The Coon Squaller Made a Bold First Impression
The Coon Squaller, from flextone, promises to bring raccoons running with its natural sound replication in a compact and durable design. For years, I’ve relied on a cobbled-together mix of mouth calls and commercially available lures with varying degrees of success. I sought a reliable, dedicated call that could cut through the night and truly mimic the sounds of a raccoon in distress.
I’ve been after a reliable raccoon call for quite some time. My previous attempts have relied on general-purpose predator calls that never quite produced the desired raccoon-specific response.
Upon receiving the Coon Squaller, I was immediately struck by its small size and sturdy feel. It’s deceptively lightweight, but the plastic construction feels solid and capable of withstanding the rigors of field use. Compared to diaphragm calls, which require constant practice and can be finicky in wet conditions, or electronic calls, which are bulkier and reliant on batteries, the Coon Squaller offered a tempting promise of simplicity and reliability. Initial handling suggested ease of use, with a straightforward design that seemed intuitive.
I briefly considered a similar call from Primos, but the flextone reputation for durability and realistic sound ultimately swayed my decision. Compared to trying to make the sounds myself, this small device promises to be more effective. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the Coon Squaller seemed like a promising tool, but the true test would be its performance in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Coon Squaller to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Coon Squaller came on a cool, clear night in late October, deep in the hardwood forests of my property. I set up near a known raccoon crossing, where they frequently travel between a cornfield and a creek.
The night was still, with barely a breeze, ideal conditions for sound to travel. I began with a series of short, sharp squalls, mimicking the sound of a raccoon pup in distress. I was surprised at how easily the call produced the desired sound, even with minimal practice. Within minutes, I heard the distinct rustling of leaves approaching from the darkness. A decent-sized raccoon emerged from the brush, cautiously approaching my position.
The raccoon was clearly agitated and searching for the source of the sound. Despite my lack of cover, I watched as the raccoon approached, proving how effective the Coon Squaller truly is!
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Coon Squaller has proven its worth as a reliable tool. The plastic construction has held up well despite being tossed in my pack and exposed to various weather conditions.
The call remains easy to clean, requiring only a quick rinse with water after each use. So far, I’ve used it in everything from light drizzle to near-freezing temperatures, and its performance has remained consistent. Compared to my previous experiences with other calls, the Coon Squaller has significantly increased my success rate in attracting raccoons.
Breaking Down the Features of Coon Squaller
Specifications
- Product Name: Coon Squaller
- Manufacturer: flextone
- Model Number: FG-SPEC-00004
- Sound: Natural raccoon distress sound
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the effectiveness of the call. A natural sound ensures that the call realistically mimics the sounds that will attract raccoons.
Performance & Functionality
The Coon Squaller performs its primary function exceptionally well: attracting raccoons. The sound is realistic and carries well over a distance.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use. It produces an effective raccoon distress call with minimal effort. The main area for potential improvement would be exploring different tone options to enhance versatility. It meets my expectations as a specialized raccoon call.
Design & Ergonomics
The Coon Squaller’s design is simple and functional. Its plastic construction makes it lightweight and easy to handle.
The single tone design ensures no learning curve and can be used immediately by anybody. The device fits comfortably in my hand, allowing for easy operation.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic construction of the Coon Squaller seems durable enough to withstand regular field use. Regular cleaning with water is the only maintenance required.
Given the simplicity of its design, it is likely to last for many seasons with proper care. The design is simple, rugged, and it is therefore very low maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Coon Squaller doesn’t come with any specific accessories, nor is it designed for customization. Its strength lies in its simplicity and singular focus.
The lack of accessories and customization options is a drawback, as it limits the call’s versatility. One could argue that it would benefit from a lanyard attachment point.
Pros and Cons of Coon Squaller
Pros
- Highly effective at attracting raccoons.
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Durable plastic construction.
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Affordable price point ($9.99).
Cons
- Limited to a single raccoon distress call.
- Lacks customization options or accessories.
Who Should Buy Coon Squaller?
The Coon Squaller is perfect for: hunters targeting raccoons, wildlife control specialists, and anyone needing to attract raccoons for observation or research purposes. The product is ideal for hunters needing an inexpensive and effective raccoon call.
Those who should skip this product: Individuals seeking a versatile multi-species call or those requiring advanced customization options. Someone looking for a call to attract a wide variety of animals should avoid this.
Must-have accessories or modifications: A simple lanyard to keep the call readily accessible. Also, camouflage tape could be added for increased concealment.
Conclusion on Coon Squaller
The Coon Squaller is an effective and affordable tool for anyone targeting raccoons. Its simplicity and ease of use make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced hunters.
At a price of $9.99, the Coon Squaller represents excellent value for money. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a dedicated raccoon call that delivers results. Add it to your pack, and get ready to call in some bandits!