Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call Review

The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call Made a Bold First Impression

The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call, crafted by Bone Collector Game Calls, immediately struck me as a specialized piece of gear designed for the hunter prioritizing portability and a diverse range of turkey vocalizations. Its compact size paired with the promise of producing cuts, yelps, and purrs sparked my interest. The Bone Collector brand carries weight in the hunting community, and I was eager to see if this pot call lived up to the hype.

My long-standing issue was finding a turkey call that could deliver a full sound profile without taking up precious space in my vest. I’ve tried diaphragm calls, but they require constant practice. Box calls can be bulky and sometimes sound unnatural. I wanted a pot call that could produce authentic turkey sounds while being small enough to easily carry and deploy.

Upon unboxing the Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call, I was impressed by its solid construction. The poplar pot felt comfortable in my hand, and the Pennsylvania slate surface appeared well-crafted. It was smaller than I anticipated, confirming its compact nature. The included Bone Collector Game Calls Hickory Striker also seemed well-made and balanced.

Compared to other compact pot calls I’ve used, such as the Primos Lil’ Deuce and the HS Strut Mini Glass, the Poplar Girl stood out due to its unique combination of poplar wood and Pennsylvania slate. I chose this call hoping the slate surface would offer a different tonal quality, potentially cutting through wind and distance better than glass or crystal surfaces.

My first impression was one of guarded optimism. I was excited to test its capabilities in the field, but the small size made me wonder if it could truly deliver the volume and tonal range needed for realistic turkey calling.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call during a pre-season scouting trip in the Appalachian foothills. The weather was mild but with a consistent breeze. I set up in a known turkey roosting area to experiment with its sounds.

The call performed remarkably well, even in the breezy conditions. I was surprised at how loud it could be despite its size. The Pennsylvania slate surface, combined with the poplar pot, created a clear, crisp sound that carried well through the woods. I was able to produce realistic yelps, cuts, and purrs with relative ease, and the turkeys definitely responded.

The Poplar Girl took a little getting used to initially. The small size required a more precise hand position than larger pot calls. However, after a few practice sessions, I found the sweet spot and was able to consistently create the sounds I wanted. There were no issues beyond the initial learning curve.

Extended Use & Reliability

After using the Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call throughout the entire spring turkey season, I can attest to its durability. It held up admirably to constant use and being jostled around in my vest. The Pennsylvania slate surface showed no signs of cracking or chipping.

The call requires minimal maintenance. I occasionally cleaned the slate surface with a Scotch-Brite pad to remove any oil or debris and keep the sound crisp. The hickory striker has remained straight and true. No signs of excessive wear and tear are present.

Compared to other pot calls I’ve owned, the Poplar Girl has exceeded my expectations in terms of portability and sound quality. It outperforms larger, more cumbersome calls in tight spots and challenging terrain. Its reliable performance has made it a permanent fixture in my turkey hunting arsenal.

Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call

Specifications

The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call boasts several key specifications:

• Compact Size: Designed for easy carry in vests or pockets, the small size is a defining feature. This makes it ideal for hunters who value minimalism and mobility.

• Larger Harmonic Ports: These ports are engineered to allow for a broader range of volume and tone. The larger ports allow for soft, subtle purrs as well as loud, attention-grabbing yelps, catering to various hunting scenarios.

• Pennsylvania Slate Surface: The Pennsylvania slate provides a unique sound profile, offering a blend of crispness and realism. This surface is known for its ability to produce clear, natural turkey vocalizations.

• 2-Piece Hickory Striker: The included hickory striker is designed to complement the slate surface, ensuring optimal sound production. The hickory wood provides a balanced feel and responsiveness.

• Non-Glare Finish: The non-glare finish prevents unwanted reflections. This feature helps to avoid spooking wary turkeys by minimizing visual distractions.

• Made in the USA: The call is manufactured in the USA, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and materials. This provides confidence in the product’s durability and performance.

These specifications are crucial for producing authentic turkey sounds and ensuring the call’s longevity. The compact size and non-glare finish offer a tactical advantage in the field.

Performance & Functionality

The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It delivers a versatile range of turkey sounds, from soft purrs to loud, aggressive cuts and yelps.

Its strengths lie in its portability, ease of use, and realistic sound production. A potential weakness is that the smaller surface area might require more practice for beginners to master. However, the overall performance meets and exceeds expectations for a compact pot call.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call features a well-thought-out design. The poplar pot is comfortable to hold, even for extended periods.

The call is user-friendly, though mastering the various turkey sounds requires practice. The compact size may necessitate adjusting hand placement for optimal sound control.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call is built to last. The combination of poplar wood and Pennsylvania slate creates a durable and resilient call.

Maintenance is simple. Periodically cleaning the slate surface with a Scotch-Brite pad or sandpaper will keep it performing at its best.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call comes with the Bone Collector Game Calls Hickory Striker. This striker is specifically designed to complement the slate surface for optimal performance.

While no specific customization options are available directly from the manufacturer, aftermarket strikers made from different materials can be used to alter the sound profile. The call is compatible with most standard pot call strikers.

Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Poplar Girl Compact Pot Call