Congrats to Rob Bullis!! You are the winner of the Woodspirit carving!

DO NOT REPLY TO ANYONE CLAIMING YOU HAVE WON A PRIZE!! THIS IS ALL SPAM AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME.Drawing will be April 1st as stated in video thanks

TRUST THE BEAVER! Doug, I think your carving on the tree is great. I'm glad it was found. The carved face you showed at the beginning certainly does look like you.

Trust the beaver! And the beaver trusts you! Love carving youwhere my Gene Messer years ago. Thanks for sharing!

Trust the beaver! Doug I have learned that “study to show thyself approved” applies in all aspects of life and if you don’t compare yourself to others, but only the old you, then you will see that you are a lot better than you could have ever imagined that you could be. You’re an awesome teacher and inspiration. By the way, I love the old carving too. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼

I love this video! As a retired Art Specialist, I always asked my students, “How do you know you can’t sail that boat, you haven’t left the dock yet.” So many people profess to have no talent without trying! You are such a gifted teacher, and so good at offering encouragement! “Trust the Beaver” Thank you! ✌️❤️🙏

Trust the Beaver. Love making your bears and moose’s. Thanks for all of your inspiration.

To quote the famous Football Coach Vince Lombardi;" Practice doesn't make Perfect. Perfect Practice makes Perfect." I live by this quote, and still practicing. " Trust the Beaver."

You are definitely an inspiration. I like the fact that you did show your not-so-successful carving because we all start somewhere. I love that you speak so gently. You are the Bob Ross of carving. I think that is awesome. Also, trust the beaver. :)

Trust the beaver! Thanks for sharing all your tips, tricks, and how-tos with us. You and Gene Messer have both been a great inspiration! Thanks Doug.

Trust the Beaver. I love the Old trunk carving! Thanks, Doug. Dogs are lovely! 🐾☮️

Trust the beaver. I love when you take us to your family bush❣

I look back at my first carvings three years ago and am amazed at how much better I've gotten since then just by practicing, like you said. Watching yours and other KZfaq carver's channels has helped a lot. Thanks for what you do. Trust the beaver! LOL

Thanks Doug. I sit by the firepit and try your carvings still a rookie but find myself mostly thinking about stuff while in the peace and quiet fresh air. Wouldn't have happened if I never found your channel. You are more to us than what you realize.

Trust the beaver! Hey Doug, I started out with Gene Messer too. Gene said everyone should check out a guy named Doug Linker. I'm glad I did. I have done several of your projects. My wife and I go back and check out your "Supply Run" video every once in a while, it's her favorite. Thanks for doing all your tutorials. Don

THANKS DOUG FOR BRINGING IT EVERY TIME! ! Love Me Some Woodcarving Illustrated and TRUST THAT BEAVER !!!!

That old carving is so abstract. Certainly true to an artistic imagination. I see the thought you may have had. I carve with you and your vids consistently. I don't hold the imagination you are gifted with. But, I can make carvings that my wife just loves. I prescribed to the WC you recommended and now have so much more inspirational media. Thanks again Doug. Can't wait for the next vlog tutorial.

Doug, it's awesome to see you've gotten back to you carving what makes you happy! The sheer joy of carving has come shining back through! Thank you for all the inspiration you have given me. I started carving when I was 59 1/2, and started watching you on KZfaq. Now two years later thanks to your generosity in free teaching videos my carvings don't suck and you still inspire me!

Trust the beaver! I like your tree guy! Everybody starts somewhere and yours is just fine since he kept you going. Hope you save him forever. Love WCI.

Trust (and “Leave it”) the Beaver. I love your stuff, super simple and very calming. Thanks Doug

By chance, YT recommended the wood spirit video to me in December. It was so broken into easy steps, I said, "I can do that." As a 49 year old man, I couldn't wait for Christmas morning. I asked for a carving knife. Since then I've been carving every day. Eyes are the hardest part for me, but it's therapeutic and keeps me off Twitter and the negative side of life. You never know what will be born when you start chipping away. I want to thank you for everything you do. Changed my life for the better.

Thank you for this. I'm 19, and started trying to pick up carving when i was 16. I put it down a year and a half ago because I just felt like I wasn't making anything good enough and that the progress was so slow it wasn't even worth it. I've been thinking about doing it again, but I just didn't want to because I knew I wasn't good. I think this video was what I needed to see. Thank you!!

