The Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call, manufactured by Bone Collector, is a simple but crucial tool for any serious predator hunter, especially those targeting coyotes and wolves. Its design emphasizes realistic howls and distress calls, packing a lot of sound potential into a small package. It promises to be an effective tool for drawing in predators with its Moon Cut Heavy .004 top reed with light latex below.
My pursuit of the Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call stemmed from repeated failures to lure in coyotes during recent hunts. I was looking for a compact and versatile call that could produce a range of authentic vocalizations, specifically something that could deliver a raspy, challenging howl. I was hoping for something that would make those wary predators commit.
Upon receiving the call, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. It felt lightweight and well-constructed, the latex reeds appearing precisely cut and properly tensioned. It seemed like a well-crafted tool, promising a good sound quality for its price point.
I considered other diaphragm calls from Primos and Flextone, but the Bone Collector model appealed to me with its explicit focus on raspy howls and the promise of diverse prey distress sounds. I was hoping to find a versatile and effective tool. The price point of $6.99 also made it an easy decision for testing.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed good, and the description promised versatility, but the true test would be in the field. The simple design was somewhat surprising, but my hopes were high, that this call would deliver the realistic, challenging howls I was after to finally close in on those elusive coyotes.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call came during a solo coyote hunting trip in the high desert of eastern Oregon. The terrain was a mix of sagebrush flats and rocky canyons, offering excellent acoustics for sound projection. The weather was cold and dry, with a slight breeze, ideal conditions for calling.
I tested the call in various scenarios, including open fields, near dense cover, and along canyon rims. I experimented with different howls, barks, growls, and prey distress sounds to gauge the call’s effectiveness in different conditions. After an hour or two of practice, I could make a decent howl and some distress sounds.
The Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call required a bit of a learning curve. Initially, I struggled to produce consistent and realistic sounds, but after some practice, I was able to achieve a decent range of vocalizations. The call was a little sensitive to moisture, but I learned to work around this by keeping it dry.
My first attempt to use the call yielded no immediate results; however, after about 30 minutes, I spotted a coyote cautiously approaching from downwind. It seemed like the howl had worked! The initial impression was positive, demonstrating the potential of the call in drawing in predators.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call has held up reasonably well. The latex reeds show no signs of cracking or tearing, despite frequent use in cold weather. The call continues to produce consistent sounds, though I’ve noticed a slight decrease in volume after prolonged use.
The durability seems acceptable for a call at this price point. I haven’t experienced any major issues with wear and tear, but I’ve taken care to store the call properly when not in use. It’s crucial to keep it in a dry environment.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each use, I blow out any moisture and store the call in a small container to protect it from dust and debris. The call has been quite easy to maintain to get the best sound quality.
Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, the Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call holds its own in terms of sound quality and ease of use. It performs surprisingly well given its affordable price. It gets the job done for most standard hunts.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call features a Moon Cut Heavy .004 top reed with light latex below. This reed configuration is designed to produce a raspy howl. The call can produce realistic howls, challenge howls, barks, and growls, as well as prey-in-distress sounds.
The .004 reed thickness is a standard choice for diaphragm calls, offering a balance between sensitivity and durability. The light latex below helps create the raspiness in the howl. The different sounds allow for a broad range of calls to trick even the smartest coyotes and other predators.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call excels at producing a variety of coyote vocalizations, with its primary strength being its raspy howl. It is especially well-suited for challenge howls. With practice, hunters can create convincing distress sounds.
The call’s main strength is its ability to produce a realistic howl with a distinct raspiness. This is particularly effective for challenging dominant coyotes or attracting attention from long distances. The primary weakness is the learning curve involved in mastering the call.
The Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call meets expectations as a basic, affordable predator call. The call isn’t perfect, but with practice, it can be a valuable tool for hunters. Its affordability makes it a great entry-level option.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call features a simple, minimalist design. The call is lightweight and comfortable to hold in the mouth. It is designed for extended use.
The Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call is generally user-friendly, though some practice is required to master the different vocalizations. The diaphragm design is fairly standard and fits comfortably in most mouths. Consistent airflow is important.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call is expected to last for at least one hunting season with proper care. Its lifespan depends on usage frequency and environmental conditions. Its design is simple and straightforward for long lasting use.
Maintenance involves keeping the call clean and dry. Storing it in a protective case when not in use will prolong its life. Properly caring for the call is key to a long product life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call does not come with any accessories. It’s a standalone product designed to be used as is. No accessories are needed for optimal performance.
There are no specific customization options available for the Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call. Hunters can experiment with different mouth positions and airflow techniques to create a wider range of sounds. Different techniques can change the sound quality.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call
Pros
- Affordable Price: At $6.99, the call is incredibly budget-friendly.
- Realistic Raspy Howls: It excels at producing authentic coyote howls.
- Versatile Vocalizations: It can create howls, barks, growls, and distress sounds.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry and use in the field.
- Made in the USA: Supports American manufacturing.
Cons
- Requires practice to master.
- Sensitive to moisture.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call?
The Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call is perfect for beginner predator hunters looking for an affordable and effective entry-level call. It is also good for experienced hunters who want a backup call.
Those who are unwilling to invest the time and effort to practice and master diaphragm calling techniques should skip this product. Also, hunters seeking a high-end, customizable call with advanced features may want to consider other options. This is a standard entry level call.
Essential accessories include a call case or lanyard to keep the call clean and accessible. Some hunters may also find it useful to use a mouth call conditioner to prolong the life of the latex reeds. These accessories help preserve the call.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call
The Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call is a solid entry-level predator call that delivers surprisingly good performance for its low price. While it requires some practice to master, its ability to produce realistic raspy howls and versatile vocalizations makes it a valuable tool for attracting coyotes and other predators. Its realistic raspy howls set it apart from other calls.
The price of $6.99 is absolutely justified, making it an accessible option for hunters of all budgets. It provides a great value for its money.
I would personally recommend the Bone Collector Midnight Moon Diaphragm Call to anyone looking for an affordable and effective predator call. Its ease of use and realistic sound production make it a worthwhile addition to any hunter’s arsenal. Go ahead and try it out for yourself on your next hunt!