Ep. 740 - Lessons from the Ward Brothers: Oliver “Tuts” Lawson on Decoy Tradition

Discover how a Crisfield carver kept Chesapeake Bay decoy traditions alive—and what he learned from the legends.

Host Katie Burke sits down with Oliver “Tuts” Lawson, a master decoy maker who grew up in the Ward brothers’ shop and spent decades shaping waterfowl art and heritage.

From carving his first birds at age eight to repairing hunting decoys for Eastern Shore clubs, Lawson shares stories of mentorship, craftsmanship, and community. Hear how oil paints, raised wings, and open-door shops defined a culture—and why preserving tradition matters more than chasing ribbons.<...