Duck Hunting >> Duck Hunting Tips

There are eight calls that every respectable hunter should have in his own repertoire; by learning all these calls, you will be able to bring the ducks closer so that you have a better shooting position. Here are the calls:

• Basic quack – although it sounds rather easy, many of today’s callers can’t master the basic quack so as a consequence aren’t very efficient for hunting ducks. An important part relates the fact that the end of the quack is vital to the efficiency of the call. Many hunters use “qua qua qua” when they should use the clean and crisp “quaCK”. Professional hunters recommend sticking to the basics with not too many complications;

• Greeting call – these calls should be used when you first see the ducks. It is a series of 5-7 notes, in descending order at a steady equal rhythm: Kanc, Kanc, Kanc, Kanc, Kanc;

• Feed call – “tikkitukkatikka” into the call, raising/lowering the volume just a little bit. These calls aren’t recommended as they aren’t very efficient; they sound better to the caller, rather than the ducks;

• Hail call – this is one of the most overused calls, especially by pros. Experienced hunters affirm that you shouldn’t use a highball within 100 yards of the ducks but when you do it, make sure you blow hard, loud and high. If you decide to hail call, you should start with a strong and long: Aaaaaaaink…Aaaaaaaaink…Aaaaaaink and tapper of as it progresses. The hail call should be used sparingly and keep in mind that if the ducks are approaching, you don’t need to call;

• Comeback call – this type of call is used when the ducks aren’t responding to your greeting or if you want an immediate response. A comeback call is hard and fast, with 5-7 notes; a fast Kanckanc, Kanc, Kanc, Kanc;

• Lonesome hen – this type of call should be used when ducks are call-shy; it is a rather overlooked type of call but efficient. The call is basically a widely spaced, nasal, irregular, drawn-out quaaaink quack. This type of call can be derived from the regular basic quack. Be careful not to make the quacks at close intervals as they will scare the ducks;

• Pleading call – you must use this call when ducks are flying at 75-200 yards above and you want to grab their attention. This call is made from a series of 5-6 quacks that are dragged out to sound like you are asking nicely the ducks to land. The pleading call is a Kaaanc, Kanc, Kanc, Kanc sound, keeping the first note a little bit longer in comparison with the continuing notes;

• Whistling – it actually works, should be used in combination with other calls. This is the best way to get young hunters involved in the hunting domain as they can’t disturb things.

Useful Info :

Here are some products you might consider buying:

BT-85 Blue Wing & Cinnamon Teal

This call produces the screechy quacks of these Teal. Employs a reed system and should not be confused with the Green Wing Teal which whistles.

The best of both worlds! A handsome cocabolo, blowing barrel, warm to the touch; combined with the irresistible sound of an injected acrylic exhaust barrel. Double Reed and blows wet.

The Carbon Kwacker Series gives you a call like no other. The CK2 features double reeds like our “Redleg Mallard”. This call has a carbon fiber finish that makes it stand out in a crowd. Truly one fine looking call.

Every squeal and whine a wood duck makes can be created on this call. The compensator is configured so that no hand manipulation is necessary to create the squeals however the rubber can be changed to create new sounds.

With the increase in the population of gadwalls over recent years, many hunters become to rely on these birds. Now you can speak their own language. Produces the “tat-tat” sound of the drakes as well as the nasally quacks of hens.

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