Tom Taber was born and raised in Michigan into a family of sportsmen along the great Michigan flyways. At an early age he was introduced to the sport of duck hunting by his Great Uncle "Doc" and they always hunted over Doc's finely carved decoys.

Tom would often help his uncle repair and repaint the decoys over the Summer months in anticipation of the Fall season. After hundreds of dedicated hours helping his uncle, Tom became quite adept and very talented at the art of carving and painting decoys.

Tom Taber has carved many special editions for Ducks Unlimited and has also carved many editions based on the early decoys his uncle created. He hand-finishes his carvings in semi-transparant stains and paint, which allow the natural warmth of the wood to show through.

Many of his pieces are carved from well seasoned wood, often decades old, that show worm holes and other natural characteristics that can only be found in very old wood. Using distressed wood is a familiar aspect for some of his most beautiful carvings.

	This Wood Duck drake is a special Ducks Unlimited edition decoy and bears the inlaid DU bronze medallion.
His unique staining and coloring methods bring out the full warmth and grain of the wood, which in turn enhances the shading and coloring of his decoys that has also become his trademark.
	Notice the worm holes. Many of Tom's carvings show this character in the wood.

Below is a Green Winged Teal drake by Tom Taber. This is a wonderful example showing Tom's artistic skills. The form, proportions, graceful flowing lines, and lifelike finish all add to a work of beauty. Notice how the worm holes add a special character and charm to the piece.

This large Canadian Goose is made of solid wood.

This Redhead drake is also a special Ducks Unlimited edition bird. Very nice patina.

Green Wing Teal Drake

Another Wood Duck drake made for Ducks Unlimited. Tom Taber's decoys have been chosen many times over the years to represent the Ducks Unlimited organization.

This Mallard Duck drake made of solid wood and was made as a special edition for Ducks Unlimited. Genuine Ducks Unlimited decoys all bear the inlaid bronze DU medallion as can be seen below.

Above, a full profile standing Redhead Drake. Below: This is a special set of handcarved limited edition decoys that were created to commerate the 1983 / 1984 duck season for Ducks Unlimited. From top to bottom: Blue Winged Teal, Lesser Scaup (Bluebill), and Pintail drake.