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Hunting & Fishing Duck calls? While im here geese too

flyfisher117

flyfisher117

Professional Milk Jug Hunter
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 25, 2010
752
376
Idaho
For the money what would be the best duck calls to pick up and learn on? Cheaper the better but I am willing to spend $40 tops per call. Since there are different sounds that ducks make do you need separate calls?
Species of duck Ill be hunting?(if there are different calls better suited to other species) I honestly dont know, depends on where Ill be hunting. lets just keep it simple for now and stick with Mallards if it makes a difference. Ive heard their are pin tails around me but I cant confirm this.

While Im here what about goose calls? Im not big into geese but wouldnt mind having one or two on hand. Again species would be Canadian honkers. Snow Geese dont interest me.

Sorry If I am putting in useless info. I dont know much of anything about waterfowl hunting. Im looking at getting started so Ill be folowing around my cousin this winter learning.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

If 40 dollars for a call is all you want to spend go to walmart and pick which ever catchs your eyes there. Get the one that has the dvd on how to call. same with goose call.

You will find you get what you pay for with calls just like nice glass.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

Im sure I will get what I pay for. Theres no doubt in my mind. But do I spend $120 on one call? Just to find out waterfowl hunting IS NOT my thing or find out I need another call.
Or do I go spend $120, get 2,3,4 or maybe 5 calls (how ever many calls are needed to do all of the basic duck sounds) learn on them. See what I use the most, see what works. THEN upgrade to a nice call or two.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

When I first started out learning I had a big problem. I was addicted to buying calls. I started out on the cheap ones, your $20-40 calls, and then progressed to the $100+ calls. Pretty soon I had two grocery bags full of calls. As you learn more you'll learn what you like and don't like.

My recommendation is to buy a decent mid priced double reed duck call and the same on a short reed goose call, to start with, along with 1 or 2 instructional DVD. Which calls? I have no idea. I outgrew that stage long ago and haven't looked at any calls recently. For goose calling instructional I don't think you can beat the "Bad Grammar" DVDs. Ducks, I'd say anything from Primos, Buck Gardner, etc would get you started.

Personally I like Tim Grounds calls and he makes both a duck and goose call that cost $55 each, and sound good to boot. The goose is called the "Half Breed" and the duck is the "Sweet Meet". I would spend $110 on these two calls way before I'd spend $120 on 4-5 other, cheaper calls.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

I really like my River Mallard call. If you get the wood/poly double reed, it's within you budget at $40. Mass produced calls aren't as likely to be tuned correctly and will frustrate a beginner.

Keith Allen made an excellent training cd, but it looks like he has closed up shop. If you do some searching, I'm sure you can find a copy.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fisky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When I first started out learning I had a big problem. I was addicted to buying calls. I started out on the cheap ones, your $20-40 calls, and then progressed to the $100+ calls. Pretty soon I had two grocery bags full of calls. As you learn more you'll learn what you like and don't like.

</div></div>

Oh I know how that feels, I love buying "custom" coyote calls. I dont need two 6 dropper lanyards full but they all look so cool! And its fun having something that is unique. Im not even going to look for custom duck calls.
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But a nice custom coyote call only costs $30-$40 for a "fancy" one in my eyes, Not sure how big of a duck call collection I can build.

So will a single Double Reed Duck call do all of the basic sounds I need? As far as it goes Ill hold off on goose calls. Ill go with my cousin first and see if Geese even interest me.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

yep that call will do every thing you need for the time being.
I would seriously check out those tim grounds calls i have a couple and they make some pretty music
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

Almost every call maker has a mid price call that is well worth the money. I tend to not spend as much in duck calls as I do goose. To me an acrylic goose call just tops all the plastic ones out there. However alot of my go to duck calls were reasonably cheap. Some my laugh but the original haydales dr85 is a great call to learn on.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

I just bought my first duck call a couple of years ago, made by Big Guy's Best (theirs range from $40 to $150 and more, I'm sure). For the first 40 years of hunting I have used calls made by my father and his friends, so that won't help much. I decided I needed another call as I'm doing more open water hunting, so I wanted a higher-pitched double-reed. For timber shooting I like a lower pitched single.

For geese, I also have one a friend made, but I also like the Big River flute. I don't remember how much I paid for it, but probably about $30.

For most people, a duck call is the most perfect conservation tool ever devised. Most people do not call well, so ducks stay out of range and hunters try to shoot ducks at 60+ yards out. At the beginning, best to throw a hail call, and then put the thing in your pocket.

