For waterfowl hunters, mastering the art of calling ducks is just as important as camo, decoys, and positioning. Whether you’re calling in mallards over flooded timber or working teal across an open marsh, the ability to speak their language starts with choosing the best duck calls. But with countless options on the market—varying in design, material, and complexity—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially for beginners.
This guide breaks down how to choose the best duck call for your hunting style, experience level, and budget. From reed types to call materials and calling conditions, we’ll help you pick the right call that not only sounds great but also feels right in your hands.
Why the Right Duck Call Matters
Duck calls aren’t just noise-makers. They are tools of communication—replicating the sounds ducks make in the wild. When used correctly, they can convince even the most hesitant flock to circle and commit. The best duck calls can do more than quack; they convey urgency, invitation, aggression, or reassurance, depending on how they’re used.
A poor call, or poor technique, can do the exact opposite—scare birds away or alert them that something’s not quite right. That’s why investing in a quality call, and learning how to use it properly, is essential.
Single Reed vs. Double Reed Duck Calls
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is choosing between a single reed or double reed design. The reed is the thin piece inside the call that vibrates when you blow, creating the duck-like sounds.
Single Reed
Single reed duck calls offer greater range and flexibility. They can produce louder hails, raspier cadences, and more ducky variation—ideal for advanced users. Because they’re sensitive to air pressure and hand position, they allow fine control but can be tricky for beginners.
Double Reed
Double reed calls are more forgiving. They’re easier to control and require less finesse to produce a realistic quack. This makes them a top choice for those learning to call, or for hunters who want something dependable in the blind. If you’re looking for the best duck calls as a beginner, this is a great place to start.
Types of Duck Calls and When to Use Them
Not all duck calls are designed for the same purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and when to use each:
Mallard Hen Calls
The mallard hen call is the most widely used because mallards are vocal, responsive, and often the dominant species in mixed flocks. The best duck call for general use will almost always be based on this sound.
Whistle Calls
Used for pintail, teal, and wigeon, whistle-style duck calls are easy to master and offer a great secondary option to your main call. They’re especially effective during early season or in areas where pressure has made ducks more cautious.
Specialty Calls
Some calls are tuned specifically for diver ducks or wood ducks. While not always necessary, advanced hunters may carry these to complete their arsenal in regions where specific species dominate.
Choosing the Right Material
Duck calls come in a range of materials—each affecting tone, durability, and price. Understanding how materials affect performance can help you make a smarter decision.
Acrylic
Known for sharp, loud tones, acrylic calls are extremely durable and ideal for open water. They’re popular among seasoned hunters and guides who want a crisp, clean sound that cuts through wind and distance. Many of the best duck calls on the market are made of acrylic.
Wood
Wooden calls produce warm, mellow tones. They excel in close-range calling and in timber or marsh environments. However, they can swell or warp with moisture over time. For traditionalists or those hunting in damp, closed spaces, a wooden call is a solid pick.
Polycarbonate
Affordable and dependable, polycarbonate calls offer a mix of durability and performance. They’re often molded rather than hand-turned and are considered a great choice for beginners or budget-conscious hunters. If you’re new and seeking the best duck call to learn on, polycarbonate is a smart option.
What Makes a Duck Call “The Best”?
So what exactly makes one call better than another? While personal preference plays a role, the best duck calls typically check several boxes:
- Ease of Use: Especially for beginners, the call should be easy to blow and not require perfect technique to sound realistic.
- Sound Quality: The tone should be ducky, consistent, and able to produce a range of vocalizations.
- Durability: The call should withstand harsh field conditions—cold, wet, and mud included.
- Versatility: A good call can produce loud hails, soft quacks, and everything in between.
- Maintenance: Reeds should be easy to clean or replace. Some calls even come with tuning instructions or tools.
Matching the Call to Your Environment
Where you hunt plays a big role in which duck calls will perform best.
- Timber Hunts: Softer, raspier calls (wood or double reed) excel here. Ducks are closer and echo is a concern.
- Open Water: You’ll need more volume. Loud, sharp acrylic calls are often the best duck calls for lakes or flooded fields.
- High-Pressure Public Land: Subtlety wins. Choose a call that allows finesse and precise control to avoid overcalling.
Pro Tips for Beginners
Choosing your first duck call is only the beginning. Here are a few pro tips to help you get started:
- Practice Before the Season: Don’t wait until the opener. Spend time listening to duck sounds and practicing your cadence at home.
- Start Simple: Don’t buy an advanced single reed if you can’t control it. You’ll only get frustrated. Choose a double reed and learn the basics first.
- Watch and Learn: There are hundreds of videos online from pros demonstrating sequences like the five-note greeting call, feeding chuckle, and comeback call.
- Don’t Overcall: Silence is often more effective than overblowing. Sometimes less is more, especially when ducks are working your spread.
Tips for Experienced Callers
If you’ve been hunting for a while, finding the best duck call may involve fine-tuning your style or upgrading your gear. Look for:
- Custom-tuned or hand-turned calls
- Modular systems that let you swap barrels or tone boards
- High-end acrylic calls with adjustable reeds
Even pros benefit from carrying two or three calls to adapt to conditions and duck behavior. The ability to adjust pitch, rasp, and cadence on the fly is what separates good callers from great ones.
Final Thoughts
The journey to finding the best duck calls is a personal one. What works for your buddy may not work for you. The key is to match the call to your skill level, hunting environment, and budget.
For beginners, a dependable double reed made of polycarbonate or wood will get you started. For veterans, a high-end acrylic single reed might offer the edge you need on pressured birds. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, mastering your duck calls will always be one of the most rewarding—and effective—skills in your hunting toolkit.
So take your time, try a few, and remember: the best duck call is the one that brings ducks into your spread and gives you confidence with every blow.
