PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK Review

The PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK Made a Bold First Impression

The PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK isn’t just another call set; it’s a carefully curated pairing designed to bring the sound of the elk woods right to your fingertips. Primos aims to equip hunters with the tools to precisely mimic cow and calf elk vocalizations. This dual-call system promises versatility in the field, and at a price of $35.49, it certainly piqued my interest as a seasoned elk hunter.

For years, I’ve been searching for a call system that is both versatile and easy to use, one that can reliably reproduce the nuances of elk communication. I’ve used everything from diaphragm calls that require expert breath control to external reed calls that can be overly sensitive to moisture. This package seemed like a potentially simpler, more user-friendly alternative to cover the basics.

The PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK arrived in a blister pack, showcasing both the Hoochie Mama and Baby Hoochie calls. The calls felt light and compact in my hand. The plastic seemed durable enough for field use, though I initially questioned how well they’d hold up against repeated use in rugged conditions.

I considered other call systems before settling on the PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK, including the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Wapiti Whacker and the Elk Nut Bugler. However, the PRIMOS set stood out because of its explicit targeting of both cow and calf sounds. The others seemed more focused on bugling and aggressive bull calls. My hope was that these two calls would give me the flexibility to adapt to different hunting scenarios.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The simplicity of the design was appealing. I was eager to get into the field and test whether these calls could truly deliver on their promise of producing realistic elk sounds.

Real-World Testing: Putting PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK set on a solo elk hunt in the high country of Colorado’s Flat Tops Wilderness. I primarily hunt solo, so ease of use is critical. The elevation was around 10,000 feet, and the weather was predictably unpredictable – sunny skies giving way to brief rain showers and chilling winds.

The Hoochie Mama produced a decent cow call right out of the package, although it took a bit of practice to get the tone just right. The Baby Hoochie, on the other hand, required a lighter touch to avoid sounding too raspy. I practiced intermittently throughout the day, alternating between the two calls to mimic a cow and calf pair. The wet conditions did affect the calls slightly, causing a slight change in tone.

Initially, I struggled to produce consistent sounds. However, after about an hour of practice and some minor adjustments to my technique, I started to get the hang of it. I got a response from a distant bull after about 30 minutes of calling. It came within about 150 yards before circling downwind and spooking.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of hunting with the PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK, the calls have held up remarkably well, considering their price point. There are some minor scratches on the plastic bodies, but the reeds remain intact and functional. I clean them after each hunt with warm water and a soft brush to prevent buildup of saliva and debris. This is critical to keeping them sounding right.

The calls are still producing consistent sounds, though I’ve noticed a slight degradation in the reed material on the Hoochie Mama. The reed appears a bit worn. The tonal quality hasn’t changed dramatically, however.

Compared to my previous experiences with diaphragm calls, the PRIMOS calls are significantly easier to use for beginners. They don’t require the same level of breath control and mouth positioning. However, they lack the same level of nuance and realism that a skilled diaphragm caller can achieve.

Breaking Down the Features of PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK

Specifications

• The Hoochie Mama is designed to produce realistic cow elk calls. Its simple design makes it easy to use for hunters of all skill levels.
• The Baby Hoochie is designed to mimic the sounds of a calf elk. This call complements the Hoochie Mama and adds another layer of realism to your calling sequence.
• The material is a molded plastic, making them lightweight and easy to carry. This impacts durability as plastic can crack under extreme conditions.
• Both calls are compact and easy to pack, an essential for backpack hunts. This enhances portability and convenience.
• The PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK sells for $35.49. This makes it affordable for both novice and experienced elk hunters.

Performance & Functionality

The PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK excels at producing basic cow and calf elk calls. It reliably delivers the sounds it promises. However, the calls lack the subtle variations and inflections that a more advanced caller can produce.

The main strength of this system is its ease of use. Even a beginner can quickly learn to produce recognizable elk sounds. The weakness lies in its limited range of sounds and lack of tonal nuance.

The PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK met my basic expectations for a beginner-friendly call system. It provides a good starting point for learning elk calling. However, experienced hunters may find it lacking in versatility.

Design & Ergonomics

The PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK features a simple and functional design. The plastic bodies are lightweight and easy to grip.

The calls are undeniably user-friendly, requiring minimal instruction or practice. The learning curve is virtually non-existent.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK should last for several seasons of moderate use. The plastic construction is relatively durable.

Cleaning is straightforward – simply rinse with warm water and allow to air dry. Periodic replacement of the reeds may be necessary to maintain optimal sound quality.

Accessories and Customization Options

The PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone call system.

There are no customization options available for the PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK. It is designed to be used as is.

Pros and Cons of PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK

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Who Should Buy PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK?

The PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK is perfect for beginner elk hunters who are just learning to call. It’s also well-suited for hunters who prefer a simple and easy-to-use call system.

Experienced hunters looking for a wide range of sounds and subtle tonal variations should skip this product. They will likely prefer diaphragm calls or more advanced external reed calls.

A lanyard to keep the calls readily accessible would be a useful must-have accessory.

Conclusion on PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK

The PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK is a solid choice for beginner elk hunters seeking an affordable and user-friendly call system. While it lacks the sophistication of higher-end calls, it reliably produces basic cow and calf sounds.

At $35.49, the price is certainly justified for what it offers. It’s a good starting point for learning the art of elk calling.

I would recommend the PRIMOS HOOCHIE PAC ELK to novice hunters who want a simple and effective way to get started with elk calling. Give it a try, practice your calls, and experience the thrill of calling in a bull elk!

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