The 10 Best Goose Call Reviews And Complete Buying Guide
Is waterfowl hunting part of your lifestyle? Or are you looking to get into waterfowl hunting? Well, having the best goose call should be your topmost priority.
In as much as you might have all the technical gear, nailing yourself a goose can be tricky. Most likely, you’ll have to wade the waters for hours and get soaked to the bone. Even then, the chances of bagging yourself a goose are quite slim. Well, why trouble yourself going to search for the goose? You can also wait for it to come to you. All you need is the best goose caller for the job.
Unlike cupping your hands and mimicking goose sounds, goose calls produce far more realistic goose sounds. Plus, some models can combine all the different basic notes. So, whether you’re after the Canadian goose, Specklebelly goose, or snow goose, you’ll always have the edge. Join me as I introduce the best goose call on the market.
10 Best Goose Calls
1. Primos Hunting 866 Honky Tonk Goose Call
Are you still unlucky with your short-reed goose call? I think it’s time you give the Honky Tonk goose call a try. It’s a popular package that combines style, brand excellence, and low price.
Well, Honky Tonk is a short-reed goose call that replicates all the sounds of the Canadian geese. It takes a bit more air and effort to blow. However, this goose call rewards you with a louder, higher-pitched sound.
The high-pitched sound can be heard by a flock of geese far away. It’s also the perfect call for early seasons when the flocks expect to hear young, excited birds.
But Honky Tonk delivers more than just a high-pitched sound. It can do a variety of tones. Hence, you can transition between low moans and high honks. This goose call takes care of the backpressure automatically. Hence, there’s no need to cup your hands.
Notably, it has patented ditches on the soundboard. It’s more like a natural bend positioned upward. Such a design helps reduce sticking due to moisture. And for that, it can perform flawlessly in most environments.
Aside from patented ditches, this goose call rewards you with a patented reed system. It makes it easier to take the call apart for cleaning and tuning.
Honky Tonk is an acrylic goose call. Such a material allows it to carry calls farther than calls made of wood. For this reason, it’s ideal for large, open areas.
Verdict
I like the Honky Tonk goose call for its high-quality construction. Plus, it offers patented technology to improve user experience. I vote it the best goose call for beginners.
2. Faulk’s Canada Goose Call
It’s a simple-to-blow call, making it suitable for anyone. And with automatic pressure, it makes one of the best goose calls for beginners. As the name suggests, Faulk’s goose call is perfectly suited for Canadian geese. Moreover, it produces a wide range of goose calls with ease.
Well, Faulk’s Canada is a short-reed goose call. As such, it produces a high-pitched tone ideal for early seasons. The best part, it can mimic all the five basic calls of the Canadian goose. Also, this call is hand-tuned and tested to ensure a perfect tone.
The beautiful workmanship is one feature that makes this goose call stand out. It uses the finest walnut that mimics an antique wooden work. As such, it’s a nostalgic favorite that offers both class and charisma. And for a wooden call, it performs better in a swamp or forest.
This goose call includes a lanyard. Well, it’s a bonus feature that’s quite rare in other goose calls. It keeps your goose call where you want it. So, it eliminates fumbling, particularly when the waterfowl action heats up. And with braided construction, it’s guaranteed to last seasons of use.
Verdict
Faulk’s Canada goose call is extremely easy to blow. Also, the wood absorbs most of the vibrations. Such specs make it a good choice for beginners.
3. Primos Canada Goose Flute Call
Every veteran caller pretty much carries a flute. And if you want to add one to your arsenal, Primos Canada flute would be a decent pick.
Well, it’s a flute-style call with an extended barrel. Unlike most short-reed goose calls, you don’t need to apply hand pressure. That makes it one of the easiest goose calls to use. I consider it foolproof.
The built-in backpressure not only makes it easy to master for beginners. It also caters to advanced goose-calling styles. Hence, the Primos Canada flute is a shining beacon to both novice and pro duck hunters.
