Yellowlegs Shorebird Decoy
Hurley Conklin, Manahawkin, NJ, c. 1960's
 

Hurley Conklin, 1913-1993 was from Manahawkin New Jersey and was the most prolific carver except for Harry V. Shourds, that the state has had in its decoy history.  Conklin learned his carving from another older carver from Mayetta named Frank Lampson who originated the longer, sleek style that Hurley would take to the limit. His birds all showed the classic racy lines which set them apart from everyone else. 

Hurley was a bayman who clammed, fished, guided duck parties and made decoys for sports and guides alike.  He made his first ones in the mid 1930's but they were nothing like the later decoys you see around today.  He was a crusty old "piney" whose stories were as valuable as his duck stools.  He can be found in all books which contain anything to do with Jersey decoys from Fleckensteine's NJ Decoys to Gosner's Working Decoys of Coastal Jersey and Deleware Valley.  His decoys are found in many museums throughout the country from the Shelburne Museum in Vermont to the Ward Foundation in Salisbury, Maryland.

Superb original condition, including paint and bill.  Nice dry surface.  Branded HC on the underside of the bird and the stand is signed H. Conklin, Manahawkin, NJ.  Size is 14" long from the end of the tail to the tip of the bill. The sleek lines of this bird make it seem like it's in motion.
 

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