Geese calls are a vital tool for goose hunters. They allow you to communicate with geese and call them in closer during a hunt. Learning how to properly use a goose call takes practice, but with some basic guidance, you’ll be calling geese like a pro in no time. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about goose calls, including:
- What goose calls are and why they’re important for hunting
- The different types of goose calls
- How to properly use a goose call
- Goose calling techniques to try
- Common mistakes to avoid
- How to care for your goose call
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned goose hunter, this comprehensive guide will ensure you get the most out of your goose calls this season. Let’s dive in!
What Are Goose Calls?
Goose calls are devices that mimic the sounds of actual geese. They allow hunters to communicate with geese in their language. This is crucial for bringing geese within shooting range.
In the wild, geese make various sounds to communicate with the flock. This includes alert calls, feeding calls, greeting calls, and more. Each call serves a specific purpose. For example, the well-known honking sound is often used by geese to identify themselves to others in the area.
By reproducing these goose calls, hunters can convince passing geese that more of their flock is down below. This peaks their curiosity and causes them to investigate the source of the sounds. It brings them closer to you and your decoys, allowing for better shots.
The ability to realistically mimic goose calls is what separates great goose hunters from mediocre ones. Learning proper calling technique will significantly increase your success rate. It’s a vital skill in any goose hunter’s arsenal.
Types of Goose Calls
There are several different types of goose calls available to hunters. The most common include:
Short Reed Goose Calls
Short reed goose calls are the most popular and versatile type of goose call. They produce realistic sounding goose calls across a wide pitch range.
Short reed calls feature a short, thin piece of molded reed inside a plastic wedge. When air is blown across the reed, it vibrates and reproduces the sound. The stiff reed allows for very precise control of pitch. It also enables the higher pitched hail calls that get geese’s attention.
Most experienced goose callers use short reed calls. They do have a steeper learning curve than other types of calls. But with practice, short reed calls can produce extremely realistic goose sounds.
Long Reed Goose Calls
Long reed goose calls contain a longer, more flexible reed inside a sometimes hourglass shaped plastic body. The flexible reed vibrates when air passes through, reproducing goose sounds.
Long reed calls are generally easier to use for beginners. The longer reed doesn’t require as precise airflow to produce sound. However, their range of pitches and sounds is more limited compared to short reed calls.
Long reeds are good options for newcomers to start with. But serious goose hunters will want to eventually upgrade to a quality short reed call.
Flute Goose Calls
Flute-style goose calls operate like a musical flute instrument. They contain no reed. Instead, air is blown across the open end of the “flute” and the melody is changed by opening or closing finger holes along the body.
Flute calls can mimic basic goose feeding sounds and come in handy when hunting over water. However, their range is narrow and the sound quality is not as realistic as reed-based calls. Most hunters will opt for a more versatile short or long reed call.
Mechanical/E-Caller Goose Calls
Electronic goose calls or “e-callers” use pre-recorded actual goose sounds to lure birds in. Hunters simply push a button to activate the desired call.
E-callers are very easy to operate. However, the quality of the recordings varies. They can sound artificial compared to well-executed manual calling. E-callers are illegal for hunting use in some states, so check your local regulations.
Most serious goose hunters utilize short reed calls for their versatility and ability to reproduce an endless variety of goose sounds. Let’s go over how to properly use one.
How to Use a Goose Call
Using a goose call properly requires learning correct fingering techniques, airflow control, and mastering individual calls. Follow these steps when starting out:
1. Assemble the call:
Short reed goose calls feature three detachable pieces: the body, lanyard, and reed/wedge assembly. Fit them snugly together to form an airtight seal. Make sure no dirt or debris is obstructing the reed itself.
2. Hold the call correctly:
Grip the call between your index finger and thumb, with your remaining fingers curled underneath. Bring the call up to your mouth with the reed end pointed slightly upward. Do not cover the sound exit hole on the call with your hand.
3. Blow air across the reed:
Purse your lips together and blow firmly across the surface of the reed. You should hear the reed vibrate and produce sound. Keep your tongue low in your mouth while blowing. Adjust the angle and pressure of your airflow until you get a clean goose-like tone.
4. Practice basic sounds:
Master these three fundamental goose sounds to start:
- The Cluck – Sharp, staccato “cluck” sounds made by saying “cuckoo” into the call. Short bursts of air.
- The Moan – Long, wavering “moan” achieved by slowly saying “wuohhhhh” into the call. Modulate your air pressure.
