The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call, manufactured by Bone Collector, entered the market promising to be a versatile tool for turkey hunters of all skill levels. This four-reed combo cut call boasts a raspy tone with a clear front end, aiming for ease of use and a range of vocalizations.
I’ve spent years chasing gobblers in dense woods and open fields, always searching for that perfect call that can mimic the nuances of a wild turkey hen. My go-to mouth calls have always been custom-made, and I was hesitant to switch to something mass-produced, but the promise of a “do it all” call at such an accessible price point intrigued me.
Unboxing the Con Artist, my initial impression was somewhat muted. The reeds felt a little thicker than my preferred calls. Compared to my tried-and-true diaphragm calls from Woodhaven and Primos, the Bone Collector seemed less refined out of the package. I chose it because of the four-reed design and the promise of versatility. I was curious to see if this budget-friendly option could stand up to the demands of a seasoned turkey hunter. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it could deliver on its promises despite its initial appearance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Con Artist was during the spring turkey season in the Ozark Mountains. The early morning air was crisp and damp. I set up near a known roosting area, hoping to coax a gobbler into range.
The first few yelps were rough. I struggled to find the sweet spot and produce consistent sounds. The call seemed to require more air than I was used to, and the raspiness felt forced. After about thirty minutes of practice, I started to get the hang of it. I managed a few decent clucks and purrs.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Bone Collector Con Artist has proven to be surprisingly resilient. While the initial learning curve was steeper than expected, the call has held up well to frequent use.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear. I’ve cleaned it regularly with mouthwash and stored it in a protective case. While it doesn’t outperform my custom calls in terms of pure sound quality, it has become a reliable backup option. The durability is impressive. It is still producing acceptable, if not perfect, turkey vocalizations.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call features a four-reed combo cut design. This setup is intended to produce a raspy sound with a clear front end.
The reeds are under medium tension, designed to make the call easier to use by requiring less airflow. The call is advertised to produce perfect yelps, cuts, clucks, and purrs. And it is proudly Made in the USA.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call performs adequately in producing a range of turkey vocalizations. It can generate yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs, although the quality of the sounds may not be as refined as those produced by higher-end calls.
The main strength lies in its versatility and ease of use for beginners. The weaknesses are the somewhat muddy sound quality and the need for precise air control. It meets the basic expectations of a turkey call. However, it doesn’t exceed them in terms of sound clarity or realism.
Design & Ergonomics
The Con Artist’s design is functional. The materials are basic but seem durable. The call sits comfortably in the mouth.
There is a slight learning curve due to the four-reed design. However, most users should be able to produce passable sounds with some practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Con Artist appears to be relatively durable. Regular cleaning with mouthwash and proper storage should extend its lifespan.
It is a simple design with no moving parts, which minimizes potential maintenance issues. Replacement is likely more cost-effective than attempting any repairs.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call does not come with any additional accessories. The call is not designed for customization.
As a mass-produced item, there are no options for altering the reed configuration or frame size. It’s a simple, self-contained unit.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call
Pros
- Versatile call capable of producing various turkey vocalizations.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to beginners and budget-conscious hunters.
- Durable construction ensures longevity with proper care.
- Easy to use for both amateur and professional callers.
- Made in the USA.
Cons
- Sound quality may not be as refined as higher-end custom calls.
- Requires precise air control to produce consistent and realistic sounds.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call?
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and versatile call to learn the basics. It’s also suitable for experienced hunters seeking a durable backup call.
Hunters who demand the highest levels of realism and sound quality in their calls may want to skip this product. They may prefer custom-made or higher-end diaphragm calls.
A protective call case or diaphragm call holder is a must-have accessory to protect the call from damage and maintain its hygiene.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call
The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call is a solid, budget-friendly option for turkey hunters seeking a versatile and durable call. While it may not match the sound quality of premium calls, its affordability and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for beginners and those on a budget.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. It provides a functional and durable tool for learning the art of turkey calling.
I would personally recommend the Bone Collector Con Artist as a starting point for new turkey hunters or as a reliable backup call for more experienced individuals. If you’re looking to get started with turkey hunting without breaking the bank, give the Con Artist a try. You might be surprised at what you can achieve.