Everything You Should Know About Duck Calls for Hunting

Duck calls are essential tools for waterfowl hunters, helping to attract ducks by mimicking their natural sounds. Learning the art of calling ducks is crucial for improving hunting success and adapting to different hunting situations. Choosing the right type of duck call, understanding how to use it effectively, and knowing when to call are key skills that can enhance your success in the field. This guide covers everything you need to know about duck calls, from the different types available to maintenance tips and effective calling techniques.

Understanding Duck Calling

What is Duck Calling?

Duck calling is an art that requires a deep understanding of the behavior, habits, and vocalizations of ducks. It’s a skill that can be learned with practice and patience, and it’s an essential tool for any serious duck hunter. Duck calling involves using specialized calls to communicate with ducks, mimicking their natural sounds to attract them to your location. The goal of duck calling is to create a realistic and convincing sound that will make ducks feel comfortable and curious, ultimately leading them to come closer to your position.

Why Duck Calls Are Important for Hunting

• Attracting Ducks: Duck calls imitate the sounds of real ducks, helping you lure them closer for a better shot.

• Communicating with Flocks: Different calls can signal specific behaviors, such as feeding, mating, or alerting. Mastering these calls helps duck hunters mimic natural duck interactions.

• Improving Hunting Success: When used correctly, duck calls increase your chances of bringing ducks within shooting range, especially in areas with heavy hunting pressure.

Types of Duck Calls

There are several types of duck calls, each with unique qualities suited to different hunting conditions and skill levels.

• Single Reed Calls:

  • Best For: Experienced hunters.

  • Sound: Produces realistic, loud, and raspy sounds, making them effective for open water and loud conditions.

  • Advantages: Offers greater flexibility and allows hunters to produce a variety of sounds, including louder and softer tones.

  • Considerations: More challenging to master, as they require precise air control and technique to sound realistic.

• Double Reed Calls:

  • Best For: Beginners and intermediate hunters.

  • Sound: Slightly softer and raspier than single reed calls, with a more forgiving tone.

  • Advantages: Easier to use and less likely to produce off-sounds, making them more user-friendly for beginners.

  • Considerations: Limited in terms of sound range and volume compared to single reed calls.

• Triple Reed Calls:

  • Best For: Beginners who want more volume.

  • Sound: Louder and raspier than double reed calls, but still user-friendly.

  • Advantages: Very forgiving and easy to control, suitable for beginners.

  • Considerations: Not as versatile in sound as single or double reed calls.

• Whistle Calls:

  • Best For: Mimicking specific duck species like pintails, widgeons, and teals.

  • Sound: Produces whistling and peeping sounds that are unique to certain ducks.

  • Advantages: Ideal for attracting specific species and versatile in early season hunts or in areas where whistles are more effective.

  • Considerations: Limited to certain species and not as effective for mallards or larger flocks.

Specialized Duck Calls (Whistling Calls, Lonesome Hen Calls)

There are several specialized duck calls that can be used in different situations. Whistling calls, for example, are high-pitched and can be used to get the attention of ducks at a distance. These calls are particularly effective for species like pintails, widgeons, and teals. On the other hand, lonesome hen calls mimic the sound of a lone female duck, or hen mallard, and can be effective in attracting ducks that are looking for companionship. This call is especially useful in quiet conditions when no other ducks are calling. Other specialized calls include greeting calls, comeback calls, and hail calls, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Mastering these different calls can significantly enhance your duck hunting experience.

Materials Used in Duck Calls

Duck calls are typically made from three primary materials, each offering unique sound qualities and durability.

• Acrylic Calls:

  • Sound: Produces crisp, loud, and consistent sounds.

  • Advantages: Durable, weather-resistant, and ideal for hunting in open water or large bodies of water.

  • Considerations: Often more expensive and may be too loud for small ponds or quieter settings.

• Wooden Calls:

  • Sound: Produces softer, more mellow sounds that are natural and less harsh.

  • Advantages: Great for small ponds, close-range hunting, or areas with lower hunting pressure.

  • Considerations: More susceptible to weather changes; can swell or warp in wet conditions if not properly maintained.

• Polycarbonate Calls:

  • Sound: Produces consistent sounds similar to acrylic calls but often with a slightly softer tone.

  • Advantages: Affordable and durable, combining some qualities of both acrylic and wooden calls.

  • Considerations: Mid-range in quality and price; not as high-end as acrylic but more durable than wood.

Essential Duck Calling Techniques: Feeding Calls

Mastering duck calling takes time and practice. Here are some basic calls to get started and when to use them.

Basic Quack:

• How to Use: A single, sharp “quack” sound used to get the attention of ducks.

• When to Use: Ideal for starting a calling sequence or when ducks are passing by.

Greeting Call:

• How to Use: A series of five to seven quacks in a descending rhythm, mimicking a duck’s call when greeting other ducks.

• When to Use: Effective when ducks are in the distance but moving toward your location.

Comeback Call:

• How to Use: A series of fast, loud quacks to entice ducks that are flying away.

• When to Use: Use this call when ducks start veering away to encourage them to turn back toward you.

