Standing Canada Geese by Charles Schoenheider. Photo courtesy of The Peterson Collection.jpg

The Peterson Collection

Standing Canada Geese by Charles Schoenheider.

Opening August 1, 2025, at the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center inside the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee, a compelling new exhibit invites visitors to explore the enduring legacy of one of North America’s most iconic birds—the Canada goose. Featuring Canada goose decoys from the renowned Peterson Collection, the exhibit showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of traditional waterfowl carving while celebrating the deep cultural ties between hunters, geese, and conservation. 

The exhibit debuts alongside the release of The Canada Goose: Etched in Time, Carved in Wood, a richly illustrated volume by Dr. Mark Petrie, DU’s Western Region director of conservation planning. Available in limited quantities exclusively at exhibit sites, the book offers more than a visual appreciation of decoys. It explores the cultural and conservation history of the Canada goose, emphasizing the vital connection between waterfowl hunting and wetlands stewardship.

“The exhibit and book celebrate the artistry of decoy carving and underscore the essential connection between hunters, Canada geese, and conservation,” Petrie says.