So we have been on a few hunts this season and my Dad and I think we need to hunt differently from what my cousin thinks. Here's my question. How much calling is everyone doing? Do you use a lot of mallard hen calls or whistles? My cousin thinks we shouldn't call at all but my Dad and I think we need to call to get them turned and then either soft call or stop after they turn. Any thoughts or help would be greatful. Thanks in advance.

Only way to learn is to see what the birds want. If they ain't coming in it ain't gonna hurt to hit em on the call. That doesn't mean sit there and wale at them nonstop for 5 minutes though. See what they want, it will change day to day, but slowly you will know what to look for in how they react.

Your calling should change from group to group. If you see birds in the distance give them a greeting call, if that doesn't work hit them with a good hail call. if the ducks respond to your call and turn then keep calling as that is what got them to turn in the first place. Situations like this may allow you to call them all the way into you decoys. If the ducks act disinterested then you will need to change your approach. You need to have the ability to adapt to what the ducks want. The only way to know when and how much is with experience. From time to time you will flare birds no matter what you do, that is the only way you are going to learn.

The important thing to remember is that when hunting on public land ducks have heard it all. Some guy maybe hunting on the opposite side of the lake hammering his kazoo and the ducks may come your way and respond differently to your call then his.

Before you worry about how much and when the MUST make certain that you have the ability to sound like a duck. If you can't make the correct sound cadence and timing are the least of your worries.

Here is an interesting article I have posted once before. Good information.
http://www.ducks.org/Hunting/DuckCalling/3907/7DeadlyDuckCallingMistakes.html?poe=duckcalling

I am not the best caller in the world and my calling style may differ from most around here. I grew up hunting migrators thus I tend to be a bit more aggressive on the call and that doesn't always work in my favor here in Texas.

Just my $.02 For what its worth.

I usually hail call at them until they change direction and start heading my way. Then its a little iffy whether they are committed or need some coaxing to come all the way in. That's where your teal whistle and drake grunts come in handy.

Your cousin is prolly trying to tell you in a nice way that your calling sounds bad... dont take offence to it just practice more. whenever you have two people calling they both think the other guy sucks!

Well my cousin doesn't call at all and out of the three of us I call the best. Don't get me wronge I'm no where near being as good as most. We just hunt differently and always have.

I say the more you stay off of the mallard hen the better.