First Impressions of Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call
The world of turkey hunting is a delicate balance of art and science, where a hunter’s ability to mimic the subtle language of a hen can mean the difference between success and failure. The Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call, from the Bone Collector line, promises to be a tool that bridges that gap. With its walnut pot, frosted crystal surface over glass, and diamond wood striker, it aims to deliver realistic and versatile calls for both soft and loud scenarios.
I’ve been chasing gobblers for over a decade, and finding the perfect call is a never-ending quest. My usual slate call was starting to sound a little stale to my ear, and more importantly, it seemed the birds were getting wise to it too. I was searching for a pot call that could offer a different tonal quality, something with a bit more rasp and versatility.
Upon unboxing the Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call, the first thing that struck me was the non-glare finish of the walnut pot. It’s a thoughtful touch, minimizing the risk of spooking wary birds with unwanted reflections. The weight feels substantial and balanced, suggesting a well-constructed tool. Compared to my old glass pot call and a friend’s aluminum surface pot, the Hazy Hen‘s frosted crystal surface offers a unique texture and aesthetic.
I was initially excited by the potential of the Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call. Its promise of easy yelps, cuts, and purrs had me eager to test it in the field. I’m cautiously optimistic; it looks like it could be a great call, but the proof is in the pudding, or rather, the gobble.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call was during a spring turkey hunt in the oak-hickory forests of central Missouri. The weather was typical for spring, a mixed bag of damp mornings and warmer afternoons. I spent the morning setting up in various locations, trying to entice a response from a roosted gobbler.
The initial learning curve wasn’t steep, but I did need to adjust my striker angle and pressure to achieve the desired sounds. Once I found the sweet spot, the call produced clear yelps and seductive purrs. However, in the damp morning air, the frosted crystal surface seemed to lose some of its responsiveness.
I didn’t bag a bird that day, but I did have a close encounter. A tom responded aggressively to my calls, closing to within 40 yards before hanging up behind some thick brush. While I couldn’t seal the deal, the call clearly had the potential to draw birds in.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call has become a regular part of my turkey hunting arsenal. It consistently produces a range of realistic turkey vocalizations. The walnut pot shows no signs of wear, and the frosted crystal surface has remained durable despite exposure to varying weather conditions.
I’ve found that keeping the striking surface clean and dry is crucial for optimal performance. A simple scotch brite pad and a quick wipe after each use has been sufficient to maintain its sound quality. Compared to my previous calls, the Hazy Hen offers a wider range of tonal possibilities, allowing me to tailor my calling to the specific situation.
The Hazy Hen Pot Call has performed admirably during extended usage and has not disappointed me yet. It has remained a very reliable call.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call features a walnut pot, known for its durability and resonant properties. The striking surface is frosted crystal over glass, which provides a unique tonal quality compared to traditional slate or glass calls. It also comes with a diamond wood striker, designed for comfortable grip and precise sound control.
The call’s dimensions are 11 inches in length, 7 inches in width, and 1.5 inches in height, with a weight of 0.43 lbs. These specifications translate to a call that is easy to carry in a vest or pack. The diamond wood striker provides a nice grip, allowing for precise sounds. The non-glare finish is very important.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. It creates soft and seductive purrs as well as aggressive cuts and loud yelps. The ability to modulate the sound by adjusting striker pressure and angle is a significant strength.
One potential area for improvement would be the call’s responsiveness in very wet conditions. While it still produces sound, the clarity and volume diminish slightly. Overall, the Hazy Hen Pot Call meets expectations by providing a versatile and realistic calling option for turkey hunters.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call has a good build quality. The walnut pot feels solid and well-crafted. The diamond wood striker provides a comfortable and secure grip. The call is lightweight and easy to handle, even with gloves.
The ergonomics of the Hazy Hen Pot Call are well-considered, with the non-glare finish being a particularly welcome feature. The subtle design prevents unwanted reflection. There is little to no learning curve when using this product.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call appears to be a durable and long-lasting tool. The walnut pot is resistant to cracking and chipping, and the frosted crystal surface has held up well to regular use. With proper care and maintenance, it should easily last for several seasons of hard hunting.
Maintaining the Hazy Hen is straightforward. A quick cleaning of the striking surface after each use is sufficient to keep it in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call comes with a single diamond wood striker. While there are no specific customization options offered directly by the Bone Collector, the call is compatible with a variety of aftermarket strikers. Some hunters might prefer a different type of wood or a different striker shape.
Experimenting with different strikers can alter the tone and responsiveness of the call, allowing hunters to fine-tune it to their preferences. The only “modification” I do, is to rub the surface of the call with a scotch brite pad to keep it rough. Keeping the striking surface rough is key.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call
Pros
- Versatile sound range: Produces realistic yelps, cuts, and purrs.
- Non-glare finish: Minimizes the risk of spooking wary birds.
- Durable construction: Walnut pot and frosted crystal surface are built to last.
- Easy to use: Simple to learn and operate, even for beginners.
- Comfortable grip: Diamond wood striker provides a secure and ergonomic feel.
Cons
- Responsiveness can diminish slightly in very wet conditions.
- Only one striker included; additional strikers may be desired for tonal variety.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call?
The Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels. It is a great option for beginners looking for a versatile and easy-to-use call. It is also suited for experienced hunters seeking a new sound to add to their arsenal.
Hunters who primarily hunt in very wet environments might want to consider a call with a more weather-resistant striking surface, such as slate or aluminum. A must-have accessory would be a cleaning pad (scotch brite) to rough up the surface.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call
The Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call is a well-designed and versatile tool that offers excellent value for its price of $75.99. It provides a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations. The build quality is excellent, and the non-glare finish is a thoughtful touch. While its performance can be slightly affected by very wet conditions, this is a minor drawback compared to its many strengths.
The price is absolutely justified, considering the quality of materials and the range of sounds that it can create. I would personally recommend the Bone Collector Hazy Hen Pot Call to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable and effective calling option. Add this call to your arsenal! You won’t regret it.