River mallard custom calls started in the winter of 2000
by master call maker and avid waterflowler Doug Hess. A one man show producing outstanding hand made calls from his shop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Doug sells an outstanding line of duck, goose, and crow calls; as well as call making supplies from his online shop. He also offers a custom lazering service on all his calls.
OVERVIEW
When we first received Doug Hess's River mallard Crow Call, our jaws dropped with delight.
Our first impression was, well, impressive! A true thing of beauty. I couldn't keep my eyes off it. Everyone here was quite enamored by it. And the photo session was an thrilling event.
It's a tiny little thing when compared to all other calls available, but it's got a lot to say!
Doug's Crow call is a boom of sound and quite the stunner.
SOUND
"This sucker is loud!" Was among the first words out of my mouth.
The loudest crow call I have ever heard, and packed into a 3-1/2" gem! Don't let it's size fool ya'. I couldn't believe the amount of voice on it! With just a slight amount of air and your producing sound that will travel a good distance. And not only is it loud, but it's accurate! Among the best sounding crow calls I have ever heard, and had to pleasure to use. This beauty will go far in your hands. Funny thing about it, Doug was rather nonchalant about it. Waving it off with a simple "Eh, it's a crow call". Either he is incredibly humble or he honestly doesn't know he created an incredibly life like crow call!
CRAFTSMANSHIP
The call Doug sent us was fashioned in a gorgeous burnt hedge wood. With the best colorations of this type I have ever seen! It stands out of the crowd like a jewel. Complete with a high gloss candy coated finish that needs to be seen to be appreciated. The shape of the call is very well done. The wood is turned beautifully and cosmetically was made from a nice piece of stock. It's virtually flawless, except for a small imperfection in the fish that I noticed. And an almost unnoticeable split in the wood were the mouthpiece is seated. Perhaps just an oversight. But needs to be noted. The split is tight and not open, therefore it has no effect on the function nor the sound of the call thankfully.
FEATURES & HANDELING
River mallard Crow Calls have the standard features and handling in place. Good comfort, easy holding, easy hands free operation with a good mouthpiece design. That features tooth notches that are excellent and lip grooves. A lanyard ring groove is set in, although a little shallow, the body design of the call prevents the lanyard cord from ever truly slipping off if it happens. The body was designed with a voice chamber.
