A tradition of craftsmanship...how each decoy is created

All Loon Lake Decoy Company Waterfowl Decoys, Upland Bird Sculptures and Framing Cameos start as an original solid Tupelo Gum or Basswood wood carving by Master Carver Sam Nottleman. From each original, a mold is made which the hand-cast reproductions are then pulled. A variety of casting mediums along with a resin binder are used to individually hand cast each sculpture. After casting and curing, each sculpture is subject to many more hand operations to remove any seam lines or casting blemishes. This work insures each sculpture captures every detail of Sam's original.

After finishing the raw sculpture, our staff of talented artists hand paints each one using heavy-body acrylic paints. These paints are fade resistant, insuring your Loon Lake sculpture will become a treasured family heirloom. Next, the glass taxidermy eyes are added to many of the sculptures, then the ultra suede base and the Certificate of Authenticity. The Certificate of Authenticity adds to each decoys collectability. The certificate features the embossed signature of Master Carver Sam Nottleman, the sculpture name, and the limited edition number.

Each sculpture requires hours of hand work by the combined skills of the carver, craftsmen and artists before it is complete. We are proud of this attention to detail and hope you will enjoy your new Loon Lake sculpture as much as we have enjoyed creating it for you.