Sporting art occupies a unique place in the world of hunting and outdoor collectibles: part fine art, part historical record of a particular moment afield. At Dale’s Decoy Den, our sporting art collection features signed, limited-edition prints and original paintings from some of the most respected wildlife and sporting artists of the past century.
Our inventory has included work by Owen Gromme, whose paintings of upland birds and waterfowl reflect decades spent as a naturalist and museum curator in Wisconsin, and David Maass, known for his atmospheric depictions of waterfowl in flooded timber and backwater settings. We’ve also carried limited-edition prints by Maynard Reece, a five-time Federal Duck Stamp winning artist whose work is held in major sporting art collections nationwide, and pieces by Dan Christ, whose realistic upland game scenes reward a closer look; his compositions often hide more birds in the frame than you’d notice at first glance.
We’ve had the privilege of offering an especially rare piece by George Bird Evans, the celebrated grouse and woodcock hunting writer whose books remain classics of upland sporting literature. Evans produced only one print in his lifetime, in a run of roughly 300, depicting his father’s setter, Tony’s Mayhem Speck. For readers interested in Evans’ life and work, we also carry A Sporting Gentleman by Catherine Harper, his biography, in our hunting books section.
Ohio’s own waterfowling history shows up in our collection too, through Ohio Duck Stamp prints by artists including John Ruthven and Jon Henson. These state duck stamp prints, often produced in limited runs and sometimes paired with the original stamp, are popular with both waterfowl art collectors and Ohio sporting history enthusiasts specifically.
What makes sporting art collectible isn’t just the image; it’s the details. Signature, edition number, print size, and condition all affect a piece’s value and appeal. A low edition number in a small print run, or a piece that’s been stored flat rather than rolled, can matter a great deal to a serious collector. We take care to note these details for every piece we offer, along with the story behind it whenever we have one.
Because Dale personally sources, handles, and often photographs each piece himself, our sporting art listings change regularly, and every description reflects his own firsthand look at the print or painting, not a generic catalog entry. Some pieces move quickly, while others stick around long enough to find just the right home. If a specific artist or subject catches your eye, whether it’s classic waterfowl scenes, upland game birds, or sporting dogs in the field, reach out and ask. Dale can often speak to a piece’s background, or let you know if something similar is expected to come in.
Ready to see our current sporting art inventory, or looking for a specific artist or subject? Call or text Dale directly at 740-698-5060, or send an email to dalesdecoy@yahoo.com. We’re happy to answer questions, discuss condition and pricing in more detail, or let you know when a new piece becomes available.
Many of the pieces in our collection are decades old, so we do our best to photograph and describe each one honestly, including any quirks in lighting or framing that might affect how a print looks in a photo versus in person. If something looks off in a picture, whether it’s glare from a flash or the waviness of protective plastic wrap, we’ll tell you so rather than let a photo speak for itself.
Owen Gromme. “Edge of the Field Pointer”. Signed, Limited edition print. I have two available, #8/580 and #10/580, very low numbers. 24″ x 18″. The waviness in photo is the clear plastic wrap protecting the prints. Each print is Mint. $ 135 each
Owen Gromme Signed, Limited edition print, “Sunset Canada Geese”. Low number, small edition, #34/850, 22″ x 17″. The waviness in photo is the clear plastic wrap protecting the print. The print has been stored flat and is in Mint condition. $100
David Maass Signed, Limited edition Print, “Backwater Hideaway-Wood Ducks”. #154/900, Printed area 25″ x 16″. It has been stored flat, which is much better than rolled. (As I list this, there is another one on a famous auction for buy it now price of $249.99) This print is Mint condition. $125
Dave Hagerbaumer Signed, Limited Edition Print. “Season’s End”. #82/190, Nice small edition! 18″ x 13″, Signed by Dave Hagerbaumer. Stored Flat, Mint condition. (lx) SOLD
Maynard Reece Signed, Limited Edition Print. “Nine Travelers”. 1977. #97/950, nice low number. 20 3/4″ x 14″, Signed by Maynard Reece. Stored Flat, Mint condition. $95
Original Painting. “Sunset Goldeneyes” by Chris Scheidler. 1986. Painted area about 24″ x 12″, plus matting and frame. I could not get over the three dimensional aspect of this painting. I had to actually reach out and feel that the one drake’s wing is not sticking out of the canvas! Purchased directly from the artist at a show in Pennsylvania. Signed. Mint. $300
