First Impressions of Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen
The Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen mouth call is a turkey hunter’s secret weapon, promising to deliver realistic hen sounds in a compact and easy-to-use package. Manufactured by Tom Teasers, this call aims to replicate the enticing clucks, purrs, and yelps that drive gobblers wild during spring turkey season. What initially drew me to this particular call was its promise of versatility, capable of producing a wide range of hen vocalizations.
For years, I’ve been searching for that perfect mouth call; one that consistently produces the realistic, subtle sounds that can fool even the wariest of toms. I was hoping this would solve my issue. The Butt Naked Hen is a 3-reed call using .003 over 2 reeds of prophylactic, a construction method I was eager to explore.
Upon receiving the Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen, my first impression was its surprisingly small size. It felt almost diminutive compared to some of the bulkier diaphragm calls I’ve used in the past. The mylar reeds appeared meticulously cut and assembled, suggesting a focus on quality craftsmanship.
Compared to other popular calls like the Primos Lil’ Deucey or the HS Strut Raspy Old Hen, the Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen seemed less intimidating, potentially easier for beginners to master. I picked this call due to its compact size and the promise of versatility, hoping to find a call that’s both effective and comfortable. I had high hopes.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. While the Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen’s size concerned me, I was eager to see if it could deliver the sound quality and versatility I was looking for. If this call lived up to its potential, it could become a permanent fixture in my turkey vest.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen on a recent spring turkey hunt in the oak-hickory forests of Missouri. I specifically chose this location because of its high turkey density and challenging terrain. The first morning was damp, with a light drizzle falling and the air thick with humidity.
The Butt Naked Hen performed surprisingly well in these less-than-ideal conditions, cutting through the damp air with clear, crisp yelps. It required a bit of experimentation to find the sweet spot, manipulating tongue pressure and airflow to achieve the desired sounds. I experienced immediate success, calling in a mature gobbler within the first hour.
Initially, the small frame took some getting used to. I was accustomed to larger calls, but after about an hour, I found the Butt Naked Hen to be comfortable and easy to control. The first-time use left me impressed with the call’s potential, but I wanted to see how it would hold up under more prolonged use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use across multiple hunts and practice sessions, the Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen has proven to be a reliable performer. The reeds have maintained their shape and tension, continuing to produce consistent and realistic sounds. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.
Cleaning the call is straightforward. I simply rinse it with lukewarm water after each use and allow it to air dry thoroughly. So far, the prophylactic reeds have not displayed any signs of degradation. Compared to some of the cheaper diaphragm calls I’ve used in the past, the Butt Naked Hen has significantly outperformed them in terms of both sound quality and durability.
This call exceeded my expectations for durability and consistency. With proper care, it’s clear that this call will last for several seasons.
Breaking Down the Features of Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen
Specifications
- The Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen is a 3-reed mouth call. It’s designed for producing a variety of turkey hen sounds.
- It features .003 over 2 reeds of prophylactic. This specific reed configuration impacts the call’s tone and responsiveness.
- Tom Teasers lists the call’s weight at 0.05 lb, making it virtually unnoticeable in your vest or pocket. Its other dimensions are: 5 in (Length), 4 in (Width), 1 in (Height).
- The “small frame” design is meant to fit comfortably in a wider range of mouth sizes. This is beneficial for hunters who struggle with larger calls.
These specifications are significant because they directly influence the call’s ease of use, sound quality, and overall effectiveness. The smaller frame promotes comfort, and the reed configuration dictates the call’s versatility.
Performance & Functionality
The Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen excels at producing a wide range of realistic hen sounds. It’s capable of everything from soft, subtle purrs and clucks to aggressive yelps and cuts. It allows hunters to adapt to various hunting situations.
The call’s primary strength is its versatility. It can mimic nearly any hen vocalization needed to lure in a gobbler. A potential weakness could be its learning curve. New users may require some practice to master the full range of sounds it can produce.
The Butt Naked Hen meets, and in some ways exceeds, my expectations. Its range of sounds, combined with its ease of use, make it a valuable tool for any turkey hunter.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen boasts a simple yet effective design. The materials used are high-quality and feel durable. Its light weight and small frame make it comfortable to hold in the mouth for extended periods.
The call’s design is inherently user-friendly. However, as with any mouth call, some practice is required to develop the necessary breath control and tongue placement. The Butt Naked Hen offers a comfortable fit and a relatively easy learning curve compared to some more complex diaphragm calls.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen is constructed with durable materials and should last for multiple hunting seasons with proper care. The prophylactic reeds are resistant to moisture and wear, but like any mouth call, they will eventually need to be replaced. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick rinse with water after each use.
With proper maintenance, this call should easily last for several seasons, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter. Its durability surpasses other calls I’ve used in the past.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, most hunters will want to purchase a call case or lanyard to protect it when not in use. Since it is a mouth call, there aren’t any traditional “customization” options beyond replacing the reeds when they wear out.
This call is inherently compatible with any standard mouth call storage solutions. Aftermarket reeds can also be used, though the stock reeds perform admirably.
Pros and Cons of Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen
Pros
- Produces a wide range of realistic hen sounds, enhancing calling versatility.
- Small frame design provides a comfortable fit for most mouth sizes.
- Durable construction ensures a long lifespan with proper care.
- Relatively easy to learn compared to more complex diaphragm calls.
- Excellent value for the price, offering high performance at an affordable cost.
Cons
- Requires some practice to master the full range of sounds.
- Prophylactic reeds, while durable, will eventually need to be replaced.
Who Should Buy Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen?
The Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans. Its versatility and ease of use make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to expand their calling repertoire. It is especially well-suited for hunters with smaller mouths who struggle with larger diaphragm calls.
Hunters who prefer louder, more aggressive calls might want to consider other options. Additionally, if you are unwilling to practice and develop the necessary breath control and tongue placement, this call may not be the best choice for you. A must-have accessory is a call case or lanyard to protect the call when not in use.
Conclusion on Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen
The Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen is a versatile and effective turkey mouth call that offers excellent value for the price. Its small frame design, combined with its ability to produce a wide range of realistic hen sounds, makes it a valuable tool for any turkey hunter. The price of $21.49 is more than justified by the call’s performance and durability.
I would absolutely recommend the Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile turkey mouth call. Its ease of use, coupled with its impressive sound quality, makes it a standout product in a crowded market. If you’re serious about turkey hunting, add the Tom Teasers Small Frame Butt Naked Hen to your arsenal. You won’t regret it.