Mark Costilow (b.1963) Amherst, OH, 2007 11" long Costilow is a highly accomplished competition decoy carver whose work grew from a lifelong connection to waterfowling and the Lake Erie region. As a young man, Costilow learned by watching Lake Erie charter captain and carver Bob Frano, eventually acquiring FranoÕs patterns and much of his carving knowledge. Costilow began carving his own hunting decoys in part because he could not afford to purchase a rig, and what began as necessity developed into a career producing both working and decorative decoys. Costilow became a fixture in the national competition scene, earning World Championship honors at the Ward World Championship in both gunning-pair and individual divisions. He has also served as a judge at the Ward World Championship and authored Traditional Hunting Decoys for Wildfowl Carving Magazine. Signed and dated 2007 Condition: Excellent and original