the best duck call

[hunter101]

hello, I don't know what duck call to buy I am young and don't have a lot of money to buy and try calls I want a good all around call I personaly don't like rnt, I like the foiles timber rattler but I have not had the chance to try out the dead meat or the strait meat mallard I am also looking into the new lynch mob strangle hold call they just came out with. thanks

[J Kryspin]

Sounds like you have a pretty good grasp on the calls you are interested in...

[HonkerGenocide]

I would try out a Zink XR-2 I love mine i just sold off my timber rattler to buy one. This call is pure duck i thinks its the best out their just my opinion

[Dave Ladomer]

i tell you what the Strangle Hold would be good pick i have one in single reed and man it is awesome. Has the high end of single but gets so low and nasty i can't believe it.

[Luke Graham]

I was in your same situation last year and got a Zink XR-2. All I can say is that it is the best duck call I have ever used or heard and was worth every penny. Plus, it comes with an instructional video in which Fred Zink teaches you how to blow the call. Anyhow, the best advise I can give would be to either blow each call you are looking at, or listen to a sound clip and get whichever call sounds best to you. Also, don't hesitate to call each shop and have them give you a demo or talk to you the particular attributes of a call. Good luck next season and I hope you find a call that fits you well.

Luke

[takem7]

I would have to say RNT the proof is in the worlds they won I dont own one but would like to some of these guys are zinkaholics wouldnt try anything else if you payed them

[Barleysoda]

If I only could have one call and it had to be lets say under $50.00 then the choice is actually quite easy. The Primos original wench is the easiest call to learn and its less then 20 bucks at most places. This call has a duck in it and I know hunting guides that still use this call. I have an acrylic one but the plastic one sounds ever bit as good.
I love my Zink calls but they do take some effort. A person has to learn to blow single reed calls and Zinks double reed isnt as easy as most double reeds in my opinion.
If I was giving a class to first time duck callers then the wench is what I would hand out to all students. It should be everyones first duck call.
Now I am not nearly qualified to give a class on calling ducks but it was the wench that I learned on before I could move up to single reeds.

[Mallardbreath]

Check out Carlson Calls.

[Ryan Kleinschmidt]

I would have to say RNT the proof is in the worlds they won I dont own one but would like to some of these guys are zinkaholics wouldnt try anything else if you payed them


All depends on weather or not you are contest calling. Leave the stage material on the stage. I'm not saying RNT doesn't have good calls because they do, I have owned them. World contest wins mean nothing when it comes to calling ducks in the field in my opinion. Try some calls and pick the one that fits your style of blowing.

[J Kryspin]

I love the people who think the RNT MVP is only for the stage. I just smile and nod my head. :D

If you want an inexpensive, ducky call - Haydel's DR-85.

[Cory Johnson]

The Zink Power Hen gets the job done for me.

[Ryan Kleinschmidt]

I love the people who think the RNT MVP is only for the stage. I just smile and nod my head. :D

If you want an inexpensive, ducky call - Haydel's DR-85.


If your refering to me, that was not my point.

[J Kryspin]

If your refering to me, that was not my point.

Nope, not referring to you - only making a statement.

[Ryan Kleinschmidt]

If you want an inexpensive, ducky call - Haydel's DR-85.


BTW, I agree with that. I used to have one years ago! That and the Duck Commander calls were what I started on. Good, inexpensive calls as well.

[hunter101]

I just want one good call for the field NOT the stage the rnt calls don't sound duckey to me they sound like they are ment to only impress the judges

[Jeremy DeVries]

In your post you said you didn't have much money, then went on to talk about $75 plus calls??? Here's the answer I think you're lookin for.

Haydels DR-85 will give you good ducky sound for around 15 bucks. Primos Phat lady (not acrylic). This is the red one you see in sporting good stores. Great ducky sound and only $25. I also agree with the Primos Original Wench, also around 20 bucks. Some of the guides around here have ONLY that call. Obviously none of these will win contests, but they fool ducks, and you'll be able to lose one and not feel terrible. All 3 are great inexpensive calls.

