Quick Answer
To call in shy mallards, use a soft, gentle quack or a series of descending whistles, often at dawn or dusk when they are most active, and maintain a consistent calling pattern with short pauses.
Choosing the Right Call
When hunting shy mallards in Arkansas timber, a high-pitched, double-reed call is often the most effective. This type of call can mimic the soft quack of a female mallard, which is more likely to attract a shy bird. Look for calls with a clear, bright tone and a smooth, even sound.
Mastering the Calling Pattern
To call in shy mallards, use a consistent pattern of short, gentle quacks or descending whistles, often with a pause of 5-10 seconds between calls. This pattern should be repeated every 30-60 seconds, allowing the birds to become accustomed to the sound and increasing the likelihood of a response. For example, a calling sequence might look like this: “quack, quack, quack, pause, quack, quack, quack, pause,” and so on.
Timing and Location
When hunting in timber, it’s essential to be in position at dawn or dusk, when the mallards are most active and likely to respond to a call. Look for areas with dense vegetation and a mix of open water and cover, as these will often attract mallards and provide them with a sense of security. When you’re in position, use your call to make a series of soft, gentle quacks or descending whistles, and be prepared to shoot when a bird responds.
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