Duck hunting enthusiasts know the importance of a quality duck call. The right call can make the difference between a successful hunt and coming home empty-handed. As technology and craftsmanship advance, duck calls continue to improve, offering hunters more options than ever before.

The Bill Saunders EZ7 stands out as the best overall duck call for 2024, combining ease of use with realistic sound production. This call delivers consistent performance across a range of hunting conditions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters alike. Other top contenders include the Buck Gardner 6-in-1 Whistle for its versatility and the Field Proven Single Shot for those who prefer single reed calls.

When selecting a duck call, hunters should consider factors such as material, reed type, and ease of use. Wood calls offer a classic look and feel, while acrylic calls provide durability and consistent sound in varying weather conditions. Single reed calls typically offer more range and volume, while double reed calls are often easier for beginners to master.

Understanding Duck Calls

Duck calls are essential tools for hunters to attract waterfowl. These devices mimic the sounds of ducks, helping to lure them within range. Proper use of duck calls requires knowledge of their types, materials, and components.

Types of Duck Calls

Duck calls come in various styles to produce different sounds. Single-reed calls offer more versatility and range but can be challenging for beginners. Double-reed calls are easier to use and produce consistent sounds. Whistle calls mimic high-pitched duck sounds like the pintail or wigeon.

Some popular duck call types include:

• Mallard hen calls
• Drake mallard calls
• Wood duck calls
• Teal calls
• Goose calls (often used in combination with duck calls)

Materials Used in Duck Calls

Duck calls are crafted from several materials, each with unique properties:

• Wood: Traditional and warm-sounding, often made from hardwoods like cocobolo or osage orange
• Acrylic: Durable and loud, ideal for open water hunting
• Polycarbonate: Affordable and resistant to temperature changes
• Delrin: A plastic that offers consistent sound in various weather conditions

Material choice affects the call’s tone, volume, and durability. Wooden calls typically produce softer, more natural sounds, while acrylic calls offer greater volume and projection.

Anatomy of a Duck Call

A duck call consists of several key components:

1. Barrel: The main body of the call
2. Insert: Houses the reed and tone board
3. Reed: Vibrates to produce sound
4. Tone board: Shapes the air as it passes over the reed
5. Wedge: Holds the reed in place
6. Cork: Seals the insert to the barrel

The design of these components influences the call’s sound. Adjustments to the reed tension or tone board shape can alter the pitch and rasp of the quack. Understanding these parts helps hunters maintain and customize their calls for optimal performance.

Choosing the Right Duck Call

Selecting an appropriate duck call is crucial for successful hunting. The right call enhances your chances of attracting ducks and improves overall hunting experiences.

For Beginners and Veterans

Beginners should start with double-reed calls. These are easier to blow and more forgiving of mistakes. The Slayer Calls Drake Slayer is a top choice for novices.

Veterans often prefer single-reed calls. These offer more control and a wider range of sounds. The Field Proven Single Shot is highly regarded among experienced hunters.

Price doesn’t always indicate quality. Effective calls are available at various price points. The Big Lake Calls Duck Popper Hunter’s Pack provides good value for beginners on a budget.

Sound and Pitch Considerations

Duck calls produce a variety of sounds, from loud hail calls to whisper-quiet feeding chuckles. The Bill Saunders EZ7 is versatile, capable of producing a wide range of tones.

Match the call to your hunting environment. Open water may require louder calls, while flooded timber benefits from softer tones.

Practice is essential. Listen to live ducks and recordings to refine your technique. The Buck Gardner 6-in-1 whistle is excellent for mastering different duck sounds.

Craftsmanship and Durability

Quality materials ensure longevity. Acrylic calls, like many top models, withstand harsh conditions well.

Wood calls, such as the Primos Classic Wood Duck, offer rich tones but require more maintenance.

Check for smooth edges and tight-fitting parts. Well-crafted calls produce cleaner sounds and last longer.

Some manufacturers offer personalized calls. These can be treasured hunting companions for years to come.

Types of Reed Duck Calls

Duck calls come in various reed configurations, each offering unique sound characteristics and ease of use. The number and arrangement of reeds significantly impact the call’s tone, volume, and versatility.

Single Reed Calls

Single reed duck calls feature one thin piece of material that vibrates to produce sound. These calls offer excellent control and a wide range of tones. Hunters can create soft feeding chuckles, loud hail calls, and everything in between. Single reed calls require more air pressure and technique to operate effectively.

Many experienced hunters prefer single reed calls for their versatility and ability to mimic a variety of duck vocalizations. The Bill Saunders EZ7 and Field Proven Single Shot are popular single reed options known for their realistic sounds and ease of use.

