Dick Lemke - Bio

I became interested in duck decoy carving about 25 years ago while living in Northern Virginia. Having been an avid hunter in my earlier years, I have always been interested in watching wildlife, and especially ducks and geese. I had dreams of becoming a wildlife photographer and this ensured that I eventually took thousands of photographs of various ducks and geese, wherever I was living at the time. Unfortunately my skills or “eye” for photography was not as good as is necessary to become a good photographer.

During this time, my wife and I attended many wildlife carving shows and competitions in Virginia and Maryland during the 1980’s and my interest in wildlife carving was born.

I took several courses from local carvers in Northern Virginia and over a three year period, carved six different species of ducks, mostly miniature or ½ sizes. Due to employment, travel, and transfers, I was unable to continue my desire to become a good wildlife carver.

After retiring and relocating to North Carolina, my interest in decoy carving resumed. When an article appeared in the Raleigh paper regarding a woman who was carving and taking lessons from instructor Vic Kirkman, I knew what I had to do. I called Vic and set up an appointment to begin taking lessons.

I have since finished carving a Ring Neck drake, and am now in the process of carving a Ring Neck hen. Although I have learned much during the first carving exercise, I feel more comfortable with this second carving, in that I have a slightly better idea of what I am doing. Having said that, nothing is more valuable than having your instructor there to guide you and keep you from making serious mistakes.

I have won several blue ribbons in competition with my first carving and this has given me additional encouragement to continue with decorative decoy carving. I hope to continue to improve my skills and carve many other species of ducks and geese in the future. I also want to improve my skills with air-brush painting of my carvings.