The Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call, manufactured by Bone Collector, is a budget-friendly call designed to mimic the raspy caw of a crow. This call is marketed as a tool for locating gobblers by eliciting a shock gobble. Given my extensive experience with turkey hunting and various calling techniques, I was eager to see if this simple, affordable device could truly deliver.
My interest in the Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call stemmed from a persistent challenge: locating stubborn birds on pressured public land. I needed a reliable locator call that wouldn’t break the bank or require advanced calling skills. My hope was that this call would provide a quick and easy way to pinpoint the location of gobblers, saving precious time and energy during early morning hunts.
Upon receiving the call, my initial impression was somewhat mixed. It felt lightweight and compact, which is a definite plus for portability. The construction seemed simple, reflecting its budget-friendly price point. I compared it to my trusty slate call and a diaphragm call. The slate call offers versatility, and the diaphragm provides hands-free operation. However, I chose the Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call for its promise of simplicity and targeted effectiveness as a locator. My first impression leaned toward cautious optimism. Only field testing would reveal its true capabilities.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call took place on a crisp spring morning in the rolling hills of my local wildlife management area. I used it along ridge lines to cover ground. The weather was cool and damp, ideal conditions for sound to travel. Getting used to the call took very little time. A few practice blows produced a decent crow caw.
To my surprise, after about five minutes of using the call, I got a response! A gobble echoed through the valley, confirming the presence of a tom at least 300 yards away. The call was successful in locating a bird on its first try.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call, I can confidently say that it has held up remarkably well, considering its price. There are no visible signs of significant wear and tear. The call requires virtually no maintenance beyond keeping it dry and free of debris. The performance has remained consistent. It is an easy and effective locator call. Compared to past experiences with more expensive locator calls, the Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call has proven to be surprisingly effective, if somewhat one-dimensional in its sound production. It has become a permanent fixture in my turkey vest.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call is a compact, hand-tuned call designed to mimic the sound of a crow.
- Material: Weather-resistant plastic construction. The plastic is durable enough to withstand typical outdoor conditions.
- Operation: Blow-style call. This design allows for easy operation and consistent sound production.
- Tuning: Hand-tuned for realistic crow caw. The hand-tuning is intended to provide a realistic sound that will elicit a shock gobble from turkeys.
- Origin: Made in the USA. The “Made in the USA” label is a selling point for some buyers.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the call’s ease of use, portability, and overall effectiveness as a locator call. The weather-resistant construction ensures durability in various hunting conditions, while the hand-tuning aims to produce a realistic crow caw that triggers a response from gobblers.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call performs its primary function admirably: eliciting shock gobbles from turkeys.
- Effectiveness: The call has proven to be effective in locating gobblers in various terrains. This is its primary strength.
- Limitations: It is a single-note call, lacking the versatility of a diaphragm or slate call. It does not produce hen calls.
- Value: It is very effective for its price. It is a cost-effective locator call for beginners and experienced hunters alike.
The call meets expectations as a simple and reliable locator tool. It is not designed for intricate calling sequences, but rather for generating a quick response from distant birds.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call is simple and functional. The weather-resistant plastic construction feels solid enough for regular use, and the call’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry in a vest or pocket. The ergonomics are straightforward. It fits comfortably in the hand and requires minimal effort to produce a consistent sound. There is no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call appears to be reasonably durable. Time will tell if it stands up to years of abuse. The call requires very little maintenance. It should be kept dry and clean for optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call does not come with any accessories, nor are there any significant customization options available. It is a simple, self-contained unit designed for a specific purpose.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call
Pros
- Extremely affordable. The low price point makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Effective locator call. It consistently elicits shock gobbles from distant turkeys.
- Simple to use. Requires minimal practice or skill.
- Durable construction. Weather-resistant plastic ensures longevity.
- Lightweight and portable. Easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
Cons
- Limited sound variety. Only produces a crow caw.
- No accessories or customization options. It is a basic, no-frills call.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call?
The Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call is perfect for:
- Hunters on a budget.
- Beginner turkey hunters.
- Experienced hunters seeking a simple and reliable locator call.
- Hunters who hunt pressured public land.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters seeking a versatile call capable of producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations.
- Those who demand high-end construction and premium materials.
A must-have accessory to pair with this call is a quality diaphragm call for close-range hen calling.
Conclusion on Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call
The Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call is a surprisingly effective and remarkably affordable tool for locating turkeys. Its simplicity is its strength. It is easy to use and consistently elicits shock gobbles. While it lacks the versatility of more complex calls, it excels at its intended purpose.
The price is more than justified given its performance. For under $10, you get a durable and reliable locator call that can significantly improve your chances of finding gobblers.
I would absolutely recommend the Bone Collector The Detector Turkey Call to any turkey hunter looking for a budget-friendly and effective locator call. Add it to your vest, head to the woods, and get ready to locate some birds!