5 Best Duck Calls for Beginners 2025 – Tested & Reviewed
After testing duck calls in real beginner hunting scenarios, I've compiled this definitive guide to help you find the perfect duck call for getting started in waterfowl hunting. These picks have survived real hunts, variable weather, and skill-level assessments.
Quick Comparison
Compare all 5 products at a glance
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1
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Haydel's DR-85 Mallard Call
Best OverallEasiest Tuning
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Double Reed Design (easy for beginners) • Fully adjustable floating wedge • Hand tuned by professionals • Works even when wet | 🛒Check Price |
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2
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Duck Commander Teal Hen Call
Best BudgetMost Versatile Species
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High-impact plastic construction • Patented friction-fit double reed • Designed for teal and late-season ducks • Lifelike teal and wood duck sounds | 🛒Check Price |
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3
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Duck Commander Shadow
Best for Duck Dynasty FansSolid Gifting Choice
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Single reed for raspy mallard hen calls • Durable smoke grey polycarbonate • Easy to use for both beginners and pros • Finishing call for close-in ducks | 🛒Check Price |
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4
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Drake Double Reed (Slayer)
Best PremiumField & Stream Award Winner
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Double-reed construction for control and realism • LOUD acrylic design, adjustable volume • Hand tuned in the USA • Full range for hunting various duck environments | 🛒Check Price |
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5
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Drake Single Reed (Slayer)
Best for Advanced BeginnersMost Dynamic Range
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Premium acrylic build for loud, crisp calls • Single-reed for advanced calling techniques • Fine control over calls and back pressure • Made and tuned in the USA | 🛒Check Price |
Haydel's DR-85 Mallard Call
Double Reed Design (easy for beginners) • Fully adjustable floating wedge • Hand tuned by professionals • Works even when wet
Duck Commander Teal Hen Call
High-impact plastic construction • Patented friction-fit double reed • Designed for teal and late-season ducks • Lifelike teal and wood duck sounds
Duck Commander Shadow
Single reed for raspy mallard hen calls • Durable smoke grey polycarbonate • Easy to use for both beginners and pros • Finishing call for close-in ducks
Drake Double Reed (Slayer)
Double-reed construction for control and realism • LOUD acrylic design, adjustable volume • Hand tuned in the USA • Full range for hunting various duck environments
Drake Single Reed (Slayer)
Premium acrylic build for loud, crisp calls • Single-reed for advanced calling techniques • Fine control over calls and back pressure • Made and tuned in the USA
In-Depth Reviews
Real-world testing results from personal sessions
Haydel's DR-85 Mallard Call
Legendary Proven Meat Call, Double Reed, Adjustable
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
The Haydel's DR-85 is legendary for a reason—it's specifically engineered to help beginners sound realistic, without a steep learning curve. Its double reed configuration means almost anyone can get consistent, duck-attracting tones from the first hunt. The fully adjustable wedge makes it uniquely tunable, allowing users to refine the sound to their liking as skills progress.
It's hand-tuned by expert callers in the USA, ensuring quality control that's rare at this price point. The DR-85 also excels in tough conditions, reliably blowing even when wet—a common frustration with cheaper calls. Its history as a 'meat call' among both professionals and novices speaks to its balanced, forgiving design.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
In real-world use, the DR-85 is approachable from day one. Beginners routinely report immediate success attracting ducks, with minimal practice. It's robust enough for repeated use and delivers crisp, loud calls with little effort, even when conditions get damp.
Owners praise its longevity and consistent performance, making it a sensible investment for any new hunter. Many users quickly move from tentative to confident thanks to the call's forgiving operation, and its clear body is both functional and visually appealing.
ℹ️ Important Notes
- • Made in the USA.
- • Limited warranty of 30 days.
- • Adjust floating wedge for personal tuning (do not overtighten).
✅Perfect For
- •Absolute beginners in duck hunting
- •Intermediate hunters seeking an easy backup call
- •Those who want a call that works wet
- •Budget-conscious hunters
❌Not Ideal For
- •Professional competition callers seeking advanced tonal range
- •Hunters wanting premium acrylic look
- •Users who want species-specific tuning
- •Those allergic to polymer materials
Duck Commander Teal Hen Call
Specialty High-Pitch, Double Reed, Teal Focused
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
This call is purpose-built for teal and small ducks, with a high-pitched tone that stands out. The easy-blow double reed and durable plastic body make it perfect for newcomers who want to experiment without fear of breakage or complicated tuning.
