First Thoughts on the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179
The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179, also known as the Raspy Old Hen Box Call, is a turkey call designed to mimic the sound of a mature hen. Marketed by Hunters Specialties, a trusted name in hunting gear, this call promises a natural and consistent sound thanks to its CNC machined cherry wood construction and maple lid. For a seasoned hunter like myself, the allure of a reliable, well-crafted box call at an accessible price point is undeniable.
My pursuit of the perfect turkey call has been a long and often frustrating journey. I’ve spent countless hours in the woods, chasing the elusive gobbler, and realized that having the right call can make all the difference. Many calls on the market today produce artificial or inconsistent sounds, spooking wary birds.
Unboxing the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179, I was immediately impressed by the feel of the cherry wood. It has a substantial weight that speaks to its solid construction, a pleasant surprise at this price. The maple lid fits snugly, indicating a tight seal critical for producing clean, crisp sounds.
Compared to my slate call from Primos and my diaphragm call from Quaker Boy, the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 offers a different approach. The slate provides a wider range of tones, while the diaphragm is more compact and versatile. I was hoping the box call would provide a reliable, consistent sound in various weather conditions, something I’ve struggled with using slate in the rain.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The quality of the materials and the craftsmanship seemed promising, but the real test would be how well it performed in the field. At $13.49, even if it only fills a specific niche in my call arsenal, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 during the early spring turkey season in the rolling hills of southern Missouri. The weather was typical for that time of year – cool mornings with occasional light rain. I used the call in a variety of scenarios, from open fields to dense wooded areas, to gauge its effectiveness in different environments.
In dry conditions, the call produced a convincing raspy hen sound with minimal effort. The CNC machined cherry wood resonated well, creating a clear and consistent tone that carried over a decent distance. However, the performance changed noticeably when the wood became damp from the light rain.
The moisture caused the friction between the maple lid and the cherry wood box to decrease, resulting in a softer, less distinct sound. This required me to apply more pressure and adjust my technique to maintain the desired tone. This was not ideal, but manageable.
There was a bit of a learning curve. The box call technique requires a specific rhythm and pressure, and it took me some time to find the sweet spot for producing the most realistic hen sounds. After about an hour of practice, I felt comfortable enough to start using it in my calling sequence.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of using the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179, I have a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The call has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The cherry wood remains solid, and the maple lid still fits snugly.
The finish on the wood has proven to be fairly durable, resisting scratches and dings despite being tossed in my vest and pack. However, the call still suffers from inconsistent performance in wet conditions, which is a common issue with wooden calls. I’ve found that keeping it protected in a waterproof bag when not in use helps mitigate this problem.
Maintenance is simple. I occasionally wipe it down with a clean cloth to remove dirt and debris. I also lightly chalk the lid to maintain optimal friction, especially after it has been exposed to moisture.
Compared to my previous experiences with other box calls, the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 holds its own, especially considering its price. It may not have the nuanced tonal range of a high-end custom call, but it offers a reliable and consistent sound that is effective for attracting turkeys. It has become a valuable part of my turkey hunting arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179
Specifications
CNC Machined Cherry Wood Box: The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 is constructed from a single billet of cherry wood. This provides structural integrity and contributes to the call’s resonant tone.
Maple Lid: The call features a maple lid designed to create the friction needed to produce realistic turkey sounds. Maple is known for its hardness and smooth surface, making it ideal for creating consistent friction against the cherry wood box.
Raspy Old Hen Tone: The design of the call is specifically engineered to mimic the sound of a mature hen. This is a desirable sound for attracting gobblers during turkey season.
Compact Size: While specific dimensions aren’t provided, the call is designed to be easily carried in a hunting vest or pack. Its portable size makes it convenient for hunters on the move.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s sound quality, durability, and ease of use. The CNC machining ensures consistent dimensions and precise fit, while the choice of wood contributes to the call’s natural tone. The “Raspy Old Hen Tone” is a crucial factor in its effectiveness as a turkey call.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 performs its job reasonably well, producing a convincing raspy hen sound that has successfully attracted turkeys in my experience. In dry conditions, it’s easy to use and produces consistent results. The tone carries well, allowing it to be heard over a considerable distance.
The main weakness is its susceptibility to moisture. As mentioned earlier, wet conditions significantly reduce its effectiveness. I also noticed that the sound can become somewhat flat or one-dimensional with prolonged use, lacking the subtle variations that a live hen would produce.
Overall, the call meets expectations for its price range. It’s a reliable tool for beginners and experienced hunters alike, but it has limitations that need to be considered.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is surprisingly good for an entry-level box call. The cherry wood feels solid and well-finished, and the maple lid fits securely. The call is lightweight and comfortable to hold, making it easy to use for extended periods.
There is a slight learning curve for mastering the box call technique. However, with a little practice, even a novice caller can produce convincing sounds. The call is relatively user-friendly and doesn’t require any special adjustments or modifications.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 appears to be reasonably durable and should last for several seasons with proper care. The wood is resistant to scratches and dings, and the lid is unlikely to warp or crack under normal use.
Maintaining the call is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and chalking. However, it’s important to protect it from excessive moisture to prevent warping or damage to the wood. Storing it in a dry place when not in use will help prolong its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 doesn’t come with any accessories, nor does it offer many customization options. This is typical for an entry-level call. However, the lid could potentially be replaced with a different wood type or thickness to alter the sound.
The call is compatible with standard chalk used for friction calls. Many hunters use different types of chalk to fine-tune the tone and friction of their calls.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179
Pros
- Excellent Value: At around $13, the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 offers exceptional value for the price.
Cons
- Susceptible to Moisture: Performance significantly degrades in wet conditions.
Realistic Sound: Produces a convincing raspy old hen sound that attracts turkeys.
Durable Construction: CNC machined cherry wood and maple lid provide solid and durable construction.
Easy to Use: Relatively easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
Compact and Portable: Lightweight and easily carried in a hunting vest or pack.
Limited Tonal Range: Lacks the nuanced sound variations of higher-end calls.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179?
The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 is perfect for:
- Beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use call.
- Experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call for their arsenal.
- Hunters on a budget who can’t afford a more expensive custom call.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters who primarily hunt in wet or humid environments.
- Hunters who demand the highest level of realism and tonal range from their calls.
A must-have accessory is a small waterproof bag or container to protect the call from moisture. Consider a small piece of sandpaper to roughen the paddle if it becomes too smooth.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179
The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 Raspy Old Hen Box Call is a solid entry-level option that delivers good performance for its price. While it has limitations, particularly in wet conditions, its realistic sound, durable construction, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for many turkey hunters.
The value proposition is excellent. At $13.49, it’s hard to go wrong with this call.
I would personally recommend it to beginner and budget-conscious hunters looking for a reliable turkey call. It’s not the best call on the market, but it’s a great call for the money.
If you’re looking to add a reliable and affordable box call to your turkey hunting arsenal, give the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 a try. You might be surprised at how effective it can be. Get out there and get gobblers!