![]() ![]() For example, the slow raehb-raehb-raehb call is used by the drake mallard to draw attention to himself for the purpose of attracting a mate, but this same call is also used to alert other mallards of the presence of a predator.Ĭommunication between members of a species is crucial to survival. The call repertoire of waterfowl is somewhat limited often the same call is used in a variety of circumstances. Similarly, a female mallard does not produce the grunt-whistle vocalization used by the male mallard during courtship displays. Male wood ducks are physically incapable of producing this call. ![]() Many of us are familiar with the high-intensity squealing call the female wood duck makes when it is disturbed. Males and females of most species of waterfowl have distinctly different calls because of physical differences in the trachea and the syrinx. The shape of the syrinx and the muscles that control membrane tension dictate the different calls within and between species. Calls are produced as air passes over the membranes of the syrinx, causing them to vibrate. The syrinx is located in the throat, at the bottom of the trachea near the junction of the bronchial tubes. The vocal organs of waterfowl consist of simple membranes located in a structure called the syrinx. Waterfowl use these vocalizations in a variety of situations as a primary means of conveying information. Vocalizations of waterfowl are considered calls rather than songs because they are short and instinctive in nature. But how do waterfowl use these vocalizations, and what do they mean? Why does each species have its own intrinsic calls? Why do males and females of the same species make different sounds? The only problem you may encounter is proving to your buddies that a person can indeed call in a wood duck.The unmistakable honk of a Canada goose as it flies overhead and the raspy decrescendo call of a hen mallard are two familiar waterfowl vocalizations that humans use to identify these birds. Plus, you will find it much more enjoyable as well. So, while you may not ever get woodies to respond as well as mallards to a call, the proper techniques of calling them can open up a whole new way of hunting woodies. The key word is "few" since it doesn't take many to make a difference. Try and watch them key in on this sound! Also, using a few decoys will certainly help in having a visual. This is definitely the call of choice when the birds are within 150 yards. The WW-90 is a very soft call that cannot be heard at a great distance and it simulates a locating sound that the ducks make, usually after they land. When I'm hunting woodies I'll usually get their attention with that "wheet" sound and then switch over to a completely different call such as the "wood duck whine." I have oftentimes seen woodies produce this sound and, once they get a response, they will then swim over to the rest of the flock. Most of these roost-type sounds can be achieved by choking down your call with your hand and modifying the way you blow into it. Just listen closely to a roost one morning and you'll be surprised at the various sounds you'll hear. Woodies have a much wider vocabulary though. Because they are fairly loud, these calls are effective in getting the attention of most wood ducks. Many hunters are familiar with the traditional "wheet-wheet" squeal that a woodie makes in flight, and most call manufactures produce these types of calls. Roosting sites should remain safe areas so the birds will consistently keep using them day after day. Wood ducks have certain travel routes they take day after day which take them between their roosting and feeding areas. Set up in their flight pattern by scouting out an area both early and late. This method involves hunting near a roost (not in the middle of it) and then calling the birds in to you. Often hunters will elect to "jump shoot" them on creeks, or even "hunt the roost." However, I would like to suggest a method in which you can hunt the entire season rather than shooting the roost, since that often lasts only a few days at most. This is not just a coincidence, but rather planned intentionally so that waterfowlers have more opportunity to hunt wood ducks. Wood ducks tend to migrate about the same time that most states observe their yearly teal seasons. As a matter of fact, they sometimes are the only duck hunting that waterfowlers have access to in their local areas. ![]() Wood ducks, or squealers as they are often called, are very widespread throughout the United States. Doing seminars all across the country, I've found that hunters seem to stand firm in their beliefs that wood ducks can not be decoyed in with calls. "Can you really call in wood ducks?" I wish I had a dime for every time I've been asked that question. ![]()
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