Let’s Dive into Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call
The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call aims to mimic the feeding sounds of mallards, specifically when they are enjoying a rice buffet. Haydels, known for their straightforward and effective calls, has designed this one with ease of use in mind, even throwing in a Tony’s Creole Seasoning packet for that authentic Cajun experience (the culinary kind, not just the auditory). This call piqued my interest because I hunt in areas where rice fields are prevalent, and attracting ducks with a sound they associate with food could be a game-changer.
I was searching for a call that could produce those raspy, squealing feeding sounds that are often missing from my current collection. Many calls excel at the highball or comeback, but lack the subtle nuances needed to pull ducks in close when they’re already wary. I needed something different, something that whispered food instead of shouting danger.
Upon unboxing, the Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call felt lightweight and simple, constructed from molded plastic. The double reed design was immediately noticeable, hinting at the potential for producing those sought-after squeals. The build quality seemed adequate for the price, though definitely more functional than fancy.
Compared to my go-to Duck Commander calls or some higher-end acrylic calls from RNT, the Haydels offering felt much more basic. I chose this one because of its specific sound profile and the promise of easy squealing, something I couldn’t reliably achieve with my existing calls. The gamble was that this specialized call would offer a new dimension to my hunting arsenal.
My first impression was a mix of intrigue and slight skepticism. The call felt almost toy-like in its simplicity, but the included seasoning packet added a touch of humor. I was eager to see if it could live up to its name and whether I could coax those feeding sounds out of this little plastic call.
Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial field test took place in a flooded rice field in Arkansas during the late duck season. The conditions were challenging: a biting north wind and skies that threatened rain. I set up my spread, tucked myself into the blind, and prepared to put the Dirty Rice Mallard Call to the test.
The call performed surprisingly well, even in the blustery conditions. It cut through the wind better than I expected, and I was able to produce a reasonable approximation of the intended squealing sounds. Several flocks of mallards gave my setup a second look, and one small group even committed, landing right in the decoys.
The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call was surprisingly easy to use, especially for generating the desired squealing sounds. It required less air pressure and finesse than I anticipated, making it accessible even for a moderately skilled caller. There were no immediate issues, though the plastic felt a bit slippery when wet.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of hunting in various conditions, the Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call held up reasonably well. The plastic showed some minor scratches, but the reeds remained intact and the sound quality remained consistent. I used the call in everything from frigid mornings to relatively mild afternoons.
In terms of durability, the call seemed average for a plastic call. It’s not something I would intentionally abuse, but it handled normal hunting conditions without issue. Cleaning was simple: just a quick rinse with water and a blow to clear the reeds.
Compared to some of my more expensive calls, the Haydels model is definitely not as robust. However, for its intended purpose – producing specific feeding sounds – it performs admirably. It has certainly outperformed my expectations for a call at this price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call
Specifications
- The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call is made from durable plastic. This keeps the call lightweight and relatively inexpensive.
- It’s designed specifically for duck hunting, and more specifically, for mimicking mallard feeding sounds. It uses a double-reed system to achieve its unique sound.
- The call is classified as a Cajun Squeal style call. This means it is designed to produce the raspy, high-pitched squeals associated with ducks feeding in shallow water.
- It is manufactured by Haydels, a well-known name in the duck hunting world. Haydels is known for producing affordable and effective calls.
These specifications matter because they dictate the call’s sound profile, ease of use, and overall durability. The plastic construction contributes to its affordability and portability, while the double reed design enables the production of the desired squealing sounds. The Haydels name provides some assurance of quality and functionality.
Performance & Functionality
The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call excels at producing those specific, high-pitched squealing sounds that mimic mallards feeding. This attracts ducks who associate the sound with a safe feeding area. It is also reasonably effective at short-range calling, pulling ducks in close when they are already in the area.
Its main strength lies in its ability to consistently produce the desired squealing sounds with minimal effort. A weakness, however, is its limited versatility. It’s not the best choice for long-range hailing or producing a full range of mallard vocalizations.
The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call definitely met my expectations, especially considering its price. It provides a valuable tool for mimicking specific feeding sounds and luring ducks in close.
Design & Ergonomics
The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call features a simple, utilitarian design. The plastic construction keeps the call lightweight and easy to handle, even with gloved hands. The call is also comfortable to hold, although the smooth plastic can become a bit slippery when wet.
The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. It is easy to learn, and most callers should be able to produce the intended squealing sounds with a bit of practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call, being constructed from plastic, should last for several seasons with proper care. Keep the reeds free of debris and store the call in a safe place when not in use. Maintenance is simple: just disassemble the call and rinse it with water.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call comes with a packet of Tony’s Creole Seasoning. The call itself has limited customization options beyond potentially replacing the reeds.
The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call is not readily compatible with accessories from other brands. However, replacement reeds are often available from various manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call
Pros
- Affordable price point. The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call offers excellent value for money.
- Easy to use, even for beginners. The design makes it simple to produce the desired squealing sounds.
- Effective at mimicking mallard feeding sounds. This attracts ducks that are drawn to the sound of a safe feeding area.
- Lightweight and portable. Easy to carry in a lanyard or pocket.
- Includes Tony’s Creole Seasoning. A fun, quirky addition to the package.
Cons
- Limited versatility. Not the best choice for long-range hailing or producing a full range of mallard vocalizations.
- Plastic construction feels less durable than higher-end calls made from acrylic or wood.
Who Should Buy Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call?
The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call is perfect for duck hunters who hunt in rice fields or other areas where mallards frequently feed in shallow water. It’s also a good choice for beginner callers looking for an affordable and easy-to-use call to add to their arsenal. Experienced callers who want to add a specific squealing sound to their repertoire will also find this call useful.
Hunters who primarily need a long-range hailing call or those seeking a call with a wider range of vocalizations should skip this product. Those who prefer higher-end, more durable calls might also want to look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory is a good lanyard to keep the call readily accessible. There are no specific modifications required, but experimenting with different reed configurations might be beneficial for some users.
Conclusion on Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call
The Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call is a specialized tool that excels at mimicking mallard feeding sounds. Its affordable price, ease of use, and effectiveness make it a worthwhile addition to any duck hunter’s collection, especially those who hunt in rice fields or shallow-water environments.
The price is definitely justified by the call’s performance. It’s a solid value for the money.
I would personally recommend the Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call to anyone looking to add a unique and effective sound to their calling arsenal. If you’re ready to spice up your duck hunting game, give the Haydels Duck Dirty Rice Mallard Call a try. It might just be the secret ingredient to your next successful hunt.