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It's All About the Pine Barrens!

The 30th Annual Ocean County Decoy Show will be held
Saturday and Sunday, September 29 & 30, 2012

Annual Ocean County
Decoy and Gunning Show!

A more perfect day couldn't be had for this great event in southern New Jersey, where every type of decoy, from working rigs to stunning decorative carvings of birds, fish and mammals could be found!

Located in Tuckerton, at the southern tip of Ocean County, this 2-day event may well be the largest of its type on the eastern seaboard, and possibly the country! Taking place at Stanley "Tip" Seaman County Park, Pinelands Regional High School and Tuckerton Seaport, the show encompasses all facets of the life of the Bayman, from duck hunting and fishing to the great food and music of the region!

Although I was told emphatically by one exhibitor that anyone living east of the Garden State Parkway is NOT a "Piney", Tuckerton is named as an official "Pinelands Town" and is included as part of the Pinelands Management Area. As I walked through the dozens and dozens of displays and exhibits, and watched the skeet shooting and retrieving contests, I witnessed a camaraderie not often found anymore, but one I find throughout the Pine Barrens: friendship and kindness is abundant. Even the occasional skirmish between dogs (and dogs are quite welcome here, as long as they're leashed) was dealt with by humans with a smile and quick apology for the overzealous one!

Below are a few of the photos I took - enjoy them - and put the last weekend of September on your 2008 calendar right now!


Working decoy contest winners.



These decoys were entered in the working rig contest.


The stunning avocet and Wood Duck were carved and painted by Sam Esleeck of "Feathers 'N' Wood, from Virginia Beach, VA.


According to Sam, this raven is quite popular in Baltimore!

"Silly Bears" (and other animals) of all sizes are carved with a chain saw by Michael Jones of Green Bank. He'll be doing live demonstrations at the Pine Barrens Jamboree on October 13.



Not to be outdone by the feathered friends, this display of fish carvings was a blue ribbon winner!


Clack, a male Eastern screech owl, was the star of Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge's display tent! This little guy was just as calm as could be despite all the kids and adults crowding around him!


Artwork of all types was on display by the artists!


Under the big tents were dozens of exhibitors proudly displaying their work, some with ribbons they had won!


Not just for hunters, fishing enthusiasts also enjoyed the many displays.!


An award winning booth of fish carvings.

Stunning handmade wooden canoes and kayaks.


Park employees Debbie & Vicky were happy to answer questions!

The hardworking staff of Ocean County Parks and Recreation, as well as the dozens of volunteers, are to be commended for the many hours spent setting up before the show, working 12+ hours two days straight, and cleaning up after the show! (a job no one else thinks about once they go home) The "Ocean Ride" team supplying the free shuttle bus service throughout the day was also the best! The buses were frequent, and the drivers were smiling and friendly!


Visitors Tanner and Amanda Barrett, their son Tyler, and their Weimaraner Mason attend the show every year. Amanda actually worked at the Decoy Show when she was a teenager!

The Ocean County Decoy and Gunning Show is the site of the New Jersey Finals for the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest! The winner of the day's contest will go on to Arkansas for the finals.

The Ocean County Decoy and Gunning Show takes place in Tuckerton, NJ at Tip Seaman County Park and Tuckerton Seaport, both on Route 9. Complimentary shuttle buses will transport you to each of the locations, as well as the designated parking areas. From the north, take Garden State Parkway Exit 58 to Route 539 south and follow the signs!

CLICK FOR MAP

Above photos were taken at the 25th Annual Decoy & Gunning Show

 

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P.O. Box 307, Barnegat NJ 08005
609-698-2501

Member, Board of Directors, Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

Barnegat Chamber of Commerce

Natural Resource Educational Foundation/Lighthouse Center

Tuckerton Seaport

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