Paul Sparks

Paul Sparks — Wadena, MN

Paul works as a Radiological Technologist at Tri-County Hospital in his hometown of Wadena, MN. Paul started his passion for carving fish fresh out of high school. Originally Paul just wanted to make a few decoys to spear over. At his best guess, he figures he only carved 6 fish per year prior to 2006. In 2007, Paul got in contact with "The Don of Decoys" Larry Lange, and Larry encouraged him to enter some fish into competition. So in 2008, Paul entered 3 fish into the Gathering's Annual Fish Decoy Competition. To his delight, he placed with all 3 fish!! That started a fire in Paul and he now carves nearly 200 fish a year. Some of Paul's notable awards include several Best of Show awards including the 2017 Service Working Best of Show! Paul was also featured in a video for Fox Sports North titled "Art of the Decoy" which can be found on Youtube!