How to Find the Right Duck Call

Be honest about your calling skills, and find a call that fits your abilities. You can always work your way up. Photo by Realtree.

Searching for clarity sometimes creates confusion. Take duck calls, for example. A quick online search reveals a dizzying array of call styles, materials and manufacturers, and every guy with a pair of waders or a YouTube account seems to have an opinion about which is the best.

Considering all those choices prompts an obvious question — specifically, which call is right for you and can help you lure more ducks close. The answer depends on the caller and even various hunting situations, and the search can be frustrating. However, good advice can help, so we asked the pros — guys who blow their calls every day of duck season — for some tips.

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EXPLORE ALL OPTIONS

Veteran guide Cooper Olmstead, of Habitat Flats, acknowledged that finding the perfect duck call can be a difficult process. However, he said sorting through several possibilities can reveal likely candidates.

“There are so many different options these days between double-reeds, single-reeds, J-frames and cut-downs, and literally hundreds of different brands,” he said. “The best advice I can give is to go to a trade show and try out as many as you can. That’ll be your best bang for your buck without having to purchase a bunch and risk not liking them.”

In general, triple-reed calls are very easy to blow, making them ideal for novices. Double-reeds are fairly easy to master, and single-reeds are more difficult. Popular cut-down-style calls come in a variety of single- or double-reed varieties, and are generally raspier than standard J-frame-style calls. But again, hunters should experiment to choose one that fits them.

“When you find one with good range from top to bottom, keep it and practice all the time until putting air through it and hitting the notes you want is second nature,” said Tony Vandemore, owner of Habitat Flats.

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LISTEN, CRITIQUE

Justin Martin, general manager of Duck Commander, also suggested trying several duck call styles to find a favorite, paying close attention to the sound each creates. Self-critique can help the process.

“I recommend recording the audio on your phone by setting it a decent distance from you and blow your general routine,” he said. “Play back the audio and determine if you sound like what you think or want to sound like. There is no one call for everyone. Having confidence in what you’re using is key. If you want to master another style of call than you’re currently using, buy one and keep it in your truck. Blow it on road trips or short travel days until you get comfortable.”

WORK YOUR WAY UP

Rusty Creasey, manager of Beauchamp Duck Woods in Arkansas, said narrowing the search for a duck call often begins with an honest self-evaluation.

“Are you a beginner, intermediate or advanced caller?” he said. “Research and see which call would fit you. For example, a great way to start is a cheap little polycarbonate double-reed call, on which it’s easy to learn the basics. Then as you get better and more confident, try a little nicer single-reed. I have lots of videos for everything from beginners to advanced callers on YouTube. And many videos are available so callers can definitely teach themselves how to be a good duck caller. Learn the right way and it’ll be easier than having to break bad habits from doing it wrong.”

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PRACTICE

Finding a duck call you like is really only the first step. As with any skill, consistent practice will let you polish your sound and improve as a caller.

“Most duck hunters spend too much time focusing on the call instead of the technique,” said Graham Greseth, owner of MaXXed Out Guides. “No two duck calls blow the same. However, if most people spent the same energy on the call they had on their lanyard instead of finding a better one, they’d be a much better duck caller on any call.”