JOSH WARD

Where are you from?
Central Indiana

When did you start?
I started carving in 2003

Why did you start?
I've always been interested in the history and origins of about anything I undertake. Waterfowl hunting is no different. I enjoy creating things myself, so it was kind of a natural progression for me to eventually start making my own decoys and it just kind of grew from there.

Favorite specie to carve?
Lately, its been redheads.

Favorite specie to hunt?
Anything black and white.

If you compete, what level (Novice, Intermediate, Open, etc.) and Category?
I don't compete much - I usually have somthing in the pool at Westlake, and occasionally an IWCA (novice) entry there as well. I've sent some decoys to other shows and attended other shows as well. Carving decoys to HUNT over or for others to hunt over is my goal #1.

Favorite Show?
The ODCCA at Westlake, OH.

Most influence on your carving style?
I don't know that I necessarliy have my own style, yet. But those who have influenced me the most with their style are Mueller, Furia, Matus.

Who started you - mentor(s)?
A buddy of mine and I kind of undertook carving together. Tom Matus and Duane Ong have been of GREAT help to me over the past couple years.

Favorite medium? (Type of wood and paint)
White cedar and acrylics.

What are you working on now? Future plans?
Wrapping up a couple redheads and scoters, will soon be starting a harli and eider rig for myself.

Favorite style of carving ( Decorative, antique, gunners, IWCA, shorebird)
IWCA

If you could add three birds to your collection, what specie and from whom?
Matus hen harli, Furia drake pintail, Mueller drake eider

Most difficult part of carving in your mind?
PAINTING!!!!

What, or who, inspires you?
I try to find my happy medium between a decoy that looks most like its representive specie and yet is reasonablily durable to hunt regularly.

Name 5-10 essentials for carving
As much reference material you can get your hands on, Foredom, a sharp selection of good knives and gouges, Willy and Di's phone number, bandsaw, planer, quality wood.