Double Reed Calls

Double reed duck calls utilize two reeds stacked on top of each other. This design produces a fuller, raspier sound that’s often easier for beginners to master. Double reed calls require less air pressure and are more forgiving of imperfect technique.

The Slayer Calls Drake Slayer and Field-Proven Hybrid Double Shot are well-regarded double reed calls. These calls excel at producing the nasal quality characteristic of many duck species. Double reed calls are particularly effective for close-range calling and creating softer, more subtle sounds.

Triple Reed and Hybrid Calls

Triple reed calls incorporate three reeds, while hybrid calls combine different reed configurations. These designs aim to blend the benefits of single and double reed calls. Triple reed calls often produce very loud, attention-grabbing sounds ideal for long-distance calling.

Hybrid calls, like the JJ Lares Hybrid, offer versatility by allowing hunters to switch between single and double reed configurations. This flexibility lets users adapt to different hunting situations and weather conditions. Triple reed and hybrid calls can be more challenging to master but provide experienced callers with additional tonal options.

Specific Duck Species Calls

Different duck species require specialized calls to attract them effectively. Mastering these calls can significantly improve hunting success for targeted species.

Mallard Calls

Mallard calls are among the most versatile and widely used in duck hunting. These calls mimic the quacks, feeding chuckles, and hail calls of hen mallards. Single-reed and double-reed options are available, with single-reed calls offering more control for experienced hunters.

The classic mallard call consists of a series of 5-7 quacks, followed by shorter, faster quacks. Hunters can adjust the volume and tone to match different hunting scenarios. For example, louder hail calls work well for distant ducks, while softer feeding chuckles are effective for close-range attraction.

Many hunters prefer raspy calls that cut through wind and create a more realistic sound. Practice is crucial to master the nuances of mallard calling and create convincing sequences.

Pintail and Wigeon Whistles

Pintail and wigeon calls differ from mallard calls, focusing on high-pitched whistles rather than quacks. These calls are essential for targeting these specific species.

Pintail whistles produce a clear, two-note “peep-peep” sound. Hunters use short, repetitive whistles to imitate pintail vocalizations. The call should be crisp and sharp to accurately mimic the species.

Wigeon calls create a three-note whistle, often described as “whe-whew-whew.” This distinctive sound is highly effective for attracting wigeons. Hunters can vary the pitch and cadence to simulate different wigeon behaviors.

Many hunters use combination calls that produce both pintail and wigeon sounds. These versatile tools allow for quick transitions between species-specific calls during a hunt.

Wood Duck Calls

Wood duck calls are whisper-quiet compared to other duck calls, reflecting the species’ naturally soft vocalizations. These calls produce high-pitched, squealing sounds that mimic the wood duck’s unique voice.

Effective wood duck calling requires a light touch and precise control. Hunters often use short, rising whistles followed by softer, descending notes. This sequence imitates the wood duck’s typical call pattern.

Some wood duck calls feature a specialized design that allows for one-handed operation. This design enables hunters to produce accurate calls while maintaining a low profile in the blind.

Practice is particularly important for wood duck calls, as the subtle nature of the calls leaves little room for error. Hunters should focus on mastering the timing and cadence of wood duck vocalizations for best results.

Techniques for Successful Duck Calling

Mastering duck calling techniques is essential for any serious waterfowl hunter. Effective calling can make the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed.

Basic Calling Techniques

The foundation of duck calling starts with mastering the basic quack. Begin by creating a short, sharp burst of air into the call, followed by a quick release. This produces the characteristic “quack” sound.

Practice the hail call next. It’s a series of loud, long quacks used to attract distant ducks. Start with 5-7 loud quacks, then taper off to softer ones.

The feed call mimics content ducks in a feeding area. It’s a series of soft, quick notes often described as “tika-tika-tika.” Use this call to create a sense of safety for approaching ducks.

Whistles are crucial for certain duck species. A simple whistle can be more effective than a duck call in many situations, especially for teal and widgeon.

Advanced Calling Strategies

Advanced callers utilize a range of techniques to create realistic duck sounds. The chuckle is a rapid series of short, staccato notes that simulate excited feeding ducks.

Incorporate rasp into your calls by adding a guttural edge to your voice. This creates a more authentic sound that can be particularly effective on windy days.

Learn to vary your call volume and cadence based on the hunting situation. Soft, subtle calls work best for close-range ducks, while louder calls are necessary for attracting distant flocks.

Mixing different calls creates a more natural soundscape. Alternate between quacks, feeding chuckles, and whistles to simulate a group of ducks.

Practice and Field Usage

Consistent practice is key to improving duck calling skills. Start by practicing indoors, focusing on proper breath control and tongue placement.

