Wood ducks are one of the most stunningly beautiful waterfowl in North America. The males have iridescent chestnut and green plumage accented with white stripes and bars. Their elegance has made them a favorite among hunters and birdwatchers alike. Wood ducks get their name from their tendency to nest in tree cavities in wooded swamps and forests near water. They are a nervous duck that is easily spooked, so learning how to properly use a wood duck call is essential for attracting them during hunting season. With numerous types of wood duck calls on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which call is the easiest to use for beginners. This article will explore the different types of wood duck calls and give recommendations on the easiest options for those just learning how to use a duck call.
Types of Wood Duck Calls
There are several main types of calls used to attract wood ducks:
- Single reed duck calls
- Double reed duck calls
- Barrel reed duck calls
- Pocket calls
- Whistle calls
Single reed calls are the most common and easiest to use for beginners. They produce sound when air is blown over a single, curved reed inside the call. More experienced hunters can create very realistic sounding wood duck vocalizations with single reed calls, but they are also simple enough for novices to make basic quacks and comebacks.
Double reed duck calls require precisely tuned reeds that vibrate against one another when air passes through them. This allows advanced callers to make subtle sounds like feeding chuckles. However, it takes more practice to master double reed calls, so they are less ideal for beginners.
Barrel reed calls contain a reed fixed inside a barrel or tube. Air flows through the reed when you blow into the tube. Barrel reeds are inexpensive and have a simpler design, but they don’t allow as wide a variety of sounds as single or double reed calls.
Pocket calls are miniature versions of standard duck calls that can fit inside your pocket. They come in single, double, or barrel reed designs. The small size makes them easy to carry and blow, but they typically don’t have as loud or clear sound as full-sized calls.
Whistle calls, also known as pealess calls, are essentially a whistle shaped into a call. You control the sound by how you move your fingers over the holes. Whistle calls are easy to blow and make decent sounding wood duck vocalizations. However, mastering the finger movements takes practice.
Choosing the Easiest Wood Duck Call for Beginners
When determining the easiest wood duck call for someone just learning, there are a few key factors to consider:
Call Design
Look for calls with simple designs without extra features. Calls with multiple reeds, extenders, or other modifications can complicate usage. Choose a basic, single reed call in a standard layout. This straightforward design allows beginners to focus on proper blowing technique.
Reed Type
Polycarbonate reeds are flexible and durable, making them ideal for beginners. They can withstand being blown incorrectly as you learn proper technique. Avoid wood, acrylic, or metal reeds until you gain experience, as they are less forgiving.
Tone
High-pitched hen wood duck calls are naturally easier to blow than low-pitched drake calls. Look for calls described as easy blowing or producing high to mid-range tones. This takes less air pressure for beginners to generate sound.
Volume
Loud calls require more precise control over airflow. Softer, mid-volume calls are more forgiving for novices and can still be heard adequately on small ponds and rivers. However, you can look for calls with adjustable sound volumes to allow for more projection as your skill increases.
Price
Inexpensive calls under $20 are ideal for beginners in case you end up damaging or losing it while practicing. Look for budget-friendly plastic or polycarbonate calls from reputable brands. As your skills improve, you can invest in pricier calls for expanded features and sound quality.
4 Easy Wood Duck Calls for Beginners
Based on the above criteria, here are 4 recommended wood duck calls that are easy for beginners to use:
Faulk’s Game Calls WD1 Wood Duck Call
- Polycarbonate single reed call with easy mid-range tone
- Open ended design requires less precise air control
- Produces 4 main wood duck vocalizations
- Clear and easy to blow
- Durable, inexpensive plastic construction
- Retails around $15
Ducks Unlimited Woodie Wind Wood Duck Call
- Polycarbonate and maple single reed call
- Easy to blow with great tone for beginners
- Warble effect allows realistic feed call
- Lightweight and durable
- Retails around $25
Lohman Pine Ridge Camo Duck Call
- Inexpensive single reed polycarbonate call
- Produces loud hail and comeback calls
- Camo patterned for hunting situations
- Lanyard included
- Retails for around $10
Primos Hook Hunter Wood Duck Call
- Single reed polycarbonate barrel call
- Easy to use with built-in lanyard
- Produces 5 main wood duck vocalizations
- Durable and weather resistant
- Retails for around $15
Tips for Using Wood Duck Calls
Here are some helpful tips for beginners learning to use wood duck calls:
Practice Short Notes First
Master short, choppy hen notes before attempting long calls. This helps with controlling your airflow and tonguing the reed.
Use Proper Tonguing
Say the word “dit” to stop airflow with your tongue and create the choppy hen sound. Let the reed vibrate otherwise.
Control Your Air
Blow steady, medium bursts of air to create smooth sounds. Don’t blow too hard or soft.
Relax Your Throat and Jaw
Avoid tension in your mouth, throat, and jaw while blowing. This creates cleaner sounds.
Start Softly
Don’t try to start with loud calling. Focus on tone and technique in lower volumes first.
Use Natural Habitat Sounds
Add light wood knocks, water splashing, or other ambient sounds to increase realism.
Practice Consistently
Daily practice of 15-20 minutes is better than occasional long sessions. This develops muscle memory faster.
Conclusion
Wood duck calling requires patience and regular practice to master, but starting with an easy to blow call designed for beginners can help make the learning process more enjoyable. Look for open ended, single reed calls with polycarbonate reeds and simple designs. Medium volume hen calls produce the most consistent sound for novices. With the right call and proper technique, even novice hunters can attract one of the most stunning ducks in North America. The satisfaction of luring in a flock of vibrant wood ducks will make the effort of practicing worthwhile.