Brian Shallbetter

Brian Shallbetter — New Prague, Minnesota

Brian Shallbetter of New Prague, Minnesota. Brian began spearing in 2008 and later started carving fish decoys when he turned 50 years old in 2010. Brian was inspired to carve fish decoys to gain the satisfaction of spearing fish over his own decoys. Later he was convinced to begin competing in decoy competitions by the famed carver Jay McEvers. Brian made his first appearance at the Gathering in 2011. Brain has won first place ribbons in Monroe Michigan in the Sunfish category as well as winning first place in the Ohio Decoy Collectors and Carver Association show! Brian is still chasing his first win at the Gathering decoy competitions but has placed second in multiple categories over the years. We have a feeling it wont be long until he claims his first win in the NFDA. Brian's work has been sold across the nation from Pennsylvania to Montana and everywhere in between. He is most well known for carving sunfish and ciscos. Brian is another carver who only uses carving knives and also has always only hand painted his decoys!
See more of his work on his Facebook page, Shallbetter Decoys.