There’s more to the long barrel design. It allows the flute to withstand frigid weather conditions. So, this is a goose call that can hold up in a variety of environments.
Notably, it has a patented reed design. So, it gives you an easy time disassembling the call without any effect on the tuning.
Well, Primos Canada goose flute comes in acrylic. Hence, it’s non-sticky and durable enough to remain consistent throughout its lifetime.
Verdict
Primos Canada Goose Call is a high-quality product with a patented reed design. Plus, it accommodates a wide variety of calling styles. I recommend it to both beginners and professional waterfowl hunters.
4. Flambeau Outdoors BR189 Big River Call
It claims to be the ultimate easy-to-use goose call. Well, I can’t dispute it. This flute-style goose call is the easiest to blow. Also, it requires the least amount of pressure. Hence, it’s a welcome choice for beginners.
The long barrel design also offers all-weather performance. Hence, you can use it to broadcast across the fields, lakes, marsh, and other terrains.
Well, this goose call pretty much mimics the mellow tones of the Canadian goose. What I like most is that it’s adjustable. You can cycle between rick singles and triple clucks. On the whole, it replicates all the sounds produced by the Canada goose.
Notably, this goose call is hand-tuned. Hence, it guarantees a perfect tone every time like an electronic predator call.
This goose call is available in two finishes: walnut and polycarbonate. Well, the polycarbonate version is for softer, raspier tones. It comes in handy where there are a lot of trees nearby. The walnut version, on the other hand, produces long, deep bellows. Also, it allows you to transition between honks, moans, and murmurs.
Big River Goose Call has mossy oak camo etched on its body for durability. Also, the camo pattern creates a natural blend over a camo coat.
Verdict
It’s easily the best easy-to-use goose call. Also, I like the fact that it’s available in walnut and polycarbonate finish. If you want the best flute goose call, go for Big River Goose Call.
5. Zink ZNK859 Hunting Game Goose Call
This transparent, polycarbonate goose call lends a modern and sleek appearance. Aesthetics is a key player in the design of this goose call.
But even with its modern design, this goose call doesn’t compromise on quality. It has a quality very close to the much more expensive polycarbonate goose calls.
Well, Zink ZNK859 is specially designed for Canadian geese. Thanks to the short-reed design, it produces a high-pitched sound. Also, it’s dynamic. It can do powerful clucks, double clucks, and a full range of other goose vocalizations.
Aside from sounding good, it’s easy to learn. That makes it an excellent introductory goose call for newcomers to the sport.
Zink has other better goose calls but at a much higher price. So, for the cost, this goose call offers the best bang for your buck.
Verdict
If there were a beauty contest, Zink ZNK859 goose call would sit among the top positions. But I like that it combines both beauty and performance. It’s among the best choices for a polycarbonate goose call.
6. Flextone Team Realtree Canada Goose Call
As the name implies, it offers more flexibility. The improved bell design, in particular, gives better control over tone, volume, and backpressure. Hence, it’s easier to master a full range of goose calls.
Flextone Team goose call can do honks and double clucks. And with a unique squeeze and release system, it can replicate multiple geese’s sound with ease.
The polycarbonate barrel creates a sleek appearance. It gives soft, mellow, raspy sounds ideal for places with lots of trees. Also, the polycarbonate material absorbs vibrations. Hence, it doesn’t demand a lot of air control. Again, it’s highly durable and can last for years without any alteration in the tone.
As the name suggests, it has a Realtree natural camo. It’s by far the best and most natural camo pattern for a goose call.
So, who is this goose call designed for?
Well, novice hunters are mainly the target audience for this goose call. After all, it makes it easier for learners to master breath control.
Verdict
While often overlooked, the camo pattern can give you the edge. Aside from excellent performance, this goose call offers the best natural camo pattern for upcountry terrain.
7. Buck Gardner Grey Ghost Diamond Goose Call
Ghost Diamond is an all-around goose-hunting call. It combines the durability of polycarbonate and the elegance of wood. Well, with such a combination, it lends an expensive look. Interestingly, it’s one of the best goose calls for the budget.
