Choosing the Right Goose Call: Advice from a Professional Hunting Guide

When it comes to choosing a goose call, the options are endless, and the process of selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. As a professional hunting guide, I want to provide you with clear, honest advice to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're new to goose hunting or looking to refine your call selection, let's break down the essentials.

Short Reed or Flute? Here’s Why You Should Start with a Short Reed

The first decision you'll face is choosing between a short reed or a flute call. Both types have their merits, but the landscape of goose calling has evolved significantly over the years, and the short reed has become the preferred choice for most serious hunters.

• Flute Calls: Flute calls have been around for a long time and are known for their ease of use. They produce deep, resonant tones that can mimic the sound of a goose well enough. However, they tend to be bulkier and less versatile than short reeds. While flute calls still have their place, particularly for beginners who want a simple tool to start with, they are used less frequently in today's hunting scenes.

  
  

• Short Reed Calls: Short reeds have surged in popularity because they offer greater control and versatility. With a bit of practice, a short reed call allows you to produce a wide range of goose sounds—from soft clucks to loud honks and everything in between. This flexibility makes them invaluable in the field, where the ability to adapt your calling can be the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed. If you're serious about goose hunting, investing in a short reed call right from the start is the way to go.

  
  

Material Matters: Choosing Between Wood, Acrylic, and Delrin

Once you've settled on a short reed call, the next important decision is selecting the right material. The material of your goose call will significantly impact its sound, durability, and how it performs in different weather conditions. The three main materials you'll encounter are wood, acrylic, and Delrin.

• Wood: Wood calls are often favored for their rich, warm tones that can produce incredibly realistic goose sounds. There’s something about the natural resonance of wood that just feels right in your hands, and many hunters (myself included) have a deep appreciation for it. However, wood is highly susceptible to changes in temperature and moisture. In cold or wet conditions, wood can expand or contract, which may affect the call's performance and even render it unusable. For those who hunt in a variety of weather conditions, wood calls may not be the most reliable choice for day-to-day use.

  
  

• Acrylic: Acrylic calls are popular for their durability and sharp, snappy tones. Unlike wood, acrylic is not affected by temperature or moisture, making it a more consistent performer in the field. The sound produced by acrylic calls tends to be brighter and more piercing, which can be an advantage when you need your call to carry over long distances or cut through windy conditions. Acrylic calls are a great choice if you're looking for a reliable, all-weather option.

  
  

• Delrin: Delrin is a synthetic material that strikes a balance between wood and acrylic. It offers a slightly softer, more muted tone than acrylic, but with greater durability than wood. Delrin calls are less affected by weather changes and are known for being tough and resilient, making them an excellent choice for hunters who value both sound quality and reliability. Many of the calls you'll find on our lanyards during daily hunts are made from Delrin due to its dependable performance.

  
  

Don’t Skimp on Your First Call: Quality Over Cost

When you're just starting out or upgrading your gear, it's tempting to save money by opting for a cheaper call. However, this is one area where cutting corners can cost you in the long run. A cheap call might get you started, but as you gain experience and develop your calling skills, you'll likely find that it limits your ability to produce the sounds you need.

Investing in a quality call from the outset is a smart move. A well-made call will not only sound better but will also grow with you as you improve. You won't have to replace it as quickly, and you'll get more enjoyment out of your hunts. If you're serious about goose hunting, spending a bit more on a high-quality call is a wise investment that will pay off in the long run.

Brand Recommendations: Start with What We Know

Now, let’s talk brands. Full disclosure: we have a longstanding relationship with the guys over at Pacific Calls. They make excellent products, and we highly recommend checking them out. That said, you should try different brands and use what you like. Even I don’t exclusively use just Pacific Calls every day, but I always have them on my lanyard.

My top pick? The Pacific 509. It’s versatile, with excellent range, making it a great all-around big goose call for the types of hunts we usually do. But don’t just take my word for it—experiment with different calls and find what works best for you.

Other Top Brands to Consider

• Tim Grounds Championship Calls: If you haven’t heard of Tim Grounds, you’re probably living under a rock. These calls are extremely popular among contest callers and hunters alike. They’ve been around for years and have become a household name in the goose hunting world. Most of the guys who use them aren’t shy about letting you know either—and with good reason. Their “Real Thang” is as good as it gets and has a well-earned reputation for quality and performance.

  
  

• Molt Gear: Another massively popular brand, especially in Minnesota. Ask 80% of the guys in living in pit blinds up there what’s on their lanyard, and you’ll likely hear a spit note rattle back at you from a Molt Gear Triumph. Molt Gear makes a few fantastic big goose calls. If you’re looking to add one to your arsenal, their Reflex and Triumph are the two I’d recommend spending the most time with.

  
  

• GK Calls: GK Calls is another reputable name that’s been around as long as anyone else. They offer plenty of options worth taking a look at, with their flagship call, the Solution, being particularly good. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to expand their call collection.

  
  

• Last Flight: Last Flight makes an awesome big goose call called the Headliner. It’s loud, fast, and has excellent tone. I’ve had personal experience with it, and while my last one, a prototype, cracked in some brutal negative-zero North Dakota cold, the company had a new call headed my way within days.

  
  

Try Before You Buy

At the end of the day, every hunter and every hunting situation is different. Personal preference is everything. Don’t be afraid to try out a variety of calls to see what fits your style. Consider visiting waterfowl trade shows—there isn’t a single call maker out there who wouldn’t be happy to let you try their calls and offer their advice.