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The actual date when pig decoys were first employed in the hunt for the wily wild pig is not known. We do know that over the years pig decoy carvers had become so highly skilled in their craft that the poor pigs stood virtually no chance against the hunters. The survival of the wild pigs was so jeopardized that Federal legislation was adopted banning the use of pig decoys in a hunt. With a major market for their work abolished, the pig decoy carvers were forced to turn their attention to more lucrative endeavors. As a result the skills necessary to produce a truly fine pig decoy almost vanished. Now, thanks almost entirely to the efforts of the National Pig Carvers Association, the art of pig decoy carving is flourishing.
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Given those circumstances it comes as no surprise to learn the art of pig decoy carving fell in a sharp decline. A few of the master carvers of the time were willing to share their knowledge and skill, but few indeed were the young carvers who were moved to commit the time and effort needed to successfully master the difficult art of pig decoy carving. Now, largely due to the efforts of the National Pig Carvers Association, pig decoy carving is enjoying renewed attention.
