Herter's Owl

Herters Manufacturing Inc. (est. 1890s) Waseca, MN, c. 1940 19 in. tall

Both William J. Mackey Jr. and Quintina Colio dedicate chapters in their books to owl and crow decoys. Mackey dedicates an entire full page, showcasing this Minnesota maker's well-conceived great horned owl design.

"The use of an owl to bring Crows within gunshot reverses the principle of all methods of luring or decoying birds. Every other decoy works on the principle of conveying to approaching birds the promise of congenial associates, food, or safety. The owl is an irritant and, since time began, an enemy of the Crow. Thus the owl decoy occupies a niche all its own." - William J. Mackey Jr. An outstanding example that saw use in the field. Original paint with minimal wear, including a small chip to backside of right tuft.

Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts

Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 198, closely related example illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, pp. 78-79, chapter on owl decoys.

Provenance

Private Collection, Massachusetts