First Thoughts on the MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER”
The MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” promises to revolutionize turkey hunting by simplifying the “fanning” technique. MOJO has taken an already intriguing concept and attempted to make it more accessible and practical for a wider range of hunters. The core idea, mounting a decoy directly to the shotgun, aims to solve the awkwardness of crawling with both a decoy and firearm.
I’ve always been intrigued by the “scoot and shoot” method, but found the coordination a bit clunky. Maneuvering through thick brush with a decoy in one hand and my shotgun in the other often felt like a circus act. I needed a solution that would free up a hand and streamline the process, especially when the moment of truth arrived.
My first impression upon unboxing the MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” was that it seemed well-thought-out, if a bit unconventional. The artificial fan and wings appear realistic enough, and the mounting system looks relatively straightforward. The inclusion of two different turkey heads, one white and one red, is a nice touch, offering some tactical flexibility.
Compared to simply using a traditional handheld fan decoy or even a ground blind, the MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” offers a more mobile and aggressive approach. Compared to the original MOJO Scoot N Shoot, the “GUNNER” variant prioritizes ease of use while shooting. I initially felt a mix of excitement and skepticism, hoping it would live up to its promise of making fanning more manageable, but also wondering if it would feel cumbersome on the shotgun.
Real-World Testing: Putting MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” during the spring turkey season on a mix of open fields and moderately wooded areas in central Texas. The conditions varied from dry and sunny mornings to damp and slightly muddy afternoons. I specifically targeted areas known for high turkey activity.
In the drier conditions, crawling with the MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” attached to my shotgun felt surprisingly natural. The bipod legs provided a stable platform when I needed to stop and assess the situation. The mesh viewing window offered a decent field of vision while keeping me concealed. In the muddier conditions, the added weight on the gun became more noticeable, and I had to be mindful of keeping the fan from dragging on the ground.
There was a slight learning curve in getting used to the added weight and bulk on the shotgun barrel. It took a few practice runs to smoothly transition from crawling to shouldering the gun for a shot. One initial issue was ensuring the mounting system was securely tightened to prevent any wobble during movement.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” has held up reasonably well. The artificial fan material has proven to be more durable than I initially anticipated, resisting tears and punctures from brush. The mounting system has remained secure, requiring only occasional tightening.
While the fan material itself is durable, the foldable nature does show slight wear and tear at the folding points. After repeated folding and unfolding, some slight creasing became apparent. Cleaning is relatively simple, mostly involving wiping down the fan and occasionally cleaning the mounting system to remove dirt and debris.
Compared to my previous experiences with static ground blinds, the MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” offers a significantly more dynamic hunting style. While it might not be as comfortable for all-day sits, its ability to move and adapt to the turkeys’ movements is a definite advantage. It exceeded my expectations in terms of mobility and concealment.
Breaking Down the Features of MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER”
Specifications
- The MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” features a realistic, artificial fan with attached wings designed to provide adequate hunter concealment. This ensures a lightweight and foldable design for easy storage and transport.
- The product utilizes a modified version of MOJO’s popular mounting system for quick and convenient attachment to any single-barrel shotgun. The mounting system incorporates bi-pod legs to keep the gun upright and stable on the ground.
- The MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” includes dual receptacles, one for holding the removable fan and wings. The other receptacle secures an easily removable 3-D turkey head.
- Two heads are provided with the MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER”: one mostly white to represent a contented bird, and another mostly red to represent an aggressive, “red up” gobbler ready to fight. This allows for tactical adaptation to the turkey’s behavior.
- The mounting system allows the hunter to see between the decoy and the gun, providing convenient view and aiming. A see-through mesh window in the artificial fan provides further flexibility in hiding and viewing.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the product’s usability, portability, and effectiveness in the field. A lightweight and foldable design is crucial for hunters who need to cover a lot of ground, while the realistic fan and head options enhance the decoy’s appeal to wary gobblers.
Performance & Functionality
The MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” performs its job of providing mobile concealment reasonably well, though with some limitations. It effectively hides the hunter from the turkey’s view, particularly when used in conjunction with natural cover.
Its strength lies in its mobility, allowing hunters to aggressively pursue gobblers and react to changing situations. The main weakness is the added weight and bulk on the shotgun, which can be tiring during extended crawls. It generally meets expectations for ease of use and concealment, but may not be ideal for hunters who prefer a more static hunting style.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” is acceptable for its price point. The materials are lightweight and durable enough to withstand typical hunting conditions. The mounting system is reasonably secure, although it may require occasional tightening.
The design is generally user-friendly, with a relatively simple assembly and disassembly process. There is a slight learning curve in getting used to the added weight on the shotgun, but most hunters should adapt quickly.
Durability & Maintenance
The MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” should last for several seasons with proper care. The artificial fan material is reasonably durable, but may show wear and tear over time, especially at the folding points.
Maintenance is relatively simple, involving occasional cleaning and tightening of the mounting system. Replacement parts, such as the fan or heads, may be available from MOJO if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” comes with two interchangeable turkey heads (red and white). There are no listed customization options.
There are no listed accessories for MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER”. The product is designed to be used as is.
Pros and Cons of MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER”
Pros
- Enhanced Mobility: Allows for a more aggressive and dynamic hunting style compared to traditional ground blinds.
- Effective Concealment: Hides the hunter from wary gobblers, increasing the chances of a successful hunt.
- Easy to Use: Relatively simple to assemble, disassemble, and use in the field, especially after some initial practice.
- Affordable Price: Offers a budget-friendly entry point to the “scoot and shoot” method of turkey hunting.
- Dual Head Options: Provides tactical flexibility with two interchangeable turkey heads representing different moods.
Cons
- Added Weight and Bulk: Attaching the decoy to the shotgun increases its weight and bulk, which can be tiring during extended crawls.
- Limited Field of Vision: The mesh viewing window offers a decent field of vision, but it’s not as wide as having an unobstructed view.
Who Should Buy MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER”?
Perfect for: Hunters who want to try the “scoot and shoot” method without investing in expensive gear or dealing with the clumsiness of separate decoy and firearm. It’s also suitable for hunters who frequently hunt in open areas or areas with limited natural cover.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who prefer a more static hunting style, those who hunt in extremely thick or rugged terrain, or those who are sensitive to added weight on their shotgun.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A comfortable and durable pair of knee pads would be a worthwhile addition, as crawling for extended periods can be tough on the knees.
Conclusion on MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER”
The MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” offers a compelling and affordable way to experience the excitement of “scoot and shoot” turkey hunting. While it’s not without its limitations, such as the added weight and bulk, its mobility and ease of use make it a worthwhile option for many hunters.
The price is justified considering the enhanced mobility and concealment it provides compared to traditional hunting methods. I would personally recommend it to hunters who are looking for a more dynamic and engaging turkey hunting experience, especially those who are new to the “scoot and shoot” technique.
Overall, the MOJO Scoot N Shoot “GUNNER” is a well-designed and functional product that delivers on its promise of making fanning more accessible and manageable. Give it a try and experience the thrill of bringing the hunt to the turkey!