Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 Review

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 Made a Bold First Impression

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 Spring Yelp’R promises to be a user-friendly and effective turkey call. Crafted from American poplar and walnut, its unique spring design aims to create perfect yelps, cutts, clucks, whines, and purrs. This call immediately piqued my interest as a seasoned hunter always seeking an edge in the field, especially one that simplifies the calling process.

I’ve spent countless hours honing my turkey calling skills with various pot calls, box calls, and diaphragm calls. However, I often found that achieving consistency with these traditional methods can be challenging, particularly in high-pressure situations. The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 offered the allure of easy, repeatable sounds, which is a crucial asset in attracting wary toms.

Upon unboxing the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168, I was initially impressed with the choice of materials. The poplar and walnut construction provides a classic look and feels durable enough for the rigors of turkey hunting. The spring mechanism felt smooth and returned the lid with a satisfying snap, hinting at the consistent sound it promised.

I’ve used slate calls from Primos and glass calls from Flextone, and both require consistent pressure and a precise striking motion. The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168, on the other hand, seemed to offer a more forgiving design, potentially making it easier to master. I chose the Spring Yelp’R over traditional pot calls due to its spring-assisted operation.

My first impression of the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed excellent for the price point, and the spring mechanism was intriguing. I was eager to put it to the test in the turkey woods and see if it lived up to its promise of creating realistic turkey sounds with minimal effort.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test of the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 took place during a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of Kentucky. The morning was crisp, with a light fog hanging in the hollows, ideal conditions for calling in a gobbler. I set up near a known roosting area and waited for the woods to wake up.

The call performed admirably in the slightly damp conditions. The wood remained grippy and the spring mechanism wasn’t affected by the moisture. Using it was fairly intuitive. I was able to produce a decent yelp on my first try, but it took some practice to refine the cutts and clucks.

The initial sound I produced wasn’t perfect. I needed a little time to adjust my hand placement to achieve the desired tone. Despite this, the turkeys responded.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use across various turkey hunts and calling practices, the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 has held up remarkably well. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the wood, and the spring mechanism continues to function smoothly and consistently. The call’s durability has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Maintaining the call is simple. I wipe it down with a dry cloth after each use to remove any dirt or moisture. I also occasionally apply a thin coat of Hunters Specialties call conditioner to the striking surface to maintain its optimal sound quality. This simple maintenance routine has kept the call in excellent working condition.

Compared to other pot calls I’ve used, the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 offers a unique advantage in terms of ease of use and consistency. While a diaphragm call can offer more realism in the hands of an expert, this Spring Yelp’R levels the playing field for less experienced callers. Its consistent performance is its biggest advantage.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168

Specifications

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 Spring Yelp’R features a construction of American poplar and walnut. It utilizes a unique spring design. This spring returns the lid to its home position automatically. The product price is $19.99.

These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The poplar and walnut provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing construction that can withstand the rigors of hunting. The spring design simplifies the calling process, making it easier for hunters of all skill levels to produce consistent and realistic turkey sounds.

Performance & Functionality

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 performs admirably in creating a range of turkey vocalizations, including yelps, cutts, clucks, whines, and purrs. While achieving perfection takes practice, the spring-assisted design makes it significantly easier to produce consistent and realistic sounds compared to traditional friction calls. The consistent sound quality is a major strength.

The primary weakness lies in its limited versatility compared to a diaphragm call or a meticulously crafted custom pot call. The spring mechanism is pre-set. This limits the nuances in sound that more experienced callers might seek. Overall, it meets expectations for a beginner-friendly and consistent turkey call.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 boasts a user-friendly design, with a comfortable grip and intuitive operation. The spring-assisted mechanism requires minimal effort, making it ideal for extended calling sessions. While there is a slight learning curve to master different vocalizations, the overall design is highly accessible.

The poplar and walnut construction provides a solid and durable feel, adding to the call’s overall quality. The call is lightweight and easy to carry in a vest or pocket.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 should provide seasons of reliable service. The poplar and walnut are resistant to moisture and wear. The spring mechanism is designed for long-term use.

Maintenance is straightforward. Simply wipe the call down with a dry cloth after each use and occasionally apply a call conditioner to the striking surface.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168 does not come with any specific accessories. However, some users may choose to purchase a call lanyard. This lanyard allows the call to be conveniently attached to their vest or pack.

The call itself is not designed for extensive customization. The spring mechanism is integrated into the design, limiting the ability to modify its operation. While some users might experiment with different strikers to alter the sound, the core functionality remains consistent.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100168