Duck calls... what do I have here?

[bigbossman]

Went to the swap meet, and found these two for $8 the pair. Both are Buck Garner Mallard calls, but neither has a model number/name on them. A quick Google shows Buck Gardner calls going from about $20 to $130 or so. I perused the current lineup, and these do not match any of the ones shown in the catalog.

Just curious as to how old they are, and what model. They look to be fairly "vintage" but both seem to work fine (after being disinfected, of course).

The amber one is a double reed, and the black/clear one is a single reed, if that makes a difference.

Anybody recognize them, and/or have an opinion as to quality? I figured that for $4 apiece I couldn't go wrong.

[RandyCat]

The upper one looks like Double Nasty $20 with instructional CD, very decent beginner's call, easy to learn, i use it for 3 seasons already, love it

https://www.buckgardner.com/products/duck-calls/double-nasty

The bottom one i do not recognise, for me does not look like BG. Are you sure it is?

[bigbossman]

The upper one looks like Double Nasty $20 with instructional CD, very decent beginner's call, easy to learn, i use it for 3 seasons already, love it

https://www.buckgardner.com/products/duck-calls/double-nasty

The bottom one i do not recognise, for me does not look like BG. Are you sure it is?

Yes, the bottom was is definitely a BG. Says so right on the clear part, and has the logo. No model name, though.

Thanks for the link to the Double Nasty, it looks very similar, except for the fluted end opposite the mouthpiece.

[NapalmCheese]

Are you going to blow those things in my blind? I thought I was the designated bird scarer!

[bigbossman]

Are you going to blow those things in my blind? I thought I was the designated bird scarer!

Yeah - in your blind, using your boat.

Not to worry though, I have us a little 4hp outboard motor that is self contained and weighs less than your battery. Also included in the duck call deal deal was a handful (8) of brand new Remington Hevi-Shot 3-1/2" shells...... know anyone that has a shotgun chambered for 3-1/2" shells?

[NapalmCheese]

Yeah - in your blind, using your boat.

Not to worry though, I have us a little 4hp outboard motor that is self contained and weighs less than your battery. Also included in the duck call deal deal was a handful (8) of brand new Remington Hevi-Shot 3-1/2" shells...... know anyone that has a shotgun chambered for 3-1/2" shells?

I feel a Tuesday goose hunt in the slough coming on.

[yoteassasin]

I feel a Tuesday goose hunt in the slough coming on.

Do you guys really shoot these nasty park geese . Gross

[NapalmCheese]

Do you guys really shoot these nasty park geese . Gross

True story, the first goose I ever killed was on the golf course.

So no kidding, there I was, teed up and let 'er rip (I am not a good golfer). I got a decent drive but the ball starts to hook or slice or whatever it is when it heads off to the right. I see it land in a group of geese, most of whom flap their wings and move around a bit, but none really leave.

So I walk up towards the geese looking for my ball and they all shuffle off, except for one. There's a dead goose not 1 foot away from my ball.

I'm pretty certain a golf ball is not a legal method of take though...

[RandyCat]

True story, the first goose I ever killed was on the golf course.

So no kidding, there I was, teed up and let 'er rip (I am not a good golfer). I got a decent drive but the ball starts to hook or slice or whatever it is when it heads off to the right. I see it land in a group of geese, most of whom flap their wings and move around a bit, but none really leave.

So I walk up towards the geese looking for my ball and they all shuffle off, except for one. There's a dead goose not 1 foot away from my ball.

I'm pretty certain a golf ball is not a legal method of take though...

Then i'd say you are at least a decent golfer, but frankly, you are great IMO

[bigbossman]

I once hit a fairway drive with a 3-iron and hit a sitting goose that was facing away from me straight in the butt. That goose was shoved forward about three or four feet, but it got up and walked away complaining loudly as it went.

[RandyCat]

I once hit a fairway drive with a 3-iron and hit a sitting goose that was facing away from me straight in the butt. That goose was shoved forward about three or four feet, but it got up and walked away complaining loudly as it went.

Did you find the ball?

[lewdogg21]

If they sound good use them. I've learned that cost does not equal performance with calls. I had a double nasty a few years back and it worked fine.

[bigbossman]

Did you find the ball?

Yeah - it was right where the goose used to be.

If they sound good use them. I've learned that cost does not equal performance with calls. I had a double nasty a few years back and it worked fine.

I don't think I'd be able to tell the difference between good and bad, even with a gun to my head. Here's a question though - what's the difference between a single reed and a double reed? I mean, besides the extra reed.

[RandyCat]

Here's a question though - what's the difference between a single reed and a double reed? I mean, besides the extra reed.

Very short and simple:

1, When you do not know how to use it, the only indication of good is the price, the cheaper the better, does not matter on what you make ugly sounds, so save some green for ammo/beer/women ... Double nasty or DR85 ($15)will do to learn

2.Double read is easier to learn but it has some lemitations such as loudness(less loud) and versatility.

3. Single- the opposite..

Besides, if ducks see you use single, they know you are a seasoned hunter and come to your spread much more eagerly out of respect.

[lewdogg21]

Randy answered your Q with #2. Generally speaking a double reed is easier to learn on and control. I currently run a Lares Hybrid which is a single reed. I went to this call for volume as in the rice, especially in a wind I felt I needed greater volume to reach ducks. If I hunted natural marsh/refuge I would probably still be using a Zinc ATM or NBG.


The most important thing is find a call that you can make the sounds come out like they are supposed to. Then you can worry about when to make what sounds when by reading ducks or trial and error. Any duck call can do that. I still have a Haydels Variable Tone Mallard from the early 90's that works (it was like $15 back then).