The Best Duck Calls
Duck calling is a time-honored tactic in hunting and duck watching. Being able to attract lovely birds with a call of their own is incredibly helpful when out hunting on the pond or hiking through the woods. If you're on the hunt for the perfect accessory for your next outdoor adventure or simply looking to widen your collection, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of our top duck call picks to help your search go smoothly. Before we started looking, we made a list of things we wanted to check off when choosing products including the appearance, effectiveness, and price. Our favorite was the Primos Hunting 839 duck call. For quality and cost, it can't be beat. But although the Primos is a great beginner piece, for the more seasoned hunter we found the Duck Commander Jase Robertson Series call. It's a bit more advanced, but the durability and aesthetically pleasing design are worth it. To find out more about our favorite duck calls, read on below.
Duck Commander Jase Robertson Pro Series Call
The call of the wild
From Duck Dynasty star Jase Robertson comes a pro series duck call that you won’t want to miss out on. This double reed call is both elegantly styled as well as high quality in pitch. Even for beginners, this is a wonderful buy due to its incredibly easy-to-use design. There’s no need to blow and blow until you’re light in the head with this product. Instead, simply blow a light, steady stream of air and you’ll be one with the ducks in seconds.
Pros:
- We were surprised by the realistic sounds that this option can produce. It’s as high-quality as a duck call twice as expensive.
- This call’s sound is indistinguishable from that of a mallard hen, so it really is quite effective in the field.
Cons:
- On cold days, the reeds may harden and not produce as natural of a sound as they do on warm days.
Duck Commander 6 In 1 Duck Call
Different calls, one whistle
No matter your age or experience level, this duck call is the perfect accessory for any hunter. Even little kids can get in on the action with this piece thanks to its simple design and easy use. This option can make up to six different waterfowl calls including teal drake, pintail drake, quail, dove, mallard drake, and wigeon drake. The versatility is hard to beat when compared to other similar products, making it the perfect gift or beginner buy.
Pros:
- This call even works with rabbits and fowl.
- Even children as young as three years old have been able to master this call.
Cons:
- The plastic isn’t the highest grade but it does the job.
Primos Hunting 839 Duck Call
For beginners or tight-budget hunters and watchers, this duck call is the perfect choice. The very affordable price is hard to top, and its quality is uncompromised. Included in the purchase is a free lanyard loop to ensure you never lose your call, no matter how hard of a trek you have or how bumpy of a ride. Even for you mustached hunters out there, this product fits comfortably on all mouth shapes and produces a clean call every time.
Pros:
- We were pleasantly surprised to discover how easy it is to master changing the pitch and timbre on this one. It doesn’t strain the voice or mouth muscles, either.
- Its light weight barely feels like it’s there when on the lanyard.
Cons:
- The sound is a bit high-pitched compared to most other options.
Echo Diamonwood Timber Call
This lovely wooden timber call gives a beautiful raspy call with every use. There’s no reason you can’t love the look of your call while still maintaining a perfect pitch. The double reed design produces a clean sound with little effort, making it a great addition to any tour guide or hunter’s lanyard. Even though the price is a bit higher, this product is a wonderful choice as a gift to any outdoorsman in your life.
Pros:
- Even after four years of use, this call still sounds brand new.
- We were impressed by the sturdy wooden build. It’s very thick and durable, even after being knocked around while hunting.
Cons:
- The price is on the higher end of the spectrum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean my duck call after use?
It goes unsaid that your duck call can become a little gunky after a while of use due to the buildup of saliva and dirt. To protect your accessory and maintain a clean call every time, it’s important to clean your piece after each use or as often as you can. Thankfully, cleaning duck calls is very simple.
Just take your piece and run water through it to wash out any remaining debris or buildup. For plastic or acrylic calls, we recommend filling a bowl of water and mild soap to soak it in for a few minutes before draining and drying. To finish the cleaning process, you may take some string or dental floss to pull through the reeds to ensure a thorough removal of dirt.
How should I store my duck call?
Duck calls work best when kept warm, to prevent the wood or plastic from shrinking and cracking. When out in the field or trails, we recommend keeping your duck call tucked into your jacket to keep it warm when not being used. Once you return home, make sure to first clean your piece then place it in a clean storage bin or cabinet where it is safe from frost or dust.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.