First Impressions of Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call
The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call is a turkey call designed to produce a wide range of sounds, aiming to mimic a variety of hen vocalizations. Made by Bone Collector, a brand known for its association with the popular hunting personalities, this call promises versatility for both novice and experienced turkey hunters. I was intrigued by the claim of producing both high-pitched and raspy tones from a single, relatively simple design, a feature that could simplify my setup in the field.
I’ve been chasing gobblers for over a decade, and mouth calls are my go-to. Over the years, I’ve amassed a tackle box full of various cuts and reed configurations. My biggest challenge has always been finding one call that can convincingly produce the entire spectrum of turkey sounds: from the sharp, clear yelps of a young hen to the deep, gravelly clucks of an old boss hen. When I saw the Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call promised a wide range of sounds with a wide half-moon cut, I was eager to see if it could streamline my calling strategy.
Upon receiving the Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call, my initial impression was favorable, although the packaging was nothing to write home about, typical blister pack. The call itself felt lightweight and pliable; a crucial quality, indicating potential ease of manipulation. The reeds appeared neatly aligned, and the snake tongue cut was clean. Compared to my trusty Primos Wet Box Call or my collection of custom-made diaphragm calls, this one seemed deceptively simple, but perhaps therein lay its potential.
I considered other options like the HS Strut Raspy Old Hen or the Quaker Boy Easy Yelper, but The Show Off caught my eye due to the Bone Collector name and the promise of both high and raspy tones from the same call. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; it felt well-made and lightweight, but its true test would come in the woods.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real-world test of the Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call came during spring turkey season in the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma. I set up along a creek bottom where I knew birds often roosted. The morning was damp, with a light fog hanging in the air.
Initially, I struggled to produce consistent sounds. It took some experimentation to find the sweet spot. The call was more sensitive to mouth pressure than I expected. Eventually, I managed to get some decent yelps, clucks, and purrs, but it required a conscious effort to control my airflow and tongue placement. No issues with slippage in the mouth due to the moisture.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of hunting with the Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call, I’ve grown more accustomed to its nuances. The durability seems adequate; the reeds haven’t shown any signs of splitting or fraying, despite regular use. The thinness of the latex is a plus, and a negative.
Cleaning is straightforward. I simply rinse it with water after each use and allow it to air dry. Compared to some of my other calls, which require meticulous cleaning and occasional retuning, this one is relatively low-maintenance. It hasn’t replaced my favorite custom calls but it has earned a spot in my vest as a back-up, particularly for those starting out.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call features a triple reed design with a unique “snake tongue” cut. This cut is designed to allow for a wide range of vocalizations, from high-pitched kee-kees to raspy yelps. The wide half-moon shape is intended to provide greater control over airflow and sound production.
According to Bone Collector, the call measures approximately 6 cm in length, 3.75 inches in width, and 0.75 inches in height. It weighs a mere 0.06 lb. These dimensions and weight are standard for a diaphragm call, allowing for comfortable placement in the mouth and minimal interference during calling sequences.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call’s primary function is to mimic the various calls of a hen turkey, attracting gobblers during mating season. The call excels at producing realistic clucks and purrs with a moderate amount of rasp.
The weakness of this call is the higher frequency sounds, it really struggles to create a crisp yelp that other calls can perform. It met expectations for the low price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call is designed for comfortable and secure placement in the mouth. The latex reeds are thin and pliable, allowing for easy manipulation.
The call has a slight learning curve, especially for those new to using diaphragm calls. Mastering the airflow and tongue pressure necessary to produce consistent and realistic sounds takes practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call appears to be reasonably durable. The latex reeds are susceptible to damage from sharp objects or excessive stretching, so careful handling is essential. With proper care, the call should last at least one to two seasons of regular use.
Maintenance is simple. Rinse with water after each use and allow to air dry. Avoid storing the call in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can degrade the latex.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call does not come with any accessories. It is a standalone product designed to be used as-is. There are no readily available customization options, such as different reed materials or frame sizes.
This call is universally compatible with any mouth call carrier or storage case designed for diaphragm calls. No optics, grips, or barrels involved!
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to beginners.
- Versatile sound production, capable of producing clucks, purrs, and yelps.
- Relatively easy to learn compared to some more complex diaphragm calls.
- Lightweight and comfortable to use for extended periods.
- Reasonable durability for the price.
Cons
- Struggles to create crisp, high-frequency yelps.
- Requires practice to master airflow and tongue pressure.
- Not as versatile as a combination of specialized calls.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call?
The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call is perfect for novice turkey hunters looking for an affordable and versatile call to start with. It is also a good option for experienced hunters who want a simple and reliable backup call for their vest.
This product isn’t for die-hard turkey hunters who demand the highest level of realism and customization. These hunters are better off investing in a selection of specialized diaphragm calls from custom call makers. A beginner should start with this call.
Conclusion on Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call
The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call is a decent entry-level diaphragm call that offers a good balance of versatility and affordability. While it may not be the most realistic or nuanced call on the market, it is capable of producing a variety of turkey sounds that can attract gobblers.
At a price of $10.99, the value is justified for beginners. It is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to get started in turkey hunting.
I would recommend the Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call to beginners and those seeking a simple, affordable back-up. Get out there and put it to the test!