- The Double Cluck – Sharp “cuckoo” sound doubled in quick succession. Two short bursts.
Listen to real geese to match these sounds as closely as possible. Your goal is mimicking actual goose vocalizations.
5. Use hand articulation:
While blowing your call, cup the end with your hand to deepen the tone or mute the volume. Open your hand away from the end to raise the pitch. This articulate the sound like real geese do.
6. Combine calls into sequences:
Piece together different calls like clucks, moans, and doubles into logical sequences that mimic goose communication. For example: Moan, double cluck, moan. Get creative in your calling routines.
With practice transitions between calls will become smooth. Work on delivering sequences quickly and cleanly like a real goose. Proper speed and cadence is key.
Goose Calling Techniques
Once you master the basics, try incorporating these common goose calling techniques into your repertoire:
The Hail Call:
The hail call gets a goose’s attention from a distance. Say “hey” in a loud, high pitch ending with a sharp “lock” sound. Be loud and urgent like a goose alerting the flock.
Hail calls should be your first call to draw geese into range. Do a few loud, excited hail calls, then transition into softer feeding calls.
The Feeder Call:
The feeder call imitates geese contentedly feeding in a field. Use low, wavering, drawn-out moans occasionally punctuated by soft clucks.
Vary the volume and pitch from higher hungry sounds to satisfied deep tones. The rhythm should be relaxed to mimic relaxed, feeding birds.
The Comeback Call:
The comeback call is response to geese that sound off in the distance. Do a short series of loud, excited, staccato clucks.
Comeback calls signal those distant geese to come join the action. Do multiple comeback call sequences until the geese commit and start to approach.
The Greeting Call:
The greeting call reproduces the commotion of geese arriving into the flock. Make a cacophony of loud double clucks, moans, and high pitched wheezes to mimic the chaos.
Use the energetic greeting call when new geese start to arrive to convince them it’s safe to join your decoys.
The Laydown Call:
The laydown call is a content, relaxed series of low moans and clucks. Use it when geese are committed and circling directly overhead ready to finish their descent.
The laydown call portrays happy, settled geese on the ground to entice incoming geese to join them. Keep it relaxed and drawn-out.
Mastering these techniques along with proper timing and cadence takes goose calling from novice to expert levels. Always match the energy and urgency of your calls to the geese’s current behavior and mood.
Now let’s go over common mistakes to avoid when getting started.
Goose Calling Mistakes
When first learning, there are some common goose calling errors to watch out for:
- Overblowing your call – Using too much air pressure and sounding strained or screechy.
- Not articulating calls – Failing to use hand modulation or embouchure changes.
- Too much repetition – Overusing a particular sound or sequence.
- Unnatural cadence – Calling too slowly, too quickly, or with poorly timed gaps.
- Unnecessary calling – Calling constantly when no geese are around.
- Inconsistent tone and volume – Not matching the energy level of your calls to the geese’s mood.
The best way to avoid these mistakes is to listen to real geese and try to perfectly match their vocalizations, energy, cadence, and enthusiasm. Have patience and don’t force the calling. With enough practice, your calling abilities will become more realistic and instinctive over time.
Let’s go over a few maintenance tips to keep your goose calls sounding their best season after season.
Caring for Your Goose Call
Follow these care steps to maintain top performance from your goose calls:
- Disassemble and clean your call after each use. Remove dirt, saliva, and debris from the reed.
- Swab the reed lightly with rubbing alcohol to prevent growth of mold and bacteria.
- Store calls in a protective case away from extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Avoid touching the reed with your fingers to prevent oils and dirt from impeding vibration.
- Check your reed each season and replace if worn out or damaged.
- Consider purchasing call maintenance tools like reed scrapers and resonance conditioners.
With proper care and maintenance, a quality goose call should provide many seasons of realistic and reliable use. Remember to engage in regular off-season practice to hone your calling skills over time.
Conclusion
Mastering goose calling is a lifelong pursuit, but start by learning proper short reed goose call fingering, airflow, and the基本鹅叫声. Mimic actual goose vocalizations through transiting between different calls. Avoid common mistakes like overblowing and repetition. Keep your call clean and the reed in top condition.
With regular practice, patience, and persistence, you’ll be sounding like a real goose in no time. Apply your new skills in the field this season to call more geese than ever within shooting range. Consistent success will reinforce your calling abilities and breed confidence. Sharpen your calling game and connect with more geese!
