The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call promises a symphony of realistic turkey vocalizations from a meticulously crafted hard maple pot paired with a glass-over-Pennsylvania slate surface. As an avid turkey hunter with over a decade of experience chasing gobblers across diverse terrains, I’ve used countless calls, from box calls to diaphragms. My pursuit of a reliable pot call capable of producing both subtle purrs and sharp, attention-grabbing cuts led me to this offering from Bone Collector Game Calls.
My usual slate call had seen better days and lacked the volume needed to cut through windy conditions. The hope was that the Maple Mistress could provide a more versatile and durable option. Upon unboxing, the call’s compact size and the smooth finish of the maple pot were immediately appealing.
The heft of the call felt substantial, suggesting quality materials. The accompanying Bone Collector Game Calls Diamond Wood Striker seemed like a thoughtful inclusion. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism, slightly preferring this call to the Primos Heart Breaker pot call due to its smaller size and potentially greater portability. However, the real test would be its performance in the field against seasoned longbeards.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call to the Test
First Use Experience
The Maple Mistress first accompanied me on a spring turkey hunt in the oak-hickory forests of central Missouri. The morning dawned cool and crisp, with a light breeze rustling the leaves. Finding a strategic spot along a known travel corridor, I settled in and prepared to serenade the woods.
The call required a bit of experimentation to find the sweet spot. The combination of glass over slate proved initially trickier than my pure slate calls. However, after a few minutes of practice, I was able to produce clear, crisp yelps, clucks, and purrs that echoed through the timber.
I was surprised by the call’s ability to generate a wide range of tones. The wind picked up later in the morning, but the Maple Mistress retained the capability to produce cuts that cut through.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call has become a staple in my turkey vest. The maple pot has proven surprisingly durable. Despite being subjected to scrapes and bumps against rocks and tree trunks, it shows minimal signs of wear.
The calling surface has held up exceptionally well. A light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper is all it takes to maintain its optimal sound. It is far easier to maintain compared to some crystal calls I have owned.
Compared to my old slate call, the Maple Mistress offers a noticeably wider range of tones and greater volume. I have now retired the older call. The Bone Collector product has definitely outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call boasts several noteworthy specifications:
- Hard Maple Pot: The hard maple construction provides a durable and resonant housing for the calling surface. This matters because it contributes to the call’s overall tone and ability to project sound.
- Glass Over Pennsylvania Slate: The combination of glass over slate offers a unique tonal quality. Hunters can create both high-pitched and low-pitched sounds.
- Includes Diamond Wood Striker: The included Diamond Wood Striker is designed to complement the call’s surface. This ensures optimal sound production right out of the box.
- Realistic Yelps, Clucks, Cuts, and Purrs: This is the primary function of the call. Hunters are provided a diverse array of turkey vocalizations.
- Custom Hand Tuned: Each call is hand-tuned. The goal is to provide a consistent and realistic sound.
- Made in the USA: This denotes the call is manufactured in the United States.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call excels at producing a variety of realistic turkey sounds. Its performance is particularly impressive when executing yelps and clucks. The ability to transition seamlessly from soft purrs to loud, aggressive cuts is a major strength.
The learning curve is moderate. New users might need some initial practice to achieve optimal sound. However, with a little patience, hunters can quickly master the call’s nuances.
Design & Ergonomics
The Maple Mistress features a compact and ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand. The maple pot is smooth and well-finished. Hunters can expect a secure grip, even in wet conditions.
The call feels solid and well-built. The quality materials used in its construction suggest that it is built to last.
Durability & Maintenance
The hard maple pot is surprisingly robust. It has withstood considerable abuse without showing significant wear. The glass-over-slate surface requires minimal maintenance.
A quick cleaning with a soft cloth and occasional sanding with fine-grit sandpaper will keep it performing at its best. No significant repairs are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call comes standard with the Bone Collector Game Calls Diamond Wood Striker. No other accessories come standard. Some users may prefer using different strikers to achieve unique tones.
The call’s pot design is fairly standard. Replacement strikers from other brands can be readily used.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call
Pros
- Realistic and versatile turkey vocalizations: Produces a wide range of convincing yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs.
- Durable construction: The hard maple pot and glass-over-slate surface are built to withstand the rigors of the hunt.
- Compact and ergonomic design: Fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to carry in a vest or pack.
- Made in the USA: Supports American manufacturing.
- Affordable price point: Offers excellent value for the money compared to other high-end pot calls.
Cons
- Slight learning curve: May require some initial practice to master the call’s nuances.
- No included accessories besides striker: Some hunters may prefer additional accessories such as a carrying case or surface conditioner.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call?
The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call is perfect for:
- Avid turkey hunters seeking a versatile and reliable pot call.
- Hunters who appreciate the unique tonal qualities of glass-over-slate surfaces.
- Beginner to intermediate callers looking to expand their repertoire of turkey vocalizations.
- Those who appreciate a call made in the USA.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who prefer box calls or diaphragm calls may not find this product to their liking.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A small carrying pouch to protect the call’s surface during transport is recommended. Also, keeping a small piece of sandpaper to resurface the glass and slate is ideal.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call
The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call is a well-crafted and versatile turkey call that delivers impressive performance in the field. The combination of a hard maple pot and glass-over-Pennsylvania slate surface produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. This is all offered at an affordable price point.
The price of $41.99 is definitely justified, considering the call’s quality, durability, and performance.
I would definitely recommend the Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call to any turkey hunter looking to add a high-quality pot call to their arsenal. It’s time to head to the woods and let the Maple Mistress work its magic!