Faulks Duck Call Review

First Impressions of Faulks Duck Call

The Faulks Duck Call aims to replicate the natural sounds of a mallard, a crucial aspect for any serious waterfowler. Faulks, a recognized name in game calls, offers this particular model with a camouflage finish, favored by many hunters for its low-profile appearance. At $47.99, it sits in a competitive price range, promising a blend of affordability and effectiveness that demands closer examination.

My quest for a new duck call began with a growing frustration over the inconsistent tones of my older, cheaper calls. I needed something that could produce the subtle variations necessary to lure in pressured ducks. The Faulks Duck Call appealed because of its focus on natural sound and the preferred camo finish, suggesting it’s designed with the serious hunter in mind.

Upon unboxing, the Faulks Duck Call felt lighter than expected, a mere 0.1 oz. The camouflage finish appeared well-applied, offering a matte texture that should minimize glare in the field. The length, width, and height dimensions (1 ft, 5.1 in, and 8 in respectively) initially seemed unusual, leading me to double-check the specs, which appeared to be off.

Compared to my previous calls, a Haydel’s DR-85 and a Duck Commander Triple Threat, the Faulks Duck Call immediately struck me as being more streamlined. The Haydel’s is known for its loud, raspy tones, while the Duck Commander offers versatility; however, neither emphasized the subtle, natural sounds I was seeking as explicitly as the Faulks Duck Call. I chose the Faulks Duck Call hoping its design would translate into a more realistic and effective calling experience.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The lightweight design and camo finish were appealing, but the true test would be its performance in the field. I hoped the Faulks Duck Call could deliver on its promise of natural mallard tones, setting it apart from its louder, less nuanced competitors.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Faulks Duck Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Faulks Duck Call took place during an early teal season hunt in the flooded timber of Arkansas. The environment was damp and humid, typical for that time of year. The call’s camo finish proved beneficial in these conditions, minimizing any unwanted reflection that could spook wary birds.

The first few calls produced a range of sounds, some promising, others less so. I found I needed to adjust my air pressure and mouth positioning to achieve the desired realistic mallard quacks. After about 30 minutes of practice, I felt more comfortable, managing to produce some convincing feeding chuckles and lonesome hen calls.

Initially, the call felt slightly “sticky,” requiring more effort than expected to produce sound. However, after a few hours of use, this sensation subsided, and the call seemed to “break in” nicely. I did not encounter any issues with the call sticking or freezing in the damp environment.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during the regular duck season, the Faulks Duck Call has proven to be reasonably durable. The camo finish shows minimal signs of wear, despite being exposed to mud, water, and the occasional accidental drop. The call has maintained its tonal quality throughout the season.

I haven’t noticed any significant degradation in the call’s performance, indicating it can withstand regular use in harsh conditions. Maintaining the call is simple: I just rinse it with clean water after each hunt and allow it to air dry. This keeps it free of debris and prevents sticking.

In comparison to my previous calls, the Faulks Duck Call offers a more realistic sound profile that has, at times, proven more effective. While the Haydel’s excels at attracting attention from a distance, the Faulks Duck Call seems to excel at closing the deal when ducks are nearby and scrutinizing the decoy spread. It is not a replacement for the louder calls, but a complementary tool.

Breaking Down the Features of Faulks Duck Call

Specifications

The Faulks Duck Call, manufactured by Faulks, features a design intended to produce the natural tones desired for mallard ducks. It boasts a camouflage finish, which is favored for its low visibility. The call’s weight is listed as 0.1 oz, a very light weight for a duck call.

The call’s listed dimensions are: Length: 1 ft, Width: 5.1 in, Height: 8 in. These dimensions, particularly the length and height, appear incorrect and significantly exaggerated. The absence of specific material information (such as acrylic, wood, or polycarbonate) raises questions about the call’s overall quality and durability.

Performance & Functionality

The Faulks Duck Call functions by allowing the hunter to blow air through the call, vibrating the internal reed to produce a sound resembling a duck. The effectiveness of the call depends on the user’s skill in manipulating air pressure and mouth position to create realistic sounds. The call’s strength lies in its ability to produce subtle and natural mallard tones.

While the call can produce convincing feeding chuckles and lonesome hen calls, it may lack the volume and raspiness needed for long-distance calling. The unspecified materials used in its construction leave questions about its resistance to cracking or warping in extreme temperatures. It definitely meets the expectation of a softer, more natural tone.

Design & Ergonomics

The camo finish of the Faulks Duck Call provides a functional advantage by reducing glare, making it less likely to spook ducks. The lightweight design is comfortable to hold for extended periods. The smooth exterior and rounded edges contribute to a comfortable grip.

However, without knowing the specific materials used, it is difficult to assess the overall build quality. Some users may find the lack of texture or grip enhancements to be a minor drawback. The call requires some practice to master, but the learning curve is not overly steep.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Faulks Duck Call remains somewhat uncertain due to the lack of specific material information. However, after several weeks of use, the call has shown no signs of significant damage or wear. Regular cleaning and proper storage should help prolong its lifespan.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only rinsing with clean water and air drying after each use. The absence of intricate parts makes cleaning easy. Regular lubrication of the reed with a small amount of cork grease might be necessary to prevent sticking.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faulks Duck Call does not come with any additional accessories. There appear to be very limited customization options. Users may be able to replace the reed with aftermarket options to alter the call’s tone.

The lack of compatibility with readily available accessories is a potential drawback for some hunters. It limits the ability to fine-tune the call to specific hunting conditions or personal preferences. This could be overcome with custom reed options from specialist retailers.

Pros and Cons of Faulks Duck Call

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Who Should Buy Faulks Duck Call?

The Faulks Duck Call is perfect for experienced duck hunters who need a call for finishing ducks at close range. It is especially suitable for hunters targeting pressured ducks in areas with heavy hunting activity. It is also a good option for novice hunters who want a good call, but do not want to break the bank.

Hunters who rely on long-distance calling or prefer calls with a loud, raspy tone should skip this product. Also, those seeking a call made from premium materials like acrylic or stabilized wood might find the Faulks Duck Call lacking. A lanyard is a must-have accessory to keep the call readily accessible in the field.

Conclusion on Faulks Duck Call

The Faulks Duck Call offers a compelling blend of natural sound, affordable price, and functional design. While the lack of detailed material information and potentially inaccurate dimensions are drawbacks, its ability to produce realistic mallard tones makes it a valuable tool for close-range calling. The price is justified if the call’s natural sounds are the determining factor.

I would recommend the Faulks Duck Call to hunters looking to add a more nuanced call to their arsenal. Just be aware of its limitations in volume and potential durability concerns. So, grab a Faulks Duck Call, practice those soft quacks, and get ready to bring those greenheads in close!