Cree Tamarack Geese

See a size comparison of the Small geese with a soda can and another view

Small Tamarack Geese with Two Legs

We offer Cree Tamarak Geese decoys from our office in Toronto. The standing goose decoys come with two legs or three legs (see photos below). Let us know if you have a preference for the two or three leg style, otherwise, we will send an assortment.

The Cree hunters of James Bay originally used the life-sized tamarack birds as decoys during their annual spring and fall hunts. Made from the tamarack (larch) tree, the tamarack bird represents the Canada Goose. The hole in it's head symbolizes the white patch on the head of the Canadian Goose.

The core of the body is composed of a ball of twigs and the outer part is shaped into a goose. You will notice the fragrance of the tamarack tree, if the birds is stored in a hot dry place, but the aroma will eventually leave the bird as it dries out. To revive the fragrance, submerge the bird in hot water for approximately ten minutes. You may repeat this procedure as often as you wish.

This dying part of the James Bay Cree tradition was revived in 1968 by Mr. John Blueboy of Moose Factory, Ontario. Mr. Blueboy came up with the idea of making miniature birds to sell as souvenirs or gifts. Since then, the Cree living in the James Bay region have taken up the art.

Standing Goose Decoys

Order Code	Description	Height, from the top of head measured straight down	Body Circumference	Body Length, from base of head to tip of tail	Price Each
CR-106-01	X-Small Tamarack Goose	~4.5" to 6"	~8.5" to 10"	~4.25" to 4.75"	C$66.15
CR-106-02	Small Tamarack Goose	~5" to 5.75"	~9" to 9.5"	~5" to 5.5"	C$82.69
CR-106-03	Medium Tamarack Goose	~5.5" to 6.5"	~9" to 11"	~5.25" to 5.5"	OUT OF STOCK
CR-106-04	Large Tamarack Goose	~6.5" to 7.5"	~11" to 12"	~6" to 7"	C$132.30
CR-106-05	X-Large Tamarack Goose	~7" to 8.5"	~11.5" to 13"	~6.5" to .5"	C$176.40

Fliers

Order Code	Description	Approximate Size	Price Each
CR-106-F-S	Small Tamarack Goose Flier	~16" wing span measured straight from tip to tip	C$204.75
CR-106-F-M	Medium Tamarack Goose Flier	~22" wing span measured straight from tip to tip ~26.75" wing span measured along the back ~9.5" tip of head to tip of tail ~6.25" body length from base of neck to tip of tail, from the front ~10.75" body circumference ~4.25" tall when lying upside down	C$236.25

Genus and species: Larix laricina. Wild.

Native Made in Canada

Photos

Most of our supply comes from a master tamarack maker who has been making tamarack geese for 40 years. He makes the beautiful three-legged style standing geese that are proportional in shape. Each one is handmade and unique.

Tamarack Goose with Three Legs

Tamarack Goose Flier