Greenwing Teal hen decoy by Ronald “Ron" Rue (1931-2005), Cambridge, MD.  Circa 1980s. Signed and branded with other notes written by the maker. Corn cob weight. Clean, dry all original pant. Excellent example of a classic Ron Rue decoy.

Ron Rue was one of the most respected modern decoy carvers to emerge from Maryland's Eastern Shore. Although he began by carving working hunting decoys, he became best known for his decorative wildfowl carvings that closely followed the Southern Chesapeake Bay tradition established by Lem Ward and Steve Ward. Among collectors, his work is appreciated for combining traditional hand craftsmanship with exceptionally lifelike form and paint.

Ron Rue helped bridge the gap between the classic Ward era and today's generation of Maryland carvers. While he remained faithful to the traditional Chesapeake style, he also influenced many younger artists through decades of teaching and judging. His work represents an important continuation of the Eastern Shore carving tradition, and his carvings remain staples in serious Maryland decoy collections.