I carry 4-5 of these 3 calls in my bag at all times. If I need to make a lot of racket and my dudes have NO calls and no idea how to blow, these calls produce decent sounds right away. Plus I can get 5 of them for the price of 1 of the others mentioned on this post. I think that is the REAL answer you were looking for.

[Josh Brugmans]

If you want an inexspensive call, that is pure duck then look no further than the GK Mallard Slayer. It retails for $40.00 straight from the GK website. Here is the link to the call. http://www.gkcalls.com/mallardslayer.htm

[Bullet21XD]

It isn't the calls that makes the difference.

Pick a call that has more than enough volume to cover the situations you'll be hunting...meaning...don't buy an Echo Timber to hunt BIG lakes. You can make a loud call quiet, but not vice versa.

As far as calls...anyone of them will work. You say you don't like the sound of RNT's...well there's about 4 decades worth of seasoned duck hunters that would disagree. It's not what you want to hear, it's what the birds want to hear.

We run into the occasion where we cannot pull birds off "THAT GUY" in the marsh...the one you think to yourself "WTH is that crap?".

If I had a limited budget to buy calls...id' probably go get a couple Echo Polycarbs...timber and Ow. The DR-85 is one of the most highly regarded duck calls as well...FOR A REASON!

If you think you aren't attracting ducks becouse of your calls, you either do not have the right call for the situation(see above), or you need to go to the park and watch real ducks for a while.

[J Kryspin]

I just want one good call for the field NOT the stage the rnt calls don't sound duckey to me they sound like they are ment to only impress the judges

Commander019 - This is what I mean. :D

Hunter101 - ...and which RNT calls have you heard that don't sound ducky?

[Ryan Kleinschmidt]

Got it!!! :D

[Brett Beinke]

The best duck call is simply the call you have the most confidence in for the situation that you are facing. If you mainly hunt one spot then one single duck call may be the answer. If you hunt a lot of different places then the best bet is two calls. For calm days, small ponds, timber or similar situations I think most hunters would favor a good double reed. For more open calling or calling in high winds single reeds are the ticket. For versatility again, the single reeds get the nod. For me, I have the most confidence in most situations in my Zink XR-2. Does that mean it is the only call I have ever blown? Well, I have been hunting ducks for over 30 years. I have used a few other duck calls. When the wind kicks up or I need to get out there I switch to a Power Hen. As the birds come closer I usually switch right back to my XR-2 because that is the call I have the most confidence in.

There are so many duck calls out there to choose from the best way to find out whats best for you is to go to a place with a good selection of calls and knowledgeable staff that can help you find the best call for YOU.

[Mark Brendemuehl]

I guess it depends on what you like and the cicumstances in which you hunt. Add in the cost factor on top of all of it. A larger investment at one crack may be cheaper in the long run than several smaller investments.
Many manufacturers make good duck calls. Test drive them and see what you like.
For me, I prefer single reeds no matter what. I like the versatility, responsiveness and volume. I have a Zink Powerhen that will never come off my lanyard. It is a nasty little call!
Mark

[Jeremy Abbas]

I have to agree with Mark and Brett, go to some websites and listen to sound files, find a calling contest and test drive some, go to your local dealer and drive them there also. A lot of manufacturers will help with any questions. My favorite is Lynch Mobs new Stranglehold that will be out on the market soon.

[J Kryspin]

My favorite duck calls are the RNT MVP and the RNT Daisy Cutter. Both get very ducky, very loud and can get very soft if necessary. These are the two calls that I've found so far that fit my calling style the best.

[goetler]

My favorite duck calls are the Duck Commander Classic and the Duck Picker. I have been using the same Classic for 10 years or more with just buying a few new reeds. I have even had Phil the Commander himself change some personally, also had Jase give me a different type of wedge for the duck picker to give it a different sound. I've had great customer service from them.:D :cool:

[Joe Fladeland]

Everyone will have their own preference as far as the "best" duck call but my XR-2 will always be on my lanyard. In my opinion, it's the best sounding call out there.

[Jonathan Rice]

Like Joe said everyone has their own preference on calls. In my opinion the best ducks calls would have to be an RNT Original, RNT Daisycutter and a Bois D'arc Shortbarrel. If your just looking for a good sounding poly call I would take a look at the Quackhead line of calls.

