bird calls

[daradke]

Has anyone ever used bird calls for quail and chukar (similar to duck calls)?  Just wondering if they are gimmicks or are actually helpful to locate birds.

[HornHoarder]

I hunt quail without a dog, and I can imitate quail sounds by whistling. Often times they answer back, then I know which direction to go. I have not used any quail/chucker calls but I think they would work.

[Stilly bay]

I have used one to locate Mountain quail in the past. I would give a go in areas I have found them before and they would answer sporadically. its more of an alarm call to make them give up their location, rather than calling them in.

on a couple different occasions I spotted a covey dusting on an old two track or out in the open, I did my best impression and the birds didn't even bat an eyelash.  made me wonder how many coveys I had passed by because I hadn't got an answer.

[kyle78]

I've used both quail and chukar calls. They work well. Birds do get call shy though so you want to use them sparingly. They work real well after you bust a covey up and scatter the birds.