First Impressions of Bone Collector Turkey Tool
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool promises to be more than just another gadget cluttering my turkey vest. It’s marketed as a multifunctional tool, a “Swiss army knife of turkey hunting,” designed to measure beards and spurs, hold a fan open for pictures, and even cure a turkey fan for mounting. As someone who’s fumbled with tape measures, clothespins, and cardboard more times than I care to admit during and after a successful hunt, I was eager to see if this little device could truly streamline the process.
My biggest issue has always been the post-hunt preservation and presentation of my trophies. Cardboard and pins felt archaic, and I always worried about damaging the fan before I could properly mount it. I needed a simple, reliable solution that wouldn’t take up much space in my pack.
Upon receiving the Bone Collector Turkey Tool, my initial impression was mixed. It felt lightweight, almost flimsy, but the design was intuitive. Compared to a dedicated beard measuring tool or a full-fledged taxidermy kit, it seemed like a compact all-in-one solution. I chose this over separate tools because I wanted something that could serve multiple purposes without adding unnecessary weight to my already heavy hunting pack.
The design initially excited me; its multi-functionality seemed promising. However, the lightweight construction raised concerns about its long-term durability. I was cautiously optimistic, eager to put it through its paces in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Turkey Tool to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Bone Collector Turkey Tool during the opening week of turkey season in the Missouri Ozarks. The weather was typical for spring – damp and cool in the mornings, warming up quickly as the sun rose. I successfully harvested a mature tom with a respectable beard, presenting the perfect opportunity to test the tool’s advertised features.
Using the beard and spur measuring sections proved simple and straightforward. The integrated clip to hold the fan open worked reasonably well for initial photos in the field. However, with even a slight breeze, the fan would begin to fold. After taking a few initial photos, I was eager to see how it performed in the fan curing stage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the spring turkey season, the Bone Collector Turkey Tool has held up surprisingly well, considering its lightweight construction. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, despite being tossed around in my hunting pack. Cleaning is simple: just a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removes any blood or dirt.
Compared to my previous methods of using cardboard and pins to cure fans, the Bone Collector Turkey Tool offered a more streamlined and less messy solution. It definitely outperformed my old system. Although it wasn’t a perfect experience it was better than previous experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Turkey Tool
Specifications
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool, manufactured by Bone Collector, boasts several features packed into a compact design.
- Weight: 0.28 oz. This lightweight design is crucial for hunters who prioritize minimizing pack weight.
- Length: 9 ft. The tool’s total length when fully extended is nine feet.
- Height: 1.3 in. The height of the product.
- Width: 7 in. The width of the product.
- Additional Features: No. This indicates no included accessories beyond the tool itself.
These specifications translate to a tool that is highly portable and easy to carry in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool performs its primary functions adequately. Measuring beard and spur length is simple and precise, and it helps accurately assess the size of a tom.
The fan-holding clip works, but its effectiveness is limited in windy conditions. Securing the fan for curing purposes requires some adjustments to ensure a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing result.
The tool meets expectations for beard and spur measurement, but falls short in providing a truly robust and reliable fan-curing solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool features a simple, utilitarian design. The lightweight plastic construction makes it comfortable to handle.
However, the overall feel is somewhat cheap. There is no significant learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its lightweight plastic construction, the long-term durability of the Bone Collector Turkey Tool remains a concern. So far it has held up well.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with soap and water.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool does not come with any accessories. Nor does it offer any customization options. Its design is fixed and not intended for modification.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Turkey Tool
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design: Easy to carry in a hunting vest or pack.
- Multi-functional: Measures beard and spurs, holds fan for photos, and aids in curing.
- Simple to use: No complicated instructions or assembly required.
- Affordable price: At $14.99, it’s an accessible option for most hunters.
- Streamlines post-hunt process: Reduces the need for multiple tools and makeshift solutions.
Cons
- Lightweight plastic construction raises concerns about long-term durability.
- Fan-holding clip is not very effective in windy conditions.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Turkey Tool?
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool is perfect for turkey hunters who are looking for a lightweight, multi-functional tool to simplify their post-hunt trophy care. It’s particularly well-suited for hunters who are new to the sport or those who want a more organized and efficient way to handle their harvests.
Hunters who require a heavy-duty, highly durable fan-curing solution should skip this product. A more robust, dedicated fan-mounting kit might be a better option. A small roll of duct tape could add some stability to the fan mounting and curing process.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Turkey Tool
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool is a decent, affordable tool that offers several useful functions for turkey hunters. Its lightweight design and multi-functionality make it a convenient addition to any hunting pack.
While its plastic construction and limited fan-holding ability in windy conditions are drawbacks, the low price point and overall utility make it a worthwhile purchase. For $14.99, the value is justified.
I would recommend the Bone Collector Turkey Tool to hunters seeking a simple and affordable way to streamline their post-hunt trophy care. It’s a useful tool to help hunters make the most of their harvest. Consider adding it to your vest for the upcoming season!