Udson built his own home and started carving decoys in 1897. Using white pine, balsa, cedar or any other wood he could procure (from driftwood or old ships masts for example), Hudson carved both hollow and solid birds that have a life-like appearance. Hudson was an innovative carver and portrayed his birds in a variety of positions. His flying ducks, hissing geese and crooked neck brant stand out among his works.
He did not adhere to any particular style, carving some decoys with extensive head detailing and others without. The tails flow or jut from the bodies, and some have been fluted. Iron upholstery tacks serve as eyes, and neck shelves appear on every decoy, but in various positions. It seems Hudson did not weight his decoys unless a customer requested him to do so. Some of his paint patterns exhibit elaborate details and scratch painting techniques, though others remain quite simple.
It is estimated that Hudson carved over 60,000 decoys in his lifetime, most of which were shorebirds, Buffleheads and Hooded Mergansers, along with a few other species. Along with his decoys, most of which are solid, as opposed to hollow decoys, he made quite miniatures and flying birds and fish. Hudson also spent part of his time carving and building boats. Decoy making in the Hudson home was a family affair; all the kids helped in some capacity, usually sanding bodies or bushel baskets of decoy heads.
Hudson often required the help of Norman and Delbert to fill his orders. With the help of his family, Hudson produced some twenty-five thousand decoys, many of which have been lost to the abuses of hunters and the elements. Ira Hudson's career and life were ended by a fatal blood clot. His children, Norman and Delbert, carved and his grandson, Bob, continue to carve. The item will be carefully and securely packaged. Your satisfaction is my guarantee. The item "Nice Vintage Ira Hudson Pintail Duck Decoy Tack Eyes Chincoteague VA" is in sale since Monday, November 13, 2017. This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Hunting\Vintage Hunting\Duck Decoys". The seller is "mrsciguy" and is located in Milford, Delaware.This item can be shipped worldwide.