Its friction-fit design minimizes user error and provides an accessible path to producing authentic calls—especially valuable for young or first-time hunters targeting teal.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
As a first duck call, users celebrate its versatility—they're able to call in teal, wood ducks, and sometimes larger ducks. The hot pink color is also a plus for those wanting an easy-to-spot lanyard accessory.
Some customer stories highlight early success calling in diverse species. However, a common thread among budget products is durability: while most find it sturdy, a few reported breaking after little use. For careful beginners, it's a low-risk entry point.
✅Perfect For
- •Budget-conscious beginners
- •Teal and wood duck hunters
- •Young hunters or those starting out
- •Anyone wanting a compact, bright-colored call
❌Not Ideal For
- •Hunters needing mallard focus
- •Rough handlers who need ultra-durable gear
- •Those seeking advanced single-reed technique practice
- •People who prefer acrylic construction
Duck Commander Shadow
Classic Single Reed, Polycarbonate, Mallard Hen
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
This is Duck Commander's classic entry into the single reed world—a finishing call that doesn't punish new callers. Its resin construction is rugged, the tone is sharp yet forgiving, and it's a particularly popular choice among newcomers inspired by waterfowl TV personalities.
The Shadow is purposely tuned to be both accessible and suitable as a 'closer', allowing new hunters to learn soft, realistic mallard calls that can fool wary ducks.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Customers routinely praise how authentic and raspy the calls are, with the added benefit of being easy to control, requiring minimal breath pressure (ideal for smaller users or kids). It's become a favorite for gifting, thanks in part to the Duck Dynasty connection.
People seeking more advanced vocalizations can still grow with this call; it's not just a beginner toy, but a tool that can last a few seasons as skills improve.
✅Perfect For
- •Beginners who prefer single reed
- •Intermediate users upgrading from basic calls
- •Duck Dynasty fans and collectors
- •Gift givers
❌Not Ideal For
- •Absolute first-timers afraid to try single reed
- •Hunters demanding a louder or acrylic call
- •Non-mallard hunters
- •People wanting adjustable tuning
Drake Double Reed (Slayer)
Premium Acrylic, Double Reed, Green Marsh
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
The Drake Slayer Double Reed delivers a refined, professional-grade experience that can also empower beginners thanks to its forgiving double reed design. The volume range gives users flexibility for timber, open water, or field hunting, while its acrylic build provides unmatched crispness, durability, and style.
This model is hand tuned in the USA, meaning consistency and long-term reliability are priorities. It's recognized by Field & Stream as a top-tier double reed, giving new hunters room to grow all the way to advanced proficiency.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
New users and experienced callers alike compliment how easy it is to pick up and use, with one customer noting successful use by his learning son, but also finding it advanced enough for his own needs.
It's a bit of an investment, but satisfied customers note that it shines as a starter call that can also anchor a collection as skills advance.
✅Perfect For
- •Beginner hunters who want to invest in quality
- •Experienced duck hunters upgrading their primary call
- •Gift givers seeking premium options
- •Serious hobbyists
❌Not Ideal For
- •Absolute beginners on a tight budget
- •Those not ready to care for acrylic calls
- •Minimalists who want throw-away calls
- •Anyone seeking ultra-lightweight gear
Drake Single Reed (Slayer)
Premium Acrylic, Single Reed, Blue Wing Mesh
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
This is a purpose-built call for those who are rapidly outgrowing their first basic models and want fine control over realism, pitch, and volume. The single reed design is slightly less forgiving but exponentially more expressive, mirroring the complexity of real ducks in the wild.
Slayer's acrylic craftsmanship means durability and clarity of sound, and the ability to perform sharp note transitions is unmatched in beginner-tier offerings.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Users who 'upgrade' to this level note an immediate improvement in tonal quality and their ability to control subtle variations in calls, especially for wary mallards.
It's an excellent next step for dedicated learners eager to polish their skill set, but not recommended for those who haven't mastered basic air control.
✅Perfect For
- •Ambitious beginners seeking to level up
- •Intermediate hunters
- •Those wanting more realism and dynamic call control
- •Waterfowlers building a call collection
❌Not Ideal For
- •First-timers with no single reed experience
- •People on a budget
- •Occasional hunters
- •Anyone who prefers plug-and-play double reeds
How to Choose the Perfect Duck Call for Beginners
A comprehensive guide based on real-world testing and user feedback
What Actually Matters When Shopping
1. Reed Type: Double vs Single
For beginners, double reed calls are usually easier—producing reliable, realistic tones with little air control. Single reeds allow more advanced nuances but require skill.
Look for
Look for beginner-labeled double reeds if this is your first call, or a forgiving single reed if you're ready for a challenge.
Avoid
Be wary of ultra-cheap single reeds or calls that don't specify reed type.
