Duck hunting has been a tradition in our family and it is passed down through generations. For many, it is just a time to have fun sharing the hunting stories, but this has changed recently and duck decoys have become so realistic. However, one hunting tool that has remained a staple is the duck call. Today various new companies are making them around the world.
It is a tool or hunting equipment used to make the sound of a duck. This lures ducks to your hunting location, enabling you to hunt swiftly. Based on the design of the tool you have and your skill level there are 3 types of sounds you need to know. The comeback call, quack call, and feed call. Make sure to go through my blog, as I have listed a lot of tips on hunting for beginners.
Overview Of 5 Best Duck Call
1. Duck Commander Duck Call
Our Pick
2. Buck Gardner Duck Call
Easy To Use
3. Primos Pro Mallard Duck Call
For Experienced
4. Echo Duck Call
Handy & Sleek
5. Folgtek Duck Call
For Beginners
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1. Duck Commander Duck Call
Our Pick
★Key Features
- Sound:- This Duck call can sound exactly like a Mallard hen. Transitioning from feed and comeback calls was simpler.
- Easy to Blow:- This is one of the easiest blowing calls that you could use and after getting used to it, you will be able to sound like a pro in a few months.
- Unique Design:- Duck Commander offers high-end open water applications along with soft raspy low-end as well.
Out of any of the duck calls I have tested, this one sounded accurate. I tested this using 3 different mallard duck sounds, and the result was good. The quacks were perfect and sounded authentic. Also, this product was so loud which was louder than the Duck Commander 6 in 1 Pintail duck call. This call is sufficient when reaching out afar to call in ducks.
At lower volumes, the call is hoarse. But when you blow a bit harder it becomes clear, but that hoarseness is still there. Before making this list, I tested a variety of duck calls and their ability to perform the sounds as well as the ease with which you need to transition from call to call. I found, that this call can handle such things better, and transitioning from feeder sound to comeback was so simple.
Also passed our durability test I bought the acrylic version and I was pleased with its tough nature. But It was a bit tough to dry the product and learning to use the call was much easier than others I tested so far. This made me include this on the first and the engraving on the product looks cool. It’s a laser-etched engraving and doesn’t come with a lanyard.
These are also available in attractive colors like Chartreuse Acrylic, Hi-Ball, Orange Acrylic, Smoke Acrylic, and Tigerwood. My personal favorite and the one I tested is the Smoke Acrylic. This duck call is priced at $46.63 and the price might vary depending on the color.
2. Buck Gardner Duck Call
Easy To Use
★Key Features
- Combo Pack:- This product comes with a couple of calls one of them can be used to call mallard hen and the other one with a 6-1 pintail whistle.
- Double Reed:- This comes with Quick–Tune double-reed guts that can be maintained easily in the field.
- Suitable For:- You can use this duck call for Wood ducks, Mallard Drakes, pintail, Wigeon, and others as well.
Imagine this, it’s a late season and those hoarse calls are not just enough for it. When it’s the migrating season for the ducks, they require something a bit more attention – seeking to force them to travel from their paths. This product comes with a whistle called “The Finisher” which will help you when you think that the season has gone. If you are looking for a duck call that can also travel through the high range, then this will be the one.
And this just doesn’t call the wood duck, other kinds such as pintails, mallards hens, widgeons and others will also be lured as it taps into their instincts. If you are off-season, you cannot go defenseless. You need to plan out something and this product will offer you all – in one for half of the cost of other brands.
They offer a plethora of benefits, so it might be worth it to bring these on your next duck hunting trip. I would say that this call is suitable for both experienced and casual hunters. The pack has two calls one for the late seasons and the other for the more versatile and dynamic call. This product is designed with a new type of reed, which maintains a more dynamic call. These are perfect for Pintail, Mallard Drakes, Wood duck drakes, and others as well.
3. Primos Pro Mallard Duck Call
For Experienced
★Key Features
- Sound:- This product comes with a single–reed and sounds perfect in woods or over open water. It can sound like other ducks and not just the wood duck.
- Durable:- As the product is crafted using high-quality material, you can rest assured of its quality and durability.
- Suitable For:- The product can be mastered even by a kid but needs some training and patience. Both males and females can use this product.
Primos have a long history of making top-notch hunting products. From elk calls to turkey and deer calls. There also makes a wide range of outdoor gear. This specific model is crafted from high-quality material and it’s super durable. The single–reed call blows when wet and I was satisfied with the sound quality. The Pro Mallard is made with 0.010 – inch Mylar reed for raspy quacks and there is a special tuning hole that can sound like more than one duck.
This duck call can also be used with minimal air pressure. You will love to use this and will get fed up like other models of the same price category. This product is so easy to master and suitable for kids as well. This will never discourage a seasoned caller and works better for all. I love how it sounds! Very realistic in long-range and my hunting peers know to stand by this one as an excellent addition to their next duck hunting.
The brand never fails to impress its buyers with its field-tested and hunter-approved products. This also gets a “Truth Tested” badge! The drawback of this call is that it is not for newbies, as this is a single reed. You need to get used to it, so we suggest you try the double reed before trying the Primos Pro Mallard Call.
4. Echo Duck Call
Handy & Sleek
★Key Features
- Double-Reed:- This duck call comes with a double and is suitable for close-in calling. So if you think that there are ducks near, then you are sure to catch them with this.
- Sound:- Can make a great tone that can lure ducks. You can also use this product when wet and that is what the manual suggests as well.
- Sanoprene Cork:- Unlike other products that use cork, this comes with sanoprene wedges, so you need not change them frequently.
