What is Duck Commander?

Duck Commander is a company founded by Phil Robertson in the 1970s that specializes in manufacturing high-quality duck calls and hunting gear. The brand began when Phil, frustrated with the poor performance of existing duck calls, crafted his own design in his garage. His innovative call design used a simple but effective reed system that produced more realistic duck sounds than other calls on the market.

Over the years, Duck Commander has grown from a small family operation to one of the most recognized names in waterfowl hunting. The company expanded its product line to include not just duck calls, but a full range of hunting equipment including decoys, waders, apparel, and accessories. What sets Duck Commander apart is their commitment to creating products that work in real hunting situations, not just in ideal conditions. Their calls are designed to perform in wind, cold weather, and across different waterfowl species.

Who founded Duck Commander?

Duck Commander was founded by Phil Robertson, a legendary waterfowl hunter and outdoorsman. Phil was born and raised in Louisiana, where he developed a passion for duck hunting at an early age. His hunting skills became legendary in the waterfowl community, and his innovative approach to duck calling set him apart from other hunters.

Before starting Duck Commander, Phil worked various jobs including as a hunting guide and a salesman for a hunting supply company. In 1972, he created his first duck call in his garage using simple tools and materials. This call, which he called the "Duck Commander," quickly gained attention for its superior sound and durability. The success of this initial design led Phil to start manufacturing and selling the calls commercially.

Phil's sons - Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep Robertson - later joined the business, helping to grow Duck Commander into the nationally recognized brand it is today. The family's authentic approach to hunting and their appearances on the popular TV show "Duck Dynasty" further cemented their reputation as icons in the hunting community.

What types of duck calls does Duck Commander offer?

Duck Commander manufactures a comprehensive line of duck calls designed for different hunting situations, skill levels, and duck species. Their product range includes traditional wooden calls, modern polycarbonate calls, mouth calls, and electronic calls. Each type serves different preferences and hunting conditions.

For beginners, the Duck Commander Classic Cajun Call is an excellent starting point due to its simple design and effective sound production. More experienced hunters might prefer the Phil Robertson Pro Series Duck Call for its precision engineering and consistent performance in various conditions.

What are the key features of the Phil Robertson Pro Series Duck Call?

The Phil Robertson Pro Series Duck Call represents the pinnacle of Duck Commander's call design, incorporating decades of hunting experience into a single product. This call is engineered for serious waterfowl hunters who demand consistent performance in challenging conditions. The Pro Series stands out for its precision manufacturing, durable materials, and innovative tone board design that produces authentic duck sounds.

Many hunters consider the Pro Series their "go-to" call because it performs reliably in windy conditions where other calls might fail. The polycarbonate construction means it won't swell in humidity or crack in cold weather, making it ideal for early season hunts in the northern states. The adjustable pitch control allows you to match the sounds to your local duck population - higher pitches for southern mallards or lower tones for northern blacks.

Compared to other premium calls on the market, the Pro Series offers excellent value. While similar calls from other manufacturers can cost $100 or more, the Phil Robertson Pro Series typically retails for under $50, making it accessible to serious hunters without breaking the bank. For those interested in a deeper comparison, our Duck Commander vs Competitor guide examines how this call stacks up against other top-tier options.

How do I use a Duck Commander duck call?

Using a Duck Commander duck call effectively requires proper technique and practice. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hunter, mastering the basics will significantly improve your success in the blind. The key is to produce sounds that mimic natural duck vocalizations while maintaining control over volume and cadence.

Basic Call Positioning:

• Hold the call firmly with both hands - your thumbs should rest on the sides while your fingers wrap around the call body
• Position your mouth directly over the reed assembly, making a tight seal but keeping your lips relaxed
• Keep your elbows close to your body to maintain stability and reduce fatigue

Producing Basic Sounds:

1. Single Quack: Blow gently into the call while saying "duck." Start with low volume and gradually increase to find the sweet spot. The sound should be short and crisp, mimicking a hen's basic call.
2. Comeback Quack: After blowing the single quack, immediately follow with a slightly higher-pitched sound. This mimics a duck acknowledging another duck's call. Practice the timing - the comeback should come within 1-2 seconds of the initial quack.
3. Feeding Chuckle: Create a rapid series of soft, bubbly sounds by rolling your tongue while blowing. This mimics ducks feeding and is particularly effective when ducks are close to your decoys. Start with short chuckles (3-4 sounds) and work up to longer sequences.

Advanced Techniques:

• Double Quack: Produce two quick quacks in succession by slightly adjusting your tongue position between blows. This mimics a duck making two quick contact calls.
• Drake Call: For drake-specific sounds, use a slightly higher pitch and a more nasal tone. Drake mallards make a distinctive "rab-rab" sound that can be mimicked by blowing sharper, more staccato notes.
• Greeting Call: A longer, more drawn-out quack (about 2-3 seconds) that mimics a duck announcing its arrival to the flock. This is particularly effective when ducks are approaching from a distance.

