Duck calls have been used by waterfowl hunters for over a century to attract ducks during hunting season. With so many models and brands available today, determining the ‘best’ duck call is no easy task. There are a variety of factors to consider when evaluating duck calls to find the right one for your needs.
How Duck Calls Work
Duck calls are instruments that mimic the sound of a duck in order to attract other ducks. They allow hunters to ‘speak the language’ of waterfowl in order to call them closer during hunting season. Most duck calls are whistle-like instruments that are blown into to create duck sounds.
There are two main types of duck calls:
- Single reed calls – These have one reed inside that vibrates when air is blown across it to create sound.
- Double reed calls – These have two reeds that come together to make noise. Double reed calls are typically easier for beginners to use.
By altering air pressure and the shape of your mouth, a variety of duck sounds can be produced like quacks, feeds calls, comeback calls, greeting calls, and more. Mastering a duck call takes practice, but allows hunters to effectively speak the language of ducks.
Main Duck Call Brands
There are numerous brands and manufacturers that produce duck calls, but some of the top and most popular include:
- Duck Commander – Founded by the Robertson family of Duck Dynasty fame, Duck Commander calls are hand-turned and known for their raspy, loud tone.
- Zink Calls – Founded by champion duck caller Fred Zink, these calls are meticulously crafted and produce clear, realistic tones.
- RNT – Short for Ringham and Nealy Technologies, RNT produces calls known for a bold, outspoken sound.
- Echo Calls – Echo specializes in calls made from premium acrylic and employs numerous champion duck callers.
- Haydel’s Game Calls – A family-owned company focusing on hand-tuned calls that mimic a variety of duck sounds.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Duck Call
With so many great duck call brands and models available, focus on these key factors when picking the right call for your needs:
- Your skill level – Beginner and expert duck callers have different needs. More forgiving double reed calls are better for novices.
Single reeds with more precise tuning suit advanced hunters.
- Sound quality – The call should mimic duck sounds accurately across quacks, feed calls, hails, comeback calls, etc.
- Tone and volume – Look for a call that has the range to produce soft squeaks to loud, raspy hails that can reach ducks far away.
- Durability – Hunting conditions can be tough on calls. Seek calls made from durable polycarbonate or other material.
- Reputation – Established brands like Duck Commander have earned trust producing reliable, high-performing calls.
- Personal feel – How a call feels and sounds when you blow it matters. Test calls to find one that fits you.
The Best Duck Calls Ever Made
While personal preference will always come into play, these duck calls stand out as some of the best ever made based on craftsmanship, sound production, history, and effectiveness in the field:
| Duck Call | Brand | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ole Raspy | Duck Commander | Signature raspy tone, double reed, walnut barrel, Phil Robertson’s original call |
| Z-Cut | Zink Calls | Loud and raspy single reed, intricately tuned by Fred Zink |
| Original Acrylic | RNT | Loud, bold tone in durable acrylic barrel |
| DR-85 | Echo Calls | Double reed design with premium Acrylic and realism |
| Short Barrel | Haydel’s | Polycarbonate short barrel great for beginners |
Duck Commander Ole Raspy
The Duck Commander Ole Raspy call is one of the most iconic duck calls ever made. Developed in the 1970s by Phil Robertson, founder of the Duck Commander brand, this call’s raspy, biting tone revolutionized duck call sounds. The Ole Raspy uses a double reed system in a hand-tuned walnut barrel. It delivers loud, chatter-type tones perfect for attracting ducks over long distances. While more advanced models have been produced, the Ole Raspy remains the signature Duck Commander call.
Zink Z-Cut Duck Call
Regarded as one of the loudest single reed duck calls ever made, the Z-Cut call from Zink Calls is tuned to perfection by call-making legend Fred Zink. The polycarbonate call is expertly designed for consistently strong sound across the full range from low to high. Advanced callers love the Z-Cut for controlled squeals, chops, whines, comeback calls, and more. The Zink Z-Cut remains a gold standard for serious duck hunters wanting a loud, finely-tuned single reed call.
RNT Original Acrylic Call
The RNT Original call was one of the early loud, proud duck calls that stepped away from more subtle tones. The single reed design focus on strong, raspy sounds. The use of durable acrylic instead of wood allowed for tighter tolerances and resonance. Even with many more models offered today, the RNT Original Acrylic remains a fan favorite for its volume, reliability, and strong voices. RNT calls are proudly made in the USA.
Conclusion
When choosing the best duck call, hunters need to consider their skill level, the type of sound needed, and overall quality of construction. Top duck call brands like Duck Commander, Zink, RNT, Echo, and Haydel’s all offer stand-out models that are considered among the best duck calls ever made. For beginners, calls like the Duck Commander Ole Raspy provide forgiveness in a double reed design. Experienced callers may lean toward finely tuned single reed models like the Zink Z-Cut. Testing different calls is key to finding your perfect fit based on sound, volume, and feel.
