Dead End Game Calls Box Call Review

The Dead End Game Calls Box Call Made a Bold First Impression

The Dead End Game Calls Box Call isn’t just another piece of hunting gear; it’s a tool designed to bridge the gap between man and beast, a tiny instrument promising to evoke the wild spirit of the turkey. This call, manufactured by Dead End Game Calls, is deceptively simple in its design, relying on the time-tested principle of friction to create realistic turkey vocalizations. My initial interest stemmed from a frustration with overly complex and electronic calls that lacked the raw authenticity I sought to bring into the woods.

I’ve always valued simplicity and reliability in my gear, something many modern calls seem to lack. Opening the package, I was immediately struck by its compact size and seemingly basic construction. The wood felt solid and well-sanded, hinting at quality craftsmanship, but I also felt a twinge of skepticism about whether something so inexpensive could truly perform. It was a stark contrast to my usual high-end slate calls, which offer a smoother sound but can be bulky and require specialized strikers. The Dead End Game Calls Box Call seemed to promise a return to the basics.

Compared to a custom-made glass pot call costing over $100 or even a mass-produced diaphragm call, the Dead End Game Calls Box Call’s price of $3.99 is undeniably appealing. I chose this call primarily because of its price point and the positive reviews I’d seen highlighting its ease of use, especially for beginners. I hoped it would be a good option for introducing new hunters to the art of turkey calling. While other calls might offer more nuanced tones or higher volume, I prioritized simplicity and affordability for this particular purchase.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. Could this humble piece of wood truly deliver the authentic sounds needed to lure in a mature gobbler? Only time and a trip to the woods would tell, but the initial feel and simplicity were definitely intriguing. This call immediately presented itself as an approachable tool, free from the intimidation factor that often accompanies more complex hunting equipment.

Real-World Testing: Putting Dead End Game Calls Box Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test with the Dead End Game Calls Box Call took place during spring turkey season in the rolling hills of eastern Kentucky. I set up near a known roosting area, hoping to coax a tom into range with some early morning yelps. The early morning air was crisp, with a slight mist clinging to the trees, a situation that could easily dampen the performance of other friction calls.

The call performed surprisingly well, even in the damp conditions. The sounds it produced were raspy and realistic, cutting through the silence of the woods. I was able to create convincing yelps, clucks, and purrs with minimal effort. I did find that consistent pressure and a steady hand were key to avoiding squeaks or unnatural sounds.

The initial learning curve was almost nonexistent. Within minutes, I was producing passable turkey sounds, a welcome change from the hours of practice often required with diaphragm calls. There were no immediate issues, and the call seemed reliable and consistent, a promising start to the season.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the season, the Dead End Game Calls Box Call continued to perform admirably. It became a staple in my turkey vest, often used as a secondary call to complement my primary slate call. The compact size made it easy to carry and deploy quickly in various hunting situations.

The call showed minimal signs of wear and tear, despite being exposed to rain, mud, and the general abuse that comes with hunting in the field. The wood remained smooth and the chalk application stayed effective for multiple hunts. The call requires minimal maintenance beyond occasionally reapplying chalk.

In comparison to other box calls I’ve used in the past, the Dead End Game Calls Box Call holds its own remarkably well, especially considering its price point. While it might not offer the same level of sonic perfection as a high-end custom call, its simplicity, reliability, and affordability make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced turkey hunters. It outperformed my expectations, proving that sometimes, less is truly more.

Breaking Down the Features of Dead End Game Calls Box Call

Specifications

The Dead End Game Calls Box Call is a friction-style turkey call designed to mimic the sounds of a hen turkey. It consists of a wooden box and a hinged lid (or paddle) that creates sound when rubbed against the side of the box. The key specifications are as follows:

• Material: The box and lid are constructed from an unspecified type of wood, likely a hardwood such as poplar or maple, selected for its sound-producing qualities.
• Dimensions: Specific dimensions are unavailable, but the call is described as compact and easily pocketable.
• Weight: Exact weight is not listed, but the call is lightweight for easy carry.
• Finish: The wood features a sanded finish, designed to enhance sound quality and provide a comfortable grip.
• Chalk: The call requires chalk (included in this case, as the product name specifies “DE BOX CALL CHALK”) applied to the friction surfaces to produce the desired sounds.

