Ever heard the thrilling sound of ducks answering your call and wondered, “How do they do that?” It’s a sound that sparks excitement for many hunters, but for beginners, picking the right duck call can feel like trying to understand a secret language. The sheer number of calls out there, each with different sounds and styles, can be overwhelming. You want to get started, but you don’t want to waste your money on something that won’t work.
This is where we come in. We’re going to break down the world of duck calls just for you. By the end of this post, you’ll understand the basics of what makes a good beginner call and feel confident about your first purchase. We’ll help you avoid common mistakes so you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying the outdoors and calling those ducks in.
Our Top 5 Duck Calls For Beginners Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Duck Calls For Beginners Detailed Reviews
1. BGC The Finisher Duck Call Combo Pack – Mallard Magic Duck Call & 6-in-1 Whistle
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for duck season with the BGC The Finisher Duck Call Combo Pack. This pack gives you two awesome calls to help you bring in those ducks. It’s perfect for hunters who want to be prepared right away. You can start calling ducks as soon as you open the box.
What We Like:
- This combo pack is ready to hunt right out of the box.
- The Mallard Magic call is super easy to use.
- It has a double reed system that makes it simple to maintain in the field.
- The 6-in-1 Whistle is really versatile. It calls mallard drakes, pintail, wood duck, wigeon, and other whistling ducks.
- It’s a great value for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- More detailed instructions for the 6-in-1 Whistle could be helpful for beginners.
- A carrying case or lanyard would make it easier to keep track of both calls.
This combo pack offers a lot of value for any duck hunter. You get two effective calls that cover many duck species, making it a smart choice for your next hunt.
2. DUCK COMMANDER Classic Duck Calls – Shadow Single Reed Duck Call – Polycarbonate Barrel
Rating: 9.0/10
The DUCK COMMANDER Classic Duck Calls – Shadow Single Reed Duck Call – Polycarbonate Barrel, Mallard Hen, Finishing Call – for Waterfowl Hunting is a great tool for any duck hunter. It’s built tough and makes realistic duck sounds.
What We Like:
- It’s made from strong smoke grey polycarbonate. This means it can handle rough weather and lots of use in the field.
- The single-reed, friction-fit design is easy to use. It makes raspy, lifelike mallard hen sounds that ducks can’t ignore.
- This call is great for beginners. But it also works well for experienced hunters who want to control their sounds precisely.
- It’s designed as a finishing call. This helps bring ducks in close when it’s time to shoot.
- It’s Duck Commander’s first single reed call. It’s proven to work in real hunting situations.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s easy for beginners, mastering the subtle nuances for advanced calling might take some practice.
- The smoke grey color is good for camouflage, but some hunters might prefer more color options.
This duck call offers a fantastic blend of durability and realistic sound. It’s a solid choice for hunters looking to improve their success rate.
3. Duck Commander Specialty Duck Calls – Teal Hen Call- High Pitch & Exact Volume of Hen
Rating: 8.7/10
Calling all duck hunters! If you’re looking to add a secret weapon to your waterfowl arsenal, the Duck Commander Specialty Teal Hen Call is worth a serious look. This call is designed to sound just like a real teal hen, which is a game-changer when you’re out in the blind. It’s built tough and easy to use, making it a great addition for both new and experienced hunters.
What We Like:
- It sounds exactly like a teal hen, with a high pitch and the right volume.
- The patented double-reed system makes it super easy to blow, even for beginners.
- It’s made of strong plastic that can handle tough hunting conditions.
- The realistic sound really helps bring in ducks.
- It acts as a “confidence call” for those tricky late-season ducks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s durable, some hunters might prefer a call with a more natural material feel.
- The high-pitch sound, while effective, might not be ideal for every single hunting situation.
The Duck Commander Specialty Teal Hen Call is a fantastic tool that delivers on its promise of lifelike sound and ease of use. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to improve their teal hunting success.
4. minzico Wood Duck Call – Game Call Hunting Mallard-Pheasant Goose Realistic Sounding Whistle Outdoor Game Call Voice
Rating: 8.7/10
The minzico Wood Duck Call is designed for hunters who want to attract waterfowl. It’s made from natural wood, which helps create a realistic sound. This call is easy to use, even for beginners, so you can sound like an expert hunter. It’s perfect for calling ducks and other game birds like pheasants and geese. This call makes a great gift for anyone who loves hunting or spending time outdoors.
What We Like:
- Made from natural wood for a rich, raspy, and smooth sound.
- Very easy to blow, making it simple for anyone to use.
- Produces a realistic sound that’s great for calling ducks and other waterfowl.
- An excellent gift idea for duck hunting enthusiasts.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description mentions pheasant and goose, but the product title specifically highlights “Wood Duck Call,” which might be confusing for some users.
- While it’s easy to blow, mastering the most realistic sounds might still take some practice for absolute beginners.
This minzico Wood Duck Call offers a natural sound and user-friendly design. It’s a solid choice for hunters looking to improve their chances in the field.
