A hail call is a loud, sharp call used by hunters to attract waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, from a distance. This call is typically used when birds are far away and may not hear softer or more subtle calls. The hail call is designed to grab the attention of the waterfowl and draw them closer to the hunter's location.

In waterfowl hunting, the hail call is a critical tool for long-range communication. It mimics the loud, commanding sounds that geese and ducks make when calling to others, especially during migration or when they are trying to locate a group. The hail call is often used at the beginning of a hunting session or when birds are seen flying overhead but are not yet within shooting range. It can be followed by other calls, like greeting calls or feeding calls, to encourage the birds to land or fly closer to the decoys.

Hunters use a variety of calls, and the hail call is just one of many that may be employed in waterfowl hunting. The effectiveness of a hail call depends on the hunter’s ability to match the timing, tone, and volume with the behavior of the waterfowl they are attempting to attract.