I started carving on the south shore of long island, too. My grandpa used to hunt the bay off of blue point long before I came around. Glad he got me into decoys
I also grew up on long Island! Blue point! I hunted all over the great south bay! Great broadbill! And brant hunting in my days! Now I hunt small ponds and creeks near my area in upstate ny. Also carve my own blocks and it really makes the hunt so much more fun! I don't care if I shoot birds. I just really enjoy have birds drop into my hand made rig