Dan Christ-Autumn Trio. 1986. Signed, Limited edition print. #167/600, 19 3/4″ x 14 3/4″. Where is the trio you may ask? There are three cock pheasants in the painting. Look closely, Dan is an expert at realism and showing you just what you might see in the wild. See them now? Stored flat. Mint $125
“Quiet Morning Canada Geese” by Bruce Langton. Large print, measures about 28 by 14 inches. #141/950. If interested, please call or email. How many of you noticed the gentleman with his Lab walking in the background? Kinda makes me think of fall possibilities… I messed this one up in editing. The whole tone of the scene is softer than I have it in picture. The highlights on the geese (white areas on the wings) for example, are much more muted than I have them. I don’t know how to fix it. Mint, stored flat. $85
“Ruffed Grouse on Snow” by Tim Schultz. Small edition size, signed of course. I will have to get it back out and get the details. Until then just enjoy looking, or call me to force me to do it sooner. $85
Limited edition Print by George Bird Evans. This is the only print George ever made, although we all enjoyed his art in his books. It is hard to believe he only did one print, but that is fact and here it is. Was supposed to be a run of more, but only about 300 prints were actually produced. Three hundred! That makes this a very limited print. It is titled Tony’s Mayhem Speck. This dog was his father’s and the one he used when he returned home on vacations from school.(See A Sporting Gentleman by Catherine Harper in our book section. It is the biography of Mr. Evans’ life.) Print area is about 22 by 18 inches. It is SIGNED by George Bird Evans. George painted it in 1931. Print was made in 1986. Both dates show on print. Below the image there is a sentiment that shows how deeply connected to his setters George was. This print is #131/950. (The flash washed out the colors, which are much more vibrant than in the photo. The flash also bounced off the shelves on the opposite wall and they show on the matte area especially. I am a lousy photographer.) (cel) SOLD
1982 Ohio Duck Stamp Print. First of State. Limited edition of 9000 signed, numbered prints. John Ruthven is the artist. He and the Ohio Division of Wildlife have a long history of cooperation and it is fitting he was choosen to do the First Ohio Duck Stamp Print. Custom framed to musuem standards in barnwood frame. Print is #6379/9000. The flash has washed out the colors slightly and resulted in reflected images on the print and matte which are not there. (Photography is a mystery I have not solved.) Mint in frame. $275
1982 Ohio Duck Stamp Print. First of State. Limited edition of 9000 signed, numbered prints. John Ruthven is the artist. He and the Ohio Division of Wildlife have a long history of cooperation and it is fitting he was choosen to do the First Ohio Duck Stamp Print. Print is mint in mint original folder. #7869/9000. (Print is brighter than it shows in the photo.) $150
1982 Ohio Duck Stamp Print and Stamp. First of State. Limited edition of 9000 signed, numbered prints. John Ruthven is the artist. He and the Ohio Division of Wildlife have a long history of cooperation and it is fitting he was choosen to do the First Ohio Duck Stamp Print. Print and stamp are both mint in mint original folder. #2976/9000. (Print is brighter than it shows in the photo.) $150
1990 Ohio Duck Stamp Print and Stamp. Very small edition of only 590 prints. Artist Jon Henson. #122/590. Print and Stamp are both mint. $85
Framed Bruce Langston limited edition, signed print. SOLD
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of sporting art does Dale’s Decoy Den carry?
A: The collection includes signed, limited-edition prints and original paintings from respected wildlife and sporting artists, including Owen Gromme, David Maass, Maynard Reece, Dan Christ, George Bird Evans, John Ruthven, and Jon Henson.
Q: What should I look for when buying a sporting art print?
A: Signature, edition number, print size, and condition all affect a piece’s value. A low edition number in a small print run, or a piece stored flat rather than rolled, can matter a great deal to a serious collector.
Q: Does Dale’s Decoy Den carry original paintings, or just prints?
A: Both. Most of the collection is signed, limited-edition prints, but original paintings have also been part of the inventory.
Q: How often does the sporting art inventory change?
A: Regularly. Dale personally sources, handles, and often photographs each piece himself, so some pieces move quickly while others stay listed longer. Contact Dale directly if you’re looking for a specific artist or subject.