Best beginner mallard call?

[tp308]

My teenage sons and I got bit hard by the waterfowl bug last yr. Thankfully we had a gracious friend that introduced us to it and did the bulk of the calling for our group. I'm looking for a mallard call that's beginner friendly, that I can practice in the truck on my work commute... recommendations?

 

[kevmarks11]

I personally point people to elite calls. He has calls made from cheaper materials like poly and delrin that are a steal. A $40 call made by a world champ is a no brainer

Polycarbonate Freak (Single Reed)

We now offer the Elite Freak (single reed) in a polycarbonate option. Great for both the beginner and the seasoned hunter, these calls will produce the crisp, nasally duck sounds that Elite customers expect and demand. These calls are extremely durable and come with a lifetime guarantee.

www.elitecalls.net

 

[Wetwork]

I've been using a 8-1Wingsetter duck whistle during this early season. It's flat out working way better than my mallard hen calls on widgeon, teal and mallards. Shockingly better.

Pretty constant votes for a Haydel DR-85 for meat calling. I prefer the Haydel RL-99 and have since it came out. Kum Duck Legend is pretty great too.

These are easy easy calls to learn on and cheap.

I try to buy the local calls from the nearest locals, as best as I can.-WW

 

[huntineveryday]

Thread 'What duck call should I get?' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/what-duck-call-should-i-get.377347/

There were some good recommendations in this thread.

 

[Taudisio]

Buck Gardner double nasty II. I still keep one in my duck back as a backup to my backup. Stuff happens, that call has never failed me.

 

[Dukhtr3]

I have a acrylic zink ph1. I have my 12 year old boy blowing a poly ph1. Definitely my go to call on my lanyard

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[TimberRunner]

DR85 is a good place to start. I've had a bunch, every caller is different and eventually you'll settle on one you like.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

Timber didn't list it out....but it's a Haydel's. And it IS a call I keep in my bag for those who want to try and piss around. It's Cheap. Easy to find and order. And sounds good.

To piss around and put birds on a strap and feel like part of the crew.....mallard drake whistle. Should be used way more that it is.

 

[Ucsdryder]

I promise this call punches way above its price. Every beginner should have one of these, they’re super easy to learn on and in the right hands will stand shoulder to shoulder with calls 5 times as much.

Amazon.com

 

[Gman12]

I have several but every time I reach for one on my lanyard I look for my Echo Meat Hanger. It is very easy to use and sounds great.

 

[spur60]

Lots of great recommendations so far. At the end of the day, which call you have isn't super important. What is important is proper instruction. 1 on 1 instruction is best with an accomplished caller. Youtube and other instructional videos are the next best, then straight audio files after that.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I've been using a 8-1Wingsetter duck whistle during this early season. It's flat out working way better than my mallard hen calls on widgeon, teal and mallards. Shockingly better.

Pretty constant votes for a Haydel DR-85 for meat calling. I prefer the Haydel RL-99 and have since it came out. Kum Duck Legend is pretty great too.

These are easy easy calls to learn on and cheap.

I try to buy the local calls from the nearest locals, as best as I can.-WW

What is “meat calling”??? Sorry for the dumb question, I’m very new to bird hunting.

 

[bayoublaster7527]

DR-85 Haydels

 

[Wetwork]

What is “meat calling”??? Sorry for the dumb question, I’m very new to bird hunting.

Meat calling is down and dirty just trying to fill the freezer. Not trying to sound pretty. Just getting meat.

 

[KurtR]

What is “meat calling”??? Sorry for the dumb question, I’m very new to bird hunting.

In contest world there are different categories and that is one of them. It’s what you would use in the blind vs the Main Street with all the high balls and other advanced sounds that are not needed to kill birds but they sound really cool

 

[spencerkwick]

My favorite call was gifted to me by my grandfather years ago and is so worn down that I can't even read what it is! I hope I never lose it! More recently I got the double shot by field proven calls and have been liking it a lot. I would say it's an "easier" call to learn on.

 

[Jfjfrye]

Zink power hen and primos winch

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I promise this call punches way above its price. Every beginner should have one of these, they’re super easy to learn on and in the right hands will stand shoulder to shoulder with calls 5 times as much.

Amazon.com

I ordered this and got it a few days back, I’ve been practicing daily and I still suck but this one you linked feels easier to use than the last flight call I got.

 

[Duckhunterbrad]

Zink PH-2 is a great beginner call. I personally use the Zink XR-2 but it runs very different compared to most calls on the market today besides cutdowns.

 

[Ron.C]

I don't know what the "best" beginner mallard call is but I think there is allot of marketing hype out there. I don't think you need to spend a pile of money.

I've been using a cheap Buck Gardner call for about 7 years now. Bought it when I started really getting into duck hunting and never felt like I needed to upgrade.

This was from yesterday. Still works pretty good