Four new divisions added to 2026 Contest

The 2026 RDCCG Decoy Contest will include four gunning pair divisions. Each division entry must be a Bufflehead pair. After the gunning pairs are judged they may be entered as single entries in other divisions for an additional fee. Note: silhouette buoy pairs may compete in either Silhouette Buoy or Buoy GP divisions. Full head buoy pairs may only compete in the Buoy GP Division. For details, see Contest Info above.

Back by popular demand:

Back by popular demand for 2026: the Contemporary Antiques, Gunning Shorebird and Decorative Shorebird Divisions.

Important: Identifying the number of volunteers necessary to conduct the contest is a challenge. Please contact Tony Banks, if you wish to volunteer.

Mail-in entrees:

Mail-in entrees will be accepted through March 18, 2026, for the 2026 contest. To make arrangements for mail-ins, contact Tony Banks, Contest Co-Chair, at (804)-514-5207 or rappdecoys@gmail.com.

ATTENTION: Please see  CONTEST RULES PAGE  todownload complete listing of all Competition Rules for 2026 Decoy Contest

General Rules Overall:
-Entries may be entered in one class in the competition per year and not in that same class in subsequent competitions.
-The Competition Chairman will be the final authority for questions concerning any rules.
General Rules for Floating Division Decoys:
-Entry must self-right from any position. The decoy will be placed in tank on its back to self-right. Only two attempts will be made for it to self-right. Youth Division entries and Swans do not have to self-right. Geese and Brant will be placed in tank on their sides.
-Each entry must have an anchor attachment.
-No machined turned decoys, or molded bodies or heads will be allowed in any Division.
-All entries must be a North American species.
-All entries must be painted in colors that represent winter plumage.
-No Flocking allowed on decoy surface.
-No hybrid species allowed.
-No “Tip-up”, “Butt-up” decoys allowed.
-Judges at their discretion may, or may not, examine each decoy by holding or touching it with their hands.
-Final judging will be done 20 ft. from tank.
-Only species listed on the registration form will be judged in each Division, other species will be placed in Bench Class.