These specifications are important because they directly influence the sound quality, ease of use, and durability of the call. The wood type determines the resonance and tone, while the sanded finish ensures consistent friction for reliable calling. The compact size and lightweight design make it convenient to carry and use in the field.

Performance & Functionality

The Dead End Game Calls Box Call excels at producing realistic turkey sounds, particularly yelps, clucks, purrs, and cuts. With practice, a hunter can effectively mimic the vocalizations of a hen turkey, attracting gobblers from considerable distances. The call is known for its raspy and authentic tone, which is crucial for fooling wary birds.

One of its greatest strengths is its ease of use. Even novice hunters can quickly learn to produce convincing sounds with minimal practice. However, its simplicity can also be a limitation. The call may not offer the same range of tones or volume control as more complex calls, and achieving subtle nuances in sound requires careful manipulation. Overall, the call meets expectations for its intended purpose, providing a reliable and effective means of calling turkeys.

Design & Ergonomics

The Dead End Game Calls Box Call features a simple and functional design. The wood is smoothly sanded and the lid is hinged for easy operation. The call feels comfortable in hand and the compact size makes it easy to carry in a vest pocket or hunting pack.

The call is undeniably user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. However, the absence of any specialized grip or ergonomic features may be a drawback for some users. A textured surface or contoured shape could improve grip and control, especially in wet or cold conditions.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its solid wood construction, the Dead End Game Calls Box Call is reasonably durable. However, the wood is susceptible to damage from moisture and impact. Proper care and storage are essential to prolong its lifespan.

Maintenance is simple, primarily involving occasional reapplication of chalk to the friction surfaces. Keeping the call clean and dry will also help prevent warping or cracking of the wood. With proper care, the call should last for several seasons of hunting.

Accessories and Customization Options

The product “Dead End Game Calls Box Call Chalk” includes chalk, which is a necessary accessory for proper functioning. Other than the included chalk, there are no specified accessories or customization options available directly from Dead End Game Calls for this particular product.

It is possible to experiment with different types of chalk or sanding the friction surfaces to alter the tone of the call. However, these modifications are not officially supported and may void any potential warranty. The call is generally designed to be used as-is, with minimal customization. It likely is not compatible with accessories from other brands due to its simple, self-contained design.

Pros and Cons of Dead End Game Calls Box Call

Who Should Buy Dead End Game Calls Box Call?

The Dead End Game Calls Box Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use call. Experienced hunters can also benefit from having this call as a reliable backup or for situations where simplicity is preferred. This call would also be useful for introducing children to turkey hunting due to its ease of use.

This product is not ideal for hunters who demand the highest level of sonic perfection or require a wide range of tones and volume control. Those seeking advanced customization options or extremely durable, weather-resistant calls should also consider alternatives. A must-have accessory would be a small container to keep the chalk dry, or a small piece of sandpaper to score the paddle when chalk is not enough.

Conclusion on Dead End Game Calls Box Call

The Dead End Game Calls Box Call is a surprisingly effective and affordable turkey call that offers excellent value for the price. While it may not be the most sophisticated or feature-rich call on the market, its simplicity, reliability, and realistic sound make it a worthwhile addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal. The price is absolutely justified given its performance and ease of use.

I would definitely recommend the Dead End Game Calls Box Call to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and user-friendly turkey call. It’s an excellent option for beginners and a reliable backup for experienced hunters. Go ahead and pick one up; you might be surprised at how effective this little call can be in bringing that elusive gobbler into range!