Sporting Art & Shell Boxes: Collecting the History of Hunting (Ep 779)
Behind every vintage shell box, calendar, or advertisement is a story — not just about products, but about the history and culture of hunting itself.
In this episode, host Katie Burke is joined by Lee Schulz, a long‑time collector of sporting art and hunting-related advertising, live from the North American Decoy Collectors Show. From hotel rooms turned antique shops to decades of collecting rare pieces, this conversation explores a side of the waterfowl world many hunters overlook — the art and artifacts that helped define it.
Lee shares how collecting evolved over the last 40 years, the artists behind iconic advertising, and why these pieces still resonate with hunters today.
In this episode, listeners will hear about:
- What sporting art and advertising collectibles are
- How Lee got started collecting shell boxes and antique advertising
- The role of hunting culture in shaping early American advertising
- Why companies like Winchester and Remington relied on fine artists
- Legendary artists like Philip Goodwin, Lynn Bogue Hunt, and Frank Benson
- The connection between early advertising art and duck stamp artists
- How artwork was designed to sell products and tell stories
- Why nostalgia and outdoor heritage are driving renewed interest
This episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of art, history, and hunting — and why preserving these pieces matters for future generations.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org
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Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.
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