Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call Review

The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call Made a Bold First Impression

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve tested countless pieces of equipment. Few things are as crucial to a successful turkey hunt as a reliable and versatile mouth call, and the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call immediately piqued my interest due to its simplicity and aggressive sound potential. I needed a call that could accurately reproduce the sharp, cutting sounds needed to shock a gobbler into responding, something many calls struggle to deliver at a reasonable price point.

Upon receiving the call, I was immediately drawn to its compact design and the feel of the thin prophylactic reeds. The half-moon cut in the top reed suggested an aggressive sound profile, promising the sharp cuts, cackles, and kee-kees the product description alluded to. It certainly looked different from my trusty slate pot call and several diaphragm calls I’ve used previously; specifically, the Primos Wet Box call and a custom-made three-reed call from a local call maker. I chose the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call to add some diversity to my call arsenal, hoping it will bring a unique tone and cutting power that my other calls couldn’t.

Out of the package, the call felt well-constructed for its price point. The reeds were consistently spaced, and the tape felt secure and comfortable against my palate. I was excited, albeit cautiously optimistic, eager to hear how this seemingly simple call would perform in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call was on a spring gobbler hunt in the oak-hickory forests of southern Missouri. The morning was crisp and damp, a typical spring day, with visibility limited by a lingering fog. I wanted to test the call’s ability to cut through the distance and elicit a response from a wary gobbler.

The call took a little getting used to. With some practice, I found that I was able to produce clean cuts and cackles, but the kee-kees proved more challenging initially. The half-moon cut reed demands precise air control and tongue pressure. Surprisingly, the call performed well even with a bit of moisture, maintaining its tone without becoming overly raspy or “gurgly” as some cheaper calls do in humid conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during the spring turkey season, the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call has proven to be surprisingly durable. Despite constant use and exposure to moisture, the reeds have maintained their shape and tension. Minimal wear and tear were visible on the reeds, and the tape remained securely attached to the frame.

Cleaning is relatively simple; I simply rinse the call with warm water and allow it to air dry. Compared to some of the more elaborate calls I’ve used, the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call is incredibly easy to maintain. While my custom three-reed call offers slightly more nuanced tones, the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call has consistently outperformed it in windy conditions, cutting through the noise to reach distant birds.

Breaking Down the Features of Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call

Specifications

The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call features a straightforward design and a price point of $5.99.

• Construction: It consists of three thin, prophylactic reeds stretched over a horseshoe-shaped frame and secured with tape. This is a standard design for most mouth calls.
• Reed Configuration: The defining feature is the half-moon cut in the top reed. It’s intended to enhance the call’s cutting power.
• Intended Sounds: The design is geared towards producing aggressive turkey vocalizations. Think cuts, cackles, and kee-kees.
• Price: Affordability is a key feature. At $5.99, it’s an accessible option for beginners and experienced hunters.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the call’s sound quality, ease of use, and overall effectiveness. The reed configuration determines the types of sounds it can produce, while the price dictates its accessibility to a wide range of hunters.

Performance & Functionality

The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call excels at producing loud, aggressive turkey sounds. It is especially useful for shock-gobbling or calling to henned-up birds. The cuts and cackles are crisp and realistic, effectively imitating an excited hen. The kee-kees, however, require more practice to master.

Its strengths lie in its cutting power and ease of use for producing aggressive vocalizations. The primary weakness is the relative difficulty in producing soft, subtle calls. The call meets expectations for its intended purpose, which is to create loud, attention-grabbing sounds.

Design & Ergonomics

The call’s simple design makes it lightweight and comfortable to use for extended periods. The tape is smooth and conforms well to the palate, minimizing irritation. While it lacks the aesthetic appeal of some custom-made calls, its functionality is prioritized.

A slight learning curve exists for beginners unfamiliar with diaphragm calls, but its overall user-friendliness is commendable. Seasoned callers will immediately appreciate its responsiveness and aggressive sound profile.

Durability & Maintenance

The prophylactic reeds are surprisingly durable, resisting wear and tear even with frequent use. With proper care, the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call can easily last an entire turkey season. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only rinsing with water and air drying after use.

The simple design also means there are no intricate parts to break or repair, further enhancing its longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call does not come with any additional accessories. There are no official customization options available directly from the Manufacturer.

However, experienced callers can potentially modify the reeds themselves, experimenting with different cuts and thicknesses to fine-tune the sound. Its compatibility with aftermarket accessories is non-existent, as it’s a standalone call.

Pros and Cons of Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call

Who Should Buy Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call?

The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call is perfect for turkey hunters who need a reliable and affordable call for producing loud, aggressive vocalizations. It is particularly well-suited for hunters who hunt in windy conditions or those who need to shock gobble distant birds. Beginners looking to learn diaphragm calling and experienced hunters seeking a specialized call for specific situations would also benefit from this product.

Hunters who primarily rely on soft, subtle calling tactics may want to skip this product, opting for a call with a wider range of tones. Hunters who struggle with diaphragm calls in general may also find it challenging.

A call carrier or lanyard is a must-have accessory to keep the call clean and readily accessible in the field. Some hunters may also consider a diaphragm call case for safe storage and transport.

Conclusion on Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call

The Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call is a surprisingly effective and affordable tool for any turkey hunter’s arsenal. While it may not be the most versatile call on the market, its exceptional cutting power and ease of use for aggressive vocalizations make it a standout performer.

The price of $5.99 is more than justified, considering its durability and effectiveness. I would definitely recommend this call to any hunter looking to add a reliable and affordable diaphragm call to their collection. Add the Cuttin Hen Original Mouth Call to your vest and prepare to shock some gobblers this season!