Here is the thing to remember: There is a big difference between duck calling and calling to ducks.

The single most important aspect with regards to calling TO ducks is timing. You have probably heard wingtips and tailfeathers before. And its an excellent point.

The problem I see quite often is hunters watch a lot of videos and listen to a lot of tapes, and what they hear is lots and lots and lots of calling. Thats great, because it sells videos and tapes, and it calls judges, but it doesn't really call ducks to you.

There are places, especially as you go further and further down the flyways, where lots of calling can NOT hurt you. Big flooded rice fields that hold thousands of birds, and hunting over hundreds of decoys... well.... you can't exactly make too much racket. But the really great hunts I have been on, have all happened with less than 20 blocks, and in fairly small waters comparitively. Having a pair of mallards come in to a spread of 250 decoys in a 500 acre rice field ain't exactly all that impressive to me.

Timing and cadence are important. You don't want to be too loud, but not too soft either. The DC cd's will go over all that with you. There is nothing I can type that can teach you better than a CD.

Just keep in mind that calling is a reinforcement... nothing but nothing and no one anywhere can get a duck to go where he doesn't want to be in the first place. Being in the right spot, having the right wind, and using decoys effectively are the real keys to success in my experience. Next on that list, would be not calling incorrectly. I've killed plenty of birds that I have never had to call at, and several that I've only called at once or twice with a soft greeting, comeback or a few quacks.