Tom Sykes looks at the different duck calls he uses to give him the edge when shooting on the foreshore
Wigeon growl
Wigeon growl
A wigeon growl is something that a lot of people would not have heard of because it is not a common sound, unlike the drake whistle. It is the call of the female wigeon and can be achieved by “purring” down a mallard call. This will give a growly, raspy call that replicates a hen wigeon.
I will often tie this in with a whistle or two, which imitates what the birds are expecting to hear on their approach. Using a variety of calls can be a bit of a pain and awkward at first, however, it does sounds incredibly convincing when mastered.