Secor Decoy Collection Raises $240,000 for Delta

The decoy collection of the late George Secor has netted a donation of more than $240,000 to Delta Waterfowl.

In spring 2024, Secor enlisted Copley Fine Art Auctions of Pembroke, Massachusetts to auction his collection of 80 premium vintage waterfowl decoys—mostly from Ontario makers. Copley sold the Secor decoys over two auctions, the first in July 2024 and the recent winter sale on Feb. 21-22.

“I believe wholeheartedly in Delta’s mission,” Secor said during a March 2024 interview. “I’ve always liked the idea of an organization that is training students. In order to have waterfowl, you have to nurture them and protect their breeding grounds, and Delta does it. So, I want to support Delta by donating my decoys.”

A lifelong waterfowler who grew up hunting the Erie Marsh in Ohio, Secor died Jan. 15. Throughout his life, Secor demonstrated a proud history of giving back to waterfowl conservation, having served on the Delta Waterfowl Board of Directors from 2002 to 2012, including a two-year term as chairman.

Secor generously donated his collection of valuable duck and goose decoys to add to his legacy of support for Delta Waterfowl. He began collecting vintage duck decoys in the late 1970s, building a collection that included examples from master Ontario carvers such as Thomas Chambers, John R. Wells, Phineas Reeves, and George Warin.

The top Secor Collection lots auctioned were a Canada goose decoy made by Chambers, which brought $37,200, and a special pair of Hank Catton canvasbacks that sold for $24,000.

“We’re so grateful George chose to leave an amazing and impactful gift by auctioning his prized decoy collection,” said Jeffrey Howell, vice president of major gifts for Delta Waterfowl. “We’re celebrating George Secor’s life and legacy as a waterfowl conservation leader. He’s made a substantial investment in Delta’s mission to produce ducks and secure the future of waterfowl hunting.” — Paul Wait