The World Championship is an international event where carvers, collectors, and visitors convene at the end of each April in Ocean City, MD. From highly decorative works of art to functional hunting decoys, about 1200 different wildfowl carvings representing more than 150 species from around the world can be viewed at the premiere, the most prestigious competition in the world. Competitors of all levels–from youth to world champions–compete against their peers for the chance to win a portion of nearly $60,000 in prize money, as well as other recognition including ribbons, medallions, plaques, and trophies. There are over 40 different divisions in which an artist can compete–decorative life-size and miniature wildfowl, floating waterfowl, interpretive, gunning decoys, contemporary antiques, and sculpture.

Schedule of Events:

April 26, 2024:

All Judging in Hall A/B unless otherwise noted

7:00 - 9:00 a.m: Wildfowl Competition Registration

9:30 a.m:

Judging - World Divisions
Decorative Life-size Wildfowl
Decorative Miniature Wildfowl
Interpretive Wood Sculpture
World Shootin’ Rig Division - Assawoman Bay
Note: Judging time on the Bay may be changed at the discretion of the judges

10:00 a.m:

Judging - Advanced, Intermediate, Novice Divisions
Decorative Life-size Floating Waterfowl
Decorative Life-size Wildfowl
Interpretive Wood Sculpture
Decorative Miniature Wildfowl

10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m:

Photo Studio with Alan Wycheck
Kids’ Corner - Featured kids’ art activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Carving Demonstrations

11:00 a.m:

Judging - World Division
Decorative Life-size Waterfowl Pair
World Single Gunner Decoy (When Shootin’ Rig is done)
Note: Judging times on the Bay may be changed at the discretion of the judges

Judging - Masters Divisions
Decorative Life-size Wildfowl
Decorative Miniature Wildfowl
Interpretive Wood Sculpture

Noon:

Judging - Masters Division
Decorative Lifesize Floating Waterfowl

1:00 p.m:

Judging - Lem & Steve Ward Competition
Single Gunner - Assawoman Bay*
*Note: Judging times on the Bay may be changed at the discretion of the judges

1:30 p.m: Judging - Advanced Decorative Miniature

2:00 p.m: Judging - Sculpture Other Than Wood

4:30 p.m:

Judging - Intermediate, Novice Divisions
Best in Show

5:30 p.m: Living Legends Awards and Dinner (Advance Ticket Required), The Grand Hotel

April 27, 2024:

All Judging in Hall A/B unless otherwise noted

9:00 - 5:00 a.m:

Kid’s Corner
Carving Demonstrations

9:00 a.m:

Judging - Lem & Steve Ward Divisions
Contemporary Antique
Contemporary Decoys
Shorebird Decoy
Decorative Smoothie Waterfowl & Champion
 
Judging - Bench Divisions

10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m: Photo Studio with Alan Wycheck

10:00 a.m:

Judging - Lem & Steve Ward Divisions
Gunning Pair
Gunning Pair Champion (after GP)
*Note: Judging times on the Bay may be changed at the discretion of the judges

11:00 a.m:

Judging - Lem & Steve Ward Divisions:
Decorative Smoothie Shorebirds & Wading Birds
Champagne Division
Youth Competition
Youth Gunning Pairs - Tanks (Bay if Gunning Pairs are done)

1:00 p.m: Champagne Waterfowl Silent Auction starts (goes until noon Sunday)

5:00 - 8:00 p.m:

Around the Worlds Mixer -AB Hall
Cash Bar and Hors d’oeuvres

April 28, 2024:

8:00 - 10:00 a.m: Carvers and guest (with a badge) special photo session - A/B Hall

10:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m:

Carving Demonstrations
Kid’s Corner
**Champagne Waterfowl Silent Auction continues until noon

12:00 p.m:

Awards Presentations:

Living Legends
Special Awards
People’s Choice
Youth
Sculpture
Divisions: Lem & Steve, Novice, Intermediate, Advance
Special Memorial Awards
Masters
Worlds

3:00 p.m: Carving Check Out

Dates and Times:

April 26, 2024: 10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
April 27, 2024: 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
April 28, 2024: 10:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.

Location:

Roland E. Powell Convention Center,
4001 Coastal Highway,
Ocean City, MD 21842.

Admission:

Multi-Day Pass: $10
Seniors & Students: $8
Children Under 12: Free (with adult)
Living Legends Dinner Tickets - $75 for Members; $85 for Non-Members

Click here for more information.