Rich Smoker (1952- ), Marion, MD. Rosy-billed pochard.

Born into a family of outdoorsmen in 1952, Smoker carved his first decoys with his father on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, his hometown. As Smoker’s love of carving grew, he began taking trips to Maryland, where he learned from many masters, including Lem and Steve Ward. Smoker is the recipient of more than 500 ribbons and 100 best-in-show recognitions. He is a two-time winner of the Ward World Championship as well as a 2019 National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow.

Rich Smoker (1952- ), Marion, MD. Rosy-billed pochard.

Born into a family of outdoorsmen in 1952, Smoker carved his first decoys with his father on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, his hometown. As Smoker’s love of carving grew, he began taking trips to Maryland, where he learned from many masters, including Lem and Steve Ward. Smoker is the recipient of more than 500 ribbons and 100 best-in-show recognitions. He is a two-time winner of the Ward World Championship as well as a 2019 National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow.

Rich Smoker (1952- ), Marion, MD. Rosy-billed pochard.

Born into a family of outdoorsmen in 1952, Smoker carved his first decoys with his father on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, his hometown. As Smoker’s love of carving grew, he began taking trips to Maryland, where he learned from many masters, including Lem and Steve Ward. Smoker is the recipient of more than 500 ribbons and 100 best-in-show recognitions. He is a two-time winner of the Ward World Championship as well as a 2019 National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow.