Each fall, the quiet town of Tuckerton, New Jersey, bursts into life with the Barnegat Bay Decoy & Gunning Show, a vibrant celebration rooted in the Bay’s rich hunting and carving traditions. This event invites visitors to step directly into a world where wood and water meet — where skilled artisans transform raw blocks of wood into lifelike decoys and watermen share stories of the marshes and bays that shape their lives.

The show unfolds inside the spacious Tuckerton Seaport, a living museum that dares you to explore New Jersey’s maritime past with a practical twist. Rows of detailed wooden decoys, some painted with remarkable precision, beckon collectors and curious visitors alike. Workshops and demonstrations offer an immersive experience: watch as carvers wield knives with measured strokes, coaxing form and function from wood. Meanwhile, gunning displays recount techniques once essential for waterfowl hunting, now preserved with respect and enthusiasm.

Beyond witnessing craftsmanship, visitors can try their hand at carving basic duck decoys under expert guidance—a chance to tangibly connect with a heritage fiercely clinging to its roots while evolving for modern appreciation. The salt air seems to carry whispers of passing tides, as the show’s setting alongside Barnegat Bay anchors the experience in environment as well as culture.

Planning your visit requires some pragmatism. The show typically runs two days in October, a perfect window when crisp autumn breezes push through the coast and daylight holds a softening golden hue. Comfortable footwear is a must, as inspecting the sprawling collections and participating in workshops means steady standing and walking over indoor docks and uneven wooden boardwalks. Keep hydrated and dress in layers—the bay can be brisk even when the sun shines warmly.

Tuckerton’s location, near the edge of the Pine Barrens and just a short journey from ocean beaches, blends natural challenge with accessible charm. Pair your visit with a walk along the scenic docks or a boat tour; the waters themselves are active agents, shifting with tides and weather, calling out to adventurers and nature watchers alike.

This event is more than a show; it’s a passage into a fiercely preserved craft culture living in tandem with the ever-moving rhythms of Barnegat Bay. Whether you come for the heritage, the hands-on learning, or simply to connect with a lively community, expect to leave with a deeper understanding of how the land, water, and skilled hands combine to keep tradition vividly alive.