Beautiful, three-dimensional handcarved wood Mandarin Duck carved by local artisan and SFA Alumni Association Executive Director Emeritus, Bob Sitton. You might think it is the real thing! This is the 45th year of Sitton Ducks. 

About the artist Bob Sitton:

I started carving in 1975 after reading an article in Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine. The name Sitton Ducks was created by my daughter Karen. Carving, for me, is a most relaxing hobby. Most of my decoys are carved from white cedar and basswood, which is shipped to me from Michigan. On occasion I have used cypress, Tupelo gum and other varieties of wood, but I prefer basswood and white cedar. 

I have never timed my process, and I am not sure I want to. Painting the ducks is the most difficult part for me. I use oils and mix my own colors. 

I was a coach and teacher for 14 years at Cushing High School, C.E. King High School and Klein High School in the Houston area. Fully retiring in 2005, after 33 years as Director of the Alumni Association for Stephen F. Austin State University; the last seven years as part-time Director of Public Relations for the Stephen F. Austin State University Alumni Association. 

I am grateful to the Lord for the simple talent He has given me. Sitton Ducks have appeared in a nation wide UPI story and have been featured in Southwest Airlines magazine and Defense Electronics magazine. They have also been featured on "The Eyes of Texas", "Texas Country Reporter", Joan Hallmarks "Proud of East Texas" and several other TV shows. 

Carving ducks has opened many doors for me, and I am pleased that people throughout the world own my decoys. I enjoy talking to people about my hobby and Stephen F. Austin State University.