Lastly, as you're calling, watch for a "bounce". If they seem to be coming in nicely, then all of a sudden bounce out, whatever you just did with the call was wrong...
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

i've got, and have had lots of calls. i find myself using a cheap double reed duck commander call as much as an RNT or Echo. it's got lots of rasp and sounds really good at a lower volume.

i think the double reed calls are easier for a beginner. they were for me when i started.

as far as calling, less is more just like a good guitar solo. all that crap you see in competitions or on TV is useless in a lot of situations. if you are hunting a major flyway with a lot of new birds, you might have to high ball it. but a cattail slough in Idaho (or east tennessee) usually requires less calling. just listen to the ducks, and do what they do.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

and pass on the goose calls for now. they take lots of air and a lot better technique than duck calls. there are tons of youtube videos on duck calling.

as far as hunting, finding where the birds want to be, and staying still is a lot more important than calling. i hunted for two years before i ever owned a call.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

Here's the thing about duck and goose calls.
You're not going to call them into somewhere they don't want to be.

When you see those TV shows and those guys are calling ducks into flooded crops or flooded timber, the calling is more for the sake of the hunters, and of course the sponsors, than it is for the ducks.

Geese on water a little bit different, because you can sometimes draw in a flock that may have otherwise passed you over, if you've got the decoys out and you make some noise.

As far as spending a ton of cash on a call, it's kind of like choosing a camo pattern over another one. It means much more to you than it does the game.

An easy to blow type of goose call is a long reed or flute call. Anyone can call geese with them with a very small amount of practice. Short reeds are a pain.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

Thats what my impression was on duck calls is that they are only there to say "Theres ducks over here!" (or "hey theres a stupid hunter sitting in the bushes over here!" :D)

If I do get one I honestly wont hunt with it this year. All I will do is learn how to use it. Get to where I can make the sounds I need to make and also identify the sounds the incoming ducks are making. After I go out with my cousin a few times, see how it all works, see what they do. Then Ill go from there. This will be towards the end of the season but then I will have a better idea of what to do next year.

Right now Im trying to tame the turkey call, which is not going as easy as I would like.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

Primos honkey tonk... not too expensive and sound pretty darn good
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

I'll disagree that you have to spend $120 to get a good call. I have several really expensive ones but it's not necessary. The 2 best cheap calls for my calling style (that are obtainable from the big name guys) is the Zink polycarb and the Echo timber polycarb. I put a good bit of squeals, whines and bounces into my calling so these are a little more on the "fineness" side.
If you want to do the basics which kills ducks just fine: just about any duck commander-quackhead-buck gardner..... will do.

Goose calls: Flutes do the job. later on when you learn a little more about it, go to a good short reed.

 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

I don't make calls anymore but for special occasions. When you get into the $$$ calls, its for looks/status more than performance. Sure, they can be a little louder or a little more crisp...
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Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

How do you go about knowing if a duck call sounds good? I have one at my house that my dad got 11+ years ago for joining ducks unlimited. He gave it to me and Ive always just looked at it and never really used it. It looks like a cheap little wood one, but it sounds like any duck I have ever heard. What are some things to listen for that would make the call repulsive to ducks?


Ill have to go see what the local stores have, duck hunting isnt real big around here so there is not much being sold. See what I have options wise.

What are Primos duck calls like? Ive had 2 primos predator calls and hated both of them. Its pretty hard to mess up a predator call but the one sounded like a screaming peacock inside of a tin can while being run over by a train. The other one no matter what I did with the reeds could not hit those loud raspy notes without "freezing" and stopping all sound.
My Primos turkey call I love.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

If you want to hear duck calls making sounds that ducks NEVER make, go to a calling contest.

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NLQFCkR-S-U"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NLQFCkR-S-U" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

Oh my, the second guy in the white shirt was going crazy.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

I'm not an expert or a professional, but I really like Haydel's Redleg Mallard Duck Call. I had good luck leraning on it and it was affordable to me...just my opinion
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

Anyone have experience with the Duck Commander calls?

Local store had the Duck Commander calls and a couple Knight and Hales and a few Haydels I think. Also had some Zink calls.

The guys working behind the counter pulled their display calls out and played a little with them. I asked them if they would do a side by side with a Duck Commander and a Zink and from what I heard they were the same. Zink was louder and had a bit more rasp but other than that I personally didnt notice a difference.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

there is quite a difference in DC/zink. Zink uses a jFrame/arakansas style tone board that is 1 or 2 reeds, DC is a louisiana style 2x reed.
this doesn't matter to most people but like i mentioned earlier, the zink is better at the tougher calling teqniques but aren't necessary for killing ducks.
go with the DC, cheap and easy to use.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

Well, we will see if I got a decent deal but Ducks Unlimited is doing a promotion where you spend $35 and get a Buck Gardner call, one year subscription to the magazine, online access, and some other small goodies.

