Henryetta decoy maker carves a turkey

The famous duck decoy makers in Henryetta are now producing turkey decoys.
With turkey season opening April 6 and the spring youth season Saturday and Sunday, G&H Decoys’ first turkey decoys just became available today (March 31) at its factory in Henryetta.
“We’ve been working on it for two years,” said G&H owner Dick Gazalski, commonly known as “Duck G.” in the waterfowling community.
G&H Decoys in Henryetta is one of the major manufacturers of waterfowl decoys in the world. G&H is a pioneer in the industry.
The business started in 1934 by Dick’s father, John Gazalski, who was an avid goose hunter.
John Gazalski envisioned a goose decoy that would stack like pie plates on top of each other for easy carrying.
He crafted a lightweight, stackable shell decoy from a paper product and began hunting with it. It was much more lifelike and easier to carry than the crudely carved wood decoys some hunters were using at the time.
Other hunters saw Gazalski’s decoy and wanted one like it so he started making more in the workshop of his home.
Word spread about the decoy, which became known as “The Henryettan,” and letters would arrive to Gazalski’s home addressed to the “Henryettan Decoy Manufacturer.”
Dick Gazalski took over the business in 1966. Other decoys are less expensive, but Gazalski contends the quality of G&H products cannot be matched.
Now, G&H is producing turkey decoys and Gazalski thinks they are unique. The motion decoys come in a set of three: two hens and a jake.
“It’s unique,” Gazalski said. “They’re easy to put up and tear down. They come in a real nice carrying gag to carry on your bag or over your shoulder.”
Rio Grande and Eastern turkey decoys are available. The decoys should soon be available for purchase online, Gazalski said.

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