Can anyone recommend a decent mallard or gadwall call for under $40 that is good for smaller coves and beaver ponds? I'm currently calling a haydels big barrel and I think it's too loud for the places I usually hunt.

A little over your price range but the Hayes lil bad azz. Is a great soft call for 49.99

Best ever is a Faulk's $20. No need to thank me.

Thank him, not many great call companies left that can make a good Louisiana style call.

Duck Commander Classic is very versatile.

Haydel's DR-85 can be worked pretty light.

Brand and model is personal preference, but what your looking for is your favorite brand's "Timber" call. I would want the more mellow sound of Wood rather than the sharper louder sound of acrylic for the purpose.

Thanks guys, I'll check 'em out.

Coming from two call makers on the forum; I'd call that "highly recommend".

They do have several models on their site, any one in specific that you'd recommend for a novice?

The dr66 would be a timber call. Double reed and should be an easy forgiving call to use. I've had the delux or an older version of it for over 30 years and still use it on some hunts. It is a single reed and may be more versatile, not that it matters for what you want it for. As inexpensive as they are, order both.

Echo timber double reed with poly insert is a fantastic call.

Good posts. After researching a little more I bought a few Faulks

Good. You need to thank wal

Is that the call your guide uses?

Echo timber call

Mallardtone M 295 Close in call.Single reed Quite easy blowing hard to screwup.