(Oct. 20, 2016) For the first time in its history, the Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City will explore the rich history and folklore surrounding Lower Shore hunting traditions and culture this weekend with the inaugural Delmarva Heritage Days event.
Members enjoy free admission to the event that begins on Saturday at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. and continues Sunday starting at noon and ending at 4 p.m. Non-members can expect single day charges of $10 per adult, and $5 per youth. Children 4 years old and younger are free. Two-day passes are also available at $15 each per adult and $8 per youth.
“We’re trying to promote storytelling — we want to hear the stories,” Barbara Tull, founder and board member of the center, said. “We’re having seminars both days — we want to capture the stories.”
To that end, invited carvers include Don Briddell, of Crisfield whose work is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection, recipient of the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art’s Living Legend award Rich Smoker, from Marion Station, Maryland, Oliver “Toots” Lawson, also of Crisfield who produces highly sought after decoys and Cameron McIntyre, who lives on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and carves decoys exclusively through the use of hand tools.
Also, on the decoy side, will be appraisals of personal pieces or collections, as well as one-on-one access to some of the best carvers the area has to offer and carving demonstrations.
There will also be stories from the old Assateague Island and Barrier Island Hunt Clubs, and more exploration into the market and outlaw gunners of days past.
“The city folk decided they liked wild ducks, so the market hunters filled that need by killing ducks and shipping them to market. The outlaw hunters did the same thing, but they broke the law to do so,” Tull explained.
These types of hunters regularly employed punt guns, or large, boat-mounted shotguns capable of downing a large number of birds should the hunter be able to maneuver close enough. One boat could be equipped with several punt guns at once.
“We’ll also be giving out three heritage awards for perpetuating and sustaining carving traditions,” Tull said. “Each awardee will get a bronze statue from Turner Sculpture.”
Duck blinds, shooting rigs, duck callers and roundtable discussions will also be offered.
Childrens’ activities will be offered, including painting duck silhouettes.
Shucked oysters, oyster sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available for purchase.
Members enjoy free admission to the event that begins on Saturday at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. and continues Sunday starting at noon and ending at 4 p.m. Non-members can expect single day charges of $10 per adult, and $5 per youth. Children 4 years old and younger are free. Two-day passes are also available at $15 each per adult and $8 per youth.
“We’re trying to promote storytelling — we want to hear the stories,” Barbara Tull, founder and board member of the center, said. “We’re having seminars both days — we want to capture the stories.”
To that end, invited carvers include Don Briddell, of Crisfield whose work is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection, recipient of the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art’s Living Legend award Rich Smoker, from Marion Station, Maryland, Oliver “Toots” Lawson, also of Crisfield who produces highly sought after decoys and Cameron McIntyre, who lives on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and carves decoys exclusively through the use of hand tools.
Also, on the decoy side, will be appraisals of personal pieces or collections, as well as one-on-one access to some of the best carvers the area has to offer and carving demonstrations.
There will also be stories from the old Assateague Island and Barrier Island Hunt Clubs, and more exploration into the market and outlaw gunners of days past.
“The city folk decided they liked wild ducks, so the market hunters filled that need by killing ducks and shipping them to market. The outlaw hunters did the same thing, but they broke the law to do so,” Tull explained.
These types of hunters regularly employed punt guns, or large, boat-mounted shotguns capable of downing a large number of birds should the hunter be able to maneuver close enough. One boat could be equipped with several punt guns at once.
“We’ll also be giving out three heritage awards for perpetuating and sustaining carving traditions,” Tull said. “Each awardee will get a bronze statue from Turner Sculpture.”
Duck blinds, shooting rigs, duck callers and roundtable discussions will also be offered.
Childrens’ activities will be offered, including painting duck silhouettes.
Shucked oysters, oyster sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available for purchase.