First Impressions of Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call
The Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call promises to be a versatile tool for turkey hunters, bridging the gap between beginner-friendly calls and more advanced, competition-level sounds. Bone Collector, a brand known for its hunting expertise, presents this call as a solution for replicating a wide range of turkey vocalizations, from sweet purrs to aggressive cuts. This peaked my interest, as I’ve often struggled to find one call that can effectively cover all the bases in varied hunting scenarios.
For years, I’ve been piecing together my turkey calling arsenal, juggling multiple diaphragm calls to achieve different sounds. It became a frustrating process. The claim of the Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call to simplify this process was incredibly enticing.
Upon receiving the Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call, I immediately noticed its lightweight construction and the distinct layering of the reeds. It felt promising in hand, and the build quality seemed adequate for the price point. Compared to some of my custom-made calls, the Bone Collector felt a bit less refined, but its dual-call design hinted at greater versatility than my single-reed options. I chose this over some similar calls due to Bone Collector’s reputation and Waddy’s endorsement. My first impression was cautiously optimistic, a blend of excitement and a little skepticism.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call during a spring turkey hunt in the oak ridges of central Missouri. The early morning air was damp, and the wind was minimal – perfect conditions for testing the call’s ability to project subtle sounds. I started with the “GA Peach” side, attempting soft clucks and purrs to coax a nearby gobbler.
The “GA Peach” side proved easy to use, producing consistent yelps and clucks with minimal effort. The Ridge Beater side was a different beast. It required more jaw actuation and air control to get the desired rasp and volume. Initially, I struggled to master the Ridge Beater, occasionally producing squeaks or flat notes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call has become a reliable part of my turkey hunting gear. Both sides of the call still produce consistent sounds, even after repeated exposure to moisture and temperature fluctuations. The call shows no signs of physical wear and tear, a testament to its decent construction.
Cleaning the call is simple. Rinsing it with water and allowing it to air dry has been sufficient to maintain its performance. Compared to some of my higher-end custom calls, the Bone Collector doesn’t offer the same nuanced sound quality. However, its versatility and ease of use more than compensate for this minor difference.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call features two distinct calling surfaces within a single frame. The GA Peach is designed as an all-around, user-friendly call for replicating cuts, yelps, clucks, and purrs. The Ridge Beater is a more advanced call meant for producing both soft, sweet sounds and loud, raspy cutting and yelping.
- Manufacturer: Bone Collector
- Species: Turkey
- Additional Features: No
- Length: 6 cm (approximately 2.36 inches)
- Weight: 0.06 lb (approximately 0.96 ounces)
- Height: 0.75 in
- Width: 3.75 in
These specifications mean the call is lightweight and compact, easily fitting into a vest pocket or lanyard. The dual-call design allows hunters to switch between different sound profiles without needing to carry multiple calls. The overall size and weight are conducive to comfortable, all-day use in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call performs admirably in replicating a wide range of turkey vocalizations. The GA Peach side is particularly effective for attracting birds at close range with its subtle clucks and purrs. The Ridge Beater allows hunters to reach out and touch distant gobblers with its loud, aggressive cuts.
The main strength of the call lies in its versatility. The combination of two distinct sound profiles in one call makes it a valuable tool for adapting to different hunting scenarios. The weakness, however, is the learning curve associated with the Ridge Beater side, especially for novice callers. It certainly meets my expectations as an all-around hunting call, exceeding some competitors in its dual-functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call features a simple yet effective design. It is constructed from standard diaphragm call materials. The lightweight design and comfortable frame make it easy to keep in the mouth for extended periods.
While the build quality isn’t exceptional, it is sufficient for its intended purpose. There is a slight learning curve, particularly with the Ridge Beater, but overall the call is relatively user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call is reasonably durable. With proper care, it should easily last for multiple hunting seasons. Maintenance is straightforward. Rinsing the call with water and allowing it to air dry after each use will prolong its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for the call itself. However, it can be used in conjunction with other turkey hunting accessories, such as strikers and decoys. It is compatible with standard mouth call carrying cases.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call
Pros
- Versatile: Two distinct calls in one, offering a wide range of turkey vocalizations.
- Beginner-Friendly (GA Peach): Easy to use and produces consistent sounds with minimal effort.
- Affordable: Represents excellent value for the money, especially considering its dual-call functionality.
- Lightweight & Compact: Comfortable to use and easy to carry in a vest pocket or lanyard.
- Durable: Holds up well to repeated use and exposure to the elements.
Cons
- Learning Curve (Ridge Beater): Requires more skill and practice to master.
- Sound Quality (Ridge Beater): Doesn’t quite match the nuanced sound quality of higher-end, custom-made calls.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call?
The Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call is perfect for turkey hunters who want a versatile and affordable call that can cover a wide range of situations. This call is an excellent choice for both beginner and intermediate callers due to the user-friendliness of the GA Peach side. Advanced callers can leverage the Ridge Beater to add rasp and volume to their calling sequences.
Hunters who are highly particular about sound quality or prefer custom-made calls might want to skip this product. Someone who only needs a simple yelper might find a single-reed call more straightforward.
A must-have accessory for this call is a quality mouth call case to protect the reeds and keep it clean. Practicing with a striker in a controlled environment is also recommended to master the Ridge Beater side.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call
The Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call is a solid choice for turkey hunters seeking a versatile and affordable calling option. Its dual-call design provides a wide range of vocalizations. It is suitable for different hunting scenarios.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the call’s durability and dual-functionality. I would absolutely recommend it to both beginner and intermediate turkey hunters. The Bone Collector Waddy’s Favorite Mouth Call is a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal. It offers versatility, ease of use, and reliable performance in the field.