Let’s Talk About Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call
The Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call promises to be a simple, yet effective tool for any deer hunter’s arsenal. Manufactured by Flextone, this call is designed to mimic the various vocalizations of deer, from mature buck grunts to fawn bleats, all within an easy-to-use package. For a mere $8.67, it seems almost too good to be true, and as a seasoned hunter, I was eager to see if this budget-friendly call could hold its own against more expensive options.
For years, I’ve relied on a combination of mouth calls and more complex electronic devices to attract deer. However, I was looking for a backup call that was simple, compact, and wouldn’t fail me in harsh weather conditions. The Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call seemed to fit the bill, offering versatility and affordability.
The initial unboxing was straightforward, given the simplicity of the product. The call itself felt lightweight, which is ideal for packing light, but I questioned the overall durability of the flexible tube. Compared to my custom-made walnut deer call and electronic caller, the Flextone felt significantly less substantial, but then again, it also costs considerably less.
I picked the Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call over other similar calls primarily because of its price and the promise of versatile sound production. Many competing calls in this price range are limited to a single grunt or bleat, while Flextone claimed to offer a full range of deer vocalizations. My first impression was cautiously optimistic – the call felt a bit cheap, but I was eager to test its sound quality and effectiveness in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test run with the Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call was during an early-season scouting trip in the Appalachian foothills of western Pennsylvania. I specifically chose an area with known deer activity to gauge the call’s effectiveness. The weather was damp and cool, typical for that time of year, which provided a decent test for the call’s performance in less-than-ideal conditions.
The call was surprisingly easy to use right out of the package; no complicated instructions or assembly required. I started with a few low, drawn-out buck grunts, mimicking the sounds of a mature buck searching for does. A few minutes later, I switched to fawn bleats to see if I could elicit any maternal responses from nearby does.
Unfortunately, the first session yielded no immediate results – no deer sightings or vocal responses. This wasn’t entirely unexpected, as deer can be wary and unresponsive at times. However, I did notice that the flexible tube occasionally muted the sound, and the tone wasn’t as rich or resonant as my higher-end calls.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call during different hunts, I have a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The call has held up reasonably well, considering its price point. There are no major signs of wear and tear on the plastic components, although the flexible tube has started to show some minor discoloration.
Maintaining the call is incredibly simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any moisture or debris. The Flextone is definitely a step down from my walnut call in terms of sound quality and projection.
In one particular instance, while hunting in a thicket bordering a soybean field, I managed to attract a young eight-point buck using a series of aggressive grunts. The buck approached cautiously, giving me a clear shot. While I can’t say with certainty that the call was solely responsible, it definitely played a role in piquing the buck’s curiosity.
Breaking Down the Features of Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call
Specifications
The Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call is a compact, handheld deer call designed to mimic a variety of deer vocalizations. It allows adjustments for mature buck, young buck, doe, and fawn bleats. The design incorporates an easy-to-use, flexible tube.
The call’s primary feature is its ability to produce multiple deer sounds with simple adjustments. This versatility allows hunters to adapt their calling strategy to different situations and target different types of deer. The flexible tube allows for manipulating the tone and volume of the call.
Performance & Functionality
The Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call performs adequately for its intended purpose, especially considering its price. It’s easy to use, and the sound adjustments are relatively intuitive. However, the sound quality is not as refined or realistic as higher-end calls.
The main strength of this call is its versatility and ease of use. The primary weakness is the somewhat cheap feel of the materials and the less-than-perfect sound quality. It meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly deer call, but it doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call features a simple, functional design. The plastic components are lightweight and easy to handle, but they lack the premium feel of more expensive calls. The flexible tube adds some versatility to the design, but it also feels like a potential point of failure.
The call is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The sound adjustments are straightforward and easy to make in the field.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction, the Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call should last for several seasons with proper care. The plastic components are reasonably durable, but the flexible tube is the most vulnerable part. Maintenance is minimal; simply wiping the call clean after each use is sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call doesn’t come with any accessories. It also offers no customization options. Because of its basic design, there isn’t a robust aftermarket for accessories. It’s designed to be used as-is, and modifications are neither necessary nor practical.
Pros and Cons of Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call
Pros
- Affordable price makes it accessible to beginner hunters or as a backup call.
- Versatile sound production allows for mimicking mature buck, young buck, doe, and fawn bleats.
- Easy to use design requires no special skills or extensive practice.
- Lightweight and compact making it easy to carry in a hunting pack or pocket.
- A decent entry-level call for anyone just starting out with deer hunting.
Cons
- Sound quality is not as realistic or resonant as higher-end calls.
- Flexible tube feels somewhat flimsy and could be a potential point of failure.
- Limited range and projection, not ideal for windy conditions or large open areas.
Who Should Buy Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call?
The Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call is perfect for novice hunters who are just starting to learn the art of deer calling and don’t want to invest in expensive equipment. It’s also suitable as a backup call for experienced hunters who need a lightweight, no-frills option. Hunters on a tight budget who want to experiment with different deer vocalizations will find this call useful.
This product is not ideal for serious hunters who demand the highest quality sound and durability from their gear. Those hunting in large, open areas or windy conditions may find the call’s projection insufficient. Hunters who prefer the feel and performance of premium calls should skip this product.
There are no must-have accessories or modifications for the Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call. It is intended to be used as-is.
Conclusion on Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call
The Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call offers a solid value proposition for hunters seeking an affordable and versatile deer call. While it doesn’t compete with high-end calls in terms of sound quality or durability, its ease of use and multiple sound options make it a worthwhile addition to any hunter’s gear bag, especially for beginners. At $8.67, the price is definitely justified.
I would personally recommend the Flextone Natural Bone GruntR Deer Call to beginner hunters or as a backup option for more experienced hunters. Don’t expect it to perform miracles, but it’s a decent tool to have in your arsenal. Give it a try, experiment with the different sounds, and see if you can lure in that trophy buck. Happy hunting!