Feeding Call:

• How to Use: Soft, rapid, repetitive sounds that mimic the noise ducks make when feeding.

• When to Use: Use sparingly, especially when ducks are close, to simulate a relaxed and natural setting. Feeding calls, when combined with dynamic group calling, can create a more realistic sound that is beneficial for attracting ducks.

Lonesome Hen Call:

• How to Use: A single, longer quack repeated at intervals, mimicking a lone duck calling to others.

• When to Use: Effective in quiet conditions when no other ducks are calling, signaling a lone hen trying to attract company.

Tips for Effective Duck Calling

• Match Your Calling to the Situation: Loud, aggressive calling works best for open water and large flocks, while softer, subtle calls are better for small ponds or close-range hunting.

• Practice Air Control and Air Pressure: Consistent airflow and the correct air pressure are crucial to producing realistic sounds. New callers often struggle with achieving the right air pressure needed for effective sound production, similar to huffing from the diaphragm. Practice your breathing, airflow, and air pressure to control pitch and volume.

• Use Calling Sparingly: Overcalling can scare ducks away. Observe the ducks’ reactions and adjust your calling frequency accordingly.

• Blend Different Calls: Combining calls, like a greeting call followed by a feeding call, creates a realistic scene that attracts curious ducks.

• Adjust for Weather Conditions: Windy or open-water settings may require louder calls, while calm, quiet conditions call for softer tones.

The Importance of Observation

Observation is a critical component of duck calling. To become a skilled duck caller, you need to spend time observing ducks in their natural habitat, listening to their vocalizations, and learning their behavior. By observing ducks, you can gain a deeper understanding of their language and develop a more realistic and effective calling style. Observation can also help you to identify the different species of ducks and their unique characteristics, allowing you to tailor your calling strategy to the specific species you’re hunting. This practice not only improves your calling technique but also increases your overall success in the field.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common mistakes will improve your duck calling effectiveness and prevent you from scaring ducks away.

• Overcalling: Calling too frequently or aggressively can drive ducks away. Use calls sparingly and observe how ducks respond.

• Using the Wrong Call for the Situation: Loud calls in small ponds or quiet calls in open water may not be effective. Match the call style and volume to the environment.

• Ignoring Timing: Ducks tend to be more responsive to calls early in the morning or late in the evening. Adjust your calling efforts accordingly.

• Skipping Practice: Duck calling requires practice to sound realistic. Spend time practicing different calls to improve control and consistency.

• Using the Wrong Call for Species: Some calls work best for mallards, while others are suited for teal, pintail, or widgeon. Understand which calls are effective for your target species.

• Relying Solely on Calling: While duck calling can be appealing, it is not essential to successfully kill ducks. Understanding bird behavior and flight patterns is more critical for success in duck hunting. Adapt your strategies based on the situation rather than mimicking competitive calling styles.

Maintaining Your Duck Calls

Proper care and maintenance ensure that your duck calls perform reliably throughout the season.

• Clean Regularly: Use warm water and mild soap to clean out debris. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the reed or body.

• Dry Thoroughly: After each hunt, dry your call thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup, which can affect sound quality.

• Disassemble and Check for Damage: Occasionally take the call apart to inspect for any damage or wear. Replace reeds or parts as needed.

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep your duck calls in a protective case or pouch when not in use, away from extreme temperatures.

Conclusion

Duck calls are an invaluable tool for attracting waterfowl, and choosing the right call can make a significant difference in your hunting success. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hunter, understanding the types of calls, materials, techniques, and maintenance tips will help you get the most out of your duck calling experience. The hen mallard call is particularly essential, as it mimics the sounds made by the most common and responsive duck species in North America. With practice and attention to timing and technique, you’ll be able to attract ducks more effectively and increase your chances in the field.

Becoming a Skilled Duck Caller

Becoming a skilled duck caller takes time, patience, and practice. It’s essential to start by learning the basics of duck calling, including the different types of calls and how to use them effectively. Spend time practicing your calling technique, experimenting with different air pressures, and developing your own unique style. Additionally, it’s crucial to spend time in the field, observing ducks and listening to their vocalizations, to gain a deeper understanding of their language and behavior. With dedication and persistence, you can become a skilled duck caller and improve your chances of success in the field. Remember, the key to effective duck calling is to sound as natural and convincing as possible, making the ducks believe that they are hearing real ducks.

FAQs

What’s the best duck call for beginners?

Double reed calls are ideal for beginners because they are easy to control and produce a softer, more forgiving sound that’s less prone to errors.

How often should I clean my duck call?

Clean your duck call after each hunting session, especially if exposed to mud or water, to ensure it stays in top working condition.

What material is best for duck calls in wet environments?

Acrylic is a great choice for wet environments, as it’s durable, weather-resistant, and produces a loud, crisp sound that carries well over open water.

Can I use the same duck call for different species?

Yes, but some species-specific calls, like whistle calls, are better for certain ducks like pintails and widgeons. Consider adding a whistle to your setup for more versatility.

How do I know if I’m overcalling?

If ducks consistently turn away or don’t respond, you may be overcalling. Try reducing the frequency and intensity of your calls and observe how the ducks react.