If you’re serious about hunting ducks, you’ve got to know your calls. When used correctly, a duck call can be the key to a great day in the blind. Experts say there are eight duck calls serious hunters should know to make the most of their time on the hunt.

First, the basic quack - this is the foundation for all other duck calls, so it is important to get right - a top tip is to be sure you end each quack with a crisp CK sound rather than just tailing off the QUA part. The hail or highball call is the honking Aink Aink noise. It should be used sparingly, and never when you’re within 100 yards of ducks. Next, is the greeting call, a steady Kank Kank Kank Kank Kank that’s excellent for getting ducks in the distance to come nearer.

The basic feeding call (kitty kitu kitty kitu), the pleading call (a long greeting Kaaank), the comeback call (a faster KankKankKank) and the lonesome hen call (a drawn out, sort of whiney Quack) are all useful to add variety to your calling repertoire. And finally, the simple whistle is a great variation on traditional calls and works best for Mallards, Pintails and Wigeons.

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