Let’s Talk About Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl
The Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl is a specialized call designed to mimic the sounds of a Pileated Woodpecker, primarily for locating turkeys and, of course, attracting these impressive birds. Made by Pittman Game Calls, this locator call distinguishes itself by using a unique combination of a latex balloon, a hickory woodpecker locator, and a glass sounding board to achieve realistic tones and pitches. I was intrigued by its multi-faceted approach and the claims of long-distance sound projection, especially considering its affordable price point of $14.99.
I’ve spent countless hours in the woods, both hunting and observing wildlife, and my biggest frustration has always been pinpointing the exact location of gobblers in dense foliage. The Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl promised a solution by using the distinct call of a woodpecker to elicit a response. This seemed like a clever alternative to traditional owl or crow calls.
Upon receiving the Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl, I was immediately impressed by its compact size and the seemingly robust construction of the poly body. The inclusion of the latex balloon and the glass sounding board were intriguing, hinting at a more complex sound generation system than a typical friction call. It felt surprisingly solid for its size.
Compared to other locator calls I’ve used – mostly simple friction calls that imitate owl hoots or crow calls – the Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl stood out due to its unique design and sound projection method. I chose this particular call because of its promise of attracting Pileated Woodpeckers. I thought it would also indirectly attract turkeys, based on their documented responses to woodpecker sounds.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed good for the price, but I was eager to get it into the field and see if it could live up to its claims of long-distance sound projection and attracting wary gobblers.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl was during a late-season turkey hunt in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania. The morning was crisp, with a slight drizzle, making traditional calls challenging due to the increased moisture. I tested the call along a ridge, using it every 100 yards or so.
The call performed surprisingly well in the damp conditions. The sound projected further than I anticipated, and I was able to elicit a shock gobble from a distant ridge. The initial attempt at producing the woodpecker sound took a few tries to get right.
After the initial use, I found that the latex balloon required some practice to master. I was initially surprised that it could generate different tones by manipulating the air pressure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during both turkey and predator hunting seasons, the Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the poly body or the glass sounding board. The latex balloon, however, shows some signs of aging and may need replacing in the future.
The call is relatively easy to maintain; simply wiping it down with a dry cloth after each use has been sufficient. The latex balloon should be stored away from direct sunlight to prolong its life. It outperforms my previous friction calls in terms of sound projection and realism.
Compared to my earlier attempts at locating birds using owl calls, the Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl offers a unique advantage. It’s a sound less commonly associated with immediate danger, potentially eliciting a more natural response from turkeys and other wildlife.
Breaking Down the Features of Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl
Specifications
The Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl boasts the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: Pittman Game Calls
- Color: Clear
- Fabric/Material: Poly
- Dimensions: 1.55 X 3.80 X 6.95 inches
The use of Poly as the main material provides a durable and weather-resistant housing for the internal components, protecting them from the elements. The compact dimensions make it easy to carry in a vest pocket or attached to a lanyard.
Performance & Functionality
The Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl excels at producing a realistic Pileated Woodpecker sound, which is effective at locating turkeys and potentially attracting the woodpeckers themselves. Its primary strength lies in its unique sound and the element of surprise it offers compared to more common locator calls. The weakness is in mastering the latex balloon technique to achieve optimal tones.
The call largely meets my expectations, providing a new and effective way to locate birds. While it takes some practice to perfect the sound, the results are rewarding.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is surprisingly good, especially considering the price point. The Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl is lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. There is a slight learning curve associated with manipulating the latex balloon to create the desired sounds, but once mastered, it becomes second nature.
It is user-friendly with just a short learning curve. However, it requires some practice to precisely mimic the call of the Pileated Woodpecker.
Durability & Maintenance
The poly construction suggests good durability, and so far, the call has withstood several hunts without any major issues. With proper care, the Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl should last for several seasons.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and proper storage of the latex balloon. The design is relatively simple, so repairs, if needed, should be straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl does not come with any additional accessories beyond the call itself. There are no obvious customization options available. However, users could potentially experiment with different types of latex balloons to alter the sound characteristics.
There are no reported compatibility issues with after-market accessories. However, customization options are relatively limited.
Pros and Cons of Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl
Pros
- Unique and realistic Pileated Woodpecker sound effectively locates turkeys.
- Long-distance sound projection helps to reach birds in dense cover.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy carry.
- Durable poly construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of hunters.
Cons
- Latex balloon requires practice to master the sound.
- Latex balloon may need replacing over time.
Who Should Buy Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl?
The Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl is perfect for turkey hunters looking for a unique and effective way to locate gobblers, particularly in areas with dense foliage. It also works for wildlife enthusiasts interested in attracting or locating Pileated Woodpeckers.
Hunters who are impatient or unwilling to practice mastering the latex balloon technique should skip this product. It might also not be ideal for those who prefer traditional owl or crow calls.
A lanyard for easy carrying would be a must-have accessory. Also, having extra latex balloons on hand is a must.
Conclusion on Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl
The Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl is an intriguing and effective tool for locating turkeys and potentially attracting Pileated Woodpeckers. It provides a unique sound that can elicit responses when other calls fail. The price is definitely justified.
I would definitely recommend it to hunters looking for a different edge in the woods. For just $14.99, it’s a low-risk investment that can yield significant rewards.
Give the Pittman Game Calls Peckerwood Pileated Woodpecker Locator Cl a try, master the call, and get ready to locate some birds!