James “Doc” Hansel’s Finest Works
As an internationally recognized carver, Dr. James Hansel achieved mastery status in the wildfowl carving art form. Affectionately known to friends and family as “Doc,” Hansel’s career in orthodontics allowed for a seamless transition to carving when retirement came knocking in the 1980s. “Doc” won Ducks Unlimited highly coveted award Washington State Carver of the Year seven times and won countless first place ribbons at International Wildfowl Carving Association (IWCA) competitions. An outdoorsman and hunter at heart, Hansel had a deep connection and love for nature. He used his carvings to raise thousands of dollars for wildlife conservation efforts through Ducks Unlimited, Inc. In total, “Doc” donated over 100 carvings netting over $150,000 in funds for national wildlife restoration. Featured here are some of “Doc’s” award winning carvings.
A Pacific Northwest native, “Doc” was born in Vancouver, Washington and attended Oregon State University as an undergraduate. He served in the U.S. Army, then later attended Dental School at the University of Washington. Eventually, he graduated from Marquette University in Orthodontics and soon after started his own practice in Poulsbo, Washington. While he carved decoys when working, he was able to give carving his full attention after retirement. Many times fellow decoy collectors and artists would commission “Doc” to carve a decoy for their personal collection. Often, his carvings sold for as much as $5,000. For a detailed look at his carving process, please visit The Artist page.
