06/06/2026
The Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild is excited to offer an amazing carving class with renowned carver Andy Pope.
The exhibition is a two day long event, scheduled for Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026. The class will focus on making a working style cork and wood ringneck decoy- participants will gain valuable insight and knowledge working side-by-side with Pope.
Andy Pope has been carving for over 25 years and carves all his decoys by hand. As an avid bird hunter, he carves his decoys with the duck hunter in mind. His working-style decoys are all made to be hunted over but look right at home on the mantle, too. Pope has been featured in numerous articles, including Dove Dusting, by Jason Hawkins for Carolina Sportsman; Carying a Piece of History, by Chase Luker for Wildlife in North Carolina (November/December 2024); and Andy Pope Decoys: For Field or Mantle, by Amie Talton for Hunting & Fishing Collectibles Magazine. Notable awards include many First Place/Best in Show ribbons and span shows such as the ODCCA Show, Duplin County DU Competition, East Carolina Waterfowl Show, and the Core Sound Decoy Festival. For more information about Andy, or to view his works, visit www.popedecoys.com.
Participants should bring their favored carving tools, though some tools will be available for use. A suggested equipment and supplies list will be provided for participants upon registration.
Cost for the two day event is $325 per participant, and participants must have a current Guild membership ($25). Payment is due upon registration, and is non-refundable. Class size is limited to 10 people. Instruction starts at 8:00am on Saturday, and 9:00am on Sunday. Saturday will be a full day of carving, with Sunday reserved for painting. Lunch will be provided for the participants both days. The Guild building will be open, and for those interested in a quick visit throughout the weekend, a selection of Pope’s decoys will be on display while the class is underway.
Please feel free to contact Jerry Talton at 252-725-4434 with any questions, or Amie Talton at [email protected]. Pre-registration is required, and participants will not be considered registered until payment is received. Please send checks, made out to Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild, to 276 River Oaks Drive, Stella, NC 28582. We will be sure to confirm receipt of your payment!
Hand carved duck decoys crafted by award-winning North Carolina decoy carver, Andy Pope.
