The Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call Made a Bold First Impression
Spring turkey hunting in the Ozarks is a fickle game; one day you’re sweating in short sleeves, and the next you’re shivering under a downpour. I needed a friction call that could handle those wet, unpredictable conditions, and that’s what led me to the Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call. This call, promising reliable performance regardless of the weather, caught my eye as a potential solution to a persistent problem.
The Bone Collector, known for their hunting expertise, partnered to create this call. The promise of a glass surface and a turned mahogany pot made it stand out. Unboxing it revealed a well-crafted piece; the pot felt solid, and the included diamond wood striker had a nice weight.
I considered the Primos Wet Box Call and the Quaker Boy Hurricane before choosing the Sweet April. The Wet Box seemed too bulky for run-and-gun hunting, and the Hurricane’s sound wasn’t quite what I was looking for. The Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call’s combination of a compact design and all-weather promise won me over. My initial impression was excitement; I couldn’t wait to see if it lived up to the hype in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call was during a misty morning hunt in the Mark Twain National Forest. The air was damp, and condensation clung to everything, the perfect testing ground for a wet-weather call. I set up near a known roosting area and began to softly yelp. The call produced clear, raspy tones, cutting through the damp air surprisingly well.
Despite the wet conditions, the Sweet April required minimal maintenance during the hunt. After the first hour of use the call was still performing as if it were a dry sunny day. The glass surface truly lived up to its water-resistant claims.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the spring season, the Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call has proven to be a reliable tool. The mahogany pot has held up well against bumps and scrapes, showing minimal signs of wear.
A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each hunt is all it takes to keep the call in top condition. Compared to my slate calls, which often require sanding and conditioning, the Sweet April is incredibly low-maintenance. The call outperformed my expectations in wet conditions. I found myself reaching for it even when the weather was clear, enjoying its consistent sound and ease of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It features a turned mahogany pot, which is selected for its tonal qualities and durability. The call uses a glass over glass surface to produce raspy, realistic turkey sounds, even when wet.
A diamond wood striker is included, carefully matched to the call for optimal sound production. These specifications translate to a call that is durable, weather-resistant, and capable of producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. The Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call delivers consistent, high-quality sounds in various hunting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call excels at producing a variety of turkey sounds. These sounds include realistic yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs. Its ability to perform reliably in wet conditions is a major strength. The glass surface maintains its friction even when damp.
The only slight weakness is that mastering the cut requires a bit of practice. But once you get the hang of it, the call delivers crisp, aggressive cuts that can really fire up a gobbler. The Sweet April meets and exceeds expectations. It provides reliable performance and versatile sound capabilities.
Design & Ergonomics
The mahogany pot is comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. The call has a weight that inspires confidence in its build quality without being cumbersome. The custom-tuned and striker-matched design ensures optimal sound production.
The call’s compact size makes it easy to carry in a vest pocket or pack. This adds to its overall user-friendliness. There is a slight learning curve to achieving optimal sound. A few practice sessions are all that’s needed to master the basics.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality materials and construction of the Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call suggest that it is built to last for multiple seasons. The mahogany pot is resistant to cracking and warping, while the glass surface is relatively scratch-resistant.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick wipe-down after use to remove dirt and moisture. If the glass surface becomes slick, a light scuff with fine sandpaper can restore its friction. The Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call is designed for longevity and requires minimal upkeep.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call comes with the essential diamond wood striker. No further customization is generally needed, as the call is custom-tuned and striker matched for optimal performance.
Some hunters may choose to experiment with different strikers to achieve slightly different tones. The standard striker works exceptionally well with the call’s glass surface. The Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call is designed to perform optimally in its stock configuration.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call
Pros
- Exceptional performance in wet conditions. The glass surface maintains its friction and sound quality even when damp.
- Realistic and versatile sound. It produces a wide range of turkey vocalizations, including yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs.
- Durable construction. The mahogany pot and glass surface are built to withstand the rigors of hunting.
- Easy to maintain. A simple wipe-down after use is all that’s needed to keep the call in top condition.
- Compact and portable. The call is easy to carry in a vest pocket or pack.
Cons
- Mastering the “cut” sound requires practice. A degree of practice is needed to master the sound.
- The included striker is optimized for the glass surface, limiting customization options. Some hunters may prefer further striker customization.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call?
The Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call is perfect for turkey hunters who frequently hunt in wet or humid conditions. It’s especially well-suited for those who need a reliable call that performs consistently regardless of the weather. Beginners and experienced callers alike can appreciate its ease of use and versatile sound capabilities.
Hunters who prefer calls with a wide range of customization options may want to explore other options. Hunters who primarily hunt in dry conditions may find that other call types offer similar performance at a lower price point. This is a must have for turkey hunters with the need for a reliable call in all conditions.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call
The Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call is a well-designed and reliable tool for turkey hunters, especially those who face unpredictable weather. Its consistent performance in wet conditions, versatile sound capabilities, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment.
At $47.49, the price is justified by the call’s quality and performance. Given its proven reliability and performance, I would highly recommend it to any turkey hunter looking for a dependable friction call. Don’t let wet weather ruin your hunt; pick up a Bone Collector Sweet April Turkey Friction Call and be ready for anything.