Waterfowl hunting can be a challenging sport, as different species of ducks and geese respond to different calls and decoy setups. Mallard ducks are the most popular game duck species in North America, known for responding well to mallard hen quacks and calls. Teal, on the other hand, are small, fast ducks that tend to prefer quiet, secluded ponds and marshes. This raises the question – will teal respond to mallard calls, or do you need specialized teal calls and decoys?
Mallard vs. Teal Behavior
Mallards and teal, while both dabbling ducks, have some key behavioral differences:
Mallards
- Social and vocal ducks that travel in flocks
- Readily respond to hen mallard quacks and calls
- Drawn to motion and grouping of decoys
- Prefer open water and larger wetlands
Teal
- Quiet, fast flying ducks that avoid areas with pressure
- Do not always respond to noisy mallard calls
- Drawn to small groups or pairs of decoys
- Prefer small, secluded ponds and marshes
Due to their skittish nature, teal may actually flare off and avoid an area if loud mallard calling is used. The key is to use subtle teal quacks and feeding chuckles rather than loud, aggressive hen mallard calls when targeting teal.
Pros & Cons of Using Mallard Calls for Teal
Here are the main pros and cons of using mallard calls to hunt teal:
Pros
- Mallard calls can get the attention of any nearby ducks
- A lost teal may respond to a mallard call
- Mallard hens and teal often associate in the same habitat
- Mallard calls work well early and late in the day when teal are more active
Cons
- Loud mallard calling can spook wary teal
- Teal have different quacks/chuckles than mallards
- Teal do not always respond to mallard hen calls
- Overcalling can make ducks flare off and avoid the area
The effectiveness of using mallard calls really depends on the specific situation – teal species and numbers, time of day, weather, etc. Using mallard calls sparingly at a distance can get the attention of teal without pressuring them too much.
Best Teal Calling Tips
Here are some top teal calling tips when specifically hunting teal:
- Use a teal call – they make high pitched squeaks and chatter
- Start with subtle feeding chuckles and chirps
- Only use louder kee-kee-kee alarm calls occasionally
- Softly quack like a lost teal hen looking for a mate
- Sit quietly and limit your calling
- Resist overcalling – less is often more with teal
In addition to using specific teal calls, setting out teal decoys, including spin wing decoys, can help draw teal into your setup. Remember that teal are easily spooked, so calling and decoy placement should be subtle and natural.
Teal Calling Demonstrations
To hear examples of proper teal calling techniques, watch the following YouTube videos:
Teal Feeding Call
Teal Kee-Kee Call
These videos help demonstrate the unique sounds teal make compared to mallards. Practice these subtler teal calls to better attract teal during your hunts.
Using Mallard vs. Teal Decoys
In additional to specialized calling, deploying teal decoys can make a big difference when teal hunting:
Mallard Decoys
- Full sized, highly visible for attracting mallards
- Offer good visibility and contrast for mallards
- Work well for divers like pintails, wigeon, etc.
- May spook wary teal – too large and visible
Teal Decoys
- Small profile better mimics teal
- Provides a sense of safety for teal
- Allows teal to land right in your spread
- Hard for mallards to spot from a distance
A mixed spread with a majority of teal decoys and a few mallards can be effective for both species. Add in some teal spinners that provide flash and motion, and you’ll have a solid teal setup.
Best Teal Hunting Tactics
When targeting teal specifically, the following tactics can improve your success:
- Hunt small marshes, ponds, and flooded fields teal prefer
- Set up on shallow water edges, moist soil, and mudflats
- Conceal blinds in brush or vegetation on shore
- Use a dozen or fewer decoys in a loose group
- Include a teal spinner for added motion
- Remain still and quiet when teal are working the spread
- Resist the urge to overcall
- Be ready for close fast action on these small ducks
Hunting teal takes stealth, patience and perfecting your teal calling. Scouting ahead of time will help locate where teal are congregating so you can set up properly to intercept them.
Conclusion
While mallard calls can occasionally work when teal hunting, dedicated teal calls and tactics are much more effective. The key is knowing teal behavior and their habitat, and not pressuring them with loud, excessive calling. With proper scouting and a stealthy approach, a well-placed teal decoy spread and expert teal calling will result in shooting success. As always, proper identification is crucial given the regulations surrounding duck species and limits. Listen and learn the unique sounds teal make, practice teal calling techniques, and set up in areas teal frequent to increase your odds of bagging these fast flying birds.
Mallard Behavior | Teal Behavior |
---|---|
Social, vocal | Quiet, avoid noise |
Respond to mallard calls | Do not always respond to mallard calls |
Drawn to large decoy spreads | Drawn to small decoy numbers |
Prefer larger water | Prefer small ponds and marshes |
Mallard Decoys | Teal Decoys |
---|---|
Large and visible | Small profile mimics teal |
Good visibility for mallards | Provides sense of safety for teal |
Can spook wary teal | Allows teal to land in spread |
Visible from distance | Hard for mallards to spot |
Key Teal Hunting Tips
- Use teal calls – feeding chuckles and kee-kees
- Start calling softly and limit calling
- Conceal blinds in brush on shore
- Use a dozen or fewer teal decoys
- Add a teal spinner for motion
- Remain still and quiet when birds are close
- Scout ahead to locate teal habitat
Conclusion
In summary, mallard calls can work at times for teal, but dedicated teal calls, decoys and hunting tactics are much more effective. Take the time to learn teal behavior, practice teal calling techniques, and set up in the ideal teal locations to improve success when targeting these small, fast ducks. With the right approach, you’ll be rewarded with exciting teal hunting and fill your bag limits!