Rails : Ebb and Flow, Life on the Tide
This article I wrote was first Published in the April 2017 Issue Of “Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine”
I thought my blog readers would enjoy it. Especially sine rail season is just about ready to go here In NJ! In the years since this first hunt, I’ve become a dedicated rail hunter. Owning, restoring and loving several of my own skiffs along the way.
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Rails: Ebb and Flow, Life on the Tide.
When the sweltering dog days of summer begin to wane, small secretive denizens of the marsh begin to arrive in Southern New Jersey. Rails, depending on species range from about the size of a Robin (Sora Rail) to slightly smaller than a Teal (King and Clappers). Rail hunting was the first real advent of hunting for leisure in the United States (as opposed to mass killing for market) and ushered in the age of the hunter/ conservationist. Artists like Thomas Eakins enjoyed rail shooting on the marshes of Delaware Bay, and this theme is the subject matter for several of his famous early works.
Thomas Eakins, “Pushing for Rail”
Being a lifelong outdoorsman and living in the Traditional “heart” of rail country it was quite ironic that I had never hunted for Sora’s in the age old way. (Poled thru the marsh in a handmade Railbird Skiff)
I had shot Clappers while duck hunting or for an early season adventure. But that pales in comparison the tradition, class and sheer excitement of hunting Sora Rail in the Rice marshes of Down Jersey.
Typical Maurice river Rail skiff.
For several years I had received invitations from two friends of mine to be their guest on a Rail shoot. Due to family or work commitments I was never able to oblige Rick and Frank. This year was different. With a nice high tides predicted, (one must hunt rails when the high tides makes poling across the rice flats possible) and a good crop of birds on the marsh I was able to finally say “Yes” to this adventure. On this trip I would also be bringing along a brand new hunter, my friend Adam (13) to experience his very first try at wing shooting.
The night prior to the hunt I checked my gun, cleaned it and realized all of my non-toxic shot was much to large (size 4 or larger). Sora’s are lightly built, graceful creatures so small bore guns and light loads are key. A desperate call to the local mom and pop shop secured me two boxes of prized #7 steel shot. As I loaded the truck I let my mind wander to what the day would hold. The forecast was calling for rain, but even that couldn’t dampen my spirits.
High tide was predicted at 2:37 PM for our hunting location. Rick suggested we meet at 11:00 AM to give us time to get to the shooting grounds and allow an early start should the tide come up quicker than anticipated. Rick has been hunting and guiding for rails for over 30 years. He uses a handmade Fiberglass skiff he built especially for this purpose. Though he got out of the guiding business several years ago his knowledge of the River, cover, and tradition of Rail hunting is hard to beat. His father started him pushing clients at 15 and his wiry stature is deceiving as he can easily move a hulking gunner, boat and gear over thick vegetation and a mere skin of water.
My pusher for the Day, Frank is cut of the same cloth, though he would be easily mistaken on the street for a linebacker or MMA fighter. Quiet with a quick smile, he handled his Sassafras framed, Cedar planked skiff with a skill that spoke of his many years on the water.
After a half hour trip down river we arrived at the first of the flats we were to hunt for the day.
Towing the skiffs downriver.
Prior reports revealed this spot had produced exceedingly well several days previous. As Frank and Rick muscled the boats through the still rising water, Lack of Flushing Rail and the finding of other guides lost bird Markers ( brightly colored buoys used to mark downed birds) soon began to indicate this meadow was probably shot out. Rick made the call we would head farther South yet.
As we were pushing to the edge of the last rice Island to access our route south, a quick yet distinctive black flash caught my eye. I mentioned this to Frank who poled me to the spot. A quick flush, flutter, and BANG later, my first Sora lay softly on the Rice.
Frank pushing through the Rice
As we retrieved it, its dainty form, beautiful colors and Quirky smirk made me an instant fan! I can’t quite describe the feeling, but it was as if I discovered something I never knew I lost.
Drake sora rail in hand
Our trip to the southern grounds proved to be a wise decision as our next push Flushed Multiple Sora’s of which I shot perfectly. Up until now Adam, who was a little apprehensive on zones of fire etc, had not shot his gun. Rick, who was the gracious host, was determined to change that. The next Sora, that was spotted running, was marked in a clump of Rice. Rick positioned the boat deftly, allowing Adam the best possible angle for a shot. As the rail jumped Adam drew a bead, swung and fired. A beautiful one shot kill. I had to opportunity to see it all from 30 yards away and it was as pretty a scene as Eakins could paint.
