Let’s Dive into Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller
The Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller aims to bring the expertise of a turkey calling legend to the fingertips of both novice and seasoned hunters. With 25 pre-loaded calls recorded by Paul Butski himself and a user-friendly interface, this device promises to simplify and enhance your turkey hunting experience. Its portability, combined with the ability to be used hands-free, adds to its appeal for hunters who value convenience and versatility.
As a seasoned outdoorsman, I’ve always relied on my own mouth calls, but the allure of a wider range of sounds and the convenience of electronic calls piqued my interest. I wanted a calling system that could add another dimension to my setup and potentially lure in those tough-to-fool toms.
Unboxing the Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller, I was immediately drawn to its compact size and the pivoting legs. The build felt surprisingly robust for a device in this price range, though the plastic casing did give it a slightly less premium feel compared to some of the higher-end metal-housed callers I’ve seen.
I considered the Primos Power Owl Hooter and the Foxpro Patriot Electronic Game Call, but the Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller won me over with its lower price point, the endorsement of Paul Butski, and the promise of being extremely user-friendly. This seemed like a great option to start with.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The device felt like a good starting point, but I was eager to get it into the field to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller was during the spring turkey season in the rolling hills of central Missouri. I set it up near a known strutting zone on the edge of a hardwood bottom.
The Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller performed well in the cool, crisp morning air, projecting the calls with sufficient volume to reach across the valley. Using the pivoting legs, I locked the caller into position on a fallen log. It was very easy to select the calls and adjust the volume with gloved hands. I was able to call in a lone coyote using the Cutting call.
The most surprising aspect was how quickly the turkeys responded to some of the more subtle calls, like the purrs and clucks. One minor issue was that the LCD screen was slightly difficult to read in direct sunlight, requiring me to shade it with my hand.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the spring turkey season, the Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller has proven to be a reliable addition to my hunting arsenal. The plastic casing has held up well to being jostled around in my vest and backpack, with no noticeable scratches or cracks.
The Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Battery life has been surprisingly good, with the original set of AAA batteries still going strong after multiple hunting trips.
Compared to my usual slate and diaphragm calls, the Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller offers a level of consistency and realism that can be difficult to achieve manually. It hasn’t completely replaced my traditional calls, but it has become a valuable tool for attracting those wary birds that have heard every call in the book.
Breaking Down the Features of Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller
Specifications
The Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller features 25 pre-loaded Paul Butski Signature Edition turkey calls. These calls cover a wide range of vocalizations, including yelps, clucks, purrs, cuts, and kee-kees.
The device operates on four (4) AAA batteries (not included). This provides ample power for extended use in the field.
Its gray plastic housing is lightweight and portable. The pivoting legs with a locking mechanism allow for hands-free operation.
A four-way keypad controls call selection and volume adjustment. This facilitates easy navigation and operation, even with gloved hands.
The LCD screen displays the selected call and other settings. A black light function enhances visibility in low-light conditions.
Additional features include a random repeat timed option and a sound activation trigger button. These features can add realism and unpredictability to your calling sequences.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller’s usability, portability, and performance in the field. The pre-loaded calls provide a diverse range of sounds, while the battery power ensures reliable operation.
Performance & Functionality
The Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller performs its primary function of attracting turkeys admirably, especially for beginners. The quality of the Paul Butski signature calls is evident, and the device replicates them with clarity and sufficient volume.
One of the Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller’s strengths lies in its ease of use; the four-way keypad and LCD screen make call selection simple and intuitive. A weakness, however, is the limited volume output, which might be insufficient in extremely windy conditions or over long distances.
Overall, the Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller mostly meets expectations as a beginner-friendly and convenient electronic caller, although experienced hunters may desire more advanced features and higher volume.
Design & Ergonomics
The Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller features a lightweight plastic construction that makes it easy to carry in a vest or pack. The pivoting legs are a thoughtful design element, allowing for hands-free operation on various surfaces.
The Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller is user-friendly, with a simple interface and intuitive controls. The black light LCD screen enhances visibility in low light.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its plastic construction, the Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller is likely to withstand moderate use and exposure to the elements, although it may not be as durable as higher-end models with metal housings.
The Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller requires minimal maintenance, primarily involving keeping it clean and dry, and replacing the batteries as needed. Repairing it would likely involve replacing the entire unit, as internal components are not easily accessible.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller does not offer extensive customization options beyond adjusting volume and call selection. There are no options to add external speakers or load custom sound files.
The compatibility of the Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller with accessories is limited. It is designed to function as a standalone unit.
Pros and Cons of Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller
Pros
- Extremely easy to use, even for beginners with no prior experience with electronic calls.
- Pre-loaded with 25 high-quality Paul Butski signature turkey calls, offering a diverse range of vocalizations.
- Affordable price point, making it an accessible option for hunters on a budget.
- Lightweight and portable design, convenient for carrying in a vest or pack.
- Pivoting legs with locking mechanism, allowing for hands-free operation.
Cons
- Limited volume output may be insufficient in windy conditions or over long distances.
- Plastic construction may not be as durable as higher-end models with metal housings.
Who Should Buy Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller?
The Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller is perfect for beginner turkey hunters who want a simple, user-friendly electronic call. This is also a great fit for hunters on a budget, or experienced hunters looking for a convenient backup call.
Hunters who require a louder call for long-distance calling, or those who prefer a more durable and rugged device, should skip this product. The Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller does not need any must-have accessories or modifications to function as intended.
Conclusion on Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller
The Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller offers a solid entry point into the world of electronic turkey calls, particularly for beginners. Its ease of use, pre-loaded calls, and affordable price make it an attractive option for those looking to enhance their turkey hunting experience without breaking the bank.
The price is definitely justified, especially given the quality of the Paul Butski calls and the convenience of the device. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a simple, effective, and affordable electronic turkey caller.
Ultimately, the Western Rivers Mantis 25 Paul Butski Edition Turkey Caller is a valuable tool that can help you put more birds on the ground. Give it a try and experience the difference for yourself!