The whistle used to call a duck is actually a musical instrument, but it must be blown in a certain way in order to produce a sound that resembles the sound of a duck. Using this tool can lure ducks closer to your position and this will increase your success rate in duck hunting. Here are some tips on choosing a whistle to call a duck.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Choosing Duck Whistles
Step 1. Choose between single-reed or double-reed whistles
Single-reed or double-reed whistles are usually made using wood, acrylic or polycarbonate.
- Single-reed whistles are of better quality, both in terms of volume and sound control, but are more difficult to master the technique. This whistle will be a good choice for experienced ones.
- Whistle with double-reed sound is not as loud as whistle with single-reed but easier to control. This whistle takes a deep breath, but overall is more suitable for beginners. This type can make an accurate sound more important than the loudness of the sound produced, and this type of whistle has a "sweet spot" which produces a very realistic sound.
Step 2. Choose between acrylic, wood or polycarbonate whistles
Although the difference between them is not that big, but knowing the difference between them will be a good input if you are going to buy and use them.
- Acrylic provides a loud and sharp sound. Acrylic whistles are very easy to care for, very durable and easy to clean. But acrylic whistles are the most expensive to wall with the others.
- Wooden whistles sound soft, some people say the sound produced by wooden whistles is more accurate. These whistles are inexpensive, but more difficult to maintain.
- Polycarbonate is generally priced the same as wood and provides a balance between the sharpness of the acrylic and the softness of the wood. This whistle is water resistant and quite strong.
Step 3. Consider volume
If you want to hunt in the open with a lot of wind, you will need a whistle with a loud sound. However, if you are hunting using a duck lure, it would be better if you use a whistle that produces a smooth sound and offers good sound quality. When you know where to hunt, you can choose the right whistle.
Check with local hunters and sellers to see which whistles are available and which variations are currently in vogue
Step 4. Try making your own whistle
Try to make your own whistle starting with chopping wood, attaching reeds, and arranging them to get a good sound.
Cheap, do it if the tools and materials are available, but sometimes produce poor quality
Part 2 of 4: Learning the Basic Techniques
Step 1. Hold the whistle properly
Usually, you have to grip the whistle, and close the hole with your fingers to keep the whistle from making a sound. Or you can also hold it between 2 fingers like when you are holding a cigarette. And to make it muted you can use the palm of your other hand.
Step 2. Blow using the diaphragm
To find the diaphragm, cough. The muscles you use when you cough are the best way to blow air into your whistle so you can make an accurate sound.
You don't even need to open your mouth if you blow this way, practice with your mouth closed. Imagine that you are expelling something from your lungs
Step 3. Control the air using your throat and mouth
The sound of a duck is short and repetitive, not a long one. Practice cutting through the air using your throat to produce an oof sound.
When pushing air using your diaphragm, slightly open your lips and place the whistle. This is a good way to do it
Step 4. Put the whistle between your teeth
Once you're able to produce a "quaCK (duck-like sound)" cut the air using your throat.
Step 5. Technique Using hands
This is much more difficult than using a whistle, this technique is quite useful in certain situations where there is a possibility that your whistle is damaged or left behind.
To do this, place your thumb between your clasped hands. Then, dip your hand in the water so that the water enters the gap made by your hand. Blow between your thumb and palm, then move your thumb slowly. It takes a lot of practice to get it right, but after that you can call the ducks without the help of a whistle
Part 3 of 4: Studying Certain Voices
Step 1. Learn quaCK
The quack sound is the simplest duck sound. Beginners usually make this sound more like "qua". Make sure you cut the air properly to get the quaCK sound.
The lonely female duckling is another variation of the sound that can effectively attract a flock of male ducks. This sound sounds like quainCK
Step 2. Use a greeting when you first see a duck from a distance
This call has about 5 notes that keep dropping with a flat rhythm. It sounds more or less kanc-kanc-kanc-kanc-kanc-kanc.
- The call begs to pull the ducks in flight. The goal is to sound like a duck that is alone in the water and hopes that the other ducks will join the water. The first sound is a long voice, after attention has been obtained, continue with a greeting call. The sound is more or less like: "kaaanc-kanc-kanc-kanc-kanc."
- The "call back" sound sounds like a greeting call and should be used when the greeting call fails. The basics are the same except that you only have to make one sound: kanC.
Step 3. Call feeding
This call is rarely used. It sounds more or less like: tikki-tukka-tikka
When using this call, you should vary the volume of your voice, starting louder and slower before finally getting louder again
Step 4. Scream calls are only used when the ducks are very far away
Your call must be loud. The sound is like aaaaink-aaaaink-aaaaink and should get slower.
Part 4 of 4: Learn When, Where, and How to Make a Call
Step 1. Use the call in the right conditions
If you're hunting in an area where the water is small and where it's not too windy, choose a whistle that's not too loud, or you'll scare the ducks away. Double-reeded wooden whistles are perfect for this situation. In large areas where the water is big and windy, you need a loud whistle. An acrylic whistle would be more appropriate.
If you only have one whistle, vary your calls. And remember that the most important part is accuracy
Step 2. Don't call often
Look at the duck's reaction when you make a call. Calls can be made when a flock of ducks flies past you to attract their attention until they land as close to you as possible. Calls are more effective when they are not used very often and must be done correctly.
- Look at the duck's reaction to your call. If you see them flying in the opposite direction from where you are, don't rush and ruin your disguise. Wait for them and see what they do.
- If you call more than once in a 30-second span, you're calling too often.
Step 3. Eliminate other noises that can interfere with hunting
If you're listening to music or the radio loudly, turn it off while you're hunting.
Step 4. Don't make calls if the ducks are interested in your trap
If you're hunting with traps and the ducks are clearly interested, don't take the risk of blowing the whistle.
Step 5. Be patient
Ducks often go back and forth before deciding to land. You have to be consistent, avoid frustration and wait.
Step 6. Practice
Listen to the sample of the whistle and also take time to hear the sound of the wild duck. When you make a call, you must also listen to them so you can imitate their voice.
Step 7. Clean and rearrange your whistle after use
Especially the wood whistle, this whistle needs to be dried and wiped so that the wood does not get damaged quickly.
- Remove the reed and make sure the reed is not damaged, which if damaged will affect the sound produced. If it is damaged, replace the reed.
- Before removing the reed. Measure how deep the reed goes into the whistle so you can replace it at the same depth.