Im hoping that the call will allow me to learn on and try out and the magazines will have some good info. DU says the call is a $99 value So Im going to conservatively say its a $39 call like most of the other ones buck gardner puts out.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

If you have a local cabellas, watch the bargain cave for off season stuff. I don't have a local cabelas, but I do manage to convince my brother to go into one near him about every other month looking for something. I'm chasing different geese - specs and cacklers - so I can't make a recommendation for you there, other than less is better for a beginner. And - calls that you don't like make great gifts for grandkids or the children of friends you want to mess with...
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

I love the bargain cave. Im currently not near Cabelas but I can have my buddies girlfriend keep an eye out. Aswell as get me an employee discount.
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Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

My buddy on the pro staff for Zink was telling me that the new call they came out with is designed so that the reed will never stick. I have one on the way right now so we'll see.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

Haydels.com

DR-85 or Red Leg Mallard

Call Rod or Kelly there and they will help you with your needs
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You won't find a better call, or value.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

To repeat what has already been said, ya dont need $150 calls to shoot ducks, thou i know some that do and cant shoot to save their lives.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tucker301</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want to hear duck calls making sounds that ducks NEVER make, go to a calling contest.

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NLQFCkR-S-U"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NLQFCkR-S-U" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object> </div></div>

that first was doing the OK state university fight anthem i think
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

OK, enuff of the calling comps, that doesn't do anything other than flare ducks.

I hunt 50-60 days a year, most years, for ducks, in South Louisiana. By the time ducks get here, they have heard and seen it all, all the way down the flyway. You need to learn a very few calls to be successful, and mostly when NOT to call.

1. If the ducks are coming, leave the call alone. They like your setup, fed here yesterday or whatever. DON'T. CHANGE. A THING. Best way to flare these guys is to call when they are coming.

2. Learn the feeding chuckle - go sit at the marina, and listen to happy ducks. No highball voices, no lost ducks, just happy feeding chatter. I do like this one, when I have gotten their attention from on high, and they are descending. You have to keep a steady call though, works even better with two of you doing it, sounds more natural. I like either the Haydels, with the hole in the side, but really any call will work.

3. Teal whistle - Wingsetter 8 in 1, does this great, learn to trill it a bit, again listen to real teal. This call also does widgeon and pintails good, but mostly, those ducks don't need much calling, they are coming or not. If you have a robo-duck, the pintails will sometimes drop in from 3000 feet, quiet as can be, on a bluebird day.

4. Mallard drake "buzz" call - same Haydels call, but rather than blowing it, make it buzz, bzzzuuurrpppp, again real mallard sound. I have had ducks fly by a hunnert mph, make that sound to them, they snap that neck around and pull a 180, feet out, into the spread. For whatever reason, it makes teal do the asme thing....

5. Best call of all - Mojo Drake robo-duck. Get two - keep them pointed upwind. The best duck guide I know, has eight or ten in his spread, all wired to a battery in his blind. He can turn them off and on, vary the speed, without moving. I use a pair, but not being able to turn them off, hurts a bit around specklebellied geese, they understand there are hunters around those!

6. Best goose call - "Chen Caille" made in Gueydan LA. It is sold in Macks Praire Wings catalog. Cheap, easy to blow and works.

Three calls, hand full of sounds, practice. All you need. If that ain't you, then don't get any, get a couple Mojo's, and sit still in the blind.

Happy hunting,

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Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

I'm in CA. Puddle ducks in pot holes, and larger open water for Pintails/Redheads. Used a Duck Commander "Old Raspy" for more years than I can count. RARELY do I let out more than 3-5 moderate hen quacks, a little tut tut tut, and a1-2 very quiet squawks into my jacket for the final approach. I'm not a teache, but this works for me at my club. Think I paid $14 for it. Also use his little bell shaped pintail whistle for pintails, widgeon, and teal. I have his Mallard Drake call, but it was more of a curiosity buy than anything. I use it sometimes in the fog. I got a couple of Phil's early instructional cassette tapes, (yeah it WAS that long ago) but mostly I spent time listening to REAL ducks in the pond and trying to mimic them. I won't win a contest but I kill 80+ ducks a year. Works for me. If you're just starting out, don't go balls deep on the gear till ya find out if ya like it. I have a nice blind in a club now, but started out sitting waist deep water on top of a 2x4 seat in the fog a 5am on the public refuges for years. Waders leaked the FIRST time out. Say me...."Gawd, I LOVE this shit!" You'll find out if its for your pretty quick. Good luck.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: the noobie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone have experience with the Duck Commander calls?

Local store had the Duck Commander calls and a couple Knight and Hales and a few Haydels I think. Also had some Zink calls.

The guys working behind the counter pulled their display calls out and played a little with them. I asked them if they would do a side by side with a Duck Commander and a Zink and from what I heard they were the same. Zink was louder and had a bit more rasp but other than that I personally didnt notice a difference. </div></div>
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

Above is Kelly w/the Red Leg Mallard, Haydels, affordable, effective, reliable, easy to use.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

Yea Im not looking into any gear. I have fishing waders that should work, maybe need to find a different boot for them but they will keep me dry.

Decoys I know you want the best you can afford so I havent even priced them. My cousin has plenty so Ill go out with him and his.

Only thing Im still looking into is what steel shot patterns best with my gun. So far out of the cheap steel shot nothing has patterened very good. Might have to try the expnensive stuff.
 
Re: Duck calls? While im here geese too

Bismuth n Tungsten
 
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