Let’s Talk About Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call
The Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call is an open-reed elk call designed to mimic the soft sounds of mature cow elk. Manufactured by Hunters Specialties, it aims to bring bulls in close with subtle moos and bleats, enhanced by a silencer cap for added realism. I’ve spent years chasing elk in the Rockies, and I’m always on the lookout for calls that can deliver realistic, nuanced sounds – something that can make the difference between a successful hunt and coming home empty-handed.
My elk hunting experience led me to this call. I needed a reliable cow call that could produce soft, enticing sounds without sounding artificial or overly loud, especially when hunting pressured elk.
Unboxing the Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call, I was immediately drawn to the custom walnut-and-maple wood barrel featuring a textured elk antler design. The call felt solid and well-constructed in my hand, promising both durability and aesthetic appeal; its weight felt balanced and comfortable for extended use.
Compared to diaphragm calls, which require significant practice and breath control, or electronic calls, which can be bulky and less realistic in close quarters, I opted for the Whispering Cow Call due to its simplicity and potential for subtle, natural-sounding calls. Calls like the Primos Hyper Lip Single and the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Bully Bull Extreme are great, but neither offers the specific combination of soft sound and controlled volume that I was looking for.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The aesthetics were promising, but the real test would be in the field – whether it could produce convincing elk sounds and withstand the rigors of a demanding hunt.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call during the early archery season in the Flat Tops Wilderness of Colorado. The terrain was a mix of dense timber and open meadows, offering a range of calling scenarios. The call performed well in both environments, allowing me to modulate the volume and tone to suit the surroundings.
The Whispering Cow Call maintained its sound quality and consistent performance in variable weather conditions. One particular morning was damp and cold, but the reed didn’t freeze up or become waterlogged, a common issue with some open-reed calls. It required no time to adjust to the call, and the adjustable notched frame was simple to set and use even while wearing gloves.
I did notice that the silencer cap could muffle the sound slightly more than I initially anticipated. This required a bit more airflow to achieve the desired volume, but it was a minor adjustment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use throughout the hunting season, the Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call held up remarkably well. The wood barrel retained its finish and the reed remained in good condition with proper care and cleaning. Durability is always a major concern when venturing into unforgiving environments, and this call met my expectations.
There were minimal signs of wear and tear, mainly slight scuff marks on the wood barrel from being carried in my pack. I cleaned the call after each hunting trip using a mild soap and water solution and occasionally applied a thin coat of beeswax to the wood to maintain its condition. It is a relatively simple call to clean, with access to the reed being quite easy.
Compared to some of the cheaper plastic calls I’ve used in the past, the Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call significantly outperformed them in terms of sound quality, durability, and overall reliability. It surpassed my expectations by offering a consistent, natural sound that proved effective in drawing in bulls.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call
Specifications
- The Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call is an open-reed elk call. This design allows for a wide range of tones and volume control, mimicking realistic cow elk sounds.
- It features a silencer cap that produces soft, seductive cow calls. The silencer cap also creates the illusion that you are farther away from the elk.
- The call has a new adjustable notched frame for setting the desired sound without accidental movement. This feature ensures consistent sound production during critical moments.
- The barrel is made of a custom walnut-and-maple wood with textured elk antler design. The wood barrel not only enhances the call’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its durability.
- The call comes in Natural w/Orange Mouth Piece for visual appeal. This color provides a natural look while the orange mouthpiece ensures visibility.
- The call is designed specifically for Elk hunting. It perfectly mimics the sounds of elk.
These specifications are critical for achieving optimal performance. The open-reed design and silencer cap ensure realistic sound reproduction, while the adjustable frame offers consistency.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call excels at producing soft, mature cow moos and bleats that are highly effective for coaxing bulls in close. Its design allows for precise control over volume and tone. The call is extremely easy to use, allowing hunters of all skill levels to create convincing elk sounds with minimal effort.
One of its strengths is its ability to create very subtle, realistic sounds, which is crucial when hunting pressured elk. The silencer cap is a clever addition that not only softens the call but also creates the illusion of distance. The adjustability can be a minor annoyance, but it is easily adjusted to produce optimal sounds.
The Whispering Cow Call not only meets but exceeds my expectations, proving to be a reliable and effective tool in my elk hunting arsenal. Its ability to produce convincing sounds and withstand the rigors of the hunt makes it a standout product.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call features a well-thought-out design. It is comfortable to hold and easy to manipulate, even with gloves. The wood barrel provides a solid grip and feels natural in the hand. The call is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in a pack or on a lanyard.
There is minimal learning curve associated with this call. Even novice elk hunters can quickly master the basics and start producing realistic sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call is constructed from high-quality materials and built to withstand the demands of elk hunting. The wood barrel is resistant to cracking and warping, while the reed is durable and long-lasting. Regular cleaning and maintenance can extend the lifespan of the call.
The Whispering Cow Call is easy to clean and maintain. A simple rinse with water and occasional lubrication of the reed is all that is required to keep it in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call does not come with any additional accessories. There are limited customization options available. You could potentially modify the reed or adjust the tension on the frame to fine-tune the sound.
The call is generally compatible with standard lanyards for easy carrying.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call
Pros
- Produces realistic, soft cow moos and bleats. This is critical for coaxing bulls in close without spooking them.
- Features a silencer cap that adds to the realism. It gives the illusion of distance.
- Made with a durable walnut-and-maple wood barrel. It gives the call a premium feel and ensures long-lasting performance.
- The adjustable notched frame allows for consistent sound settings. This eliminates accidental movement.
- Easy to use for both beginner and experienced hunters. It requires minimal practice to master.
Cons
- The silencer cap can muffle the sound, requiring more airflow.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call?
The Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call is perfect for elk hunters of all skill levels who are looking for a reliable and effective cow call. It is particularly well-suited for those who hunt pressured elk and need a call that can produce subtle, realistic sounds.
Hunters who prefer diaphragm calls or electronic calls may want to skip this product. Additionally, those who require a highly customizable call with a wide range of sound options might find this call limiting.
A must-have accessory for this call is a good quality lanyard. This keeps the call readily available at all times.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call
The Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call is a well-designed and effective tool for elk hunting. Its ability to produce realistic, soft cow sounds, coupled with its durable construction and ease of use, makes it a standout product in its category.
At a price of $22.59, the Whispering Cow Call offers excellent value for the money. Its performance and durability justify the investment.
I would personally recommend the Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call to any elk hunter looking to improve their calling game. It’s a simple, reliable, and effective tool that can make a real difference in the field. Add the Hunters Specialties Whispering Cow Call to your arsenal and experience the difference a realistic and well-crafted cow call can make.
