Summary: Many hunters don't understand why they need a timber call because they don't hunt the timber. But in several situations a timber call can make all the difference in the world in finishing ducks. Here's why and how...
A timber call is only a name given to a group of duck calls that was developed for duck hunters who hunted the flooded timber of the Mississippi Delta, namely Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Timber calls differ from open water calls in their design. A timber call generally will have a shorter insert. The air channel, which is drilled into the insert, is also smaller in diameter which limits the amount of volume that can be produced with the call with an equal amount of air when compared to an open water call. In addition, the tone board on the tongue of the insert many times is shaped differently than those of an open water call.
A timber duck call is designed to give a softer, mellower sound without producing the amount of echo or ring a standard open water duck call produces. These qualities are extremely important for duck hunters who hunt the flooded timber since a loud ringing call will amplify itself in the timber and the ringing may cause confusion among the ducks as to where the sound is actually coming from.
But where timber calls shine is when using them to call educated or "call shy ducks". Another time timber calls are very effective is when busting a hole through a frozen marsh. Other situations include very quiet days, or during the early season when the ducks tend to be less vocal.
As you can see, the timber call is a very versatile call that can be used in many more situations than just in the timber and should be a part of your calling equipment if you hunt any of the conditions or are faced with any of the situations we've just described.