If you are looking for a duck call that comes with an extra punch to break the high flyers, then the Echo Timber double reed duck call is what I suggest you buy. This product can come down to a soft sound to lure even the shyest ducks. This Is designed with a brass band for beauty and strength. These calls are suitable for close-in calling and the sounds are irresistible.
If you are a serious duck hunter, then you know that this product gets sold quickly. If you are in search of a duck call that is wood but a bit louder, then this is what I recommend you try. The brand also includes models and among them are the breaker, open water, and XLT wooden duck calls.
This double reed duck call also includes a sanoprene cork that can produce great tones. The handle is timber and molded with polycarbonate for maximum durability. The only drawback of the product Is that gets sold quickly like how buns! So you need to keep your eye peeled to buy this on Amazon or from their official website.
5. Folgtek Duck Call
For Beginners
★Key Features
- Sound:- Features sound to mallard, soft and mellow sound in close range. This call can work well for making softer quacks as well.
- Easy to Use:- This hand-tuned single reed design makes it easier to blow which helps you to move closer and attract prey.
- Best Quality:- This duck call is made of acrylic plastic material and can be used for a long time.
The Folgtek duck is suitable for both seasoned and experienced hunters. It is also a well-known brand among hunters for making loud hail calls and is great for making softer quack sounds. I was skeptical to give it a try, as the product was not the most-rated or reviewed product among hunters. Then I ended up buying this to give it a try. After using the call, I sounded like a mallard in no time.
I would say that this call is a match between the hunting dog and the mallard whistle. If you take your dog hunting then this can call can be an option to consider. It features a single-reed design, making the call suitable for beginners as well. It can lure more prey into your range and return home with surprises.
If you are using this product, make sure to blow from your stomach for better results. Keep lips open and let some air into the call and the call can be adjusted and hand-tuned as well. I suggest not relocating the reed for the maximum life of the product.
How To Choose A Duck Hunting Call
An important part of a Duck hunter’s arsenal is the duck call. Picking the correct duck call can mean the difference between a triumphant or frustrating hunt. This article aims to provide an in-depth guide on how to select a duck hunting call, step-by-step.
Step 1: Identify the kind of duck call you require.
Consider the ducks you will hunt and the sounds they produce to decide on the right duck call.
- Single Reed Calls:- Versatile and produce a broad range of sounds, including the quack, feed chuckle, and hail call. They require more skill to use but offer more flexibility in terms of the range of sounds they can produce.
- Double Reed Calls:- Easy to use and produce softer tones sounds including the hen quack, greeting call, and comeback call. These are the best for beginners and those who prefer a more subtle approach.
- Whistle Calls:- Used for specific ducks and have a high-pitched, piercing sound. They are designed to mimic the sound of a particular species of duck, such as the pintail or teal. Mainly they are ideal for experienced hunters who know the species of duck they are targeting.
Step 2: Contemplate the material of the call.
Duck calls are created with various materials, such as wood, acrylic, and polycarbonate.
- Wooden Calls:- have a traditional appearance and produce a warm, natural sound that is favored by many hunters for their premium look. However, these calls can be more susceptible to weather and wear and tear over time.
- Acrylic calls:- are durable and generate louder, sharper sounds and can be customized with a variety of colors and patterns. Acrylic duck calls are durable and weather-resistant.
- Polycarbonate calls:- are often less expensive than acrylic calls and produce a similar tone, It’s a good choice for beginners or those on a budget. Moreover, these are similar to acrylic calls in terms of durability and weather resistance.
Choose a material based on personal preference, desired sound, durability, and budget.
Step 3: Assess the tone and pitch of the call.
Different duck calls have different tones and pitches. Some calls generate loud, high-pitched sounds, while others produce softer, more subtle tones. Choose a call that creates a sound that is both realistic and appealing to the ducks you will hunt.
Step 4: Pick an easy-to-use call.
Duck calls can be challenging to use, so it is critical to select one that is simple to operate and comfortable to hold. Look for a call that fits comfortably in your hand and has a straightforward, intuitive design. Practice using the call before hunting to become familiar with it.
Step 5: Consider your budget.
Duck calls can range from under $20 to several hundred dollars. Determine your budget and select a call that fits within it. Keep in mind that a more expensive call may be of higher quality and produce better sounds, but it may not be necessary if you are a novice.
Step 6: Read reviews and seek recommendations.
Read reviews of different duck calls online and ask for recommendations from fellow hunters. This can help you narrow down your choices and choose a call that has been tested and proven by other hunters.
Frequently Ask Questions
1. How to choose the right duck call?
A duck caller can have a wide range of tools. But you must make sure to pick the right material for you. There are reeds and whistles in materials such as wood, acrylic, and plastic. All of them make the unique sound perfect for a duck call.
2. How to use a duck call effectively?
Some calls can suit people better than others based on the reeds and the length of the product. Getting trained to use the call can give your confidence and can make you an experienced duck caller.
3. What are the two types of duck calls?
The two types are the single and double reed duck call. These both are suitable for hunters while hunting ducks. The difference between the both is that the single reed duck call is suitable for experienced hunters and the double reed is designed for newbies.
4. How to make a duck call?
Avoid making longer sounds while using a duck call. Make a short and gentle one. Yes, a short and sweet sound can work great for you if you want to have a successful duck call.
5. Can I make a repetitive sound to lure the ducks?
You can make repetition of calling. Just like you did before, do this for a minute or so. It will reach the ducks then focus your attention on the duck quack.
6. How to pick the right duck call?
If you are a beginner then you need to take time and pick the duck call wisely. Many inexperienced duck hunters fail to choose the right duck call for their expertise level and what they are looking to do. These come in a wide range of forms and might vary a lot in price.