Rick, working through the cover.
From there we continued to criss-cross the fresh real estate, putting up Rails every so often. Sometimes they would run and evade us, other times flush wild and make it to the cover of the nearby Woods. All in all it was a wonderful way to live a day. The highlight for me (or low light) was when Frank spotted a larger Cinnamon colored Rail dart through a hole in the rice,” Virginia!” he exclaimed, referring to the somewhat rare and extremely beautiful relative of the Sora, not often seen or taken in these parts. My pulse began to quicken, my neck feel tight, I was amped and anxious to make the shot. The Virginia flushed a mere three feet from the boat and my first shot was rushed and much to quick, I watched as the shot wad opened up 20 feet after it passed the bird. I drew a fresh bead thereafter and swung on the now crossing Rail. The shot echoed of the tree line as I watched the Virginia glide safely to the cover of a cattail stand 40 yards away.
Disappointed with my shooting I longed to chase it, but Rick, ever the purist, echoed the refrain, “We ain’t here to chase one bird, let him be!” And so it was. The bird beat me, some would call it Buck fever, or nerves, I call it hunting. Hunting a quarry so noble you let it live out of respect for it all. Respect for the bird, the environment, the tradition. Respect For the opportunity to do something so engaging with good friends, in a free country.
Ricks goal in the hunt was to pass along the tradition to the next generation. I think that was well accomplished. Adam and I added several more Sora’s to our bag. But that was not the true measure of the day. That came in abundance. An abundance of laughs, an abundance of stunning vistas and for Frank and Rick and abundance of Advil that night before bed!
A respectable bag of tasty sora Rail. Small bore gauges are perfect for rails. 28 gauge shown.
As Rick once said “Rail Hunting is the best few hour hunt you can hope to have” and I for one could not agree more!
Thanks for reading, Jode
Decoy Update September
The weather has taken a decidedly fall like turn here in New Jersey the past couple weeks. It feels great and it absolutely has the creative juices flowing! Anticipation of days in the meadow chasing ducks and rails fill my mind before I drift off the bed each evening.
There has been a flurry of activity carving, painting, and generally getting ready For the Tuckerton Decoy Show on September 27 and 28th.
I've been a vendor at the Show for going on 21 years. Though it has slimmed down someone as far as vendors. The quality of the work is as good as ever. It is the place to be on that weekend if you are outdoorsman, Duck Hunter, or fan of New Jersey folk art/ history.
Seaport Harlequin class
My Harlequin Decoy Class at The Tuckerton Seaport is nearly full, just a few seats left. You can sign up and find out more information at the button below.
Seaport October Class
Speaking of history in this month update you will see a pair of oversized Madera style Decoys. A large black duck and Mallard have the curved sweeping lines of Madara's best oversized style. They were made for a local Madara collector.
Madara Style Black Duck
Madara Style Mallard
I wrote an informative article about some new information I discovered over the past year about Madara, his gunning partners and a newly discovered rig of Decoys.
You can read it on my website blog "The Meadows Edge" found below.
https://www.hillmandecoys.com/blog-1-1
The new website is just about finished and I think it has turned out pretty well. It is more easily navigable, and is built on a platform that will persist well into the future.
I have some unique work upcoming, including piping plovers, barn swallows, miniature owls, as well as a small rig of Green Wing teal.
I should have them ready and available for the Tuckerton Show.
I hope you all have a great month and look forward to seeing many of you at Tuckerton.
Jode
The Other Delaware River…..Part 2
In the March/April 2019 issue of Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine I wrote a story entitled "The Other Delaware River " You can read that article in the photograph below.
Hunting and Fishing Collectible. March/April 2019 “ The Other Delaware River” by Jode Hillman
In it, I described the work of Clark Madara, originally from Cape May, who moved to Pitman, New Jersey around 1910. He brought the fluid Cape May style to Gloucester County, and as such was grouped under the genre of "Delaware River Carvers."
