We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked Questions and Answers we have received over the last few years. If you still have a questions PLEASE E-MAIL US.
- What call variations do you offer?
Timber Mallard offers 4 variations of the Mallard Duck;
A. "Original" Timber Mallard-Designed as a perfect all around duck call, not to loud and not too soft.
B. "Timber" Timber Mallard-Designed as a close working call, super raspy, sounds like an OLE lazy hen.
C. Timber Mallard "Scream N' Demon"-Designed for both field and timber hunters, EXTREMELY LOUD, less back pressure, but still sounds ducky on the bottom. Great attention getter as well as a perfect close working call.
D. Timber Mallard "Double Trouble"- Made on our TIMBER call, but with the ease of use only a double reed can offer. Easy to imitate the Hen Mallard. - Do you make a DOUBLE REED Duck Call, if so what do you recommend?
Yes, I recommend blowing whatever you feel the most comfortable blowing. If its a double reed then by all means continue to blow it, if its a single reed then by all means continue to blow that. But, if you feel comfortable with making a change, have the time and desire to master something new, then by all means switch to a single reed. I think you will find once mastered, you will be able to produce more realistic sounds of the Mallard Duck. - What are Timber Mallard Duck Calls made from?
Our calls are made from; Acrylic, Cocobolo, and Walnut. - What material do you recommend?
This all depends on the sound you are trying to achieve, durability, and aesthetics.
Acrylic makes a perfect all around call, by this I mean they can be as loud as you want them or as soft as the softest quack. Acrylic is very durable, aesthetically pleasing, and the best part their is no absorption of air pressure because the material is non-porus. It also resists sticking under extreme temperatures.
Woods (Cocobolo and Walnut) as well make a perfect all around duck call, but they generally are not as loud. Normally the bottom end is very ducky/raspy. They are more likely to stick in extreme temperatures with excess moisture because wood is persue
Cocobolo in my opinion is less likely to stick and swell causing a change in sound and performance. The reason is Cocobolo is naturally oily, preventing some sticking and swelling, and the grain structure is very fine. Walnut on the other hand is a long grain wood and easily absorbs moisture and will swell relatively easy. Please keep in mind the material selection is strictly up to the user and without the proper maintience and care any call is subject to sticking, swelling, and/or a malfunction. - What grade/quality material are Timber Mallard Duck Calls made
from?
Our Cocobolo calls are made from music grade Mexican Cocobolo. The Walnut calls are made from furniture grade material with no knots or defects. Acrylic calls are made from machinable rod acrylic. - Are Timber Mallard Duck Calls really handmade and tuned?
Yes, We started this as a hobby in 1995, since then we have expanded but our work is still done in OUR shop in Paragould, AR. Every call, whether it is wood or acrylic is hand turned and tuned. I finish, tune, blow, tune, and blow every call. Nothing leaves our shop without my hands on it. We feel this ensures quality and shows the pride that goes into every Timber Mallard Duck Call. With this in mind, "No 2 Timber Mallards are the same...." - Why do you offer a LIFETIME GUARANTEE?
As a duck hunter I got tired of buying a call and some time later having to buy another because either their was a problem or it simply needed a re-tune. When you buy a quality call it should come with a GUARANTEE!!! If you should ever need a retune, or feel the call has malfunctioned send it back and we will either fix the problem or promptly replace it. The only cost you will incur is shipping the package to us. - How long have you been making calls?
We began making calls in 1995. - How did you get started making calls?
This is an interesting story to say the least:
While in college in early 1995 I decided to make a wooden poke boat. I researched the subject via ASU's Library and the internet. Once the information had been compiled I went to my Dad and asked for his assistance, both financial and physical. He allowed me to complete my sales pitch and replied, "NO." I again went through the pitch and he replied, "NO." This time he provided reasoning. "You have 4 boats why do you need another?" For the life of me I could not come up with a reason he would not reject..." After a few moments of silence he asked, "why not make a duck call, you are having problems with them." After careful deliberation, because I really wanted to build that boat, I came up with this response, "We don't have a lathe....." To my surprise we did and the first call was turned, from a broom handle. It was not much to view and did not blow.
After some months (Oct.-Nov. 1995) we expanded our shop to a 8'X12', man we were in style now, so we thought, but the calls still would not blow and we had not decided on a style. If I remember correctly we QUIT 52 times that first year, in other words every weekend....
It took about 1 year to get the first call to blow. That first year we continually bought new and used equipment to improve our operation and came up with our name..."TIMBER MALLARD DUCK CALLS." I used that first call for the 1996 Arkansas duck season.
At this point (1996) we had our first inquiry on purchasing our calls. This had started as a hobby, but we could see it turning into a business. So it did.
We we moved from our small shop in the summer of 1998 to our current facility (1,150 sq. foot). Over 400 sq. foot enclosed with heat, and the additional 750 sq. ft. as a material roughing room and storage.
"Told you it was interesting, didn't I." - How do you make a Duck Call?
It all starts with the best material and alot of time.....