Tested in the field: a mallard call, smock and hunting knife
Sporting Gun contributors give their verdict on this month’s test kit
Muddy Gutter Classic Mallard Call
Finding a good mallard call can be a harder task than you think. Over the years I have had numerous duck calls slung around my neck, but all the good ones seemed to be discontinued or are beautiful bespoke calls that you don’t want to lose on the foreshore.
Lee Edwards at Muddy Gutter Calls has branched out into the duck call market with the cracking Classic Mallard Call. Its doublereed produces a lovely raspy sound that imitates duck perfectly and is incredibly easy to blow. It also packs plenty of volume for the open spaces of the foreshore, but can be toned down nicely if you are shooting a close quarter wooded pond.
The call is made of a high-quality and hardwearing Delrin and polycarbonate. It has two lanyard grooves, one on the barrel and one on the insert, reducing the risk of losing any parts from the lanyard. A nice finishing touch is the laser-engraved logo. I believe that Lee will also add your name or initials for an additional cost, perfect for a present or stopping your friends from ‘half-inching’ it. It is ergonomically designed and is comfortable to hold and easy to use. At £30, wildfowlers would be quackers not to give it a try.
SPECS Price: £30 muddyguttercalls.co.uk Reviewer: Tom Sykes