Real-world scenario: If your hunting spot is on a small pond with a single decoy setup, use a greeting call to get the duck's attention from far away, followed by 2-3 comeback quacks to keep it interested as it approaches. When the duck is within 30 yards, switch to feeding chuckles to make it feel comfortable landing with your decoys.

Practice is essential - many hunters spend hours in their living rooms perfecting their technique before ever stepping into the blind. Start with short practice sessions (10-15 minutes) to build muscle memory. Record yourself using the call and compare it to recordings of actual duck sounds to identify areas for improvement.

What are some tips for maintaining my duck call?

Proper maintenance of your duck call ensures it will perform reliably season after season. Duck calls are precision instruments that require regular care, especially given the harsh conditions they're exposed to during hunting. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced performance, cracked wood, or damaged reeds that affect sound quality.

Cleaning Your Call:

• After Each Use: Wipe down the entire call with a soft, dry cloth to remove moisture and debris. Pay special attention to the reed area and tone board where moisture accumulates.
• Deep Cleaning: For stubborn moisture or debris, use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap, then immediately dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. Avoid submerging the call in water.
• Reed Cleaning: If reeds become dirty, gently wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, then let them dry completely before use.

Storage Tips:

• Use a Call Case: Always store your call in a protective case when not in use. A quality case prevents damage from drops and protects from dust and moisture.
• Temperature Control: Avoid leaving calls in extreme temperatures - both hot car interiors and freezing conditions can damage materials. A temperature-controlled environment is ideal.
• Humidity Management: Wooden calls are particularly susceptible to humidity changes. Store wooden calls in a case with a small amount of moisture-absorbing material like silica gel.

Wooden Call Maintenance:

• Occasional Oiling: About once per season, apply a small amount of mineral oil to the wooden parts using a soft cloth. This prevents the wood from drying out and cracking. Wipe off any excess oil.
• Check for Cracks: Regularly inspect wooden calls for any signs of cracking. If you notice small cracks developing, apply a thin layer of wood glue to prevent further splitting.

Reed Replacement and Care:

• Inspect Regularly: Check reeds before each hunt for signs of wear, cracking, or stiffness. Replace reeds that show any damage or reduced flexibility.
• Spare Reeds: Keep a set of spare reeds in your hunting pack. Duck Commander offers replacement reeds specifically designed for their calls.
• Proper Installation: When replacing a reed, make sure it's seated evenly on the tone board and that the retaining screws are tightened just enough to hold it in place without warping the reed.

Additional Maintenance Tips:

• Avoid Dropping: Duck calls, especially polycarbonate ones, can crack if dropped on hard surfaces. Always handle with care and consider a protective holster when carrying in your vest.
• Sun Protection: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause discoloration and material degradation. Store your call in the shade when not in use during the hunt.
• Deep Freeze Treatment: At the end of the season, some hunters recommend placing wooden calls in the freezer for 24 hours to kill any insects or larvae that might have taken up residence in the wood.

For hunters in particularly wet climates, consider using a call with replaceable reeds as they're easier to maintain than traditional reeds that can become waterlogged. The Phil Robertson Pro Series calls, for example, use synthetic reeds that resist moisture absorption better than traditional cane reeds.

My duck call isn't producing sound. What should I do?

A silent duck call can be frustrating, especially when you're in the blind with ducks approaching your decoys. There are several common reasons why a Duck Commander call might not produce sound, ranging from simple technique issues to mechanical problems. The good news is that most issues can be resolved quickly with a systematic approach.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting:

1. Check for Obstructions (1 minute):
   • Look down the tone board - shine a flashlight from the reed end to check for debris or water in the sound chamber
   • Use a pipe cleaner or small brush to gently clean out any obstructions
   • For electronic calls, check that batteries are properly installed and contacts are clean
2. Inspect the Reed (2 minutes):
   • Remove the reed cover and examine the reed for proper seating on the tone board
   • Check for bending, cracking, or stiffness in the reed - replace if damaged
   • Ensure the reed is centered and not touching the sides of the tone board
3. Adjust Your Blowing Technique (3 minutes):
   • Try blowing harder - some calls require more air pressure than others
   • Adjust the angle of your mouth over the reed assembly
   • Experiment with different mouth shapes - a tighter seal might help
   • For electronic calls, check volume settings and ensure the speaker isn't blocked
4. Test Different Sounds (2 minutes):
   • Try the different sound settings if your call has multiple options
   • Switch between quack and feeding chuckle modes
   • For traditional calls, try blowing from different angles
5. Tap to Free Reed (1 minute):
   • Gently tap the call on a soft surface like your palm or a wooden table
   • This can dislodge a reed that's stuck to the tone board from moisture
   • Be careful not to damage the call - use light taps

Pro Tips for Prevention:

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