Bufflehead decoy by Bennett Scott (1942 - ), Berlin, Maryland. Clean, dry all original paint. Signed and dated 1977. Marked as #51.
 
Bennett Scott (David Bennett Scott, b. 1942) is a highly respected wildfowl decoy carver from Berlin, Maryland, on the Eastern Shore. He began carving in the mid-1960s, drawing on a lifelong background in hunting and close observation of waterfowl. Initially carving while working at a grain mill, he soon entered competitive shows and quickly gained recognition.

Scott is best known for his realistic, anatomically accurate birds, reflecting deep familiarity with live waterfowl and their habitats. His work bridges the tradition of functional Chesapeake Bay decoys with modern decorative carving.

He achieved major recognition in 1974 by winning the first Lem & Steve Ward Shootin’ Stool Competition, and over the years earned numerous awards, including Easton Waterfowl Festival Hall of Fame induction (2003) and the Ward Foundation “Living Legend” Award (2017).