However his work with its unique fluid curves, oversized bodies, and flocked finishes, set him apart from the more northerly practitioners of the river style.
There were at least two other men who hunted and carved with Madara. Among them Mel Grouch and Dominic Salvatore. And As it turned out, at least one other I will outline below.
Given Madara's residence in Pitman, it was strange that a large group of his unused, mint condition Decoys, "overnighter" sneak box, as well as hunting paraphernalia, came up at a farm auction outside of Mullica Hill nearly 40 years after his death. Until now no one has been able to account for this unlikely turn of events.
Enter Robert Holzworth. At the end of my above mentioned article my contact information was listed.
Nearly 5 years after the article was published Robert Holzworth ( now in his 90's) contacted me and asked if I was interested in buying some Madera Decoys.
He sent pictures and I soon recognized the sleek thin body style of an early Madara Black Duck.
I asked Robert for his phone number. I contacted him and we began a series of phone conversations, that shed much light on Madara, his hunting partners and how his decoys ended up at said farm.
Mr. Holzworth was employed by RCA/Columbia records in Pitman from the early 1950s until 1972. ( Later it became Sony records).
Columbia was the largest employer In Pitman, and one of the largest in southern New Jersey.
Robert was a duck hunter, outdoorsman an amateur Decoy Carver. Many people in those days made their own decoys because commercially available ones were hard to come by and expensive.
Though the local hunting network Mr. Holzworth heard there was another waterfowler who operated a farm between Pitman and Mullica Hill. His name was Joseph Harker Hazleton.
J.H. Hazleton was one of the last in a direct line of descendants to farm in this area of Mullica Hill, located on Clems Run Road. ( about 5 miles from Pitman) His grandfather John Wright Hazleton was a U.S. representative from New Jersey after the Civil War, and an affluent member of local society.
J.H. Hazelton had a complete shop for repairing farm equipment. Included in the shop was a large band saw. Mr. Holzworth found out Hazelton also carved and repaired decoys. He would cut out decoy parts for others for a fee.
Robert soon availed himself of those services.
It was during these visits that Mr. Holzworth saw and was introduced to Clark Madara decoys, sneakbox, and much of his hunting paraphernalia. It was left at the farm after Clark passed in 1953. As fate would have it J.H. Hazleton was a friend and hunting partner of Madara. Clark stored much of his rig at the farm because of the available space.
So intrigued was Mr. Holzworth by Madara's unique style, He often inquired about purchasing some of Clark's Decoys, which Hazleton was always reluctant to sell.
However eventually during one of these visits Mr. Holzworth was able to purchase the below pictured black duck. It is in out of rig condition with the original line and weight attached.
Clark Madara Sleek body black duck
He also was able to purchase a well used later model black duck in Madara's oversized simpler style.
On several occasions he tried to purchase Pintails, Mergansers, and other unique Decoys that Mr. Hazelton refused to sell. He explained that Clark had made a goal before he died of carving one pair each of all of the species that inhabit the southern New Jersey area.
According to Mr. Holzworth, Hazleton retained some of Madara's patterns as well as instruction in making that style of Decoy.
Fast forward to 2025 when a 15 bird rig of oversized Cork body Madera style Decoys turned up for sale. They were from the family of another prominent Mullica Hill farmer.
Rig Picture below
The Entire Moods rig. You can see the Madara Style Blacks top right, Pintails front center, Mallards mid left, and Bluebill pair Center. Other birds include LL Bean Geese and Trend Decoys
These decoys were made for the late Lewis Mood. Owner and proprietor of Mood's Farm. Located several miles south of the Hazleton Farm. Moods farm was, and is, a successful orchard, farm market and Cidermill still in operation today.
Lewis Mood was the proprietor from the 1930s until the late 1970s.
He was an avid outdoorsman, dirt track racer, ( Pitman New Jersey was the closest local racetrack) and Duck Hunter.
6 of the Moods Rig from my collection
Lewis’ son, now in his 80s, said that his father obtained the rig sometime after "the war" ( WW2) from "An unknown Carver located in Gloucester County"
These decoys clearly are made in Madara's signature style. The Heads in my opinion, undoubtedly were carved by Clark himself. They feature sharp cut bill carving, delineated lower mandibles, impressed nostrils, and carved nails on the ends of the bills. Such techniques match examples of Madara's other known work.
