Lawrence McLaughlin

Larry McLaughlin started hunting at the age of fifteen under the guidance of Dan English (Huster 88). His acquired hunting skills sustained him through the Depression when he lost his job. As a market hunter, McLaughlin earned a dollar twenty-five for every bird he shot and sold (Huster 88). He took great risks at this job, because he hunted with a Parker Damascus twist shotgun known to explode when high brass shells were used. Decoy carving proved to be a safer venture. McLaughlin carved some three hundred decoys, each with a rawhide loop attached to the bottom by a brass nail and screw. Most of his output represents black ducks; other species he made include canvasbacks, geese, mallards and scaup. McLauglin’s style is comparable to that of Dan English’s, but maintains distinguishing characteristics.