I've got several calls, from custom-made, acrylic, and the Wal-Mart specials, but my favorite is a plain-jane Duck Commander that cost about $10.00. It has a deeper, raspier sound which I think mimics basic "quacks" and "come-backs" much better than the higher pitch calls. I don't think it carries as well as the acrylics, but is easy to blow and sounds like the real thing. As a side note, I wanted to improve my calling and figured the best way was to learn from live birds. I bought a trio of Mallards (1 drake and 2 hens) and call to them every morning before work. I like to see how they respond to the various calls and such, plus you have the advantage of just watching (and listening) to them daily. I think this has helped me tremendously. Was wondering if anyone else has tried this approach.

RICH-N-TONE!!!!

i have bought a couple of different calls and i use different ones for different times of the season. I have a hand made wood call for early season mallards along with my P.H.A.T. lady by primos. Also i have two H&S double and single reed calls that i use for open water hunting then my primos is my al around call.

I see all your guys' points...

What calls would you recommend me to start of with besides Duck Commander's Ol' Raspy? I have Knight & Hale Magnum Clucker for geese, and here are the other selections I was looking at getting:
[ul][*]Primos P.H.A.T. Lady call[*]Primos Feeding Mallard[*]Primos Wood Duck Call[*]Primos Canada Shaved Reed call[/ul]
Tell me what you think. Thanks!

RNT!! all the way.

Duck Commander and Haydels are cheap but theyre definitely the best ever.

I agree with REYrey, The duck commander and haydels are cheaper calls but i think that if you are just learning to call they would be a good choice of call. These calls also sound as good as some of the more expensive calls that I have bought.

Il hunter, foiles? I just puked in my own lap. IF your not comp calling you dont want an acyrlic call for ducks, but for geese thats how you gotta go.

Ducks--Cajun Squeelllll
Geese--Tim Grounds Super Mag


You need not to know anything else.

i think if your not wanting to spend the money on a real good call, in other words an rnt, you should at least get there cheap knock off quackhead calls. the original works great for all kinds of huntin and in the right hands could possibly win a competition. close in or call shy ducks the timbre will finish the job. for a goose call dont bother with any of rnt or quackhead's goose calls because they suck. get a zink power maximus or power clucker. all these calls ive listed are about 30 bucks at any wal-mart. i blow in contest and in the field and all these calls would work for me.

I would recommend to start out with a double reed call cause they seem easier to blow and then if you feel the need step up to a more expensive single reed call. They all will bring in the bird its just a matter of learning the goods and bads of each style of call. Just remember the most important thing is where the birds want to be and then the call is to get them a little closer. Do your scoutin and it doesnt really matter what call your blowin.

Personally for a double reed (cheap call) I like the primos original whinch and one of the haydels and for a single reeds I like the RNTs.