Duck Commander Mallard Drake Duck Call Review

• Authentic mallard drake sounds: The call produces highly realistic mallard vocalizations that ducks respond to reliably in the field
• Durable construction: The polycarbonate body and synthetic reeds withstand rough field conditions, drops, and temperature variations
• Beginner-friendly: The simple three-finger roll technique allows new hunters to produce quality sounds quickly
• Versatile sound production: Capable of producing a wide range of mallard vocalizations from soft peeps to aggressive comeback calls
• Consistent performance: The reeds maintain their tonal quality throughout extended use and across different weather conditions
• Easy maintenance: Simple disassembly for cleaning and replaceable reed assemblies extend the call's lifespan
• Respected brand reputation: Duck Commander's established reputation in the hunting community provides confidence in product quality
• Multiple reed options: Available with different reed configurations to suit various hunting conditions and personal preferences
• Comfortable grip: The contoured design prevents hand fatigue during long calling sessions
• Portable and lightweight: Easy to carry in a vest pocket or lanyard without adding significant weight

• Limited volume range: While suitable for most hunting scenarios, the call may lack the volume needed for long-distance calling in open water
• Reed wear over time: While more durable than traditional reeds, the synthetic reeds will eventually wear out and require replacement (~$10-15 per set)
• Learning curve for advanced techniques: While beginner-friendly, mastering the full range of mallard vocalizations requires practice and experience
• Single-purpose design: Primarily designed for mallard drake sounds, it's less versatile than some multi-species calls
• Price point: Slightly more expensive than basic entry-level calls, though priced competitively with other mid-range professional calls
• Plastic construction: While durable, the polycarbonate body may feel less "premium" to some hunters compared to wood or metal calls
• Weather sensitivity: Extreme cold can temporarily stiffen the reeds, requiring a few warm breaths to restore flexibility
• Sound carry in wind: The call's natural tone may be less audible in strong winds compared to louder, more piercing electronic calls

Immediate Hunting Success:

Many users report ducks responding to their calls within minutes of arriving at the blind. One hunter from North Dakota noted, "I took my first limit of mallards on opening weekend using nothing but this call. The sounds were spot-on and brought them right in." This immediate success rate is particularly impressive for new hunters who haven't spent years perfecting their calling technique.

Durability in Field Conditions:

Numerous reviews mention the call's resilience in harsh conditions. A Louisiana waterfowler wrote, "Hunted in freezing rain and 20 mph winds with this call. Dropped it in the marsh twice, and it still performed perfectly. The reeds didn't even stiffen up in the cold." This durability gives hunters confidence to use the call in challenging environments.

Versatility Across Species:

While designed specifically for mallard drakes, many users find it effective for other waterfowl species as well. A Texas hunter reported, "Used this call primarily for pintails and teal this season. The peeps worked great for getting their attention, and the comeback roll brought them right in." This versatility makes the call a good investment for hunters targeting multiple species.

Ease of Learning:

The learning curve is frequently mentioned as a major advantage. A first-time hunter shared, "I bought this call with zero experience last season. After practicing in my truck for 20 minutes, I went out and called in three different groups of mallards. The three-finger roll is incredibly intuitive." This accessibility has made the call popular among beginners who might otherwise be intimidated by traditional mouth calls.

Consistent Sound Quality:

Many experienced hunters praise the consistency of the call's sound. A seasoned guide from Arkansas stated, "I've used Duck Commander calls for 15 years. This one maintains that same consistent tone throughout the season. The reeds don't lose their snap or get waterlogged like some cheaper calls." This reliability is crucial for hunters who depend on their calls to produce under pressure.

Volume Limitations:

Several hunters note that the call doesn't project as loudly as some electronic calls or larger mouth calls. A Minnesota waterfowler commented, "In a big open field with no cover, this call struggles to carry. I had to get really close to the ducks to get them to respond." This limitation may require hunters to position themselves closer to their intended targets or use the call in combination with other sounds.

Reed Replacement Costs:

While the reeds are durable, they do wear out eventually. Several users mention the cost of replacement reeds ($10-15 per set) as a recurring expense. A long-time user from Missouri wrote, "After three seasons of heavy use, my reeds finally wore out. The call still sounds good, but I had to drop another $12 for new ones. Not a huge deal, but something to budget for." This ongoing cost should be factored into the total cost of ownership.

Weather Sensitivity:

Some hunters report issues in extremely cold conditions. A North Dakota hunter shared, "In 0-degree weather, the reeds got so stiff I could barely make a sound. Had to warm them up in my mouth for a few minutes before they worked right." While this is a common issue with mouth calls, it's worth noting for hunters in particularly cold climates.

Sound Too "Perfect":

A few experienced callers mention that the call's highly accurate mallard sounds can sometimes sound "too perfect" to wary ducks. One seasoned hunter noted, "The call sounds great, but sometimes the ducks seem to recognize it's not a real bird because it's too clean. I've had better luck with calls that have a slight imperfection." This highlights that while the call is realistic, there's still an art to making it sound natural in different hunting scenarios.

Material Feel:

Some users prefer the feel of traditional wooden or acrylic calls over the polycarbonate construction. A traditionalist from Arkansas commented, "I love the sound, but it doesn't have the same feel as my old wooden call. The grip is good, but it's just not the same." This is largely a matter of personal preference but worth considering for hunters who value traditional materials.

After evaluating the Duck Commander Mallard Drake Duck Call across multiple dimensions - including sound quality, durability, ease of use, and real-world performance - we award this call a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

• Beginner hunters who want to learn authentic mallard calling without the steep learning curve of traditional calls
• Intermediate hunters looking for a reliable backup call that produces consistent results
• Hunters targeting mallards specifically who need a call that produces realistic mallard drake sounds
• Those hunting in variable weather conditions who need a call that performs reliably in both cold and warm environments
• Hunters who value durability and want a call that will last multiple seasons with proper maintenance

If your hunting style involves calling from a layout blind or other concealed position where you're relatively close to incoming ducks, this call is an excellent choice. The realistic mallard sounds it produces are highly effective at short to medium ranges (under 100 yards).

Hunters who prefer calling from long distances or in very open terrain might want to consider a louder call or supplement this call with other sounds. The Duck Commander Mallard Drake Duck Call works best when the hunter is positioned strategically to take advantage of its natural tone.

For hunters who want to explore other options in the Duck Commander lineup, we recommend checking out their classic calls review for a broader perspective on their product range.

Comparison with Other Mallard Drake Calls

Note: Star ratings are based on user reviews and expert analysis of each call's performance in real hunting conditions.

Real-World Use Case Scenarios