Lessons from the Ward Brothers: Oliver “Tuts” Lawson on Decoy Tradition (Ep 740)
Ducks Unlimited Podcast
Ducks Unlimited Inc.
4.9 • 599 Ratings
🗓️ 15 January 2026
⏱️ 77 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Discover how a Crisfield carver kept Chesapeake Bay decoy traditions alive—and what he learned from the legends.
Host Katie Burke sits down with Oliver “Tuts” Lawson, a master decoy maker who grew up in the Ward brothers’ shop and spent decades shaping waterfowl art and heritage.
From carving his first birds at age eight to repairing hunting decoys for Eastern Shore clubs, Lawson shares stories of mentorship, craftsmanship, and community. Hear how oil paints, raised wings, and open-door shops defined a culture—and why preserving tradition matters more than chasing ribbons.
Takeaways:
- How Oliver Lawson learned carving and painting from Lem and Steve Ward
- Why oil paint creates depth and patina unmatched by modern acrylics
- The evolution from hunting decoys to ornamental birds—and why he returned to gunning style
- How early carvers shared techniques versus today’s secretive approach
- Stories behind rare swans, auctions, and the founding of the Ward Foundation
- Why tradition and accessibility keep decoy carving alive
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | At World Whiskey Society, we're serious about two things, ducks and drams. |
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| 0:31.3 | And when you buy any two Ducks Unlimited bottles, you'll get 10% off your order at world whiskey.com. |
| 0:43.8 | On this episode of the Ducks Living in a podcast, I am interviewing Oliver Tuts Lawson. |
| 0:48.9 | Oliver is from Chrisville, Maryland. Oliver was a decoy carver who actually trained under the |
| 0:53.3 | famous Ward Brothers. |
| 0:55.0 | Oliver story is super special because you get to hear kind of the whole history from the |
| 1:01.1 | Ward Brothers until now of Eastern Shore carving. Please stay tuned. |
| 1:09.5 | The following episode of the D.U. Podcast features a video component. |
| 1:14.5 | For the full experience, visit the Ducks Unlimited channel on YouTube, subscribe, and enjoy. |
| 1:20.4 | Can we do a mic check, please? |
| 1:21.7 | Everybody, welcome back to the Ducks on the podcast. |
| 1:23.6 | I'm your host, Dr. Mike Brazier. |
| 1:25.4 | I'm your host, Katie Burke. |
| 1:26.8 | I'm your host, Dr. Jared Henson. And I'm your host, Dr. Mike Brazier. I'm your host, Katie Burke. I'm your host, Dr. Jared Henson. |
| 1:28.6 | And I'm your host, Matt Harrison. |
| 1:34.0 | Welcome to the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, the only podcast about all things waterfowl. |
| 1:43.8 | From hunting insights to science-based discussions |
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