First Impressions of Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series
Turkey hunting isn’t just a sport; it’s an art form, a conversation with the wild. And to truly converse, you need the right tools, the instruments that can speak the turkey’s language. That’s why I was intrigued by the Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series, a diaphragm call crafted by DEGC owner, a 4-time National Champion and World Champion caller himself, Mitchell Johnston.
I’ve used countless calls over the years, from box calls to slates, and various diaphragm calls. Each has its strengths, but I’ve been searching for a call that offers both a clean, high front end and a convincingly raspy back end for those seductive yelps and clucks. The Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series promised exactly that, claiming to be easy to run and capable of producing the entire turkey vocabulary.
Upon receiving the call, I was struck by its simplicity. The Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series is a three-reed diaphragm call, now available in Kryptek Camouflage. It felt lightweight, almost negligible, and I was eager to test its sound.
Compared to some of my other diaphragm calls, like the Primos Hook Upz and the Quaker Boy Easy Yelper, the Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series appeared less intimidating, more approachable. The Primos call felt stiffer, the Quaker Boy a bit too raspy from the outset. My hope was that the Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series would offer a balance, a more versatile sound profile.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to try a call designed by a champion, but also aware that not every “signature series” product lives up to the hype. I was eager to find out if this call could truly deliver on its promises in the turkey woods.
Real-World Testing: Putting Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series was during the spring turkey season in the rolling hills of Kentucky. The morning air was crisp, the woods still holding the dampness of the previous night’s rain. I situated myself near a known strutting zone, hoping to coax a gobbler into range.
The conditions weren’t ideal – a slight breeze and damp leaves made for less-than-perfect sound projection. However, the Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series surprised me with its ability to cut through the air. It didn’t take long to realize this call was very easy to use.
It took a few minutes to find the sweet spot, the right pressure and airflow, but once I did, the call sang. Soft yelps, clucks, and purrs flowed easily. I didn’t have to work too hard to produce a convincing sound. After some time, a distant gobble responded, and the game was on!
Extended Use & Reliability
After weeks of use throughout the season, the Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series has become a staple in my vest. I have found the call to be very effective in different types of enviornments. It has helped me secure several mature longbeards.
The durability has been surprisingly good for such a lightweight call. While I take care to store it properly, it has held up well to the rigors of being carried in my vest and exposed to the elements. Cleaning is simple: a quick rinse with water and air drying after each hunt keeps it in top condition.
Compared to some of my older, more expensive diaphragm calls, the Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series has outperformed them in certain situations. The ease of use and the ability to produce both high-pitched and raspy tones make it a versatile tool. Other calls tend to require more effort to get the desired sound.
Breaking Down the Features of Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series
Specifications
The Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series is a three-reed diaphragm turkey call, meticulously designed by Mitchell Johnston. It measures approximately 5 inches in length, 2.75 inches in width, and 0.8 inches in height. Weighing in at a mere 0.04 ounces, this call is exceptionally lightweight and easy to carry.
This call features no additional features. It comes adorned in Kryptek Camoflauge. These specifications are important because they contribute to the call’s overall ease of use and portability.
Performance & Functionality
The Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. It delivers the promised high front end with the raspy back end. This makes the Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series a versatile call capable of producing realistic yelps, clucks, purrs, and even cutting calls.
The call’s strength lies in its user-friendliness. It requires very little air to operate. The primary weakness might be that new callers need some time to master the required mouth and tongue pressure to produce optimal sounds. It definitely meets and exceeds my expectations for a diaphragm call in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series is designed for comfort and ease of use. Its lightweight construction and flexible frame conform easily to the roof of the mouth. The simple design means there’s virtually no learning curve for experienced callers, while beginners can quickly pick up the basics with a bit of practice.
The build quality is adequate for the price point. The reeds are securely attached, and the frame is flexible enough to be comfortable. It’s a simple but effective design that prioritizes functionality over flashy aesthetics.
Durability & Maintenance
While the Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series is not designed for extreme abuse, it is reasonably durable for normal hunting conditions. With proper care, it should last for at least a season, if not longer.
Maintenance is minimal. I found it easy to clean and maintain. A quick rinse with water after each use is sufficient to remove saliva and prevent the reeds from sticking together.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available.
Its compatibility is limited to the user’s own calling techniques and ability to manipulate the reeds. Some users may find aftermarket call cases or storage solutions helpful for protecting the call when not in use.
Pros and Cons of Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series
Pros
- Easy to Use: Requires very little air and is relatively forgiving for beginners.
- Versatile Sound: Capable of producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations, from high-pitched yelps to raspy clucks.
- Affordable Price: At $12.99, it’s an excellent value for the performance it offers.
- Lightweight and Comfortable: Easy to carry and comfortable to use for extended periods.
- Designed by a Champion: The Mitchell Johnston Signature Series promises quality and expertise.
Cons
- Limited Durability: May not withstand extreme abuse or neglect.
- No Accessories: Comes with no case or additional reeds.
- Moisture Susceptibility: Like all diaphragm calls, it can be affected by moisture and require occasional drying.
Who Should Buy Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series?
The Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels. Newcomers can appreciate its ease of use, while seasoned pros can appreciate its versatility and realistic sound.
Hunters who want a reliable and affordable diaphragm call that can produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations will find this call to be a great asset. It is also a solid choice for hunters who prefer a lightweight and comfortable call that won’t fatigue their mouth during long calling sessions.
This product might not be ideal for hunters who are extremely rough on their gear or who require a diaphragm call with exceptional durability. It may also not be the best choice for hunters who prefer a call that comes with a case or extra reeds.
A must-have accessory is a small call case to protect the reeds when not in use. Experimenting with different tongue and mouth pressures is key to unlocking the call’s full potential.
Conclusion on Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series
The Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series is an impressive diaphragm turkey call that offers exceptional value for its affordable price. It’s easy to use, versatile, and capable of producing realistic turkey sounds that can fool even the wariest gobblers.
At $12.99, the price is more than justified. The Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series delivers performance that rivals calls costing significantly more.
I would definitely recommend the Dead End Game Calls Mitchell Johnston Signature Series to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable, versatile, and affordable diaphragm call. It’s a tool that can truly elevate your turkey hunting game and help you strike up a conversation with the wild. Go ahead and give it a try; you might just find yourself speaking the turkey’s language fluently.