Summary: Many duck hunters get frustrated wondering why one day the ducks will responds so well to a call, but the next day their duck calling does nothing. It is of utmost importance to tailor your calling techniques to the area you're hunting.
For example, if you are hunting a flooded rice or grain field, (i.e. feeding area), it is important to blow a lot of feed calls and greetings. Ducks that are feeding tend to call continuously. They are very excited and vocal.
The flip side of a feeding area is a resting area. What do we mean when we are referring to a resting area? In simplest terms a resting area is an area that ducks go to in the middle of the day. They usually hit these areas after they have fed in the morning or evening. These areas are also sometimes called a "roost".
When hunting in these situations, we believe that the less calling is the best choice. Subtle quacks mixed in with a short cadence tend to work well. The key to this whole concept is scouting. Watch and listen to the ducks in the area you are hunting and try to imitate them to the best of your ability.
Be sure to read Increase Your Early Season Duck Calling Success for additional tips and techniques.