Imagine this: you’re out in the marsh, the early morning mist is lifting, and you want to bring in a flock of mallards. You reach for your duck call, but which one will truly sound like a real hen? Choosing the perfect Mallard Hen Duck Call can feel like a guessing game. So many brands, so many sounds – it’s easy to get overwhelmed and pick one that doesn’t quite hit the mark.
That’s where we come in! If you’ve ever felt frustrated by a call that sounds more like a squeaky toy than a hungry duck, you’re not alone. Finding a call that produces realistic sounds is key to a successful hunt. But don’t worry, this blog post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a great Mallard Hen Duck Call and guide you through the important features to look for.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand exactly what to listen for, what materials matter, and how to choose a call that will make those mallards answer your invitation. Get ready to improve your calling game and bring home more birds!
Our Top 5 Mallard Hen Duck Call Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mallard Hen Duck Call Detailed Reviews
1. DUCK COMMANDER Ole Raspy Duck Call- Mallard Hen
Rating: 8.8/10
The DUCK COMMANDER Ole Raspy Duck Call is a classic for a reason. This call is designed to sound like a mallard hen and is easy for anyone to use. It’s built tough and will last for many hunting trips. If you want to attract ducks, this call is a great option.
What We Like:
- It’s part of the original Classic Series, just like the calls Phil Robertson made famous.
- The high-impact plastic construction means it’s strong and won’t break easily.
- It has a special double-reed system that works every time.
- It makes a low, raspy sound that sounds just like a real mallard hen.
- Beginners will find it super easy to blow and get good sounds.
- It’s a great addition to any hunting lanyard.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for beginners, experienced callers might want more advanced features.
- The black color is classic, but other color options might appeal to some hunters.
This Ole Raspy duck call is a reliable and effective tool for any duck hunter. It offers authentic sounds and ease of use, making it a solid choice for everyone in the blind.
2. BGC Mallard Magic Double Reed Duck Call
Rating: 8.7/10
The BGC Mallard Magic Double Reed Duck Call is designed to bring mallards to your spread with its powerful sound. This call is built tough and aims to make your duck hunting experience more successful.
What We Like:
- Its virtually indestructible polycarbonate construction means it can handle rough hunting trips.
- The gunmetal band adds a touch of style to the call.
- The Cajun style “push-in” gut double reed design is a proven way to create realistic mallard sounds.
- The dual tone exhaust helps you produce a variety of mallard vocalizations, from soft quacks to louder hails.
- It’s built using a proven design that many hunters trust.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some users might prefer a call with a more natural material feel.
- The “push-in” gut design, while effective, can sometimes require a bit of practice to master for beginners.
This duck call offers a strong combination of durability and effective sound reproduction. It’s a solid option for hunters looking to improve their mallard calling game.
3. Duck Commander Specialty Duck Calls – Teal Hen Call- High Pitch & Exact Volume of Hen
Rating: 8.9/10
When you’re out in the marsh hunting teal, you need a call that sounds just like the real thing. The Duck Commander Specialty Duck Calls – Teal Hen Call is built for exactly that. It’s made to copy the high-pitched, quick quacks of a teal hen. This call is easy to use for beginners and experienced hunters alike, thanks to its special design. Its tough plastic means it can handle tough hunting trips in any weather.
What We Like:
- It sounds just like a real teal hen, with the right pitch and volume.
- It’s very easy to blow, even for new duck hunters.
- The call is made of strong plastic that won’t break easily.
- It’s one of the most realistic teal calls you can find.
- It helps bring in passing ducks and calms down shy ducks later in the season.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lanyard accessories are sold separately, which means an extra purchase.
- While durable, the plastic might show scratches over time with heavy use.
This teal hen call is a fantastic tool for any waterfowl hunter looking to improve their success. Its realistic sound and ease of use make it a valuable addition to your hunting gear.
4. Zink Calls Power Hen 2 (PH-2) Polycarbonate Double Reed Durable Hunting Waterfowl Duck Game Call
Rating: 9.3/10
The Zink Calls Power Hen 2 (PH-2) in Mallard Green is a hunting duck call designed for serious waterfowl hunters. It’s built with top-quality materials and expert craftsmanship to help you bring in more ducks.
What We Like:
- Ultimate Performance: This call is made with premium materials and precisely machined for amazing sound.
- Double Reed Type: It creates that smooth mallard sound hunters love, but with more volume and a better “feed chuckle” sound.
- Z-Cut, No-Stick Tone Channel: This special design lets you make lots of different sounds and stops the reeds from sticking.
- Superior Quality: Each call is hand-tuned by experts to make sure it sounds perfect.
- Great Hunting Duck Call: It’s based on a custom acrylic call, giving you great sound and quality for successful hunts.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the polycarbonate is durable, some hunters might prefer the feel of acrylic for its warmer tone.
- The “improved bottom-end feed chuckle” might require a bit of practice for beginners to master.
The Zink PH-2 is a fantastic tool for any duck hunter looking to improve their calling. It offers a great balance of performance, quality, and affordability.
5. Duck Commander Jase Robertson Pro Series Duck Call
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready to bag more ducks with the Duck Commander Jase Robertson Pro Series Duck Call, Hi-Ball. This call is built for serious hunters and designed to sound just like a mallard hen. It’s made with tough plastic and features a unique design that makes it easy to use for everyone. Plus, it comes with a lanyard so you can keep it handy.
