Hillman Decoy Urns
Do you have someone or something special you want to remember in an honorable way?
Perhaps an Urn decoy is the answer. The loss of a family member, be it two- or four-legged, is a difficult time. I’ve been in that position myself. These experiences are the genesis for the work you see here.
At Hillman Decoys our goal is to create the finest Decoy Urns available. Each fully hollow decoy urn holds remains and/or other keepsakes safely and with respect. These decoys can be used for hunting, or made to sit perfectly on the shelf.
As with all my decoys, my Urns are meticulously hand-carved from premium woods, then hand painted with lifelike detail using only the highest quality artist oil paint. Quite simply, the best materials available. This combination creates a decoy that will last for generations. Cork or foam Urns simply do not have the pedigree, history or durability of a hand carved wooden decoy. Our urns are made to honor the rich tradition of waterfowl hunting while also being a beautiful display piece for your home. Your best friend and companion deserves a piece of artwork that will be a cherished family heirloom.
Our urns are designed as such from the start, not a repurposed hunting decoy. Therefore they can hold a portion, or all of the remains you wish to inter. You retain the cremains, and the urn comes with simple instructions to place them yourself. Therefore they are never out of your possessions with no chance of being lost or misplaced in shipping. I’ve created working Urns made to last a lifetime (with a guarantee to match) for clients all across the United States and other countries.
As a professional carver with over 25 years experience, you can rest assured your Urn will be completed with the respect and artistry it deserves. My work can be seen in “Decoy Magazine”, “Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine”, “Delta Waterfowl Magazine”, as well as on the New Jersey State Waterfowl Stamp (2006) . Purchasing an Urn from a established professional artist ensures consistent quality, originality and continued service after the project is done.
Each Urn is designed and custom carved by me, not mass produced. Since each is one of a kind, any species can be made, besides those shown here. You will be dealing directly with me, the artist and I’m happy to honor requests for unique species, custom painted remarques, photo bottom urns, special poses and more. All urns include complimentary engraving or lettering, and I’m happy to make custom stands, keels, etc. upon request.
My Urns are priced similarly to my hunting decoys and there is never an upcharge for these most meaningful projects. Urns start at $300 and a typical full size Urn averages $500-$600. A small deposit is all that’s needed to start your commission, with the balance due when your Urn is completed. I accept all forms of electronic payment, as well as checks and credit cards.
Please contact me for exact quotes and information on the Urn making process and what I can do to make your urn as special as the memories it will hold.
Call / text 856-534-9400
Email Hillmandecoys@gmail.com
Click on any gallery image for a large zoomable, version of that photo.
Please see my short video clip below about the Urn making process and a gallery of Urns made for clients.
Decoy Urn Video
Puddle Duck Decoy Urns
Sleeping Drake Wigeon Urn on Oak box stand.
High-head Drake widgeon gunning urn.
Drake Pintail Gunning Urn.
Drake Mallard Decoy Urn.
Sleeping Black Duck urn and box stand.
Content Black Duck Urn.
Drake Gadwall Urn.
Gadwall Urn feather detail close-up.
Eastern shore style Mallard Decoy urn for "Belle."
Low-head Mallard drake Decoy Urn for "Misty."
Sleeping Hen Mallard Urn for "Lizzie."
Content Mallard Urn pair.
A sleeper Wood Duck for "Silas."
Contented-head hen wood duck Urn.
Pintail, Black Duck, and Green-wing Teal urns. The final resting places for an accomplished Carver.
Hen Pintail Urn.
Drake Shoveler Urn for an exceptional duck dog.
Blue Wing Teal Drake Urn.
Pair of Green-winged teal Urns for Jode's Labrador retriever "Brooke."
Rig of Miniature Teal Urns
Painting a Hen Teal urn. My Labrador "Bree" in the background.
Sleeping Greenwing Teal Drake urn.
Drake Wood Duck Urn for Logan Wood.
"Duck stamp" Wood Duck urn for "The Duke."
Gunning Widgeon Urn for "Atlas" in the Marsh.
Gunning Widgeon Urn for "Atlas" after a hunt.
Hen wigeon decoy Urn for "Lucy." A much loved Boykin.
Diver & Sea Duck Decoy Urns
Drake Canvasback urn for Rave Retrievers.
Hen Canvasback decoy Urn.
Trio of Drake Canvasback Urns. Mason Premier line style (left,) High Head (right,) Sleeper (front).
Bluebill ( Greater Scaup) Diver Urn.
Content Winter Plumage Ruddy Duck Drake Urn
Spring Plumage Ruddy Duck urn.
Drake Redhead Gunning Urn for Misty.
Drake Goldeneye Urn for Trigger.
Preening Drake Redhead Urn.
A rig of 4 Redhead Urn for an ardent diver hunter.
Drake Common Eider Urn.
Hen Common Eider Urn.
White Wing Scoter Sea Duck Urn
Drake Bufflehead Urn for Deke.
Content Drake harlequin Urn.
High head Harlequin Urn.
King Eider Urn.
Hen King Eider and walnut box urn set.
Longtailed (old-Squaw) urn for Terp.
Drake Ringneck Urn.
Geese & Swan Decoy Urns
Shoulder preening Canada Goose Urn for a 3x world Goose calling champion.
High Head Canada Goose Urn with Walnut box Stand.
Shoulder preening Canada Goose urn for "Maverick"
Oil painted remarque of Maverick on the Goose urn Bottom.
Preening Snow goose Urn.
Turned-head Blue goose Urn.
Content Canada Goose Urn pair.
Keeled Gunning Goose Urn.
This photo Sums up perfectly why I make urn decoys.
Swan urn for "Sadie" with the owners daughter.
Swan and Goose Urns on display at a clients home.
Shoulder preening Canada Goose Urn.
Oversized Watchgander Canada Goose Urn for a friend; Husband and Father.
Full-body field Goose Urn.
Preening Atlantic Brant Urn.
Atlantic Brant Decoy Urn
Open mouth calling Canada Goose Urn.
Ross Goose Decoy urn for a Special Family
Upland & Misc Urns
Ringneck Pheasant Urn for a German Short haired Pointer.
Woodcock Upland bird Urn.
Oversized Resting Quail urn.
Strutting Prairie Chicken Urn.
Flying Prairie chicken Urn.
Prairie Chicken Urn on base.
Female Rufous hummingbird Urn Topper
Walnut box urn topped with Hand carved lily and hummingbird
Ruby throat Hummingbird Urn topper
Bob White Quail Urn and box for a great gun dog.
Blue crab urn for a lifelong waterman.
Hand carved Cherry Burl urn with jewel Epoxy inlays.