Mitchell Johnston Signature Series Review

The Mitchell Johnston Signature Series Made a Bold First Impression

Turkey hunting is more than a sport; it’s an art. Years ago, I learned the hard way that success hinges not just on patience and camouflage, but on the quality of your call. My journey led me through countless calls, each with its own quirks and promises, until I stumbled upon something special: the Mitchell Johnston Signature Series.

I was looking for a call that offered both a realistic high front end and a convincing raspy back end; a call capable of producing the full turkey vocabulary. After seeing Mitchell Johnston’s reputation as a 4-time National Champion and World Champion caller, I decided to give his signature call a try. This 3 reed call, designed and built by Mitchell Johnston, promised exactly what I was searching for.

Upon unboxing, the call felt solid and well-constructed. The Kryptek Camouflage finish was a nice touch, blending seamlessly with the natural environment. Compared to some of my cheaper diaphragm calls, the Mitchell Johnston Signature Series felt like a professional tool.

Initially, I was impressed with the build quality and the unique camo pattern. The price point was incredibly attractive. I was eager to get into the field and see if the performance matched the promise.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mitchell Johnston Signature Series to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Mitchell Johnston Signature Series was on a crisp spring morning in the Appalachian foothills. The air was still and damp, perfect for sound to travel. I positioned myself along a well-worn game trail, hoping to entice a gobbler into range.

The call was surprisingly easy to use. It required very little air to produce a clear, sharp front end, transitioning smoothly into a raspy back end that sounded incredibly realistic. I was able to produce convincing yelps, clucks, and purrs without excessive effort. I called in two jakes and a long beard within the first hour of my hunt, proving the call’s effectiveness.

The Mitchell Johnston Signature Series performed consistently well, even in the damp conditions. I appreciated how little air was required, preventing fatigue during long calling sequences.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use throughout the spring turkey season, the Mitchell Johnston Signature Series has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of delamination or wear on the reeds. The Kryptek camo finish remains intact.

Maintenance is simple. I rinse the call with water after each use and allow it to air dry. This call has become a staple in my turkey hunting arsenal. It has outperformed many other calls I’ve used in the past, especially in its ability to produce a wide range of sounds with minimal effort.

The durability has been excellent. Even after being crammed into various pockets and pouches, the call continues to perform like new. The Mitchell Johnston Signature Series has exceeded my expectations for a call in this price range.

Breaking Down the Features of Mitchell Johnston Signature Series

Specifications

• Reed Configuration: 3 Reeds. This layered design contributes to the call’s versatile sound profile, allowing for both clean and raspy tones.
• Material: Latex Reeds. Latex offers excellent sound quality and responsiveness but requires proper care for longevity.
• Frame: Standard Diaphragm Call Frame. The frame’s shape and size are crucial for comfort and ease of use within the mouth.
• Camouflage: Kryptek Camouflage. The Kryptek pattern is designed for effective concealment in a variety of terrains.
• Design Origin: Designed and Built by Mitchell Johnston. This ensures expert craftsmanship and a sound profile tailored to competition standards.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s sound quality, ease of use, and durability. The 3-reed design creates a versatile sound. Mitchell Johnston’s expertise guarantees a call that meets the demands of both beginners and experienced hunters.

Performance & Functionality

The Mitchell Johnston Signature Series excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. Its high front end cuts through the air, attracting distant gobblers. The raspy back end adds realism, enticing wary birds to close the distance.

The call’s primary strength lies in its ease of use and versatility. Even novice callers can quickly learn to produce convincing sounds. The weakness is the latex reeds, which will require occasional replacement with heavy use. It meets and exceeds expectations given the low price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mitchell Johnston Signature Series features a standard diaphragm call design, comfortable and familiar to most turkey hunters. The latex reeds are thin and flexible. This allows for easy manipulation and a comfortable fit in the mouth.

The Kryptek Camouflage is aesthetically pleasing and adds a touch of visual appeal. The call design is user-friendly, even for those new to using diaphragm calls.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Mitchell Johnston Signature Series should last for several hunting seasons. Rinse the call with water after each use. Store it in a dry place to prevent mildew.

The latex reeds are replaceable, extending the lifespan of the call. With diligent maintenance, the Mitchell Johnston Signature Series provides lasting value.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mitchell Johnston Signature Series comes as a standalone diaphragm call. There are no included accessories. Customization options are limited to reed replacement, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your preference.

The call is compatible with standard diaphragm call storage cases and reed conditioners. The lack of customization options is offset by the call’s excellent out-of-the-box performance.

Pros and Cons of Mitchell Johnston Signature Series

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Who Should Buy Mitchell Johnston Signature Series?

The Mitchell Johnston Signature Series is perfect for:

• Beginner turkey hunters: Its ease of use makes it an excellent starting point for learning diaphragm calling techniques.
• Experienced turkey hunters: Its versatile sound profile and realistic tones make it a valuable addition to any call collection.
• Budget-conscious hunters: Its affordable price point provides excellent value without sacrificing performance.

Who should skip this product? Hunters who prefer pot calls or box calls might not find this diaphragm call to their liking. Those who demand extensive customization options may also want to consider other options.

Must-have accessories include a diaphragm call storage case to protect the call when not in use. Reed conditioners can help to extend the lifespan of the latex reeds.

Conclusion on Mitchell Johnston Signature Series

The Mitchell Johnston Signature Series is an outstanding turkey call that delivers exceptional performance at an incredibly affordable price. Its ease of use, versatile sound profile, and durable construction make it an excellent choice for hunters of all skill levels. The price is more than justified given the call’s capabilities and the pedigree of its designer.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Mitchell Johnston Signature Series to anyone looking for a reliable and effective diaphragm call. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a novice just starting out, this call will help you put more birds on the ground. Don’t just take my word for it; get your hands on the Mitchell Johnston Signature Series and experience the difference for yourself!

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