Got any old Brant photos?

Steve Sanford

Well-known member
Good morning, All~

View attachment Sunrise Brant.jpg

The Long Island Decoy Collectors Association is planning its 2019 Annual Show (late Feb-early March 2019 in Hauppauge, LI, NY). Our theme this time around will be Atlantic Brant. As we have with Broadbill (2015 ~ When Broadbill was King on Great South Bay) and with Black Ducks (2017 ~ On the Falling Tide: The story of traditional Black Duck gunning along the south shore of Long Island), we will be displaying information about the history, biology and traditions of our subject species. However, unlike the two earlier species, we will not be limiting ourselves to Long Island's waters. Instead, we want to present information (and decoys and gear) about the Brant throughout its Atlantic tidewater range - from Massachusetts down through North Carolina.

At this stage, we are seeking old photographs of Brant and Brant hunting. So, if you have anything you'd be willing to share (we mostly want high-quality digital images taken from originals - NOT the originals themselves), please get in touch. Suitable materials can be photographs, artwork, decoy patterns, news articles, local tales - anything that relates to the pursuit of this grand bird - Our Graceful Arctic Goose.

View attachment Ackerly BRANT CARD -CROPPED CONTRAST.jpg

So, if you have something we might use - or just an idea - please send me a PM or an e-mail at sjaysanford@gmail.com

Thanks very much,

SJS




 
i have a couple high condition brant decoys - i will get some good shots of them for you

they will be new pictures

i can take them with an old camera if it helps
 
Last edited:
Thanks, Rick~

Best for me would be a high-resolution digital photo taken with the bird in true profile - like the drawing in my post - with diffuse light from above.

Do you know the carver - and approximate vintage?

All the best,

SJS

 

Steve

While in one of the rooms at the Ohio show. I got to see and admire a Joe Lincoln, self - bailer, Brant Decoy, in very good if not great condition.

The decoy was hollowed to perfection. The bottom board was not flat, but slightly rounded and had angled, hand drilled holes fore and aft, so it could be rigged on a long line.

This was not the first time I've handled one of Lincoln's self - bailers, but this one was the Best in every aspect.

Unfortunately I did not have our camera for a photo, nor the $$$$$ to care for the decoy. But a guy can dream.


Brant and Brant decoys have always had a special place in my heart. Ain't no other waterfowl like em, far as I'm concerned. I hope your quest goes well.

Best
VP
 
Steve

The March 23, 2018 issue of NY Outdoor News, has a good article on page 14.

"Banding Effort Hopes To Offer Insight On Atlantic Brant" by Joe Albanese

Just thought I'd let you know.

Best
VP
 
All I have are blurry cell phone photos, but we do occasionally see Brant in Maine. One spot in the town where I grew up is pretty well known by the bird watchers who want to check the brant box off their Maine list. I'd love to hunt brant, but given their scarcity up here, will need to come south to do it.
 
Steve- have you read the book American Duck Shooting by Grinnell? There’s an interesting chapter on Brant shooting on the Great South Bay partially written by Charles R. Purdy.
 
Good morning, Tom~

Yes, Grinnell's book is on The List.

And, I already have a couple of great photos from John V.

All the best,

SJS

 



Steve

This is the photo of the Brant decoy that you requested.




View attachment brant.jpg







This is a catalog photo, of two full body working Brant I made for Ky Kraus.

I have made only four full body working Brant, and only one was hollow White pine and Sugar pine. That decoy went to a old time gunner from Washington state. The other full body gunner went to David Hagerbaumer. I very much enjoyed carving and making these decoys.




View attachment Brant in catalog.jpg


Best regards
VP
 
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