Trust the beaver. My boyfriend Perry watches you all the time. He started carving during covid and he loves it. He's doing alright. He would love to own one of your wood carving. Thank you for inspiring him.😊

Trust the beaver! They do know the best wood. Thanks for the inspiration and entertainment!

Doug, you inspired me to start up just before Christmas. I started with the easy gnome one and then worked on to owls on dowels, bears, birds, and characters. Christmas week, my dad died, followed by my uncle a week later. The carving helped me deal with it. I don't have much in the way of gear: a cheap Beavercraft set of one sloyd knife, one detail knife, one spoon gouge and one regular gouge, but I've managed to produce some things my friends and family tell me are really good. I appreciate it. So, Trust the Beaver. Keep on truckin' and keep on carvin'.

Thanks for doing this, Doug. Practice makes perfect. Always fun to carve along with you.

Leave it to the Beaver…. and DON’T STOP CARVING. Love your videos.

As a fellow Canadian, and a Woodturner for the last 2 years, I always, Trust the Beaver !🇨🇦

Thanks Doug ❣️Been watching you for awhile now for your general attitude towards art and life, I love watching the faces come alive and have been inspired to do small carvings just for fun!! I hope you keep being challenged to improve and take us on your journey- So much fun to come along 🥰

I've said it before and I'll say it again, you're an inspiration sir! This video hit the right chord with me. I have three of your Easy Easter Whittle bunnies that I've carved in front of me right now, and the 3rd one is the best of the bunch. I also have many trees around my property that I plan to carve wood spirits into after I purchase the correct tools for the task. But in the meantime, I watch your videos, I practice carving your caricatures and I'm getting better! And like you said, always trust the beavers, they know what the best wood for carving is! Thank you for all you are doing!

Something I always wanted to do and I can't even hold my Dremel tool any longer. My hands are shot and I'm only 68. I have years to go and my stained glass shop sits, gathering dust also. I could cry because I am unable to make anything even though I have made hundreds of stained glass lamps, windows, suncatchers, many wooden carved leaves to put on frames along with acorns, etc...Watching you is all I have left Mr. Linker and you're so nice to show us what you make which is so beautiful. I watch your video of the little guy in the boat bringing supplies, it makes me cry every time I watch it. Thank you.

Trust the beaver! Thanks for the chance to win one of your carvings. Love the work you do and so appreciate you’re willingness to share.

Trust the beaver! I'm fairly new to carving and at times it does get frustrating! This video really hit home for me. As long as I keep carving and putting the time in my carving will improve! Thank you for the inspiration!

I’m relatively new to carving. Luckily several of my mentors introduced me to your videos and WCI. Thank you for you patience, guidance and occasional “kick in the pants.” Your musical analogy is right on. I’m not the best carver in my group, but I am the best trumpet player. Been doing that for over 55 years and will keep working on my carving skills. Thanks for your support!

Carving outdoors, in the woods with a cup of coffee! Raised my carving to a whole new level. Next is taking a grandchild to share the experience with. Thank you.

Well said Doug, all artists/craftsmen have humble beginnings. Practice, practice, practice & trust the beaver!!!

Trust the beaver! Hey Doug! This has been an awesome experience since the beginning when I started watching your channel quite a few times ago. Now when I got the time, I always carve watching your tutorials. It is such a relaxing and brain-focusing experience! It is most than appreciated that you are encouraging us like so. Sometimes I feel like I don't get any experience from my carvings, and that I do not get any better, but now this video has encouraged me to do more and to trust myself. Thank you very much for that! Looking forward to your next tutorials!

Doug thank you so much for breaking down the craft of wood carving to make it easy for anyone to be successful and enjoy it as a hobby. as I approach retirement I plan to spend many hours learning to carve and look forward to many more of your videos . Your an inspiration to so many

I’m a 70 year old new carver. My first carve is trying an upsized little penguin. Actually the first one is in the fire place. But starting over. LOVE your videos. They are like watching an old friend.

Trust the beaver, why not. Thank you sir for encouraging us wannabes. As always great video from a wonderful teacher

Trust the Beaver haha! 🦫The first time I watched a video of you, I watched the video about how you made a leather sheath for your new axe. From there I watched more and more of your woodcarving video's. I did a lot of your tutorials and the thing you said about the discipline you have to have in order to become better, really resonated with me! So thanks you for that! I can only say I watch your video's with great joy and really hope to be the lucky one on April 1st. Greeting from the Netherlands! 🇳🇱😄

Hey Doug! Thanks a ton for the inspirational video. This was definitely a swift kick in the butt for me and I actually went outside and found one of my old carvings in my kindling pile to compare to one of my newer pieces. I can definitely see the progress and just wanted to give a thank you to you for starting me off on my carving journey. Always a pleasure seeing a new video. Keep up the great work.

