Duck call recomendations

[SpecialK]

I was in Gander Mtn the other day and happened to wander thru the call section. What should a first timer (caller) be looking for in a call for ducks and geese? Gander had a Primos call that came with a instructional cd on calling and I was leaning that way but thought maybe I ought to ask around first.

As always thanks for the help.

[fishingmike0770]

If you dont have anything planned for next weekend, i would take a trip out to the Gamefair in Anoka. Hundreds of booths with a lot of people that would love to help you pick out a good call. They also have calling contests and a lot of movies available for purchase. . its out in Anoka off highway 10. . its $9 to get in but its worth the money

[Kodiak]

dr-85 haydel double reed mallard....easy to blow and loud.

[anchor man]

I second the Haydel DR-85, it's cheap, has a good sound, easy to blow, and the ducks seem to like it too. I purchased a more expensive call last season and am considering pulling the DR-85 back out after marginal success with my newer call.

[bigdog]

I have a few calls but the DR-85 is the one I use most.

[SpecialK]

Ok how about goose calls? I talked to my brother and he seemed to think the faulks goose flute would be a good choice.

[metrojoe]

I'm no expert by any means, but I would have to agree with the above posts. DR-85 double reed mallard all the way. I think I paid around $14.

http://www.haydels.com/sounds/DR-85.mp3

[stayman79]

I agree with the guys that say the Haydel calls have a good sound. A buddy of mine has the DR-85 and knows how to use it. If the birds are working tough we let him do the calling solo. I have a Haydel "Dirty rice mallard" that I think sounds great, but the feeder call on it is too high pitched so I switch over to an easy blowing Echo call.

Here's a tip: sign up for Delta waterfowl. I just did and they sent out a free Buck Gardner call. I've been trying it out around the house (much to the dismay of my wife) and I think it sounds good for hails, quacks and feeders, just haven't had it in a hunting situation yet. Usually the ones you get for free don't sound too good or get clogged up too easily.

Goose call: great sound and easy to use, Big River long goose call, the wooden one. It's cheap, comes with a tape and made me sound good as a rookie. I still use it as my only goose call, haven't needed to switch.

Can't wait to get back out there!

[WALLEYENUTZ]

The DR-85 has great sound for a inexpensive call. can't go wrong.

[Gordie]

I use the Big River Long gosse call and I've tried both , plastic and wood and the wood is by far better.good sound, great tone,easy blowing. I've had great sucess with this call and I'm on my third one after 12years

[Kodiak]

fill me in on the wood vs plastic long honker, i have been using the plastic one for 5 years,,,is the wood one that much better??

[stayman79]

I think the wood one has a smoother, more mellow tone, but I think they are pretty close. Try it and see what you think...but if it's working fine, don't change! Confidence is key!

[ikeslayer]

i would recommend Game fair as well. the second weekend is this weekend. i would go up on waterfowler hill and stop by all the slobber stations and blow everyone's calls. I would also stop buy C&S custom calls. This guy is one of my friends but he knows so incredibly much about duck and goose calls it is sick he also makes everyone hand crafted and they look beautiful. Anyway this will give you a very good idea of what is out there whether you are going to buy a 200 dollar call or 20 dollar call it is the one stop shop. ike

[Gordie]

I'm not saying that the plastic one isn't any good , I just like the tone of the wood one and it just was over all easier to blow.I use both but I prefer the wood over plastic thats all.

[Roosterslayer05]

Just try out some calls. I bought a 5 doller call on clearance at gander 2 years ago and its my best call. Iv called in countless ducks with it. Its a big river double reed, I cant remember the name.

[SpecialK]

Thanks a ton guys, I really appreciate the advice. I won't be able to make it to game fair after all. Anyone know if any of the callers will be at the State Fair or if there is an area for them?

[Crusty old Swede]

The DR-85 is good, I use it as my #3 call behind a Primos wench and an original duck commander. The duck commander sounds good but does not like temps below freezing. The Primos sounds good and works longer in freezing temps.

[HunterLee]

it takes alot of practice and work to get to sound like a duck. i have five or six calls all of them less then 20 bucks. some for a dollar some wood some plastic. some i like better that others. the wench is a good one. find one you like and feel confident with and then practice.