[QuackerWacker]

You can't go wrong with a DR-85 I have 3 all tuned different and each works Great for what its tuned for, I also like duck commander brown sugar for calling in close

[duckboy1]

kwack wackers calls!

[Hardcorecaller12]

Zink Calls all the way!!!!!!!!!! Have power hen and xr-2 . Love them both!
But, my xr-2 reed fell out during a snow goose hunt.

[Walt McCord]

Try a RNT!!!!!!! You cannot beat them!!!

[Whiskey & Me]

Limited budget = DR-85

Bought mine in 1985-86 and had it ever since...best $8 I ever spent.

Now days I think they are $15 about's.

WELL worth the money.

DR-85 is a solid call that is easy to blow, sounds like a duck and gets results...

I have 30+ calls, from comp. calls, to acrylic high dollar "duck calls" and the DR-85 is what stays on my lanyard year after year, and gets results...

"Proof is n' da Puddin" so to speak...

J.J.

Then...(actually 1988-89 season)
http://www.hunt101.com/img/421229-big.jpg

Today...(2006-2007 season) (same call)
http://www.hunt101.com/img/454612-big.JPG

[woodiesmacker]

try every call you can, i personally find most calls able to sound pretty good, its all about the one that fits best.

[kingkilla]

[QUOTE=Whiskey & Me]Limited budget = DR-85

Bought mine in 1985-86 and had it ever since...best $8 I ever spent.

Now days I think they are $15 about's.

WELL worth the money.

DR-85 is a solid call that is easy to blow, sounds like a duck and gets results...

I have 30+ calls, from comp. calls, to acrylic high dollar "duck calls" and the DR-85 is what stays on my lanyard year after year, and gets results...

"Proof is n' da Puddin" so to speak...

J.J.

i had one a while ago and then it started to smell like ass and i threw it away

[Barleysoda]

[quote=Whiskey & Me]Limited budget = DR-85

Bought mine in 1985-86 and had it ever since...best $8 I ever spent.

Now days I think they are $15 about's.

WELL worth the money.

DR-85 is a solid call that is easy to blow, sounds like a duck and gets results...

I have 30+ calls, from comp. calls, to acrylic high dollar "duck calls" and the DR-85 is what stays on my lanyard year after year, and gets results...

"Proof is n' da Puddin" so to speak...

J.J.

i had one a while ago and then it started to smell like ass and i threw it away

:eek: ...:D I have a Haydel speck call that smells so bad I gave it to my dog.
It has smelled that way since I pulled it out of the package.
My buddy blows zink calls, all acrylic and has always spared no pennies buying calls but when it comes to a speck call he swears the haydel is the only call to have.

[PEI Duck Guy]

Well, it's old school for me. I started out using my dad's old olt, then I bought my own OLT, a DR -115 and I still use it to this day!!

[FlockedUp]

I think there are alot of good points to be heard on here....Brett makes a great point that i cant stress enough. Its all in what fits you. This is critical. I remember when i was in your shoes. I spent about $60 bucks every year on calls. I always had to have the next best thing. Then one year it hit me. I had spent the last five years spending 60 bones on calls and came up with maybe one or two i really liked...i will admit the haydel 85 was one of them....This got me to thinking, thats 300 bucks plus tax and i really didnt have anything other than an experienced pallet for plastic call clam shells. I ended up meeting a guy named Mike Keller, he was more to calling than most people realize. he pointed out my poor financial decsions and talked me into a widowmaker. It wasnt a hard push. I dont think that it was that calls make or maker that made me a better caller. Maker could have been some of it but i think it was confidence. You obviously have a great grasp on calls...you seem to be familiar with the some of the higher end. Maybe its time to look at hitting for the fence. I know for a fact most of the higher end call makers today are tuning poly's for the right price. I enjoy the sound and responsiveness of the power hen. They have one in poly for around 30 most places...try one and go from there. Dont shy away from a call because of price be it high or low. Save around 140 bucks and tell yourself price doesnt matter. If it costs you the hole stash great...if it doesnt thats even better, take your girl to dinner and get home with both arms...lol. the point is find a base call like the power hen or the 85 and then build from there. Try to buy the call that fits the way your style today wants to have it....trust me your style will flex over the years. You can never have to many calls(insert opinions here). If there isnt a call maker close to you call one off the internet they will all be happy to help you out. Point is buy a call that you are confident in and buy a call that is comfortable from the moment you take it out of the box or package. Sorry this got long winded. Good Luck and Hunt safe

