Making Dark Cork "FOOTBALL" Style Decoys

           

With your handsaw (or whatever works) remove the material above the lines. When done, it should resemble this.  
   Redraw the lines that are now missing and add the high point lines as shown.

 Before we get much further it's time to make up a "T" block if you have a bench vice. A picture is worth 1000 words.

Attach your "T" block to your decoy blank.

 

 With your decoy now firmly anchored in your bench vice (If you have one) it's time to get the rasp out. I prefer a pattern makers rasp which is flat on one side and half round on the other. I also use gloves when rasping.

If you lack a bench vice, not to work the corner of any sturdy bench will work, just be careful.

 Start to SLOWLY remove the material at a 45 degree angle back as far as the top "Do Not Cross" (DNC) Line. I say slowly because if you go whole hog at dark cork it will chunk out till you develop a knack for it.
 We are after symmetry, so what ever you do to one side, do to the other.
 The 45 degree cut "sets" your depth for rounding which is the next step. Round from the shoulders back from the lower "DNC" line to the centerline which now becomes the upper "DNC" line.
 

 SYMMETRY!