beginner duck call

[Blacktail135]

 I use a Cedar Hills T300 call that I am pleased with. Single reed timber. $12.95.   

[syoungs]

I like the zink PH1 or PH2, can get them for less then 30$ I think.
Haydels dr85 is well proven, and the original wench is good, but hard to keep sounding good after a bit, (gets wet).

[Brad Harshman]

Here's an honest thought.  My coworker who professes that he isn't a strong caller uses a wooden Faulks call.  It's really quiet.  I wish I had a quieter call when I first started.  Don't get me wrong I'm far from great, as it is. But if you're new and trying to learn I'd recommend a softer or quieter call.  Blaring out bad calls will only spook the birds. 
With all that said - good for you to start practicing in the off season.  You've received alot of great recommendations. 

[DAMdoug]

I have been using a Duck Commander original wood call. I have been using for a long time. I started using them in the 80's before Phil became a celebrity. I think I paid less than $10.

But I would really consider Carlson Championship Call http://www.carlsoncalls.com/ they make some very good calls. They also have a system for learning how to use a call.

[BiggLuke]

Keep an eye out at walmart.... now that the season is over....   hint hint....   duck calls can be super cheap there, because they go on sale to get rid of inventory.
Lots of good calls are carried at walmart from Duck Commander, to haydells, to Primos.

Usually I get a couple around $5 a piece every year to add to my pile. lol

Good luck   

[Badhabit]

I sold a Luna label Duck Commander for $125. on ebay last summer. Old DC calls with early labels sell for crazy prices. Lots of good suggestions given. My first duck call was an Echo poly double reed timber. Still have it on a lanyard.

[hdshot]

Duck call market is so flooded you can try a couple cheap and they are good calls.  Double reeds are great to learn and stay with.  Youtube can be you best friend or worst enemy when learning how to call as well.   

[grousetracker]

I appreciate the responses and picked up 2 duck commander calls,a drake call that sounds pretty good and a hen call that sounds really raspy and is a lot more difficult, what about triple reed calls?

[h2ofowlr]

I appreciate the responses and picked up 2 duck commander calls,a drake call that sounds pretty good and a hen call that sounds really raspy and is a lot more difficult, what about triple reed calls?

Most use single or double reeds.  I have several triple reed calls.  More chance of crap getting in them and making them sound bad.  If your familiar with calls and know how to take them apart, clean and re-assemble them your good to go.  Might not be the best option out of the box for learning on.   

Start with what you have and practice all off season.  You might add another upgraded call prior to the season if you believe you require more.  Practice and actually using the call in a fashion the ducks respond well to in the field will take you to another level of calling. 

[JJD]

Another fan of Haydel's DR 85 or the Timber Cutter.  They are the same call with a different look.

Very easy to call with.  They used to have a package with a DR 85, plus a drake/pintail whistle and an instructional CD for about $40. 

[snocohunter]

I have and sometimes still use my original wench. Never had a problem with it sticking or sounding bad. I have some DC calls but not that impressed with them. They aren't bad but not great. I just won an auction for an ITF Single Reed from Pacific Calls and it sounds pretty good. But your poly calls are pretty cheap and a lot of them flat out work. Many birds have fallen victim to the 'ol wench.

[Savage.06Shot]

Coming from a beginner, I started off at the beginning of last season with one duck commander and I decided that wasnt the tone the ducks liked so I bought two calls on my next stop to buy shells. One was the wench and the other was the DC ole raspy and they both sounded good and had a great ring from just a quack. However I had more mallards turn to look at our decoys with the primos wench which was right around 20 bucks. You canalso check out rich n tone calls my buddy swears by his. Good luck

[Savage.06Shot]

Coming from a beginner, I started off at the beginning of last season with one duck commander and I decided that wasnt the tone the ducks liked so I bought two calls on my next stop to buy shells. One was the wench and the other was the DC ole raspy and they both sounded good and had a great ring from just a quack. However I had more mallards turn to look at our decoys with the primos wench which was right around 20 bucks. You canalso check out rich n tone calls my buddy swears by his. Good luck

[Elliott]

Primos Wench call.  Inexpensive and good raspy call.  I would imagine many duck hunters own one whether they still use it or not is another question.

This was my first call, still have it and use it if the reed on my other call gets a little squeeky or stuck.