First Impressions of Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call
The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call promises a compact yet powerful turkey calling solution. Bone Collector, known for their hunting expertise, aims to deliver a versatile call for hunters of all skill levels with this product. My initial intrigue stemmed from the “Poplar Girl’s” purported ability to produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations from a small package, a feature I desperately needed to lighten my load during long treks through the woods.
I was seeking a highly portable friction call capable of producing realistic and diverse turkey sounds. My current call setup, while effective, is bulky and cumbersome, making it difficult to maneuver in dense cover. After extensively researching various options, the Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call’s combination of compact size and slate-over-poplar construction caught my eye. I chose it over similar calls from Primos and Zink because of the Bone Collector brand’s reputation and the promise of a unique sound profile from the poplar pot.
Upon unboxing, the Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call felt surprisingly solid and well-made, despite its diminutive size. The Pennsylvania slate surface was smooth and inviting, while the poplar pot had a warm, natural feel. My first impression was excitement; a compact call that might actually deliver the range and volume I needed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call during the spring turkey season in the oak and hickory forests of southern Missouri. The conditions varied from crisp, dewy mornings to warm, humid afternoons, offering a good range of environmental challenges. Initially, I found the call took a little getting used to, requiring a lighter touch than my larger slate call to achieve the desired sounds.
The first morning, I successfully called in a tom using a combination of soft yelps and purrs produced by the Poplar Girl. The call performed admirably, even in the light morning mist. However, I noticed that the sound seemed to carry differently in the humidity, requiring a slight adjustment to my calling technique.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the slate surface or the poplar pot, despite being subjected to the rigors of field use. Maintaining the call has been simple; a quick cleaning with a slate conditioning pad keeps the surface ready for action.
Compared to my previous slate call, the Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call is significantly more portable and versatile in tight cover. The smaller size allows me to make subtle adjustments to my calling position without spooking wary birds. While the volume isn’t quite as booming as my larger call, it is more than adequate for most hunting situations, and the sound quality is undeniably realistic.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call features a Pennsylvania slate surface over a poplar pot. The dimensions are compact, with a height of 1.5 inches, a length of 11 inches, and a width of 7 inches. Its weight is a mere 0.36 kg (approximately 12.7 ounces).
These specifications are significant because they contribute to the call’s portability and ease of use. The compact size makes it ideal for hunters who prioritize mobility, while the slate-over-poplar construction provides a unique tonal quality that can be highly effective in attracting turkeys. The weight ensures it won’t bog you down during long days in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations, from soft purrs and clucks to sharp cuts and yelps. Its strength lies in its ability to create subtle and realistic sounds that mimic the natural communication of wild turkeys. While the volume is not overwhelming, it is sufficient for calling birds in at moderate distances, making it perfect for close-quarters hunting.
The main strength of the call is its realistic sound reproduction, particularly the soft calls. The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call exceeded my expectations for a call of this size. One area for possible improvement would be to increase the overall volume slightly, especially for windy conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call boasts a simple yet functional design. The poplar pot is comfortable to hold, and the slate surface provides a smooth and responsive playing surface. The call is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in a vest pocket or pack.
The call is user-friendly and requires minimal learning curve for experienced friction call users. However, beginners may need some practice to master the nuances of slate calling. The build quality appears to be excellent, with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call appears to be durable and capable of withstanding the rigors of hunting. The slate surface is resistant to scratches and wear, and the poplar pot is sturdy and well-constructed. With proper care and maintenance, this call should last for many seasons.
Maintaining the call is simple; a quick cleaning with a slate conditioning pad after each use is all that’s needed to keep the surface performing optimally. The poplar pot can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call comes paired with the Bone Collector Game Calls Hickory Striker. This striker is designed specifically to complement the slate surface and poplar pot, providing optimal sound quality and responsiveness. There are no other specific customization options directly associated with this call.
However, hunters can experiment with different strikers to achieve slightly different sound profiles. Compatibility with other brands is generally good as long as the striker is designed for use with a slate surface.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight: Ideal for hunters who prioritize mobility and pack light.
- Realistic Sound: Produces a wide range of subtle and convincing turkey vocalizations.
- Durable Construction: Made with high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of hunting.
- Easy to Use: Minimal learning curve for experienced friction call users.
- Versatile: Effective in various hunting situations, from close-quarters calling to moderate-distance setups.
Cons
- Volume Could Be Higher: May not be loud enough for extremely windy conditions or long-distance calling.
- Striker Dependent: The included striker is essential for optimal performance; other strikers may not produce the same results.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call?
The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call is perfect for turkey hunters who value portability and realism in their calling setup. It’s an excellent choice for hunters who frequently hunt in dense cover or who need to pack light for long treks. Experienced friction call users will appreciate its subtle sound and responsive playing surface.
Hunters who require a very loud call for windy conditions or long-distance calling might want to consider a larger slate or glass call. Beginners might also find a double-sided call easier to learn on. A must-have accessory is a slate conditioning pad to maintain the playing surface.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call
The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call is a well-designed and effective turkey call that delivers on its promise of portability and realistic sound. The poplar pot and Pennsylvania slate combination provides a unique tonal quality that is highly effective in attracting wary birds. While the volume could be slightly higher, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
At a price of $49.49, the Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call represents an excellent value for the money. The build quality, sound quality, and portability justify the price point, making it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters.
I would personally recommend the Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call to anyone looking for a compact and reliable friction call. If you’re ready to step up your turkey hunting game with a versatile and realistic call, the Bone Collector Poplar Girl Friction Call is a fantastic choice. Go out there and make some memories this season!