First Impressions of Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call, manufactured by Bone Collector, promises to be a versatile and user-friendly tool for both novice and experienced turkey hunters. This 4-reed combo cut call aims to deliver a raspy tone with a clear front end, making it capable of producing a variety of realistic turkey sounds. With a price point of $10.99, it presents an attractive option for those looking for an affordable entry into the world of mouth calls, or a reliable addition to their existing collection.
As someone who’s spent over a decade honing my hunting skills and testing countless pieces of gear, I was intrigued by the call’s claim of ease of use, particularly for amateur callers. I’ve always been on the lookout for calls that can quickly and effectively mimic the sounds of wild turkeys, and the promise of achieving perfect yelps, cuts, clucks, and purrs with this call definitely piqued my interest.
My initial impression upon receiving the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call was that it was lightweight and compact. The overall build quality appeared solid for its price range. I’ve used similar diaphragm calls from brands like Primos and Quaker Boy in the past.
I chose the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call because of the four-reed design. It was supposed to make it easier to control airflow, which is crucial for producing realistic sounds. I was excited to see if it lived up to its promises of being user-friendly while still delivering high-quality turkey vocalizations. I was cautiously optimistic, eager to put it to the test in the field and see if it truly could “con” those wary gobblers.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call during a spring turkey hunt in the oak and hickory forests of central Missouri. The weather was cool and slightly damp, a typical morning for that time of year, which provided a good initial test for the call’s performance in less-than-ideal conditions. I wanted to simulate a real hunting scenario, using the call to attract gobblers from a distance.
The initial use was a bit challenging. It took me about 15 minutes to find the sweet spot and consistently produce clean yelps and clucks. I did manage to call in a Jake to within 40 yards.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use during my spring turkey season, the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call has held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. I clean it after each use by rinsing it with warm water and allowing it to air dry.
Compared to some of the higher-end calls I’ve used, it’s not as nuanced in terms of tone variation. However, it’s proved to be a reliable and effective tool for basic turkey vocalizations. It has consistently performed well, calling in multiple birds throughout the season.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call features a 4-reed system. It is designed to produce raspy calls with a clear front end. The call measures approximately 6 cm in length, 0.75 inches in height, and 3.75 inches in width. It weighs a mere 0.06 lbs.
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call‘s dimensions make it comfortable to hold in the mouth. The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call‘s light weight reduces fatigue during extended calling sequences. The four-reed design restricts airflow, making it easier for beginners to produce consistent sounds.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call is to mimic the various vocalizations of wild turkeys. The call excels at producing clear yelps and clucks. Its raspy tone adds realism to these calls, making it attractive to gobblers.
While it performs adequately, more experienced callers may find its range of tones somewhat limited compared to higher-end custom calls. It definitely meets expectations for its price point. It offers a good balance of ease of use and effectiveness.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call features a simple, functional design. The materials used are durable and seem to be of high-quality, contributing to the call’s overall longevity. Its lightweight construction ensures that it remains comfortable even during extended use, preventing jaw fatigue.
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call requires some practice to master, especially for beginners. However, it is relatively user-friendly compared to other mouth calls.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction, the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call should last for at least a full hunting season with proper care. Regular cleaning and storage in a dry place are essential for maintaining its performance. Simple cleaning with water will do the trick.
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call is not designed to be disassembled or repaired. If the reeds become damaged or worn, the call will need to be replaced.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call does not come with any additional accessories, nor does it offer customization options. However, the simplicity of the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call allows it to be used in conjunction with other calls, such as box calls or slate calls, to create more complex and realistic sound sequences.
It works well with standard call lanyards for easy carry. Its universal design makes it compatible with any standard mouth call case.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: At just $10.99, it’s an accessible option for budget-conscious hunters or those new to mouth calls.
- User-Friendly Design: The 4-reed system simplifies airflow control, making it easier for beginners to produce turkey sounds.
- Realistic Raspy Tone: The call produces a convincing raspy sound that can attract gobblers.
- Lightweight and Compact: Comfortable to hold and easy to carry in the field.
- Versatile: Capable of producing yelps, cuts, clucks, and purrs.
Cons
- Limited Tone Variation: Experienced callers may find the range of sounds somewhat restrictive.
- Not Repairable: If the reeds wear out, the entire call needs to be replaced.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call?
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use mouth call. It is also a good option for experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call or a simple call for specific situations. This call benefits those who need a cost-effective and straightforward way to make turkey sounds.
This product isn’t recommended for seasoned hunters seeking advanced tonal nuances and customizations. Those requiring extreme durability in harsh conditions might consider investing in premium, hand-tuned calls.
A must-have accessory is a good quality call case to protect the reeds when not in use. A lanyard is recommended to keep the call readily available around your neck.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call
Overall, the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call offers excellent value for its price. It delivers on its promise of being user-friendly, making it an ideal choice for beginners. It’s also a reliable and effective tool for producing basic turkey vocalizations.
The price of $10.99 is definitely justified for the quality and performance it provides. It’s an affordable entry point into the world of mouth calls.
I would definitely recommend the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and easy-to-use turkey call. Give it a try, practice your calls, and get ready to outsmart those gobblers this hunting season!