Notably, this goose call has a diamond-shaped barrel. It might prove a bit tricky to operate. So, I recommend it for advanced callers looking for the next big challenge.
Ghost Diamond is a short-reed goose call. So, it can do an array of slightly higher-pitched sounds. It can perform calls, clucks, and hails effortlessly. Moreover, it has a very quick response time.
This goose call is small enough not to take up much room in your pocket. Also, it doesn’t weigh much, making it comfortable around your neck.
Ghost Diamond has a unique design, and colorful patterns etched on its body. It’s exceptionally beautiful and worth putting on display.
Verdict
Ghost Diamond goose call looks pretty flawless, both in design and performance. It’s the best choice for a short-reed goose call. But sorry, beginners. I think it works best for advanced callers.
8. Faulk’s Game Calls CH-44 Deluxe Goose Call
Faulk’s CH-44 is a versatile goose call for all species of geese. It’s especially exceptional at calling Greylag Geese. This goose call combines cherry and walnut. It offers the best quality among wooden goose calls. Aside from using select materials, it’s hand-tuned for quality game calls.
Notably, the cherry and walnut finish has a decent aroma to it. For me, it’s pretty much a signature feat for this goose call. Also, it’s water-resistant, making it less prone to swelling.
Well, Faulk’s CH-44 is renowned for its easy-blowing. And with a short-reed barrel, it allows great versatility.
The wood material isn’t as durable as its acrylic and polycarbonate counterparts. Nonetheless, it provides a great class to the hunter.
Verdict
It’s among the best wood goose calls, no doubt. But what I like the most is that it combines both walnut and cherry into one product. And unlike most wood goose calls, it can handle moisture better.
9. Flextone Camo Hunter Canada Goose Call
Flextone Camo goose call looks more like a plain old goose call. Surprisingly, it packs some innovative technologies.
The flexible barrel is perhaps the most defining feature. It gives the most natural sound in a goose call.
Flextone Camo goose call gives you complete control over the volume and tone. Well, that’s not all. It also has a squeeze and release system. Hence, you can make it sound like a whole gaggle or team of geese.
Well, it’s not a short-reed goose call. It, however, does have a tone board that you can adjust to produce short-reed calls. Such versatility allows it to produce both mellow and subtle sounds. Also, it can do high-pitched, loud sounds.
The entire body of this goose call is etched in a natural camo pattern. So, as far as aesthetics go, this goose call doesn’t disappoint.
This goose call comes in a polycarbonate material that absorbs vibrations. Hence, it doesn’t require a high skill level to control and operate. Moreover, it’s highly durable for years of operation.
Verdict
I think it’s more like a 2-in-1 goose call. It’s a flute call but can be configured to sound like a short reed. So, if you’re undecided between a short-reed and a flute, this is the perfect goose call for you.
10. Buck Gardner Canada Hammer 2 Goose Call
Buck Gardner Hammer 2 claims to be the easiest Canada goose short-reed call ever made. And as far as I can see, it deserves the title.
As the name suggests, this goose call hammers at the geese all day long. It can do clucks, moans, and hails. And thanks to high-quality polycarbonate, it replicates the sound of the Canadian goose with high clarity. Also, this goose call uses top-of-the-line plastic for maximum resistance against the elements.
Thanks to the double O-ring design, this goose call creates an airtight seal. And with a shaved-reed design, delivers high volume.
Notably, Buck Gardner Hammer 2 uses a brass strip wrap. Unlike the cigar band, it’s weather-resistant. Also, it lends an expensive look.
At 2.4 ounces, this goose call is light enough to wear around the neck. Likewise, it’s compact enough to fit inside your pocket.
The mallard green shade makes it stand out from the crowd. Even more, it blends seamlessly with the fields and water.
Verdict
Buck Gardner Canada Hammer 2 performs exceptionally well in its ultra-light and compact design. It beats other competitors for the title of the best Canada goose call.
