About Monty

During the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, R. Monty Montplaisir made his living in the fly fishing business. His credits included fly tying instructor, outdoor writer, photographer, fly casting instructor, and trout fishing guide. In 1988, The Art of the Trout Fly, by Judith Dunham, was published and showcased the work of international Master Fly Tiers. When one of Monty’s original pattern designs was included in the book, he decided to retire from the business with pride and praise. During the 17 years that followed, Monty pursued his new career working for the federal government.

In 2004, Monty retired from the Department of Homeland Security where he served as a Senior Inspector and Primary Firearms Instructor with the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection.

Monty developed an interest in decoy carving from his passion for duck hunting. As an avid waterfowler, since 1966, he has strived to always have a “better decoy spread.” It was this obsession that prompted his interest in learning how to carve his own decoys. Today, Monty is a self-taught carver who is spending his “final” retirement carving a few birds and teaching his grandsons how to enjoy the simple pleasures that the shooting sports, fly fishing and waterfowling can provide.