[oucorry]

Rod Haydel, of Haydel's Game Calls has a few tips to share when it comes to calling ducks.

1. As long as the ducks are coming in, forget calling. 2. Try calling at birds as they circle when they quarter into the wind. This will make it easier for them to set up for a landing zone into the wind. 3.When the ducks start an erratic wing beat, hit them with a comeback call immediately to bring them back on line. 4. If they look as if they may drift off-line, use single quacks and feed calls to bring them back online. 5. When team calling, one person should be the leader while the others just fill in. Don't compete against yourselves. 6. Realize that not all ducks are callable and that even real ducks do not call in all the ducks all the time.

[birdman]

I always try and limit my comeback calls until they start moving away. Never give this call when they are working effectively or even circling as odds of spooking them seem much higher. It's also an easy way for them to pinpoint your exact location.

[Fisher44]

Calling is definitely overated even the pro's will tell you that! A good high ball to get there attention then watch the birds they will tell you what to do next if you have spent enough time in the field. This is a perfect time of year to go to your local swamp or park and watch real ducks and geese communicating with each other in a natural habitat.

[birdman]

Great point fisher44. You can learn a ton about duck behavior, what they say under different circumstances, and how they say it just by observing. Serious hunters should practice calling year round to perfect their tones and cadence. I personally carry my calls in my vehicle to practice while commuting to work. Just a few minutes a day can make a world of difference when it's "go time".