5. Buck Gardner Calls BGC Double Nasty Duck Call – Camo Green/Smoke – Polycarbonate
Rating: 8.7/10
The Buck Gardner Calls BGC Double Nasty Duck Call in Camo Green/Smoke is a polycarbonate call designed to bring in those mallards. Its unique Spit-Tech toneboard helps keep the reed from sticking when it gets wet, which is a big deal in the duck blind. This call is built to be loud and raspy, giving you that J-frame double reed sound that mallards can’t resist. It also features a cool gunmetal band and is proudly made in the USA.
What We Like:
- The Spit-Tech toneboard is a game-changer, stopping the reed from sticking when wet.
- It produces a loud, raspy sound that really attracts mallards.
- The camo green and smoke color looks great, and the gunmetal band adds a nice touch.
- It’s made right here in the USA, which is always a plus for quality.
- The polycarbonate material makes it durable for tough hunting conditions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for mallards, some hunters might want more versatility for other duck species.
- The “Double Nasty” name might sound a bit intense for some users.
This call is a solid choice for any duck hunter looking for a reliable and effective way to call in mallards. Its innovative design and powerful sound make it a valuable addition to your hunting gear.
Your First Quack: A Beginner’s Duck Call Buying Guide
So, you want to learn how to call ducks? That’s awesome! A duck call can make your hunting trips way more exciting. But with so many options, where do you even start? Don’t worry, this guide will help you pick the perfect beginner duck call.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re just starting, keep it simple. You want a call that’s easy to blow and makes a good sound.
- Easy to Blow: Some calls are harder to make noise with. Look for one that feels natural when you blow into it. You don’t want to get tired after just a few tries.
- Clear Sound: The call should make a sound that sounds like a real duck. It shouldn’t sound squeaky or raspy in a bad way.
- Durability: You’ll be using this call outdoors, so it needs to be tough. It shouldn’t break easily if you drop it.
- Simple Design: Fancy calls can be confusing. A straightforward design will help you focus on learning the sounds.
Important Materials
The stuff your duck call is made of matters. It affects how it sounds and how long it lasts.
- Plastic: Most beginner calls are made of plastic. It’s cheap, durable, and easy to make. Plastic calls are great for learning because they are forgiving.
- Wood: Wood calls often sound richer and more natural. However, they can be more expensive and might need more care. For a beginner, plastic is usually the best bet.
- Acrylic: This is like a super-strong plastic. Acrylic calls can produce very clear and loud sounds. They are a good step up from basic plastic calls.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a duck call better or worse for you.
- Reed Setup: The reeds are thin pieces inside the call that vibrate to make sound. A single reed is often easier for beginners to control. Double reeds can make more complex sounds but are harder to master.
- Fit and Finish: A well-made call feels good in your hand. There shouldn’t be any rough edges or loose parts. A smooth finish helps with a good seal when you blow.
- Tuning: Some calls can be “tuned” to make different sounds. While this is cool, it’s not something a beginner needs to worry about right away. Focus on getting a call that sounds good out of the box.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your duck call.
- Practice: You’ll spend a lot of time practicing at home. A call that’s easy to blow will make practice fun, not frustrating.
- Hunting: When you’re out in the field, you need a call that works. It should attract ducks so you can have a successful hunt.
- Learning Curve: A beginner call should have a gentle learning curve. You want to learn basic duck sounds quickly.
A good beginner duck call is one that’s easy to use, sounds realistic, and can take a beating. Don’t get caught up in fancy features. Focus on a call that helps you learn and enjoy the process of calling ducks.
Duck Call FAQs for Newbies
Here are some common questions beginners have about duck calls.
Q: What’s the easiest type of duck call for a beginner?
A: A single-reed plastic duck call is usually the easiest for beginners. It’s simple to blow and control.
Q: Do I need an expensive duck call to start?
A: No, you don’t need an expensive call. Many affordable plastic calls work great for learning.
Q: How do I make a good sound with a duck call?
A: Practice is key! Start by blowing gently. You’ll learn to make different sounds with more practice.
Q: What are the basic sounds I should learn?
A: The most important sounds are the “quack” and the “feed call.” These will help you attract ducks.
Q: How often should I practice?
A: Try to practice a little bit every day. Even 10-15 minutes can make a big difference.
Q: Can I use my duck call in the rain?
A: Most plastic duck calls can handle rain. Just make sure to dry it off afterward.
Q: How do I clean my duck call?
A: You can usually rinse it with water. Some calls come with instructions for deeper cleaning.
Q: What’s the difference between a single-reed and a double-reed call?
A: A single-reed call has one thin piece that vibrates. A double-reed call has two. Single-reed calls are easier for beginners.
Q: Will a duck call scare away other animals?
A: It might startle some animals, but it’s designed to attract ducks. It shouldn’t harm other wildlife.
Q: Where can I find good beginner duck calls?
A: You can find them at sporting goods stores, online retailers, and hunting specialty shops.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.