Woodduck drake decoy by John Meredith (b. 1946) of Worton, MD. Full size decoy with wooden keel. Signed and dated 2005. Clean, dry all original paint.
 
John Meredith (b. 1946) of Worton, Maryland, is an established contemporary decoy carver whose work reflects the traditional waterfowling and carving heritage of Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Born in 1946 in Toddville, Maryland, Meredith began carving decoys in 1958 at age 12. Raised around the marshes and working watermen of the Eastern Shore, he developed a lifelong connection to waterfowl hunting and traditional decoy making.
His carving style emphasizes hand-worked construction, traditional shapes and practical gunning-decoy characteristics. He was influenced by renowned Maryland carvers Lem and Steve Ward and Charlie Joiner. Although he carves a variety of waterfowl and other wildlife, the red-breasted merganser has remained a particular favorite.

Meredith's professional background includes work as a waterman, military service, truck driving, property management for hunting clubs and stone carving. His extensive firsthand experience with hunting and marsh life informs his understanding of waterfowl anatomy and traditional decoy design.

A significant milestone in his career came in 2013, when he was named honorary chairman of the Havre de Grace Decoy and Wildlife Art Festival. His common eider drake was selected for the festival's promotional poster and button, recognizing his reputation within the decoy-carving community.