First Thoughts on the Dirty Lil Hen
The Dirty Lil Hen from Flextone is a mouth turkey call designed to mimic the sounds of a hen, specifically its kee-kees and tree yelps. Priced affordably at $6.99, this call aims to be an accessible entry point for turkey hunters looking to enhance their calling arsenal. Its double reed diaphragm construction and hybrid blended latex material promise durability and realistic sound reproduction, but how well does it actually perform in the field?
I was seeking a reliable and versatile mouth call for fall turkey hunting, one that could produce convincing kee-kees and tree yelps without requiring advanced calling skills. My current mouth calls, while effective for spring gobbling sequences, sometimes lack the subtlety needed to lure in wary fall birds. The Dirty Lil Hen caught my eye because of its simplicity and focus on these specific fall calls.
Upon receiving the Dirty Lil Hen, I was immediately impressed by its compact size and the feel of the latex. It seemed well-constructed for its price point. The materials felt pliable, suggesting that it would be relatively easy to manipulate and produce the desired sounds.
Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, such as those from Primos and Quaker Boy, the Dirty Lil Hen felt thinner and more flexible. This suggested it might be easier for a beginner to learn, potentially offering a wider range of tones with less effort. I ultimately chose the Dirty Lil Hen because of its specific design for fall calling and the reputation of the Flextone brand for producing affordable and effective game calls.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The call felt promising, and I was eager to see how it would perform during my upcoming fall turkey hunts. The price was certainly right, and the focus on fall-specific calls made it a worthwhile gamble.
Real-World Testing: Putting Dirty Lil Hen to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test with the Dirty Lil Hen occurred during an early fall turkey hunt in the oak ridges of southern Missouri. The weather was crisp and cool, with a light breeze. I positioned myself near a known turkey roosting area, hoping to intercept birds as they moved through the timber.
The Dirty Lil Hen initially required some practice to get the hang of the kee-kee run, but the latex felt comfortable against the roof of my mouth. The sound it produced was surprisingly clear and realistic, even with my limited experience using diaphragm calls. After about 30 minutes of intermittent calling, a small group of jakes responded, approaching cautiously through the underbrush.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use in various conditions – from drizzly mornings to dry afternoons – the Dirty Lil Hen held up remarkably well. The latex remained pliable, and the sound quality didn’t diminish noticeably. Cleaning was simple; I just rinsed it with water and allowed it to air dry.
I experienced only minor fraying on the edges of the latex after prolonged use, but nothing that significantly impacted the call’s performance. Compared to some of my higher-end diaphragm calls, the Dirty Lil Hen surprisingly held its own. While perhaps not as nuanced in its tonal range, it was certainly reliable and effective for producing convincing fall turkey sounds.
Breaking Down the Features of Dirty Lil Hen
Specifications
The Dirty Lil Hen from Flextone is a diaphragm-style mouth call specifically designed for turkey hunting. It features a double reed design constructed from hybrid blended latex. This construction is optimized for producing the kee-kee runs and tree yelps commonly used in fall turkey hunting scenarios.
The absence of cuts in the reeds differentiates it from many spring gobbling calls, allowing for smoother, more controlled air flow and subtle sound variations. This design choice is crucial for mimicking the higher-pitched and softer vocalizations of young and female turkeys, often necessary to attract birds during the fall season.
Performance & Functionality
The Dirty Lil Hen performs its intended function of producing realistic kee-kee runs and tree yelps effectively. The double reed design allows for a good range of tones, from the high-pitched calls of young turkeys to the softer, more mature yelps of adult hens. It is particularly effective at drawing in smaller groups of jakes or hens looking for company.
While perhaps not as versatile as a multi-cut diaphragm call for spring gobbling sequences, its specific focus makes it a valuable tool for fall turkey hunting. One minor weakness is its susceptibility to moisture; excessive saliva can temporarily dampen the sound. Overall, however, it exceeds expectations for a call in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Dirty Lil Hen boasts a simple yet effective design. The hybrid blended latex feels comfortable against the roof of the mouth, even during extended calling sessions. Its lightweight and compact size make it easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
The call’s design allows for easy manipulation and control over the sounds produced, even for beginners. There’s a minimal learning curve involved, making it accessible to novice turkey hunters while still providing enough versatility for experienced callers.
Durability & Maintenance
The Dirty Lil Hen is surprisingly durable for a $6.99 mouth call. The hybrid blended latex construction holds up well to repeated use, showing only minimal signs of wear and tear after several weeks of hunting. Regular cleaning with water helps to maintain its performance and longevity.
With proper care, this call should last for at least one to two hunting seasons. While it’s not designed to be repaired, its low cost makes replacement a viable option.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Dirty Lil Hen does not come with any additional accessories. Being a mouth call, customization options are limited. However, some hunters may experiment with trimming the reeds to alter the tone or pitch.
It’s compatible with standard mouth call storage cases and diaphragms holders. No specific modifications are necessary, as the call is designed to be used as-is.
Pros and Cons of Dirty Lil Hen
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Realistic sound reproduction of kee-kee runs and tree yelps.
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Durable hybrid blended latex construction.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy carry.
Cons
- Limited versatility compared to multi-cut diaphragm calls.
- Susceptible to moisture, which can temporarily dampen the sound.
Who Should Buy Dirty Lil Hen?
The Dirty Lil Hen is perfect for turkey hunters, especially beginners, seeking an affordable and effective mouth call for fall turkey hunting. It’s also well-suited for experienced hunters looking to add a specialized call to their arsenal for producing realistic kee-kee runs and tree yelps.
Hunters focused primarily on spring gobbler hunting might find a multi-cut diaphragm call more versatile. Those who prefer calls with a wider range of tonal options might also want to explore more advanced options. A diaphragm call case is a must-have accessory to protect the call from damage and keep it clean.
Conclusion on Dirty Lil Hen
The Dirty Lil Hen from Flextone is a surprisingly effective and affordable mouth call that punches well above its weight. Its focus on producing realistic kee-kee runs and tree yelps makes it a valuable tool for fall turkey hunting. While it may not be the most versatile call on the market, its ease of use, durability, and realistic sound reproduction make it a worthwhile investment for any turkey hunter.
At a price of only $6.99, the Dirty Lil Hen offers excellent value for the money. The performance justifies the cost. I would absolutely recommend the Dirty Lil Hen to any turkey hunter looking to enhance their fall calling game without breaking the bank. Add this call to your vest, practice your kee-kees, and get ready to bring home that Thanksgiving bird!