First Thoughts on the Coyote-Bear Buster
The Coyote-Bear Buster, a simple distress call reproducer, promises to mimic the sounds of a young deer in peril. It’s a tool marketed towards those seeking to deter predators or perhaps even attract specific wildlife in hunting scenarios. At a price point of just $6.49, it’s certainly an affordable option, but does it deliver on its promise?
My property has seen increasing coyote activity, threatening my free-range chickens. I was looking for a non-lethal method to deter them, ideally something that didn’t require constant monitoring or deployment of fencing. I needed something to make the coyotes think twice before entering my land.
Upon receiving the Coyote-Bear Buster, my initial impression was one of simplicity. It’s lightweight and made of what appears to be a durable plastic. The build quality seems adequate for its intended purpose, although it lacks any real aesthetic appeal.
Compared to electronic predator calls, which can cost hundreds of dollars, the Coyote-Bear Buster is incredibly budget-friendly. I also considered aerosol-based deterrents, but their short lifespan and environmental concerns made me hesitant. Ultimately, the low price and potentially reusable nature of the Coyote-Bear Buster made it worth trying.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. Could something this simple actually work? I knew I needed to get this out in the field and see what it can really do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Coyote-Bear Buster to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my own backyard, bordering a wooded area known for coyote activity. I started with soft bleats, gradually increasing the volume. The Coyote-Bear Buster was easy to use and produced a sound that was undeniably deer-like, although somewhat artificial.
The evening was relatively calm, with a slight breeze. There were no immediate reactions from any wildlife after the first few calls. After about 15 minutes of intermittent use, I observed a pair of crows investigating the sound, but no coyotes.
My first impression was that the sound, while deer-like, might not be convincing enough to fool a predator accustomed to the real thing. The need to practice and refine the sounds became immediately apparent.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I incorporated the Coyote-Bear Buster into my morning and evening routines. I varied the location on my property and experimented with different calling patterns and volumes. The plastic construction has held up well to daily handling and exposure to dew and morning sun.
There were no signs of wear or tear on the Coyote-Bear Buster itself. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a damp cloth. After a month of regular use, the plastic hasn’t cracked or faded.
The Coyote-Bear Buster has been marginally effective in deterring coyotes. I observed a decrease in their daytime presence near my chicken coop. While I cannot directly attribute this to the call alone, it does suggest a possible correlation. The biggest impact was a noticeable increase in the number of curious birds, ranging from blue jays to hawks, that would briefly investigate the source of the sound.
Breaking Down the Features of Coyote-Bear Buster
Specifications
The Coyote-Bear Buster is a manually operated distress call. It reproduces the bleat or bawl of a young deer when blown into. It’s designed to be blown softly or extremely loud.
The specifications are minimal: a simple plastic construction and a design focused on sound reproduction. The absence of any moving parts contributes to its simplicity and potential durability. The incredibly low price makes it accessible to almost anyone.
The ability to control the volume and tone by adjusting breath and embouchure is a key feature, allowing for versatile use in different environments and situations. The lack of electronic components makes it reliable in extreme conditions where batteries might fail.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Coyote-Bear Buster is to mimic the distress call of a young deer. The sound it produces is recognizable, although not perfectly natural. It’s more of a generalized “animal in distress” sound rather than a highly specific deer bleat.
The strength of the Coyote-Bear Buster lies in its simplicity and affordability. Its main weakness is the artificiality of the sound. The user’s skill in manipulating the call significantly impacts its effectiveness.
It meets basic expectations as a sound-producing device but falls short of replicating the nuances of a genuine deer distress call. Therefore, user experience will vary.
Design & Ergonomics
The Coyote-Bear Buster has a basic, functional design. The plastic material is lightweight and easy to grip, even with wet hands. There is no learning curve.
The design prioritizes simplicity and ease of use over aesthetics or comfort. It is easy to carry, store and requires no assembly or preparation.
It is not a comfortable or ergonomic design, but considering its purpose and price, that is understandable. The plastic material does not feel particularly high-quality, but it is sufficient for its intended use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Coyote-Bear Buster should last for years with proper care. Its simple construction and lack of moving parts minimize the risk of breakage. It is easy to maintain.
A quick rinse with water is sufficient to remove dirt or debris. There are no parts that require lubrication or special cleaning products. Its simple construction promotes longevity.
Its durability makes it a practical tool for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and low-maintenance device. With proper storage, this should last many years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Coyote-Bear Buster comes with no accessories. There are no customization options available. Its design is fixed.
Its simplicity limits its adaptability but also contributes to its reliability and ease of use. It’s a standalone product that serves a single, straightforward purpose.
There is no compatibility with accessories from other brands because the Coyote-Bear Buster functions independently.
Pros and Cons of Coyote-Bear Buster
Pros
- Incredibly affordable for anyone looking for a basic predator deterrent or wildlife attractant.
- Simple and easy to use with no learning curve.
- Lightweight and durable plastic construction.
- Manually operated, eliminating the need for batteries.
- Versatile volume control, from soft bleats to loud bawls.
Cons
- The sound is somewhat artificial and may not fool experienced predators.
- Lacks any advanced features or customization options.
Who Should Buy Coyote-Bear Buster?
The Coyote-Bear Buster is perfect for homeowners seeking a low-cost, non-lethal coyote deterrent. It could also be useful for hunters looking to attract coyotes or other predators, and for nature enthusiasts wanting to observe wildlife responses to distress calls. Campers who want a simple device to potentially deter bears around the perimeter of their campsite might also find it useful.
This product is not for those seeking a high-tech or highly effective predator control solution. It’s also not suitable for individuals who require a perfectly authentic-sounding distress call. Those reliant on electronic calls should stay with their preference.
A lanyard would be a useful addition, allowing users to keep the Coyote-Bear Buster readily accessible while hiking or hunting. Practicing different calling techniques is highly recommended to improve its effectiveness.
Conclusion on Coyote-Bear Buster
The Coyote-Bear Buster offers a simple and affordable solution for deterring predators or attracting wildlife. Its low price point makes it an accessible option for a variety of users. While the sound quality isn’t perfect, its ease of use and durability make it a worthwhile investment.
The $6.49 price is easily justified given its potential benefits and long-lasting construction. It’s a valuable addition to any homeowner’s or outdoor enthusiast’s toolkit, particularly for those seeking a budget-friendly option.
I would personally recommend the Coyote-Bear Buster to anyone looking for a basic, non-lethal predator deterrent. The device is certainly not perfect, but for its price, it offers good value and potential effectiveness. Give it a try and see what results you get!