Salop Matt Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Hi Folks, I am happy to confess to being a kit tart.....The latest fancy is a duck call for Mallard. It wont see masses of use but I would love to be able to use one even if it is just for occasional use flighting Mallard on the pool at the shoot. So my questions are: How difficult are duck calls to learn ? Any product recomendations ? Any thoughts on the: Conducktor calls? I see Chris and James Green have these but how do others rate them ? I fancy a wooden almost custom one as I dont think I will need money for any other calls as teal are the only other ***** that come to the pool although are a rarity. ATB Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 (edited) DJ Calls 'Sonderman' 66. single reed call, easy to use with a little practice and a good realistic sound, my go to mallard call for nearly 30 years. http://www.bushwear.co.uk/dj-dj-calls-66-single-reed-duck-call-312787.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Q0EOeHm0k Say 'quick' whilst expelling air into the call for the quack. Start with an almost closed hand of the end of the call at the start or the 'qu' opening the hand fully for the 'ick'. For the chatter call, say a breathy 'tica, tica, tica, tica' into the call. Start saying the words slowly when you start to learn the call and building up speed. A rapid 'tica, tica, tica' will be what you are trying to achieve. You can open and close you call hand to change tone and volume as well as increasing or decreasing the volume of air you put through the call. For what the yanks call the 'hail' call, just blow through the call, decreasing the volume each time, whilst opening the hand from a half closed position on each blow. I use between 5 and 7 blows for this call, and it can be repeated to get the ducks attention. Practice each call, the car is a good place and try altering the volume and call hand use. The most important part of learning to use a call is learning when not to use it. Last year on the Ouse Washes I had to suffer three fools simultaneously blowing the hail call constantly for the duration of the evening flight. Hope this is of some help. Edited January 4, 2016 by Penelope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salop Matt Posted January 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 (edited) Thanks for the reply Penelope. Am in no rush to run out with it, I just want to learn to call with one call, if I can get that sorted this year then maybe in 2017 I can learn when to use it. As I say I have no pressure on this its mainly the satisfaction of learning than actual requirement to call birds in, the calling birds in comes a bonus. Am no wildfowler but I enjoy eating the duck over pheasant every time so if it helps in the future bagging a few more birds per season when duck flighting then am happy I dont know why the word: D.U.C.K.S has been starred out in my first post Edited January 4, 2016 by salop sniper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyrus1988 Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 I dont know why the word: D.U.C.K.S has been starred out in my first post The 'F' key is right next to the 'D' key... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pushandpull Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Conducktor and MK calls are made in this country, by hand, by wildfowling enthusiasts. If you buy one you will get a good product which might cost a little more but will be a bit special. There will always be advice at the other end of a phone line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 (edited) I bought one thinking I would have some fun while onboard our narrowboat. Ducks are deaf! Edited January 4, 2016 by Rupert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigeon jim Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 (edited) PM me your address and I will send you a call to practice with! I have a few lying around, Jim. Edited January 4, 2016 by wigeon jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salop Matt Posted January 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Thankyou very much Jim thats brilliant ! ATB Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Even though I carry calls In the situation you describe I should do most by mouth alone It's not to hard to learn a three note hail call Btw you don't want to sit by the pond quacking just call to turn birds your way It's never any better than 50/50 but it's thrilling and very satisfying when it does work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie10 Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 I have turned many a blank flight into a successful one with a call. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doriboy Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Buy a conducktor call from Robin. They're the best you can get, worth every penny, you won't regret it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudpatten Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Have a look at some of the tutorial stuff at www.mpkcustomcallsandwoodwork.com The technical presentation quality of these tutorial clips is laughably appalling, but the actual instructional content is better than much of the American stuff. There is a bit more to operating a duck call than simply "blowing" into it, but, once mastered it can be very, very effective. On average I can get people breathing correctly into the call in less than 20 minutes. It may take a little while to grasp how to put the air into the call correctly but, once understood that same method of air insertion will stand you in good stead to master other calls such as the lethally effective short reed canada call. The other stuff comes with practice. Within a couple of weeks you should be able to use the call to good effect in the field if you keep it simple. Good luck with your journey into calling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malkiserow Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Have a look at some of the tutorial stuff at www.mpkcustomcallsandwoodwork.com The technical presentation quality of these tutorial clips is laughably appalling, but the actual instructional content is better than much of the American stuff. There is a bit more to operating a duck call than simply "blowing" into it, but, once mastered it can be very, very effective. On average I can get people breathing correctly into the call in less than 20 minutes. It may take a little while to grasp how to put the air into the call correctly but, once understood that same method of air insertion will stand you in good stead to master other calls such as the lethally effective short reed canada call. The other stuff comes with practice. Within a couple of weeks you should be able to use the call to good effect in the field if you keep it simple. Good luck with your journey into calling. Mudpatterns blowing is a masterclass ...... I was very impressed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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