Record your calls and compare them to real duck sounds. This helps identify areas for improvement and refine your technique.

In the field, observe how ducks respond to different calls. Adjust your calling based on their reactions. Sometimes less is more – overusing calls can make ducks wary.

Use calling in conjunction with decoys for maximum effectiveness. The visual and auditory combination is often irresistible to flying ducks.

Be mindful of wind direction when calling. Position yourself so the wind carries your calls towards approaching ducks.

Accessory Considerations

Proper accessories enhance the functionality and convenience of duck calls during hunting expeditions. The right gear protects calls and integrates them seamlessly into a hunter’s setup.

Lanyards and Call Preservation

Quality lanyards keep duck calls accessible and secure. Braided paracord lanyards offer durability and comfort. Some feature quick-release clips for easy call removal. Opt for adjustable lanyards to customize fit and call positioning.

Call cases protect valuable calls when not in use. Hard plastic or leather cases shield calls from impacts and moisture. Some hunters use neoprene sleeves for added insulation and noise reduction.

Regular maintenance preserves call performance. Clean calls after each use with mild soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly and apply food-grade silicone to reeds for smooth operation.

Integrating Calls with Hunting Gear

Tactical vests and jackets with call-specific pockets streamline gear organization. These garments keep calls within easy reach while freeing up hands for other tasks.

Some waders feature built-in call holders or attachment points. This integration keeps calls high and dry in wet conditions.

Calls can be mounted on boats or blinds using specialized brackets or holders. This setup allows for hands-free calling when managing decoys or handling firearms.

Consider call color when selecting gear. Earth tones and camouflage patterns help maintain concealment. Bright colors may be useful for locating dropped calls but can alert wary birds.

Top Brands and Models

Several well-established brands dominate the duck call market, offering a range of high-quality products. Popular models cater to different hunting styles and skill levels, from beginner-friendly options to advanced calls for seasoned hunters.

Recognized Duck Call Brands

Duck Commander stands out as a leading brand in the duck call industry. Known for their quality and effectiveness, Duck Commander calls are favored by many hunters. RNT (Rich-N-Tone) is another respected name, producing calls praised for their versatility and durability.

Buck Gardner Calls has built a strong reputation for innovative designs and reliable performance. Haydel’s Game Calls is recognized for their affordable yet effective options, appealing to both novice and experienced hunters.

Zink Calls and Echo Calls are also notable brands, offering a range of duck calls tailored to various hunting scenarios. Last Flight Calls and Elite Duck Calls have gained popularity for their handcrafted, high-performance products.

Popular Duck Call Models

The Buck Gardner Double Nasty is a top choice for many hunters, known for its ease of use and realistic sound. The Zink Power Hen-1 is praised for its ability to produce hen mallard vocalizations with remarkable accuracy.

Duck Commander’s Triple Threat model is highly regarded for its versatility, capable of mimicking multiple duck species. The RNT Original is a classic design that remains popular due to its consistent performance and rich tone.

For those seeking versatility, the Buck Gardner 6-in-1 Whistle offers multiple call types in a single device. The H2CC Cajun Cutter is favored by hunters in flooded timber areas for its sharp, cutting sound that carries well.

Haydel’s DR-85 Double Reed Duck Call is known for its affordability and user-friendly design, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Environmental Adaptation of Calls

Duck calls must be versatile to suit different hunting environments. Hunters adjust their calling techniques and choose specific calls to match the habitat and distance to waterfowl.

Timber Hunting Calls

Timber calls are designed for close-quarters hunting in wooded areas. These calls produce softer, more subtle sounds that mimic ducks in tight spaces. Timber calls often have a raspier tone to cut through dense foliage.

Many timber calls feature shorter barrels for easier handling in confined spaces. The reduced volume helps prevent spooking nearby ducks. Hunters using timber calls focus on soft quacks, feeding chuckles, and quiet hen mallard sounds.

Popular timber calls include single-reed designs that allow for precise control over volume and tone. Some double-reed calls also work well in timber settings when blown softly.

Open Water and Distance Calling

Open water calls are louder and more piercing to reach ducks at greater distances. These calls typically have longer barrels to project sound further across open areas. Hunters use open water calls for hail calls, high balls, and attention-grabbing sequences.

Many open water calls feature higher-pitched tones that carry well over long distances. Single-reed calls are common for open water use due to their volume potential and ability to produce sharp, crisp notes.

Duck hunters often use open water calls in conjunction with duck whistles for maximum range and versatility. Louder calls help cut through wind and compete with other noise on large bodies of water.

Some calls, like the Echo XLT, are designed to function well in both timber and open water scenarios. These versatile options allow hunters to adapt to changing conditions.