How to Call a Duck
Duck hunting requires knowing how to mimic duck sounds to attract the ducks closer to their prey. Get a duck whistle and learn the different ways to quack! Here are the different ways to call a duck.
The Basic Quack
This duck call may be called basic, but a lot of duck hunters get this wrong. The basic duck quack must be clean and crisp, with a stress on the last part of the word “quaCK”. Avoid using the “qua” sound repetitively, as the ducks won’t be fooled by that.
The Feed Call
The name of this call may sound promising, but expert duck hunters warn against overusing it. To do the basic feed call, say “tikkitukkatikka” into the call, with the volume rising and falling slightly.
The Greeting Call
The greeting call is used for ducks at a distance. To do this call, use a combination of five to seven notes in a descending order, following a steady rhythm. It usually sounds like “kanc, kanc, kanck”.
The Hail Call
duck callingThe hail call is used for distant ducks, but it is another duck call that is overused. As a rule of thumb, don’t use the hail call within 100 yards of the ducks you’re trying to call. The loudest call of all the duck calls, the hail call sounds like “Aaaink….aaaaink…” sounding off clear and strong at the start, tapering off into a softer sound at the end of each call. Use the hail call sparingly.
The Lonesome Hen Call
When ducks are call shy, the lonesome hen call can be very effective. Each call is widely space with irregular intervals, sounding like a “Quaaaaaink” quack. Each call should be loud but quick, with wide silences in between. If overdone, the lonesome hen call can scare the ducks away.
The Comeback Call
If you want a quicker response to your duck call, you can use the comeback call. The comeback call sounds urgent and becomes faster after every call. It sounds like “Kankanc, kanc, kanc”. Do it fast and simple with seven to five notes in an ascending order.
The Pleading Call
The pleading call is used for flying ducks around 75 to 200 yards away from you. A series of five to six quacks that are dragged out. Like the name of the call implies, the sound should sound like pleading or begging. It can sound like a “Kaaanc, kanc, kanc” sound. Save this call for ducks who are too stubborn to come in.