We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More \u203a<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Calling in a big flock of mallards, working them hard on the edges, and then finishing them over the decoys is one of the most thrilling moments in all of waterfowl hunting. But for beginners, blowing a duck call\u2014at least in a way that sounds like a duck\u2014can be a serious challenge.<\/p>\n A duck call is essentially a musical instrument, only instead of trying to play a song, you\u2019re trying to hit the notes that will bring ducks into shotgun range.\u00a0The best duck calls for beginners are easy to blow and they sound realistic. They\u2019re also affordable and readily available at online retailers. After trying dozens of calls over decades of duck hunting, these are my top picks for the best duck calls for beginners along with audio recordings for how they sound.<\/p>\n Best Duck Calls for Beginners<\/strong><\/p>\n What species will you be hunting most often? If you\u2019re like most duck hunters, a mallard call is what you want to start with. Puddle ducks and even occasionally divers will work to a mallard call. But if you hunt wood ducks specifically, or often target teal or wigeon, you\u2019ll also want a whistle-type call.\u00a0<\/p>\n Most duck call options will have either one or two reeds (though the Duck Commander Triple Threat has three). Reed selection all comes down to personal preference, but generally, double-reed calls are easier for beginners to use. Double reed calls do require more air pressure to blow, but they are also more forgiving. Single-reed calls have more range in pitch and volume, but they also require better mechanics and air control. If you\u2019re getting started and just want to make realistic duck sounds, you\u2019ll probably have an easier time with a double-reed call.<\/p>\n Duck calls are commonly made from wood, polycarbonate, or acrylic. Wood is softer and more porous making softer sounds. Acrylic is denser and typically makes for louder calls (it\u2019s also usually more expensive). Polycarbonate falls in the middle of the two. You\u2019ll notice that most calls in this list are poly since that middle ground is a good place to start.<\/p>\n Custom duck calls can cost a few hundred bucks, but there\u2019s no need for a beginner to spend that much. Going back to the musical instrument analogy, someone just learning to play guitar shouldn\u2019t throw down for the hottest new Fender (though, if you want to spend big, here\u2019s our review of the best duck calls<\/a>). The calls in this lineup cost up to about $36. If the call you pick doesn\u2019t work for you, that\u2019s cheap enough that you can try another.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why It Made the Cut<\/strong><\/p>\n This call offers a wide range of pitches and is very easy to blow.<\/p>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n Product Description \u201cWe were trying to create three reeds that are easy to blow,\u201d Robertson says. \u201cThe more reeds you have, the more difficult it is to get the reeds to harmonize. We figured it out and the result was a unique sound.\u201d<\/p>\n On the low end (less air pressure) the call sounds nice and raspy in tone, and on the high end, the call is crisp with a higher pitch that will cut through the wind. In this lineup of calls, it was the second easiest for me to blow, behind only the Haydel\u2019s call. A call that is easy to blow is useful for beginners, but also for experienced duck hunters who want to call softly and work birds in close.<\/p>\n \n
\n Published Dec 3, 2022 10:00 AM
\n <\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\nThings to Consider Before Buying a Duck Call<\/h2>\n
Species<\/h3>\n
Number of Reeds<\/h3>\n
Call Material<\/h3>\n
Cost<\/h3>\n
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Jase Robertson and his buddy Steve Schultz designed the Triple Threat<\/a> call over the course of a year.<\/p>\n