44th ANNUAL OLD TIME BARNEGAT BAY DECOY & GUNNING SHOW

Rain or shine
Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27, 2026
Saturday: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Stanley H. “Tip” Seaman County Park & Tuckerton Seaport
120 Lakeside Dr. & 120 W. Main St., Tuckerton, NJ

FREE ADMISSION • FREE PARKING • FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE

Come experience one of New Jersey’s premier celebrations of Barnegat Bay heritage, traditional arts, craftsmanship, waterfowling, and baymen’s culture!

With more than 50 contests and seminars taking place over two action-packed days, there’s something for everyone — whether you’re a lifelong decoy collector, an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, an artist, a craftsperson, or simply looking for a great family weekend. Did you know that “Gunning” is the phrase used in our area to mean waterfowl hunting?

SEE TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP IN ACTION
Watch skilled carvers and craftspeople compete in a wide variety of decoy and carving contests, including traditional and contemporary gunning decoys, shorebirds, miniature decoys, working fish decoys, cork decoys, decorative decoys, and the Advanced Carver Contest.

Boat enthusiasts can also enjoy model boat and boat-building contests, while carving and craft demonstrations offer a closer look at the skills behind these unique traditions.

LEARN BY WATCHING
You don’t have to be a contestant to enjoy the competitions! The public is invited to watch the judging process and see how experienced judges evaluate the craftsmanship, style, and details of the entries.

Inside the Stanley H. “Tip” Seaman County Park Community Center, visitors can also see the Art & Photo Contest entries, exhibits, history displays, and other cultural presentations — offering a wonderful opportunity to learn about the traditional arts and heritage of the Barnegat Bay region.

CONTESTS & ACTIVITIES
The weekend also features:
• Decoy & carving contests
• Boat-building & model boat contests
• Art & photography contests
• Retriever contests & demonstrations
• Skeetshoot contests
• Youth & adult archery
• Duck & goose calling contests
• Head whittling
• Dock Dogs
• Live music
• Family crafts & activities
• Tuckerton Creek boat rides
• Scavenger Hunt
• 200+ waterfowling exhibitors & vendors
• Food vendors and much more!

VISIT BOTH SHOW LOCATIONS
Make sure to visit both Stanley H. “Tip” Seaman County Park and the Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum. Free shuttle buses will connect the show sites, so you can enjoy everything the weekend has to offer without moving your vehicle.

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● For more information call (609) 971-3085 or visit www.oceancountyparks.org ●
LINK TO THE FULL 2026 DECOY SHOW PROGRAM GUIDE:
https://www.co.ocean.nj.us//WebContentFiles//2fdb34a0-f96e-46cd-983d-dc5675467fa8.pdf