I started whittling when I saw the “fantastically simple wood spirit “. My first one is unrecognizable as a wood spirit. I used a dull knife and a piece of 2 x 4. Several years later using sharp knives and good basswood, I have whittled some pieces that I’m pretty proud of. Thanks for hooking me on a hobby I wish I’d known about 50 years ago. (My wife says I’m obsessed with it)

"Trust the Beaver!". This video made me happy; there's hope for my future carvings, thanks Doug and greetings from Italy

Another great video, Doug. You've been my teacher for a few years, and I've noticed your improvements and mine. Thanks for all the guidance and inspiration over the years! Nothing better than coffee and trying to make something happen with a blank piece of wood :) Keep the videos coming! Cheers!

Trust the beaver, trust the Linker. Lessons from the heart for the beginner.

Trust the beaver! Because of you, Doug, I saw that I do have the ability to carve and I LOVE it, perfectly imperfect as each one may be. Carve on!

Trust the beaver! I've just started carving the last few months and I've found foxes are the best practice. Never give up.

Trust the beaver. So glad you found something to make videos about that makes you happy Doug. Your true followers will follow you and learn whatever you do

Trust the beaver! You hit the nail on the head. Walk before you can run. I’m still walking but hopefully one day I will be able to jog a little.

You are a credit to the craft. Honesty is rare and you seem to be of that rare group of humble people. thanks

Trust the Beaver! I started watching your channel long before the name change, mainly for the canoe tripping. As time went on, I became more and more interested in your wood carving and now I'm hooked. You had Gene , we have Doug!

Trust a beaver. That was a very good story I am glad you shared that. I am glad you found your tree finally.

Trust the Beaver! Grateful for what you do for us Doug. Keep on Truckin' my man!

These days my firewood is far better looking because of you Doug! Thank you for the inspiration. Today I was carving on the beach in Myrtle Beach Sc for little kids. The smiles on their faces puts a smile on mine!

I have carved spoons for years . Your videos have prodded me on. The five minute face. The Odie and the hillbilly. I would watch it 40 times and then try to carve it. The ninja method pull the bow 1000 times before shooting the arrow. Lol! This method works! The pottery shop bought my first 15. They have resold them all even my first one . And they want more, which amazes me. Yesterday I Carved first face, which is not as cartoonish. it looks decent. it was also my first basswood carving! Thank you Doug for the encouragement. I’m not writing this to get something so you don’t have to send anything to me. I just wanted to say thank you sir!

Trust The Beaver! New follower from Chico, California! Thanks for the kind encouragement!

Trust the Beaver! Thanks for all you do. 😊 between you, Gene and Kevin I get so much from your videos. Cheers

Trust the beaver because we all have the beaver in us we just have channel it until we succeed. Thanks for the inspiration, Doug.

Trust the beaver! Thanks for all of your efforts helping us all! What a beautiful spot you have there!

I'm not a carver nor a whittler, but when I was just a lad, I did carve a few birds. Now that I've found your channel, I do enjoy just relaxing, watching and listening to your work. Thanks.

Trust the beaver! and Doug!!! You continue to show us the way, even if its looking back :)

Hello, Doug. Thank you for sharing your first carving with us it helps shed light for the non-believers. somewhere.

I enjoy learning from you and always try carving something new. You're never too old to stop learning. I'm 74 and proof positive. Trust the beaver!

Trust the beaver!! Thanks, Doug! To carve good eyes you must carve 100's of eyes!!

Trust the beaver. Doug, I have enjoyed watching and learning . Thank you for this wonderful hobby.

Trust the beaver! Would love to have this in my home for inspiration! Thanks Doug

My art, as with my soul, is a work in progress... Gave one of my snowman carvings to a friend for her son's Cub Scout Pack Auction. Went for $18. May not seem like much, but I am happy with that! AND she told me her son wants one "just like it!"

Trust the Beaver! This has changed my whole mindset now that I’ve seen your tree carving!

Doug: What a great video! Please don't let that first carving get lost again. Shear off the carving and mount it on a board that can be proudly displayed in your shop. Progress is success, documented through all of your hard work. The big bonus is that you have positively impacted the lives of countless people. I hope to meet you some day.

