Dead End Game Calls Slate Review

The Dead End Game Calls Slate Made a Bold First Impression

The pursuit of that perfect gobble, the resonating cluck that lures a tom into range, it’s a siren song every turkey hunter knows well. And to answer that call, we rely on the tools of the trade. The Dead End Game Calls Slate promises to be one such instrument, a friction turkey call encased in Mossy Oak camouflage, ready to whisper sweet nothings to unsuspecting gobblers. This isn’t just another piece of gear; it’s a potential conversation starter with the king of the spring woods.

I’ve spent years fine-tuning my turkey calling, often frustrated by calls that sound more like squawks than seductive hen talk. My goal? A call that’s both versatile and authentic. Unboxing the Dead End Game Calls Slate, the Mossy Oak finish immediately caught my eye; it screams “turkey woods.” The weight felt substantial, suggesting quality construction.

I’ve used Primos calls extensively, and also played around with a few custom-made slate calls from local craftsmen. While the Primos calls offered consistent sounds, they sometimes lacked the nuance of a truly handmade call. The custom calls, though beautiful, could be finicky and inconsistent in different weather conditions. I chose the Dead End Game Calls Slate hoping to find a balance between reliability and realistic sound.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The call felt good in my hand, the Mossy Oak finish provided a solid grip. I was eager to get it into the woods and see if it could truly sing.

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

First Use Experience

My first test of the Dead End Game Calls Slate was during a scouting trip in early spring, deep in the hardwood bottoms of the Ozark National Forest. The air was crisp, a slight mist hung in the trees, perfect conditions to listen for distant gobbles. I wanted to test the call’s range and clarity in a natural setting.

The dampness initially made the slate a bit slick, but after a few swipes with the included conditioning stone, the sound came alive. The call produced clear clucks and soft purrs, blending seamlessly with the natural sounds of the forest. The ease of use was immediately apparent, requiring minimal practice to produce realistic hen sounds.

A minor issue arose: the striker felt a bit light, making it slightly challenging to apply consistent pressure on the slate. However, this was easily overcome with a slight adjustment to my grip.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during both scouting and actual hunts, the Dead End Game Calls Slate has proven to be a reliable companion. The slate surface has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear despite frequent use and occasional bumps in the field.

The call cleans easily with a simple wipe down. A light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper keeps the slate surface fresh and ready for action. Compared to my experience with diaphragm calls, which require meticulous cleaning to prevent mold, the Dead End Game Calls Slate is a breeze to maintain.

It outperforms my cheaper box calls in terms of sound quality and versatility. It does not quite reach the level of the custom-made calls in terms of nuance, but the Dead End Game Calls Slate provides much better reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Dead End Game Calls Slate

Specifications

• The Dead End Game Calls Slate is a Friction Turkey Call, designed to mimic the sounds of a hen turkey. It uses a slate surface rubbed with a striker to create various calls.
• It comes finished in Mossy Oak camouflage, ideal for concealment in turkey hunting environments. This helps the call blend seamlessly with its surroundings, minimizing the risk of spooking wary toms.
• The price is listed at $30.99, making it an affordable option for both beginner and experienced turkey hunters. This allows hunters on a budget to acquire a quality call.

Performance & Functionality

The Dead End Game Calls Slate performs admirably, producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. Soft purrs, sharp clucks, and yelps are all easily achievable with practice. Its realistic sounds are crucial for attracting turkeys and sealing the deal.

The call’s strength lies in its ease of use, allowing hunters of all skill levels to create convincing turkey sounds. The striker, while light, allows for precise control and subtle inflections. The main weakness is that the sound is greatly affected by moisture.

The call generally meets expectations, especially given its price point. It’s a solid, reliable call for everyday turkey hunting situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Dead End Game Calls Slate is well-built, using quality materials that feel durable in hand. The Mossy Oak finish not only provides camouflage but also adds a layer of protection to the call.

The call feels comfortable to hold, even during extended calling sequences. The learning curve is minimal, making it easy for beginners to pick up and start using effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

The slate surface is durable and resistant to cracking or chipping. The Mossy Oak finish is also resistant to scratches and fading.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and conditioning of the slate surface. This ensures that the call continues to produce clear and consistent sounds for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Dead End Game Calls Slate typically comes with a matched striker. This allows the user to get started right away.

There are limited customization options available for slate calls in general, though different strikers can alter the sound. A variety of custom strikers, made from different woods or materials, can be used to fine-tune the call’s tone and pitch.

Pros and Cons of Dead End Game Calls Slate

Who Should Buy Dead End Game Calls Slate?

The Dead End Game Calls Slate is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels, especially those on a budget. It is great for beginners who are just learning the art of turkey calling.

Those who prefer diaphragm calls or require calls that perform consistently in wet conditions should skip this product. Hunters looking for highly customizable options or those who demand the absolute highest level of realism might also look elsewhere.

A small conditioning stone to maintain the slate surface is a must-have accessory. Experimenting with different strikers can also help fine-tune the call’s sound to match personal preferences.

Conclusion on Dead End Game Calls Slate

The Dead End Game Calls Slate offers a compelling combination of affordability, realism, and ease of use. It’s a solid, reliable call that will undoubtedly help you put more turkeys in the freezer.

The price is definitely justified, considering the call’s performance and durability. It rivals many higher-priced calls on the market.

I would personally recommend the Dead End Game Calls Slate to any turkey hunter looking for a versatile and effective call that won’t break the bank. It’s a great addition to any turkey hunting arsenal, and it might just be the difference between going home empty-handed and tagging that trophy tom. Pick up a Dead End Game Calls Slate and get ready to talk turkey!