I guess it could be my technique, but I did follow the video it came with and used the "huff" of air. The only time I have problems is with the fawn bleat, if I don't have just the right pressure and the right "huff" no sound comes out. I really have to get the right pressure for the doe/fawn bleat to work. To me if feels like the reed is sticking. I'll gently blow a low grunt(no pressing at all) and the reed will work again. Maybe I'll just buy a new one and see if its any different. I'll practice some more and see if that helps. Does the reed ever have to be broke in? I mean used for a while before it works better? Also, I'll check out that whitetail talk cd. Thanks for the advice!