How to Master the Best Duck Calls for Better Duck Hunts

However, an important part of your duck hunting gear and success is using the right duck calls at the right time.

Before we jump into what different duck calls mean and when to use them, we'll start with the basics: the different types of duck calls, how they work, and the best duck calls to approach first. 

What are the Types of Duck Calls?

First, it's important to know that not all duck calls are the same. Different calls work better with different duck species in various scenarios.

It can help to know how different calls work and what they're made of.

Single Reed vs. Double Reed

The reed inside your duck call is what vibrates and creates sound. This is similar to what’s in many instruments (like a clarinet).

It’s also similar to what’s in a diaphragm call for turkey or other mouth calls. Most calls are either single reed or double reed, and each has its own feel.

• Single Reed Calls: A single reed call can give you more range and control. You can get loud and sharp or soft and subtle, depending on how you blow. They’re great calls for y’all who want flexibility and don’t mind practicing.

• Double Reed Calls: These calls are easier to use and give you that raspy, ducky sound without much effort. They’re perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a reliable, natural sound with less air control. They don’t quite have the range of a single reed, but they git’r done, especially in tight quarters.

Wood vs. Acrylic

Once you’ve picked a reed style, you’ll notice calls come in different materials, usually wood or acrylic.

• Wood Calls: These calls are softer, making them ideal for close-range calling or hunting in timber areas where echoes and sharp tones can be a problem. Note that wood can swell and change with moisture, so it might change if it gets wet — but don’t let this deter you. My first call was wood, and it’s still one of my favorites to play around with. 

• Acrylic Calls: These calls are louder, sharper, and built to cut through wind and open spaces. Acrylic calls are great for big water or windy days when you need to reach out. They're ideal for hunting on the bay, on a pond, or in a field. They’re more durable and consistent than wood, but also a little more expensive. However, they come in cool patterns and colors.

No matter which calls you use, it’s always useful to have some kind of lanyard or way to tether your calls so they don’t get lost. Depending on where you duck hunt, the terrain can easily swallow up a dropped call.

How to Use a Duck Call

Now that you know a little about the types of calls, let’s talk about how to use them.

Here’s a breakdown of the best duck calls (types and techniques), what they mean to a duck, and when you want to be using them. Choose your calls, and let's get you in the field with these tips for using them!

The Basic Quack

This is the foundation of duck calling. A simple, clean “quack” mimics a hen mallard and says, “Hey, I’m just hanging out down here.”

If you only learn one call, make it this one.

When to use it: Use single quacks spaced out naturally when birds are already looking at your spread. It adds realism and keeps things casual. Think of it like background chatter.

The Greeting Call

This is a series of 5–7 quacks, usually in a descending rhythm. It’s the duck version of shouting “Over here!” to a group passing by. It grabs attention and can help guide them to you.

When to use it: Hit them with a greeting call when ducks are flying within earshot but haven’t committed yet. Early in the calling sequence is best, before they swing wide or pass by. 

The Comeback Call

This one’s more urgent and aggressive. If ducks were working your spread but started to drift off or have already flown over, the comeback call is your Hail Mary.

It tells them, “Hey, don’t leave! The party’s right here.”

It’s more urgent, and you’ll probably use this in timber. It’s a faster call and fun to play with. If you’re a hunter who gets distracted and doesn’t see the birds until it’s too late, then you’ll get good at this. It’s 5-7 calls that are hard and fast.

When to use it: When birds are flaring, sliding off, or just not finishing. A strong comeback call can change their mind and bring them back for a second look.

The Feeding Chuckle

This call sounds like ducks contentedly feeding and mumbling to each other. It’s a soft, fast series of notes that adds realism, especially when ducks are close.

To me, it sounds a bit like “tuckatuckatucka”. You won’t use this too often, but it’s good to have it ready to add variety.

When to use it: When birds are circling or about to finish, throw in a little chuckle to make your spread sound natural, but it’s not a deal killer if you don’t use it.

The Lonesome Hen

This is a few slow, spaced-out single quacks mimicking a hen that’s separated from the flock and looking for company. It’s subtle, realistic, and often overlooked.

I think it sounds essentially like the old iPhone alarm tone called “Duck,” so you might be familiar with it.

When to use it: Ideal for calm days or late-season birds that have heard it all. When ducks are call-shy or the action’s slow, a lonesome hen can quietly draw them in without spooking them.

The Hail Call

This one’s loud and long. It's a string of high-pitched, drawn-out notes meant to reach ducks way off in the distance. Think of it like waving both arms and shouting from across the field.

When to use it: Use the hail call only when birds are far away and you need to get their attention. Once they start turning or heading your way, switch to softer calls. If you keep blowing it after they’re close, you’ll likely send them away.

Use the Best Duck Calls and HuntWise for Better Hunts

At the end of the day, duck calling is all about sounding like a real duck at the right moment. You’re just trying to talk to them. It’s situational and will change with each hunt and the conditions. This is where HuntWise can be helpful as you're calling in the wind and talking to the birds. 

No matter where you’re at in your calling journey, start simple, listen to real ducks, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Practice everywhere, in the car, and the backyard, and don’t be afraid to drive the neighborhood dogs crazy.

You need to be confident that you can pull off the best duck calls, so you don't get tense in the moment. Play games with your buddies and try to talk "duck" between yourselves. Have fun and remember every hunt is a chance to get better. 

Along with your duck call skills, make sure you have HuntWise to help you plan your duck hunts around the wind and set up in the best spots to call in birds. Download the app and enjoy your first week free!