First Thoughts on the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve field-tested countless pieces of equipment. Mouth calls are a critical tool for turkey hunters, demanding both durability and realistic sound production. The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call from Cuttin Hen caught my attention due to its seemingly simple yet effective design, promising the ability to produce a range of essential turkey calls.
My journey to this particular call was driven by a need for a reliable, all-purpose diaphragm call that wouldn’t break the bank. I’ve used higher-end, custom-made calls before, but I wanted something more accessible and readily replaceable in the field without sacrificing quality. The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call’s affordability and claims of versatility sparked my interest.
Upon receiving the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call, my initial impression was one of simplicity and practicality. The three thin, prophylactic reeds felt appropriately thin and flexible. The half-moon cut in the top reed was cleanly executed and suggested a potential for creating a crisp, distinct sound.
Compared to other mouth calls I’ve used, like the Primos Wet Box call or a custom diaphragm from a local call maker, the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call stands out due to its minimalist design. While the Primos Wet Box offers a different style of calling with a box design, and the custom diaphragm boasts hand-tuned precision, the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call promised a balance of affordability and effectiveness that other options didn’t immediately convey. I chose this call hoping its simple design would translate into ease of use and versatility.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The construction seemed solid enough for the price point, and the potential for producing cuts, cackles, and kee-kees was appealing. I was eager to test its performance in a real-world hunting scenario.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call during a spring turkey hunt in the oak and hickory forests of central Missouri. The weather was damp and cool, typical for early spring turkey season. I specifically targeted a location where I had scouted several gobblers the week before.
Initially, I struggled to produce consistent, realistic sounds. The call required a significant amount of air pressure and precise tongue placement. It took about an hour of dedicated practice to get the hang of the nuances and find the sweet spot for creating distinct cuts and cackles.
After some practice, I managed to produce some decent yelps and clucks. However, the initial difficulty was unexpected, and I quickly realized I needed to practice a lot more to achieve the level of realism I wanted. The call seemed sensitive to moisture, requiring frequent drying.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during scouting trips and actual hunts, the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call held up surprisingly well. There were no signs of the reeds separating or deteriorating. The call continued to produce sound, even after repeated use and exposure to moisture.
The durability proved to be adequate. Although the reeds are thin, they didn’t tear or fray easily. Cleaning was relatively simple; I just rinsed it with water and let it air dry.
In comparison to other calls I’ve used, the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call fell slightly short in terms of immediate ease of use and sound quality. However, given its affordable price and reasonable durability, it exceeded my expectations. It took more effort to master than some of my higher-end calls, but it proved to be a reliable backup and a decent option for hunters on a budget.
Breaking Down the Features of Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call
Specifications
The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call features three thin, prophylactic reeds. It also includes a half-moon cut in the first reed. The call comes in a standard size designed to fit most palates.
The thin reeds allow for a wide range of sounds. The half-moon cut aids in producing sharp, distinct cuts and kee-kees. The dimensions of the call are compact, making it easy to carry in a vest or pocket. These specifications are crucial for effective turkey calling, enabling hunters to mimic the sounds of hens and elicit responses from gobblers.
Performance & Functionality
The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call is designed to produce cuts, cackles, and kee-kees, all essential turkey vocalizations. When mastered, it can effectively mimic the sound of a hen. The call also brings tom turkeys into shooting range.
The call’s strengths lie in its potential for producing a variety of sounds and its affordability. A weakness of the call is the steep learning curve. It requires significant practice to master and achieve realistic turkey sounds. The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call meets expectations as an affordable and versatile option, but it requires dedication and practice to fully realize its potential.
Design & Ergonomics
The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call features a simple, functional design. It utilizes three thin reeds, held together by tape. Its lightweight construction makes it comfortable to hold in the mouth for extended periods.
The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call is generally user-friendly once mastered. It does require significant practice to achieve consistent and realistic sounds. The learning curve may be steep for beginners, but the call’s potential rewards the effort invested.
Durability & Maintenance
The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call is constructed with durable materials. The thin reeds are surprisingly resilient, but can tear with aggressive use. With proper care, it can last for an entire hunting season.
Maintenance involves rinsing the call with water after use and allowing it to air dry. Keeping the call clean prevents the build-up of saliva and debris, prolonging its lifespan and maintaining optimal sound quality.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call does not come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone product designed for immediate use. Customization is limited, but experienced users can trim the reeds to fine-tune the sound.
The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call is compatible with most mouth call cases and holders. These cases help protect the call from damage and keep it clean during storage and transport. There are no specific accessories from Cuttin Hen designed for this particular call, emphasizing its straightforward and economical design.
Pros and Cons of Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call
Pros
- Affordable price makes it accessible to hunters on a budget.
- Versatile sound production allows for mimicking a variety of turkey vocalizations.
- Durable construction ensures it can withstand repeated use.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry in the field.
- Potential for realistic sounds when mastered with practice.
Cons
- Steep learning curve requires significant practice for beginners.
- Susceptible to moisture which can affect sound quality and require frequent drying.
- Limited customization options compared to higher-end calls.
Who Should Buy Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call?
The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call is perfect for budget-conscious hunters seeking a versatile and durable mouth call. It’s also good for experienced turkey hunters looking for a reliable backup call. Beginner hunters who are committed to practicing and developing their calling skills will also get the most benefit from Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call.
This product should be avoided by hunters who are unwilling to invest time in practicing and mastering mouth call techniques. Also, hunters who prioritize premium sound quality and immediate ease of use may find this call less satisfying than higher-end options.
A must-have accessory would be a mouth call case to protect the call from damage and keep it clean. A lanyard can also be useful for keeping the call readily accessible in the field.
Conclusion on Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call
The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call offers a compelling value proposition for turkey hunters seeking an affordable and versatile calling option. While it may require a significant investment of time and effort to master, the potential for producing realistic turkey sounds is undeniable.
The price of $5.99 is certainly justified given its durability and potential versatility. For those willing to put in the practice, it represents a solid investment.
I would personally recommend the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call to hunters looking for a budget-friendly and reliable option. This call rewards dedication and practice. If you’re ready to commit to mastering mouth call techniques, the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call is a worthwhile addition to your hunting arsenal. Give it a try and discover the potential within this simple yet effective call.