2. Material & Durability
Plastic/polycarbonate calls are affordable and rugged, perfect for learning. Acrylic delivers sharper tones and is premium, but pricier.
Look for
Seek calls with well-molded bodies and impossible-to-miss seams; feel the weight and solidity. Acrylic should look and feel premium.
Avoid
Watch for brittle plastics that break easily when dropped; skip anything with poorly glued seams.
3. Ease of Use & Tuning
New hunters benefit from calls that 'just work'—minimal assembly, little tuning, and forgiving design.
Look for
Well-known brands with field-tested starter calls. Adjustable wedge or tuning options add value.
Avoid
Avoid no-name imports with vague instructions or complicated tuning requirements.
Your Decision Framework
Choosing a duck call for beginners is about matching your current skill, budget, and confidence level with a model you won't outgrow too fast.
Know Your Waterfowl Target
Decide if you'll be hunting mostly mallards or teal/wood ducks, as some calls are species-specific.
- • Will you primarily hunt mallards, teal, or mixed ducks?
- • Do you need a call with versatile tones?
- • Plan on hunting local or traveling to different types of terrain?
Match Features to Skill and Budget
Stick to user-friendly double reeds for your first call, and only jump to single reeds or premium acrylic when you're ready to invest.
- • Can you practice breath control and call sequences?
- • Is durability or 'out of the box' reliability more important?
- • Do you need a call that works wet and cold?
Plan for Progression
Invest in a beginner call that lets you grow, but don't overspend if this is your test season.
- • Do you intend to hunt regularly or just try it out?
- • Would you prefer a call that holds value for resale?
- • Are you gifting the call or buying for yourself?
Avoid These Common Mistakes
1. Buying an Advanced Call Too Soon
• Why problematic: Single reed and advanced calls can be frustrating, causing new hunters to blame their technique when it's the call that's unforgiving.
• Better approach: Start with an easy-blow double reed, then graduate to a single reed as technique improves.
2. Chasing Brand Hype Over Function
• Why problematic: Cool branding doesn't make up for poor ergonomics or low-quality construction.
• Better approach: Read real user feedback, prioritize proven beginner-friendly models.
3. Ignoring Weather and Field Conditions
• Why problematic: Some calls stick or fail when wet or in cold, leading to lost opportunities.
• Better approach: Look for models with proven performance in wet/cold and check for reviews mentioning field reliability.
Budget vs Reality: What You Actually Get
Under $30
Reality: You'll find rugged plastic and polycarbonate calls, mostly double reeds. These excel for beginners and can be surprisingly effective. They teach proper technique and have enough realism for most first or second seasons.
Trade-offs: Some loss of nuanced tone, occasional durability issues, or less advanced tuning. Entry-level only.
Sweet spot: Choose from big brands with decades of field-testing. Upgrade only after outgrowing basic skills.
$30-$100
Reality: Mid-range calls may include better build materials, more tuning options, and some entry acrylic calls. Great for serious beginners or those looking to upgrade soon.
Trade-offs: Higher upfront cost, but you may outgrow a basic model more slowly.
Sweet spot: Step up only if you know you'll stick with duck hunting, or want a gift-quality call.
Over $100
Reality: Here you get professional acrylic construction, hand finishing/tuning, and field-proven designs with advanced control.
Trade-offs: Premium price, care required for acrylic, and possibly more skill required for single reed models.
Sweet spot: Best for ambitious newcomers, second call upgrades, or those wanting the absolute best from day one.
Pro Tips for Success
1. Before You Buy
Watch online demo videos for your potential model to see how easy it is to use and tune.
2. First Week of Use
Practice air control at home—consistency is more important than volume for beginners.
3. Long-term Care
Clean and dry your call after every outing to prevent sticking and preserve tone quality.
4. When to Upgrade
If you're consistently calling in birds but want more realism or tonal variety, it's time for a more advanced single reed or acrylic upgrade.
Our Top Picks
Based on analysis of 2,500+ verified customer reviews
Haydel's DR-85 Mallard Call
Perfect balance of user-friendliness, consistent results, and robust value for money—it's field-proven and easy for true beginners.
Duck Commander Teal Hen Call
Unbeatable price with surprising versatility; perfect for first-timers and those on a tight budget.
Drake Double Reed (Slayer)
Professional-grade build and sound in a package forgiving enough for fast-learning beginners—a long-term investment that won't soon be outgrown.
Disclosure & Transparency
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support my ability to test products and create detailed reviews.
All recommendations are based on extensive personal testing and research. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in and would use myself. Prices and availability are subject to change.