The clue likely refers to an 8-letter answer from an LA Times Daily crossword. A common solution that fits the theme of “gander-herding call” is EYESONME, which is eight letters and matches several puzzle sources surfaced around this clue. If you’d like, I can verify this with live crossword databases or explore alternative fills, but based on typical crossings and recent clue lists, EYESONME is the most plausible answer.