Out smart the fox, listen to the owl and of course, trust the beaver! That's the most Canadian thing I've said today. Thanks for that little push Doug, you always seem to know what to say. Best wishes my friend.

Your humble personality makes you so enjoyable to watch!

Ow. "...more mature audience," I felt that. Ha ha, thanks for adding something valuable to KZfaq!

Trust the Beaver! Continue to love your “show”!

Huzzah, trust the beaver! Honesty! Wonderful!

Trust the beaver. Thanks for getting me back into carving after 25 years or so. It's now my retirement hobby and I'm loving it.

Trust the beaver! Thank you Doug. For you videos and all. 🪓🩹Greetings from Finland.

Trust the Beaver! Started a few years ago when your owl kept popping up in my you tube feed. I thought to myself "I can do that" so I bought a cheap knife and Amazon wood and proceded to butcher an owl but loved the process. So I bought better knives and better wood and 3 years later every shelf in my house is covered with artwork. Thanks Doug.

Trust the beaver! Haha, thanks for all that you do, Doug!

Trust the Beaver! My husband and I have been watching your videos regularly. I especially love your dowel projects. I would love to win your carving to inspire both myself and my hubby in our carving

Trust the beaver. Thanks for all your teaching Doug.

Trust the beaver...Gene Messier gave me my start in carving too. He's a really good guy. I'm glad you found him and started carving. You are carrying on his mission of teaching this lost art. Thanks again!

Trust the beaver!! Thank you for all you do!! Continuing to practice!!!!😊

Trust the Beaver. I started carving a little over two years ago. I was inspired by watching Doug's channel. I am still inspired by watching your videos!

I know the drawing is over, but I just want to thank you. I’ve only been carving since 2017, but I love it and agree . . . it is practice. People seem to like what I do, but I’m still learning all the time. The folks in my carving group at the senior center always say, “you have natural talent. I could never do what you do.” I say, I don’t necessarily have talent, I consider it an interest pursued. I read, I watch a lot of videos and that started with Gene Messer, Sharon my Art, Kevin Coates, and YOU! A lot of you. It has all helped so much. And it is the guys at carving giving me tips when I first started too. We are all on a wonderful journey, and you are a special guide. It has less to do with what you say, but more hope you day out. The standard we tell new folks at carving is the list of folks above, but your description is “He is the Bob Ross of wood carving for folks who just want make something they can feel good about. Anyway, thanks for what you do and keep doing it please.

Trust the beaver ✌🏼 Been watching for the past 5 years and love your channel. Thanks mate

I bought you a coffee Doug just on the basis of what you share for free. Your carvings are inspirational and Your Knowledge is priceless. Thank you ☕️

Trust the beaver! Great lesson for life, use other's experience to make your own experiences. Thanks Doug!

Trust the Beaver! Love seeing the progress! Looking forward to continuing my own!

Trust the Beaver! LOL. I started carving because of you. I turn everyone on to your channel that is interested in carving. Like you for the last 2yrs I have grown in my carving skills. Keep up the good work!

Trust the beaver! Thanks for the “shot in the arm” to keep at it and practice, practice, practice!

Trust the beaver! Thank you Doug for what you do! I have grown in my carving ability just challenging myself to copy your work. My son (4) and I watch your videos together.

Trust the beaver and it's so good to see how much happier you are with this channel. I could see when I watched Doug Outdoors that, over time, you got fed up with a lot of the negative comments. Now you are in your happy place!

Trust the beaver! Amazing journey since that first carving! Thanks for sharing.

"Trust the Beaver" Thank you for your encouragement. Last summer I bought a soapstone carving kit of a turtle. The shape was already cut out and ive been filing away at it. For the first time in my life I understand how one could block out something. This was huge for me! Before that I always lamented that i could not figure out how to start.....I guess those "aha!!" moments just come when they come. Again, thanks for the sharing of your first carving attempt

Trust the beaver , this video is so true , everyday I learning new things when I am carving.Thank you Doug .

I've watched all kinds of carving videos and I still come back to you. You keep it real Doug 👍

Trust the beaver! I've been following you since the beginning. Thanks for being a great teacher!

Trust the beaver! You've come a long way and I've enjoyed watching the progression. Thank you for sharing your journey with us :)

TRUST THE BEAVER. Doug, I don't usually comment but I just wanted to say thanks. So many people give up too soon, including myself. I find your whole method of teaching and your manner so easy to absorb. I appreciate you and what you offer people. Take care.