Duck Calls: A Beginner’s Guide to Mastering the Art of Calling Ducks
Justin Hunold
today at 6:02 PM
There’s poetry to the morning marsh when the light first kisses the water. Ducks, in their timeless choreography, respond to the music of the marsh—a symphony often led by skilled callers. If you’re new to the world of duck hunting, mastering your calls is as important as choosing the right blind or decoy spread. Let’s break down the essentials so your calls blend seamlessly into the natural melody.
The Styles of Duck Calls: Know Your Instrument
Duck calls come in several styles, each with its own personality, benefits, and challenges. Think of them as musical instruments—the better you understand them, the more effective your performance will be.
Single Reed Calls A single reed call is versatile and capable of a wide range of sounds. Many seasoned hunters choose it because it allows for intricate, realistic calls. However, it requires a steady hand and lungs to avoid squeaks and cracks. For a beginner, this call offers great potential but demands practice.
Double Reed Calls Double reed calls are more forgiving, producing a raspier, richer tone that’s perfect for beginners. They’re a bit easier to control, making it simpler to avoid mistakes when you’re learning. While they lack some of the range of single reeds, they’re an excellent starting point for mastering the basics.
Material Matters: Polycarbonate, Wood, and Acrylic
- Polycarbonate Calls
- Pros: Affordable, durable, and resistant to harsh weather conditions. They are great for beginners due to their consistency and low maintenance requirements.
- The cons are that the sound quality is less nuanced than that of wood or acrylic, making it harder to achieve a natural tone that experienced hunters may prefer.
- Wood Calls
- Pros: Wood calls produce warm, natural tones that are highly realistic and effective in calm conditions. They also have a classic, nostalgic appeal and are often preferred by traditionalists.
- The cons are that they require more maintenance, as they can swell or warp in wet conditions. They are also less durable than other materials and may lose their tuning over time if not correctly cared for.
- Acrylic Calls
- Pros: Deliver loud, crisp, and consistent tones that are ideal for cutting through wind and open water conditions. Highly durable and resistant to weather changes, acrylic calls are long-lasting and reliable.
- Cons: The most expensive option, which can be a barrier for beginners. Their loudness may not always suit situations requiring subtle or softer calls.
Why Hand Tuning Matters
A hand-tuned duck call is like a custom-tailored suit. It’s adjusted to ensure that every quack, feed call, or comeback is as realistic as possible. Hand tuning refines the reed and tone board to achieve a perfect fit, eliminating inconsistencies that could spook wary ducks. A well-tuned call can be the difference between ducks cupping into your spread or flaring out of range.
The Top 5 Calls for Beginners to Master
Before you head into the field, hone these essential calls. They’ll cover most hunting scenarios and help you sound like part of the marsh.
The Basic Quack The foundation of all duck calling, the basic quack, is simple yet effective. Mastering the timing and cadence—a steady “quack…quack…quack”—will make you sound like a contented hen.
The Greeting Call Used to attract ducks from a distance, this series of five to seven quacks starts loud and tapers off. It’s an invitation to passing ducks to come check out your spread.
The Feed Call Mimicking the soft, rhythmic chatter of ducks feeding on the water. This call is ideal for creating the illusion of a safe, bountiful landing zone.
The Comeback Call If ducks start to veer away from your spread, the comeback call—a series of sharp, urgent quacks—can bring them back. It’s an assertive call that demands their attention.
The Lonesome Hen This slow, drawn-out call mimics a hen looking for company. It’s particularly effective on shy or wary ducks.
The Top 10 Most Popular Duck Calls Over the Past 25 Years
Over the last quarter-century, some duck calls have stood the test of time, becoming iconic tools in the marsh. Here are the top 10 most popular duck calls that hunters swear by:
- Duck Commander Classic Commander
- This double-reed call has become a staple for both beginners and seasoned hunters. It is known for its reliability and ease of use.
- Rich-N-Tone (RNT) Original
- This single-reed acrylic call is prized for its versatility and crisp tones. It is ideal for hunters who want precision and range.
- Buck Gardner Double Nasty II
- This double-reed call is affordable, durable, and produces rich, raspy tones that are perfect for beginners.
- Echo Timber Call
- Made from wood, this call is known for its warm, natural tones that excel in timber hunting scenarios.
- Haydel’s DR-85 Mallard Call
- Dubbed the “Deceiver,” this polycarbonate call is easy to use and highly effective in various conditions.
- Zink PH-2 Power Hen
- A double-reed acrylic call designed for soft, realistic tones. It’s a favorite among hunters targeting wary ducks.
- Primos Original Wench
- It's a classic double-reed call that produces raspy, lifelike hen mallard sounds. Durable and beginner-friendly.
- Faulk’s Deluxe Duck Call (D-2)
- It is a wooden call with a rich history, known for its smooth tones and craftsmanship.
- RNT Short Barrel
- This single-reed call is compact and delivers sharp, loud tones that cut through windy conditions.
- Avery GHG Double Reed Call
- A polycarbonate call is known for its ease of use and consistent performance, making it an excellent choice for newcomers.
These calls have earned their place in the marsh due to their reliability, craftsmanship, and ability to bring ducks into shooting range. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned hunter, having one or more of these in your arsenal can elevate your game.
Practice Makes Perfect
Calling ducks is an art that rewards patience and practice. Spend time with your chosen call before the season begins. Listen to recordings of real ducks and mimic their cadence and tone. Better yet, find a mentor who can guide you—there’s no substitute for hands-on experience.
Conclusion
Duck calls are more than tools; they’re an extension of the hunter’s voice in the marsh. By understanding the different styles, materials, and techniques, you can craft a calling repertoire that’s music to a duck’s ears. With practice and a little patience, you’ll soon be leading the morning symphony—and watching ducks drop into your spread like autumn leaves.