What We Like:
- Sounds just like a mallard hen, perfect for attracting ducks.
- Works well in different hunting situations with its high and low sounds.
- Very easy to blow, even for beginners.
- Strong and durable plastic construction that lasts.
- Jase Robertson himself endorses it, meaning it’s a trusted tool.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description mentions “double reed technology” and “acrylic wood duck call” in one spot, but also calls it a “single reed” and “durable plastic” in the title and other features. This can be a bit confusing about the exact material and reed setup.
This duck call offers a great blend of authentic sound and user-friendliness. If you’re looking to improve your waterfowl hunting, this call is a solid choice.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Mastering the Mallard Hen Duck Call
Choosing the Right Mallard Hen Duck Call for Your Hunts
So, you’re ready to bring home some mallards! A good duck call is your secret weapon. Specifically, a mallard hen call is what you need. It sounds like the real deal, attracting those ducks right to you. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
1. Sound Quality
This is the most important thing. The call needs to sound like a real hen mallard. Listen for clear quacks, feed calls, and comeback calls. A good call has a rich, natural tone. It shouldn’t sound tinny or fake.
2. Ease of Use
Even if you’re new to duck calling, the call should be easy to blow. You shouldn’t have to blow super hard to make a sound. Some calls are designed for beginners, while others are for experts. Look for one that fits your skill level.
3. Durability
You’ll be using this call in all sorts of weather. It needs to be tough. A well-made call can handle drops and bumps. It should also stand up to rain, mud, and cold.
4. Volume and Range
Can the call be heard from far away? Can it make soft, close-range sounds too? A versatile call lets you adjust the volume. This helps you talk to ducks at different distances.
Important Materials
What a duck call is made of matters a lot. It affects how it sounds and how long it lasts.
- Acrylic: This is a popular choice. Acrylic calls often have a loud, clear sound. They are also very durable and easy to clean.
- Polycarbonate: Similar to acrylic, polycarbonate is strong and makes a good sound. It’s a good option for many hunters.
- Wood: Some hunters love the classic sound of wood calls. They can have a softer, more natural tone. However, wood can be more sensitive to moisture and temperature changes.
- Cane/Rattan: These natural materials can produce very realistic sounds. They often require more practice to master but can be very rewarding.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a duck call better or worse.
- Craftsmanship: How well the call is made is key. Smooth edges and precise parts help it sound its best.
- Reed Material and Design: The reeds are what make the sound. Different materials and shapes create different tones. A well-tuned reed is crucial for realistic sounds.
- Air Seal: The call needs to have a good seal. This means no air leaks out where it shouldn’t. A good seal makes it easier to blow and produce clear sounds.
- Tuning: Some calls come pre-tuned. Others might need a little adjustment from you. A properly tuned call will sound much more natural.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good mallard hen call can be used in many situations.
- Hunting Blind: Use it to signal ducks that it’s safe to land.
- Open Water: Its volume can attract ducks from a distance.
- Practice: You can practice your calling skills anywhere, anytime.
For beginners, a simple, easy-to-blow call is best. As you get better, you might want to try more complex calls. The goal is to sound like a happy, healthy hen mallard looking for her flock. That’s how you get those ducks to come to you!
Frequently Asked Questions about Mallard Hen Duck Calls
Q: What is the main purpose of a mallard hen duck call?
A: The main purpose is to imitate the sounds of a female mallard duck to attract other ducks, especially mallards, to your hunting area.
Q: What are the most common materials used for mallard hen duck calls?
A: The most common materials are acrylic, polycarbonate, and wood. Each material offers slightly different sound qualities and durability.
Q: How important is the sound quality?
A: Sound quality is the most important factor. The call must sound like a real hen mallard to be effective in attracting ducks.
Q: What makes a duck call easy to use?
A: A call is easy to use if it doesn’t require excessive air pressure to produce clear sounds. Calls designed for beginners are typically easier to blow.
Q: Can a beginner use a mallard hen duck call?
A: Yes, many mallard hen duck calls are designed for beginners. It’s recommended to start with a call that is known for being easy to operate.
Q: How does the material affect the sound of the call?
A: Acrylic and polycarbonate calls often produce loud, clear sounds, while wood calls can have a softer, more natural tone. Natural materials like cane can also create very realistic sounds.
Q: What is a “feed call” and why is it important for a mallard hen call?
A: A feed call is a series of soft, rapid quacks that imitate ducks feeding. It’s important because it signals to other ducks that the area is safe and inviting for them to land and feed.
Q: How can I tell if a duck call is durable?
A: Durability is often linked to the material. Acrylic and polycarbonate are generally very durable. Look for a call that feels solid and has smooth, well-finished parts.
Q: What does it mean for a call to be “tuned”?
A: A tuned call means the reeds are correctly positioned and adjusted to produce the most realistic and desired sounds. Some calls are pre-tuned, while others might need minor adjustments.
Q: What are some common use cases for a mallard hen duck call besides hunting?
A: Besides hunting, you can use them for practicing your calling skills, bird watching, or even for educational purposes to understand duck vocalizations.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.