[Lynchmob Jr.]

the best duck call is the one that blows best for u. Now a lot of ppl will say this call is the best or that call is awesome...but it all boils down to u and what u blow the best. Foiles, Lynchmob, Zink, all good duck calls..its what fits u

[Hansen]

The DR-85 is very hard to beat. It's still my go to call.

Another great call is the Echo XLT or Kwack Wacker T-shot.

Look at the insert of most singles and the difference is so small it's amazing. This is particularly true on J-style single reeds. Go to a shop that has many different calls and try a few out.

[Nick Westerholm]

RNT Original

[Jeremy Kriese]

although you dont like RNT calls i would try the RNT hunter call. It is a wood call that is very ducky in sound. Also the Zink powerhen and xr2 are amazing ducky sounding calls.

[Walt McCord]

I would say just try a few different ones. I personally like RNT and only use RNT and KwackWacker. Now that is my personal preference, because some of these guys only use Zink. Try one that works good for you, not someone else. If you want to try a few, I would recommend looking at RNT's Hunter Pack. It comes with an Original Wood Call and a Great CD for beginners. Also, look at trying a DR-85 you can get them on Ebay, they are a great call.

[KevinSkalicky]

It has completely to do with the call you have confidence in. As said before it's YOUR call for YOUR style. some recommendations would be a Grounds Hen talk, RNT short barrel, power hen, the list goes on! try them all! Good luck!

[waterfowljunkie]

if your short on cash, try out a polycarb Zink Powerhen, trust me, if you can drive a single reed...you wont be disappointed

[QuackerWacker]

It doesn't matter if the call sounds good to you or another hunter the ducks are the ones who will decide if it sounds good and in the end that's all that really matters right?

[Knock'emdown619]

DMM thats all i can say ahnds down the duckiest call around!!!!:D

[CurrituckBoy]

I like the dead meat mallard better then the timber rattler, but my go to call for ducks is the power hen, Have my eye on the xr-2.

Michael

[americanwigeon]

Might as well get my 2 cents in. Buck Gardner's new pocket rocket titan is an awesome call. Also the double nasty XL is one to check out.

I also know there is a new GB comp. grade call coming out. Its called The Kryptonite. Haven't seen it yet although.

[CluckmeMN]

I would try a Echo Poly Double reed. There like 32 bucks. i used one for a couple seasons with good success

[Joel Draxler]

Buck Gardner Spit Tech Acrylic.

My personal choice is the tall timber.(not the Tall Timber II)

But in reality I would say whichever one you feel you can control the best.

I realy like the Zinc Power Hen as well. I am not a fan of double reeds.

[RCORTEZ]

Try As Many Calls As You Can And You Pick The Best Call That Is For Your Style Of Calling FOR ME It's RNT All The Way.but Try ZINK,ECHO,HAYDEL,FOILES

[Diver Man]

foiles timber rattlers are good calls.......but I love my Keith Allen " Pure Duck" duck call. Either one of these are great calls in my opion!!

[Parker Knox]

the XR-2 is a great call! spend the money and pick one up is u want a call you can go to in any type of conditions. if your looking to get a good call and not spend a bunch of money.. Duck Commander makes great double reed calls. The 10$ original wood double reed is still one of my favorites and wont leave my lanyard. the Picker is also a good double. if ur looking to buy a single reed. the polycard Zink Power Hen is a good place to start.. let us know how it works out!

[recoil junky]

my go to call is a northern prairie,made for a short time here in south dakota. id like to find another.

[Raymond]

Mine....Any call i can blow good is a good call in my book.
Ray:eek:

[Iambenelliman]

I have a RNT SHORT BARREL, a ZINK POWER HEN, a ECHO TIMBER, and a RNT MVP. You gotta find the calls that fit you. I use all these calls, just depends on the day. Check these out thought. I have a short barrel in african blackwood that is for sale...pm me