A Cable, WI, Decoy Carver, Conservationist, and Avid Outdoorsman
A Decoy Corner Article
By Bruce Urben, WWA President
Not all vintage decoy carvers became famous for their style, method of construction, or even the number of decoys they made. This carver is one of those “unappreciated” carvers from Wisconsin!
Howard Daniel Homer was born in Milwaukee in 1916. He lived in Milwaukee until 1943, making his living as a very accomplished cabinet maker for A. Lentz Co. in Wauwatosa. In 1943, Homer and his newly married wife purchased the Diamond Lake Lodge near Cable, Wisconsin, and permanently relocated to the North Woods.
Diamond Lake is northeast of the Village of Cable, WI, located between Lake Owen and Namekagon Lake. The lake is 322 acres, located in Bayfield County, and a fisherman’s paradise with northern, bass, and trout abound. Diamond also had large quantities of wild rice and wild celery, perfect for waterfowl. These northern lakes were frequent stopover spots for migrating waterfowl. Howard supported visiting sportsmen as a guide for waterfowl and fishermen in season.
Howard began carving decoys in 1945 while living and operating the Lodge. First, decoys were used by him in the area lakes, but soon he began supplying his northern visitors with high-quality hunting decoys. He created nearly all species of waterfowl, and he did so very well! Many collectors feel that Howard was one of Wisconsin’s most unappreciated decoy carvers. Probably because all of his decoys were made from cork with wood heads, rather than wood. However, Cork was readily available from surplus life rafts after World War II.
Howard employed fine feather painting, and his carving was highly detailed and precise, accurately capturing the species. His style was principally his own, as there were very few decoy carvers in that area to serve as mentors. He used his patterns from ducks he harvested in a style that he observed. If you have a decoy with HH carved in the bottom, chances are that Howard Homer carved it.
In addition to carving, Howard was an avid gardener and an active conservationist in the area. With assistance, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Porcupine Wilderness Area and other habitat conservation projects in the region. the
Howard lived in the Northwoods the rest of his life, passing away in 2002 at the age of 85.
Howard Daniel Homer, unappreciated Wisconsin decoy carver, conservationist and a Wisconsin original!
