The Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC Made a Bold First Impression
As an avid turkey hunter with over a decade of experience in the field, I’ve cycled through countless calls, each promising the “perfect” yelp, cluck, or cutt. Yet, many have fallen short, succumbing to weather, poor craftsmanship, or simply a lack of realistic sound. That’s why the Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC from Bone Collector Game Calls immediately caught my eye. The promise of an elegantly designed, meticulously crafted one-piece mahogany box call with a walnut lid piqued my curiosity.
I needed a reliable call that could cut through the wind and still produce authentic turkey sounds. I’d become frustrated with diaphragm calls on blustery days, often struggling to maintain consistent pressure and tone. The Provocateur seemed to offer a simpler, more robust solution, promising lifelike 2-toned yelps even when the wind was howling.
Unboxing the Provocateur was a pleasant experience. The glossy finish of the mahogany and the contrasting walnut lid gave it a sophisticated look, far removed from the purely utilitarian appearance of some other box calls. The weight felt substantial but balanced, fitting comfortably in my hand. The craftsmanship was immediately apparent; there were no visible imperfections or rough edges.
I considered the Primos Heart Breaker box call and the Flextone Tail Feather, both popular options in my hunting circle. However, the Provocateur’s one-piece construction and custom-tuning by Bone Collector Game Calls swayed my decision. It seemed less prone to the issues of calls with multiple components and more likely to produce consistent, realistic sounds.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC exudes quality and promises performance. It’s a call that looks as good as it sounds.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC came during the spring turkey season in the rugged hills of Eastern Kentucky. I primarily hunt public land, where pressured birds demand realistic and varied calling. The morning was crisp and windy, a perfect test for its advertised abilities.
The wind howled, creating a challenging environment for any call. Diaphragm calls were nearly impossible to manage effectively. However, the Provocateur cut through the wind surprisingly well. The 2-toned yelps were distinct and carried a good distance.
The call was easy to use right out of the box. The ergonomic shape fit my hand perfectly. I quickly mastered the basic yelp, cluck, and cutt sounds. One unexpected benefit was the ability to produce louder calls with less effort, a welcome change from diaphragm calls that require constant breath control.
My initial experience was fantastic. Within the first hour, I called in a mature gobbler that responded aggressively to the Provocateur’s cutts and yelps. It was a testament to the call’s realism and effectiveness.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using the Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC throughout the entire spring turkey season and now into the fall, it has held up exceptionally well. The glossy finish shows no signs of wear, and the walnut lid maintains consistent contact with the mahogany box.
The call is incredibly durable. It has withstood multiple encounters with rain, mud, and the occasional accidental drop. There has been no noticeable change in sound quality or performance.
Maintaining the call is simple. A quick wipe down with a dry cloth after each use is typically sufficient. Occasionally, I’ll lightly condition the lid with sandpaper to maintain optimal friction.
Compared to previous box calls I’ve used, the Provocateur significantly outperforms them in terms of wind penetration and consistent sound quality. Diaphragm calls are still useful for soft calling at close range. However, for those days when you need a call that can reach out and touch a distant gobbler, the Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC is an invaluable tool. It has elevated my turkey hunting success.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC
Specifications
- One-Piece Mahogany Box: Constructed from a single piece of mahogany wood for enhanced resonance and durability. This construction reduces the risk of separation or cracking compared to multi-piece calls.
- Walnut Lid: Features a walnut lid, complementing the mahogany base and providing the necessary friction for producing realistic turkey sounds. The choice of walnut ensures a smooth, consistent sound.
- Custom-Tuned: Each Provocateur is custom-tuned by Bone Collector Game Calls to ensure optimal performance. This attention to detail guarantees a consistent, lifelike sound.
- Realistic 2-Toned Yelps, Clucks, and Cutts: Produces a wide range of turkey vocalizations, ideal for attracting gobblers in various hunting scenarios. This versatility allows hunters to adapt their calling strategy to different situations.
- Ergonomic Design: The shape is designed for comfortable and easy handling, allowing for extended use without fatigue. This feature is particularly important during long hunts.
These specifications are critical for several reasons. The mahogany and walnut construction provides exceptional sound quality and durability. The custom-tuning ensures that each call performs optimally. The ergonomic design enhances user comfort, contributing to a better overall hunting experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC excels at producing realistic turkey vocalizations. It is capable of generating loud, clear yelps that cut through wind and brush. It’s also adept at producing soft clucks and purrs for close-range calling.
One of its greatest strengths is its ability to perform consistently in windy conditions. Unlike diaphragm calls that can be difficult to control in the wind, the Provocateur maintains its sound quality and volume. A minor improvement could be to refine the cutt sound to be slightly sharper, but overall, the call exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The materials feel premium. The weight and balance make it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
The Provocateur is remarkably user-friendly. Even novice turkey hunters can quickly learn to produce convincing turkey sounds with minimal practice.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction, the Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC is built to last for many seasons. The mahogany box and walnut lid are resistant to cracking and warping.
Maintenance is straightforward. Keep it clean and dry. Lightly sand the lid if necessary to maintain proper friction.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC comes as a complete unit. There are no included accessories other than the call itself.
While there are no direct customization options offered by Bone Collector Game Calls, the user can experiment with different sanding techniques and conditioning treatments to fine-tune the sound. It is also compatible with after-market call conditioning products designed to enhance friction and sound quality.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC
Pros
- Realistic and versatile turkey sounds (yelps, clucks, cutts).
- Exceptional performance in windy conditions.
- Durable one-piece mahogany construction with walnut lid.
- Comfortable, ergonomic design for easy handling.
- Custom-tuned for optimal sound quality.
Cons
- Cutt sound could be slightly sharper.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC?
The Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels who prioritize realistic sound quality and wind penetration. It is especially beneficial for those who hunt in open areas or experience frequent windy conditions.
Hunters who primarily hunt in calm, wooded areas and prefer the subtle nuances of diaphragm calls might find the Provocateur less essential. New hunters who need a simple and durable call should definitely pick this up.
A must-have accessory is a call carrier to protect the Provocateur from damage during transport.
Conclusion on Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC
The Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC is an outstanding box call that delivers on its promise of elegance and effectiveness. It produces realistic turkey sounds that can cut through wind and attract gobblers from a distance. Its durable construction and ergonomic design make it a pleasure to use.
The price of $35.99 is justified by the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and performance. This is an investment that will pay dividends in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable, high-quality box call. It’s a game-changer that has significantly improved my hunting success. Add the Bone Collector – The Provocateur 1PC to your arsenal and experience the difference a truly exceptional call can make!