How to buy a duck call

[Meeka]

timberjack, maybe you have something there. I blew for a couple a minutes before the guy came over. I was trying to decide between 2 and wasn't really sounding ducky, just trying the high end on one, then the other. Maybe I just sounded so bad they thought I would scare people away from the calls!

Anyway, I suggested some demos, else a sign. They said they were gonna put a sign up.

I'm glad I still have my BDR 85.

[Wildfowler]

You should go to Stuttgart this Thanksgiving weekend for the Outdoors festival. You could blow your lungs out on duck calls up there before you buy. Otherwise you could go to Clarksdale and test drive any of the Greg Hood (Southern Game) calls. Greg is a super nice guy and will spend how ever long it takes to tweak it so that it's just right for you.

At least that's what he did for me at the wildlife extravaganza a few years ago. It may be hard to pin him down during duck season though.

Also, if that's too far away this late in the year, there's a guy from Brandon, and I believe there may be a call maker from Brookhaven. But I don't know anything about either one of them. They might work with you. If you ask around you can probably find these guys.

I would suggest that you make arrangements with Greg to be in Clarksdale one week day during duck season. Then plan a hunt at one of the local WMA's up there, stopping in his shop when you are through.

Good luck!!

[MemphisStockBroker]

Meeka, do like I have done.... just buy them all. I can't blow any of them, so I dont embarass myself trying at a store where people know what the heck those things are supposed to sound like. Was out getting some milk & eggs the other day at Wal-Mart, and found a call I didn't have. (momma just thinks I spent a little extra on groceries that day...) It's a little fart made by Cut Down calls. Double reed, part wood and really short. I have no idea what the hi end and low end stuff means, but I can get it to kinda sound like those guys on my duck videos.... I am just afraid to inhale too strongly. I might swallow the dang thing.

[torch]

Hey you can check out the catalog at http://www.southerngamecalls.com, or call greg at 800-881-1964 I think he's in IL this week filming.

[gator]

gh22, which rnt do you suggest for mainly timber but i would also like a little versatility...i've been waiting to jump on one hoping someone would say one they really like...dang, that sounded like the biggest topwater question ever...oh well, i'll take the heat...just give a suggestion aight...thanks, gator

[mallardchaser]

Meeka:

Go to some of the other sites like duckcentral or the refuge. Check the classifieds. There are always a lot of calls for sale or trade. I just traded for a new call..That's the 3rd time to trade. You can also buy some nice, used calls at a heck of a discount..
I like to try different brands for fun..Most all sound pretty similiar. Ebay is also a good place to look if you know what your looking for.

[Greenhead22]

gator,

i've got a cocabola from last year, and a burnt bois'd arc and greenhead tea acrylic this year. This year's model is louder than last year's, and is more ducky to me. I like the burnt bois'd arc call the best, best bottom-end duck call I've ever blown. The acrylic is a little louder than the bodock, but still as ducky, but takes a little while to get used to. I tried the new Timbre call, but it doesn't fit my calling style.

[JB]

I'll vote on the Southern Game Calls.. I bought two of these calls - one at a DU Outdoors festival in Memphis and one from Greg at the Wildlife Extravaganza. You're correct, each call sounds different for different people. That's why it is so critical to go blow many different calls. I bought an Echo timber that many people rave about but it sounded like crap to me. If you really want to invest in a call, go to Greg's shop in Clarksdale and he'll let you blow many, many calls until you find one that you like. BTW, I have a coco bola little joel and a timber talker. Both calls have incredible range from soft chuckles and quacks to high end hails. The timber won't get quite as high though. Good luck ... JB

[RedEyed Duck]

Bottom line you have to be able to blow the call before you buy it. Get all of your hunting buddies to let you blow theirs and buy the one that sounds the most ducky with you blowing it. Good luck, finding a new call is never an easy task.

[gator]

preciate it gh22

[injun_23]

If I wanted to buy a new call I would definately go by Southern Game or one of the other local shops when Greg Hood (or the call maker) was at home and get a custom call tuned like I wanted it. Each call can be tuned somewhat, even the cheaper models, by using different reeds and trimming to get more squeal or more rasp. I have gotten "personal" calling tips and suggestions over the phone from Greg Hood and Rick Dunn and both will take the time to give you what you want as well as basic stuff for those that need major help. I have several Southern and Echo calls but the most ducky and best all round I have is the Southern "DU nasty boy" that I re-tuned with a hand cut instead of stamped out reed. I havnt tried an RNT but they sure sound good on the videos that I have. Technique is the key in my opinion as I saw Rick take my call and turn it into a beautiful sounding group of mallard hens after I made it quack. Use your local experts. A tip from the "other" Carolina.

[Dutch Dog]

I like gregs calls. that double reed call that torch was talking about is one of the duckiest sounding calls made! The only problem with it is that you cant get real loud with it...now I know that loud and timber don't go hand in hand, but I don't like having 14 calls hanging around my neck. I guess If I knew I was gonna hunt a field I would take one call, and in timber another. I sometimes like to get aggressive with the ducks....by that I mean I will call at them almost demanding that you get down here right now...and when a call squeaks because it can't get loud it messes the whole thing up. I owned 2 of greg's calls...the double reed someone wanted it more than me and the banded little joel I still have and it sounds just fine. Greg is usually a personable fella and if he isn't too busy he'll be more than happy to work on your calling with you.

[Meeka]

looks like SGC has a little joel in cocobolo, blackwood, acrylic or poly, the eclipse C750 that was new for '01, nasty boys in cocobolo, blackwood, acrylic or poly, a legend, a poison, a timber talker, and a handsfree.

Now, which of these are you guys talking about?

GH22, how exactly would you describe your calling style?

[torch]

Meeka if your looking for a double reed it is th "poison". The little joel and nasty boys are great for open water and fields were you need a high range. I have had a Little Joel for 20years and is my favorite. The nasty boys has won 50 or 60 meat callin championships. If you get one get extra reeds and corks. I change corks real often.

[DuckyDan]

One call that does it all: RNT Original Acrylic. Best call (to me) I've ever blown. I'm not saying that it will be perfect for you, gator, but you should definitely toot on one to see if you like it. I can get it to ring on the high end and can make it soft or real raspy on the bottom end. Find one and give her a try.