34 Nebraskaland • November 2020
Polycarb
Single Reed
Teal
Custom
Acrylic
Single Reed
Acrylic
Single Reed
Competition
callers are more suited for a single-reed
call, but either can work depending on
the area you are hunting.
What Terrain are You Hunting?
Seems strange that a duck call choice
can be made on what type of terrain you
are hunting, but diff erent set-ups and
water areas require diff erent sounds. For
example, I hunt a lot of open water and
public areas. When dealing with large
bodies of open water with other hunters
around you, being able to blast a "hail
call" to attract high-fl ying ducks can be
advantageous. A single-reed call may
be best for you in this type of setting.
When hunting smaller, private waters,
you won't need an attention-getter call.
Softer, raspier notes with a double-reed
call might be best here.
Keep Your Call Clean
Much like your gun, calls need to be
maintained. When hunting river areas,
sand can build up inside the call around
the reed. After each hunt you should pull
the call apart (if it's a single mold) and
run hot water through it. Make sure all
small particles are removed. Leave the
call open overnight to dry. Reeds will
need to be changed periodically as well.
When the reed turns a brownish, milky
color, it's time to change it. Numerous
times I've opened someone's call and the
reed is brittle and the edges dirty. You
don't want that. Keeping your call clean
will allow it to keep from sticking and
provide a smooth, open chamber for air
fl ow.
When I fi rst started hunting back in
the 70s, there were only a few duck-call
manufacturers. Obviously, that's not the
case now. The types of calls and brands
can be overwhelming. Find the call that
fi ts your needs the best. Some come
with a beginner calling video, which can
be extremely helpful. Most importantly,
once you decide on a call, spend time
learning the right sounds to make.
N
Acrylic
Double Reed
Custom
Acrylic
Single Reed
Polycarb
Single Reed
Teal
Acrylic
Single Reed
Competition
Acrylic
Double Reed