The bodies also bear striking resemblance. However there are no known examples of Madara working in cork material.
The Black ducks in the rig feature Clarks signature black flocked paint.
Flocked oversize Black duck.
They are well oversized and bear the sinuous curves and protruding breasts of his best period.
The Mallards features exact matching paint colors from other known examples of this species. The Pintails brushwork, again is reminiscent of Clark's style.
Madara/Moods Pintail
Oversized mallard
I inquired to Mr. Holzworth about these cork "style" Madara's. He said that Local carvers were buying cork as early as the 1930s from the Armstrong Cork Company in Camden New Jersey. It was black refrigeration cork. Exactly what these decoys are made from.
There is no way to know for sure if the Mood Rig was made solely by Madara, or if they were a combination of his work as well as Hazelton and/or others.
Even though we may never know the exact pedigree these fine rig of New Jersey Decoys,
What is certain, is that they were made from Madara's patterns, in his signature style. It is nearly certain that Lewis Mood knew JH Hazleton. It is likely this association led to the creation and or purchase of this rig.
In closing, to tie everything together, after JH Hazelton's death in 1962, The farm was left to his son William Hazelton.
William was not a duck Hunter. The decoys, sneakbox and hunting gear remained hidden away in a dark corner of a dusty barn. They would not see the light of day for another 40 years.
William passed away in 1994, never having any children. By 1997 the farm was up for a public auction. All machinery, asset's, and contents, were to be sold. Including a treasure trove of old hunting decoys that would soon make a giant splash in the Decoy world.
And that as they say is "The rest of the story ".
Post Script:
These decoys are part of the rich, unique water fowling history we have in Southern New Jersey. They are the inspiration that I draw from, when making my own oversized hunting decoys in this style.
Oversized Madara Style Black Duck by Jode Hillman
Oversized Madara mallard by Jode Hillman .
Thanks for reading, Jode
Gone but Never Forgotten
My Friend Dave Hunter
All to often, life smacks you in the face with a harsh reminder. We are finite. Here on this earth for a short time, we better make the best of it. Such a reminder came my way about a month ago. It was a phone call from a hunting buddy, Bret. His first words sent a pang of Sorrow through me.
“Dave’s dying, and he probably doesn’t have long.’ He was referring to mutual friend who among other things had learned to carve decoys from me. This might be easier to accept were I older than my 53 years. Dave wasn’t but a few years advanced of me, certainly not ready for the great beyond. However, life’s plan often differs from ours. Dave was a ray of light in any room he was in. No matter what. He always asked you how you were doing, even if he was having a hard time, and he meant It.
Even though he wasn't much older than me, He was probably responsible for my father keeping enough of his fingers and ability to make a living after my fathers saw accident when I was a kid.
I will always be indebted to Dave for that.
He became a darn good Decoy Carver after taking one of my classes years ago. But that's not any credit to me. The credit goes to his hard work and determination.
Bret explained the diagnosis, aggressive cancer that had spread. With not much treatment options left to Dave. We commiserated on how sad it was for him, and his family.
Bret has always been a man of action and he filled me in on his plan to hold a " “benefit” sporting clays shot for Dave. I quickly agreed to donate a decoy and a Turkey call as prizes. I hoped it would help draw interest, and simply for the fact it was important to me that Dave knew how much I cared about him.
The date was set, the event publicized and soon it gained momentum. We all hoped it would be a great way to show Dave how much he was loved.
Unfortunately he passed just a couple weeks before he event. We were devastated. We did our best at the funeral to support his amazing family. I expressed my sincere condolences to His wife, daughters, son-in-laws and parents. It was such a hard day for them. Another in a string of “Hard Days” since Dave’s diagnosis. After the services we gathered our emotions and decided “The show Must Go On”, And go on it did!
To do my part I worked diligently to carve a black duck in Dave’s honor. It helped me cope with the shock of his passing, and allowed me to relive memories of the time Dave spent in my shop.
Dave painting a decoy during the Ward Foundation NEA class in my shop 2014
The decoy evolved into a unique piece for me. I based the head off of my favorite1920 Clark Madera Decoy from my collection. The body was sleek, smooth and flowing.
