EASTON, MD - Duck and goose calls were in the air at the Waterfowl Festival's kickoff on Friday.
The event included artwork, live carvings, dog demonstrations, and of course plenty of food and drinks.
To a decoy carver, it's about precision and creativity when it comes to the artwork at the waterfowl festival.
Tim Kuca of Kuca Decoys, who did some live carvings Friday, says "This is American folk art and people like to see how it's done. Everything is done by machines. And to see it take place in real time, they see how much time and effort goes into it."
Fellow carvers say this festival brings attention to this art that could be forgotten.
Bill Collins says "Well the decoy art is at this point a dying art. unfortunately. It is America's first folk art."
Jason Connellee, who hand carves Canada Goose calls, says, "Its a Maryland tradition calling Canada geese, hunting Canada geese, or waterfowl. That's why I am here to promote the tradition and waterfowl history."
The 52nd annual festival also includes some new attractions.
Typically hunting dogs like golden retrievers, German short-haired pointers, and Weimaraner's were put to the test in front of some large crowds. During the demonstrations, the dogs were sent out to sniff and point for a live bird.
The trainer of the Mason-Dixon Game Outfitters Kim Lewis says the demonstration showcases what these dogs were made for.
"Its bird hunting and anybody that enjoys waterfowl hunting can typically enjoy the upland bird hunting as well," says Lewis.
