Duck calls have been used by hunters for centuries to attract ducks during hunting season. An effective duck call can lure ducks from miles away if it accurately mimics the sounds of actual ducks. But with so many duck call brands and models on the market, how do you know which one sounds the most realistic?
What Makes a Realistic Sounding Duck Call?
There are a few key factors that contribute to a duck call sounding realistic:
- Material – Most quality duck calls are made from wood, acrylic, polycarbonate, or metal. Each material has different acoustic properties that affect the sound.
- Reed – The reed is the part of the call that vibrates to produce sound. Reeds come in various thicknesses and lengths, impacting pitch and volume.
- Tone board – The tone board is the part of the call that the reed rests against. Its shape and material amplify and modulate the sound.
- Wedge – A wedge inside the duck call allows adjustment of the reed opening to control airflow and fine-tune the pitch.
- Shape – The exterior shape of a duck call affects sound projection and realism. Calls come in single, double, and triple reed designs.
In combination, these physical features allow a quality duck call to replicate the sounds ducks make in nature, like quacks, feeds calls, comeback calls, hail calls, and more.
Most Realistic Duck Call Brands
Certain duck call manufacturers have developed reputations for producing calls that sound incredibly lifelike. Here are some of the top brands known for realistic duck calls:
Duck Commander
Made famous by the Duck Dynasty TV show, Duck Commander calls are expertly crafted and tuned by professional hunters. Their patented raspy sound is excellent for calling mallard hens. Top choices are the Duck Commander Triple Threat, Duck Commander Marshmallow, and Duck Commander Flute Duck Calls.
Zink Calls
Zink Calls focuses on premium acrylic calls hand-tuned for competition-level performance. They are consistently rated among the best for realism and reliability even in cold weather. Standouts are the Zink PH-2, Zink Power Hen, and Zink Money Maker.
RNT
RNT (Reed’s Nu-Tone) Calls was founded by call maker Rick Dunn and has dominated duck calling competitions. RNT calls are meticulously machined and hand-tuned. The RNT Original Acrylic, RNT Microhen, and RNT Daisy Cutter are extremely lifelike in skilled hands.
Buck Gardner Calls
Buck Gardner has been hand-crafting calls since 1950. The double reed Buck Brush and plastic Buck Gardner Straight Meat Honker produce ultra-realistic hen calls for bringing in even call-shy mallards. The Buck Gardner Canada Hammer double reed call is also excellent for calling Canada Geese.
Duck Commander
Primos is well-known for innovative hunting gear. Their duck calls consistently earn praise for producing great sounding feed call, hen quack, drake quack, and hail call tones. The Primos Hardwood Puddler and Primos Stretch Mallard Calls are two of their most popular choices.
Most Realistic Duck Call Models
Within these excellent duck call brands, there are certain models that rise above in terms of realistic sound:
Duck Commander Triple Threat
| Brand | Material | Reeds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck Commander | Polycarbonate | Triple | 4.8/5 |
With its raspy tone and triple reed design, the Triple Threat accurately imitates mallard hens, drakes, and groups of ducks. It’s easy to blow and works in all weather conditions.
Buck Gardner Double Nasty
| Brand | Material | Reeds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buck Gardner | Acrylic | Double | 4.7/5 |
The Double Nasty has an exceptional feed call and comeback call that sounds like a live hen. It can hit five different duck tones with practice.
RNT Original Acrylic
| Brand | Material | Reeds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| RNT | Acrylic | Single | 4.8/5 |
As RNT’s signature call, the Original Acrylic is expertly tuned for hen calls, hail calls, and comeback calls. It stands up to heavy use in all weather.
Zink PH-2
| Brand | Material | Reeds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zink | Acrylic | Double | 4.9/5 |
Zink’s patented design on the PH-2 creates incredible back pressure for loud, raspy calls. It’s deadly accurate at hen calls, drake quacks, and other mallard sounds.
Primos Hardwood Puddler
| Brand | Material | Reeds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primos | Hardwood | Double | 4.7/5 |
This beautiful walnut call generates excellent hen quacks along with loud, sharp hail calls. The double reed design is responsive and easy to use.
Choosing the Right Call
While the duck calls above consistently earn top reviews for realism, the “best” call ultimately depends on your personal preference and calling ability. Consider these tips when selecting a new duck call:
- Easy to blow – Look for calls that don’t require a lot of air to produce sound. This reduces fatigue and allows you to call more.
- Your style – Choose a call that matches how you like to call ducks – aggressive and loud, or subtle and raspy.
- Correct sound – Ensure the call can accurately produce the quacks, feeds, comeback calls, and hails you need to attract ducks.
- Quality materials – Acrylic, polycarbonate, and wood calls are durable and weather resistant.
- Reputable brand – Stick with established brands like the ones mentioned earlier for better performance.
- Test it out – Try the call in person or listen to sound samples online to gauge realism.
Improving Realism
While having a quality realistic call is crucial, improper calling technique can still make ducks wary. Follow these tips to sound more convincing:
- Listen to real ducks – Study their tones, rhythms, and cadences in the wild or on recordings.
- Master basic calls – Learn proper hen quacks, drake quacks, hail calls, feed calls, comeback calls.
- Variety – Use different calls, volumes, and intensities like real ducks do.
- Stay calm – Don’t call too aggressively or more than needed.
- Match the mood – Sound relaxed when ducks are relaxed or excited when they are worked up.
- Learn routines – Understand the context for different calls and when ducks use them.
- Use callers – Practice with an experienced caller for feedback.
Conclusion
When it comes to realistically sounding duck calls, brands like Duck Commander, Zink, RNT, Buck Gardner, and Primos consistently produce the top-rated calls on the market. Models like the Duck Commander Triple Threat, Zink PH-2, RNT Original Acrylic, and Buck Gardner Double Nasty are all excellent options that expertly mimic duck sounds.
However, the effectiveness of any call ultimately depends on the skill of the person using it. By studying duck vocalizations, mastering basic calls, sounding natural, and learning proper calling routines, you can use even budget-friendly calls to bring ducks right into your sights.
