by Invited Author

From our friend Greg Renner with the Duck Decoy Project: I want to invite you and all of the Columbia Audubon members and their families to our next Missouri Decoy Collectors Program, which will be held at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City on Saturday March 14, 2026.  If you would please put this information and invitation into your Chat or other newsletters that would be appreciated very much.  We are working to change our program from a simple local gathering to a program that has a moderately large multi-state Midwest reach. Last year was our 7th program and best one yet.  This upcoming program promises so far to be even better.  There is no charge for attendance and one does not have to come to all portions of the program.

We will begin with a large Buy/Sell/Swap session that runs from 10:00 – 12:00.  There will be a number of vendors who offer a wide range of decoys and other sporting related items for sale or trade during this session.  We had a lot of activity this past year and should have even more people offering items for sale this year.  Many find it interesting to simply be able to see so many different decoys and have the chance to handle and discuss them with someone knowledgeable about their particular histories.

We will also be conducting an educational program in the Runge auditorium from 1:00 – 3:30.   During this time there will be multiple people who will make presentations (most with powerpoint) concerning different topics on decoys and waterfowl.  Our program is very unique in providing this activity and it has so far been very well received by those who chose to attend.  We have generally focused most to decoy making that has been done throughout the State of Missouri, but are slowly including also decoy production done in adjoining States and beyond,  I expect to have people from 5 surrounding states this year.