Best Goose Call: Complete Guide
Goose Species
Not all geese give the same note. There’s a wide array of distinct notes that differ from one goose species to the next. Hence, you need to choose the best goose call for the locality and species.
There are primarily three goose species: Snow goose, Canada goose, and Specklebelly goose.
The snow goose is particularly noisy and loud. Also, it has a lot of range in its call. Hence, it needs a goose call that’s versatile enough to produce a wide variety of sounds. For me, Primos Shaved Reed Snow Call is one of the best snow goose calls.
Canada Goose is more like a brand ambassador of other goose families. It’s renowned for its high-pitched cluck calls. For this, you need a goose call that’s capable of high-pitched, loud sounds. For me, Buck Gardner Canada Hammer 2 is easily the best Canada goose call. But for beginners, I recommend Primos Canada Goose Flute Call.
Specklebelly goose, also known as the White-Fronted Goose, produces a high-pitched serene sound. It’s more like the laughter of a child. I recommend Primos Shaved Reed Speck Goose Call as the best Specklebelly goose call.
Barrel Length
Goose calls are available in two barrel lengths. We have long barrel goose calls, often referred to as a flute. Also, there’s the short barrel goose calls often referred to as short-reeds. Well, each has its particular attributes to suit different tastes and skill levels.
Short-reeds are for those who mean business. It produces high-pitched, dynamic sounds. Also, it rewards you with a super-fast response. For the best short-reed goose call, I recommend Buck Gardner Grey Ghost Diamond.
Flutes are generally better for novices as they are the easiest to use. Also, they are an excellent choice for unexplored territories. For me, Flambeau Big River is the best flute goose call on the market.
Material
The material that makes up the call is essential. There are mainly three types of materials: acrylic, polycarbonate, and wood.
Acrylic goose calls are renowned for their sharp, shrieking, loud sounds. Hence, it’s an excellent choice for a flock that’s far away. It’s often the most preferred choice for catching Canadian Geese. Generally, it’s more expensive and durable than polycarbonate and wood counterparts. As far as acrylic goose calls go, Primos Honky Tonk is easily the best choice for beginners.
Wooden goose calls are renowned for their elegance and charm. However, they are prone to swelling up over time as they absorb moisture. However, some have a plastic sheath lining to prevent swelling. For the best wood goose call, I recommend Faulk’s Canada Goose Call.
Polycarbonate goose calls are highly durable and more suited for beginners. They deliver soft, mellow, and raspy sounds. Well, polycarbonate goose calls don’t have as much range as their acrylic counterparts. Hence, they are an excellent choice in places where there are a lot of trees around. Buck Gardner Grey Ghost Diamond is easily the best polycarbonate goose call. Another honorable mention is Zink ZNK859 Hunting Goose Call.
Brand
The goose call industry has its pioneers. Hence, I’ll advise that you aim for leading names in the industry. After all, they offer unique designs and premium quality. Some notable names in the industry include Zink Calls, Primos Calls, Flextone, and Buck Gardner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What’s the best goose call for beginners?
Answer: Well, each of the listed products offers excellent performance in their specific areas. So, each is best in its way. But if I were to choose the overall best, I’ll settle for Primos Honky Tonk Goose Call. This acrylic goose call is of high quality and extremely easy to blow.
Question: Is calling geese an easy task?
Answer: Well, talking to geese takes time and practice. But once mastered, I can turn those frustrating bird-less days into a great success.
Question: Why are short-reeds so popular?
Answer: Short reeds are more versatile than their flute counterparts. Hence, they can produce different calling sounds and improve your chances of success.
Conclusion
Traditional goose calls using hands seem outdated, and in most cases, imperfect. And unless you’re an expert, you can go days before you nail a bird. You need something versatile, realistic, and much easier on you. And that’s where the best goose call comes in handy. Some goose calls might take time to master, but the trouble is worth it in the end. Please, use the list to choose the product that best fits your hunting needs. If you care to add to the review or have any queries, don’t hesitate to use the comments section.