the evolution of decoys from practical tools to celebrated folk art is on full display. The auction features both antique and contemporary decoys, crafted by the region’s finest carvers. Some decoys are over a century old and valued at thousands of dollars, reflecting their craftsmanship and place in Delmarva’s culture. Offerings include works by famed carvers like the Ward Brothers, of Crisfield, Md. (c. 1885-1980), regarded as the area’s most prominent carver, and R. Madison Mitchell (1901-1993), who crafted over 100,000 finely detailed decoys during his lifetime.

Hosted by Guyette and Deeter, the world’s foremost decoy auctioneer, the sale featured “550 investment-quality decoys…including dozens of rare and historic decoys, many of which had been passed down through families for generations.” In a post-auction release, officials estimated 15,000–20,000 attended and called bidding “spirited.” Final tallies showed the event generated $3.2 million in bids, with “two items bringing over $100,000, 10 over $50,000, and 65 over $10,000.”

Amidst artists, retriever demonstrations, and decoy calling competitions, attendees could further immerse themselves in decoy and sporting history. A special exhibition showcasing Mid-Atlantic waterfowling history featured rare items like decoys, guns, and gunning boats on loan from private collectors and museums. Many items dated back centuries.

Two venues offered additional opportunities to purchase wildlife and hunting memorabilia. A Buy/Sell/Swap bazaar had everything from carving tools to duck calls, while a Decoy Tailgate outside the auction venue held dozens of decoy collectors selling pieces from their holdings.

Of particular significance were pavilions showcasing conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited and ShoreRivers, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to preserving the wetlands and wildlife that have defined the region. Just as early hunters and carvers relied on the land and water for survival, today’s conservation efforts help ensure these resources remain for future generations to experience.

As Talbot County farmer Bobby Leonard Jr. explained in an interview with Delmarva Farmer, “We farm the land and we farm the water and we farm the bottom of the water. It all runs together,” underscoring the interconnectedness of land, water, and the responsibility to care for both.

Whether you’re a waterfowler, farmer, or history enthusiast, Easton’s Waterfowl Festival offers a unique chance to engage with the Chesapeake’s waterfowling culture. From the origins of waterfowling to the craftsmanship of decoys, the gala celebrates the lasting connection between the area’s natural resources and the people who depend on them.