The paint job featured minimalistic line work with very little extraneous blending. This was done purposely. Dave was an excellent Decoy Carver, but he said to me more than once how he "Hated painting them!" ( Even though he always did a great job)
I think Dave would of enjoyed this decoy and been proud of it.
Black Duck Decoy for Dave’s Shoot
Bottom View of Dave’s decoy.
The day of the clay shoot came and as I pulled into the parking lot I was shocked and pleased. Pickups trucks were everywhere. Friends, neighbors, acquaintances ( all participants) showed up in full force. Never was I so happy to to walk “a country mile” to park. Registration was quick, groups assembled, and off to the course we went. Clays were broken, clays were missed, laughs were had, memories shared. It seemed as if any moment Dave would walk out from behind the next tree and join the fun. We all knew that couldn’t happen, but guess what, somehow it did. He was there, In spirit. He brought us all together one last time, just like he always did. And for that, I’m so thankful; thankful I knew Dave Hunter, thankful we were friends, thankful for the mark of kindness he left in this world.
I will certainly miss him but I know I will see him again one day.
Thanks for reading,
Jode
Decoy update August '25
Blog posts from Decoy Carver Jode Hillman.
Blue wing pair In the Marsh
Summer keeps rolling right on by. Thankfully the oppressive heat and humidity here in New Jersey has finally broke. The mornings have a decidedly fall like quality. I'm sure it's not here to stay but it is a welcome reprieve.
Exciting news this month. The new website is officially up and running and open for business! It has been a labor of love largely placed on the back of my friend Drew. He is much more knowledgeable in these areas than I am. I think you will agree he did an excellent job.
Please stop by and check it out. I have some new inventory added to the for sale page.
It can be found at the link below.
Blue wing teal pair ( for sale)
Tucked Head Blue Wing teal Decoy pair
This month you'll see lots of fun carvings recently out of my shop. The preening and alert Brant are fresh patterns for me and painted in a unique style.
Preening Atlantic brant decoy
I was really happy with how they turned out.
High Head Atlantic Brant
The Canada Goose Urn decoy for is for the first three time world goose calling champion, Tim Covey. He recently passed and his wife and daughter reached out to me to make a final resting place fitting for Him. I was honored to take on such a project. They were very pleased with it.
Shoulder Preening Canada Goose Urn
While in the marsh fishing on Sunday August 3, I saw my first migrating duck of the year. Imagine that. A single blue wing teal hen. ( I believe but it was hard to tell because they are not fully colored at this time of year.)
It was fitting because I was out taking a trip to my Marsh cabin to photograph some decoys, Blue Wing Teal! You will see the pictures below.
The high head pair is available for purchase.
The Black duck shown is a tribute/donation for my friend Dave Hunter. I had known him for over 30 years, and he recently passed.
We are having a benefit shoot for him at Cedar Creek sporting Clays on August 9. The black duck will be a raffle prize for those in attendance.
Shoot for Dave, Black Duck Decoy
Let's hope it raises lots of money for his final expenses, and his family.
Coming up in August I have some Madara style Decoys in the queue as well as some folk art hummingbirds.
Phew that was a lot to say! I hope you were able to get through it all without your eyes crossing!
I hope everyone has a great month I am looking forward to seeing many of you throughout the Decoy Show's this fall.
P.S. You will also see pictures of some nice yellow perch I caught it and this year's harvest of elderberries.
Ripe elderberry Cluster
White Perch for dinner!
Decoy update July
It all begins with an idea.
A “patriotic” red knot from several years ago.
I'd like to wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!
I have exciting news regarding the development of a new website for Hillman Decoys. My old site served me well for 20 years but it had reached the end of its digital lifespan.
The new website build is underway, and my friend Is doing an awesome job.
Once it's finished It will have updated galleries, easier navigation, and a place to purchase available works.
You can follow the link below to check out the progress.
https://www.hillmandecoys.com/
Also the updated Urn gallery is quite impressive. It can be found here.
A sleek blue Kingfisher.
And a couple of my outdoor adventures of this past month.
A very nice Largemouth I caught on one of my hand carved poppers.
A couple of nice Jimmy’s I caught that made a great dinner!
Hope everyone has a great holiday and an enjoyable summer.
Thanks,
