The story behind the Series 72 decoy
Once upon a time the Herter’s “family” in Waseca MN sat down to create the “ultimate” duck decoy. It needed to be lightweight, unsinkable, and durable. They settled on a solid foam construction and maybe because it was just over 7” wide they called it the Model 72 (Herter’s Model 72 is a trademark of Cabela’s last we checked) and it became the favorite of serious duck hunters in many flyways for the latter half of the 20th century. Untold thousands were sold in most any species of waterfowl that are hunted in North America. Since the foam is subject to breakage over time, they also added a burlap wrapped option to the line that became a family heirloom for many hunters since they are virtually indestructible. Sadly the production line was halted a few years back.
The Autumn Wings Series 72
While paying homage to the past, we take burlap wrapped foam decoys to a new level of excellence by using our tried and true wooden decoy heads, signature keel, and an upgraded airbrush paint job. We also tweaked the dimensions a bit to result in a “chunkier” style reminiscent of our old Fat Boy cork decoys. We prefer the stable platform and “content feeling” the 8” wide body affords. Since one of the goals of our business is to create working decoys of style and character that will be worthy of passing down to the next generation, there was no question that we would wrap the solid foam bodies in burlap. This insures the durability and longevity of the decoy without sacrificing its reasonable weight. Series 72 decoys weigh about 1 lb. each; this is 50% lighter than our equivalently sized wooden decoys. As a bonus, the burlap accepts paint well and the coarse texture adds a realistic appearance that does not shine. We adapted our wood keel design to work with the Series 72.
We have a wide assortment of hand carved wood heads (with glass eyes) hand painted with oils to support replacement or even to change up the species if you would like to repaint our body to suit your requirements. In the interest of efficiency we are starting with one diver body shape with multiple paint schemes (Bluebill, Can, Redhead, Goldeneye, Rigneck) and one puddler body shape and 2 paint schemes (mallard or black). With market interest, more species are sure to follow. We believe those folks back in Waseca MN would like this decoy!
Product Details
7-Layers of Durability
Solid Foam Core
Cement
Burlap
Cement
Waterproof Coating
Paint
Clear Coat Sealer
Dimensions- Approximately 8” wide by 16” long
Weight- Approximately 1/ 2 lb
Durable hand carved wood heads with glass eyes. Linseed oil preserves the wood followed by hand applied oils. The oils are drawn into the wood grain by the oil for durability. Sure they may scuff up but that patina (and maybe a pellet hole) adds to the character only your decoys will have! Heads are shipped un-mounted with a wood screw instructions provided. Or see our “How to Mount Heads” tab on the previous page. We provide an integral wood keel for wrapping line and for applying any ballast weight you may require.
Disclaimer- Since Series 72 are not mass-produced but hand crafted some variation is going to be observed between decoys of the same species. Guess what, mother nature operates the same way; real ducks show even more variation in size and color. Does that make us more realistic? You decide.
How to mount heads to Series 72
Series 72 comes with wood screw to attach heads to body. This tutorial covers
using a crew to attach the head. Another option is a bolt and threaded insert.
For info on that see how to use threaded inserts on our website.
1. Apply a small dab of waterproof sealer (silicone caulk) over the hole on the
top of the decoy body to keep water from penetrating. Use of adhesive will make
replacing heads in the future more difficult. |
2. Place wood screw in position so point protrudes 1/2" above the top surface
of the decoy body. |
3. Position head where you want it. Hold head securely while drilling screw in.
Tighten carefully so head is does not set into body too far. |
4. Alternate method is to first insert screw. Position head and push by hand to
create a "mark" from screw point. Remove head and drill a small pilot hole.
Then add sealer and screw head into position. |
Video & photos coming soon