Ray & Barbara Nyman – Traditional Decoy Carvers


Ray Nyman
Ray Nyman, who resides in Marlton, NJ, has been a professional carver for over 40 yers. Ray spent his early years living with his grandparents, Harvey and Eva Mathis. He is a direct descendent of the “Great” John Mathis of the Revolutionary war fame.

Ray entered competitions during the 60’s and early 70’s held in Babylon, NY, Salisbury, MD, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA and Davenport, IA. He became a multiple ribbon winner. The idea of carving the working-style decoy stemmed from his duck hunting experiences in the late 1940’s with his grandfather and uncle. A favorite hunting spot was Seven Bridges Road in the vicinity of the Tuckerton Wireless, which was used for radio transmission to Europe. Other hunting spots included tidal creeks and along the bay in Tuckerton and the West Creek area.

For the past few years Ray has been demonstrating the old-style method of carving at the Tuckerton Seaport, the Forest Resource Education Center in Jackson, the Lighthouse Center in Waretown and at historical shows including Batsto, Allaire, and Kirby’s Mill.
Barbara Nyman

In addition to demonstrating the heritage of the old-style carving methods, he also carves shorebirds, ice fishing decoys, and modern carvings that include bass, trout and stripers. Ray and his wife, Barbara, donate their time to demonstrate their craft of traditional carving.

The Nymans have a charming display with a variety of carvings including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, striped bass, and various shorebirds and several working decoys – Delaware River style.

More photos of the Nymans can be found with our photos from the 2008 All About Waterfowling Day.