Just got through reading an article on how most hunters mess up and acutally shew ducks away from their spread by calling at the wrong time. What are some of the things that you guys watch for when attempting to "read a duck"?

You can tell when i duck is interested in coming in by the beat of its wings, if they do not flap when coming at you then don't call at all. If they are coming in and flap their wings a couple of times hit them with a little quack or a soft feeder call, be causios not to be too loud. When they fly by and don't seem interested don't hesitate hit'em with a come back call untill you get there attention and they turn your way, some ducks are uncallable. If you can see them then give them a call, start off with a greeting call.

But knowing your calls and when to use them is really important.

Take 'ems explanation is a good start. I was always taught if it looks like they want to come in do not call. Also think of the hunting area as a baseball diamond and your blind is the mound. If they are working in circles, you want to be blowing at their butts. The closer they are working on in, call more softly.

If ducks are up high are going away, you want to be loud and get their attention. You have nothing to lose as they are not coming in.

[quote="take'emgator"]You can tell when i duck is interested in coming in by the beat of its wings, if they do not flap when coming at you then don't call at all. If they are coming in and flap their wings a couple of times hit them with a little quack or a soft feeder call, be causios not to be too loud. When they fly by and don't seem interested don't hesitate hit'em with a come back call untill you get there attention and they turn your way, some ducks are uncallable. If you can see them then give them a call, start off with a greeting call.

But knowing your calls and when to use them is really important.[/quot

hitting them with a high ball to get there attention and softer as they get closer once they look commited dont call at all. have to try the calling behind them good tip

I will have to try that DpD never really thought baout that

Thats what I would call a high ball 5 loud blast, we hunting out on point au fier island. It seems to get there attention very well then call as you need ya know feed call soft quack ect.

All these are very good answers, Also the diamond is a very good concept to use. Main thing is go out there and try different things and see what works for you, learn your own habits. Thats how you become a good duck caller.