First Impressions of Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam
The Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam grunt call promises a versatile range of deer vocalizations in a compact plastic package. Dead End Game Calls aims to provide hunters with a single tool capable of mimicking mature buck grunts, young buck grunts, doe grunts, estrous bleats, and even fawn bleats. This caught my attention because I’m always looking for ways to simplify my gear without sacrificing effectiveness in the field.
I’ve been using various grunt calls for over a decade, some costing significantly more than the Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam‘s budget-friendly price of $19.89. What drew me to this call was the claim of multi-vocalization capability through a simple O-ring adjustment. The idea of carrying one call instead of several specialized ones for different deer sounds was highly appealing.
Upon receiving the call, my first impression was that it felt surprisingly lightweight. The plastic construction didn’t immediately inspire confidence, but the design seemed ergonomic enough. I was eager to test its sound quality and the ease of adjusting the internal O-ring.
Compared to a higher-end wooden grunt call I own (a Primos Buck Roar), the Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam felt less substantial. However, the Primos call only produces buck grunts, lacking the versatility advertised for the Traffic Jam. Another comparable product might be a Flextone Bone Collector call, known for its flexible tone chamber. I picked the Traffic Jam because the O-ring adjustment system seemed more straightforward than manipulating a flexible chamber.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The lightweight plastic construction raised questions about durability, but the promise of multiple vocalizations from a single call was intriguing. I couldn’t wait to get it into the woods and hear how it performed under real-world hunting conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam during an early-season archery hunt in the heavily wooded areas of northern Wisconsin. The weather was cool and damp, with a light drizzle falling intermittently throughout the morning. This presented a good opportunity to see how the call performed in less-than-ideal conditions.
The ease of use was immediately apparent. Adjusting the O-ring was simple, even with gloved hands, and I was able to cycle through the different vocalizations relatively quickly. The sound carried well through the damp air, and I was able to produce convincing buck grunts and doe bleats. No deer responded during this first hunt, but the call itself didn’t present any functional issues.
However, I noticed that the plastic mouthpiece became slippery when wet, making it slightly difficult to maintain a consistent grip. Also, the lightweight plastic felt somewhat fragile, and I worried about accidentally damaging it while moving through the thick underbrush.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the hunting season, the Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam has held up surprisingly well. Despite my initial concerns about durability, the plastic construction has proven to be more robust than I anticipated. There are no visible cracks or signs of wear and tear.
Maintaining the call is straightforward; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any dirt or moisture. The O-ring has remained pliable and easy to adjust. Compared to my previous experiences with more expensive calls, the Traffic Jam offers a similar level of performance at a fraction of the price.
That said, the plastic still lacks the resonating quality of wood or acrylic calls, affecting the depth and richness of the sound. While it effectively mimics the required deer sounds, it lacks the nuances of more premium calls.
Breaking Down the Features of Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam
Specifications
The Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam is primarily constructed from durable plastic. The call measures approximately 11 inches in length, 3.8 inches in width, and 1.6 inches in height. Its key feature is the internal O-ring, which allows the user to adjust the call’s tone to produce a variety of deer vocalizations.
These dimensions and the plastic construction contribute to the call’s lightweight design, making it easy to carry in a pocket or attached to a lanyard. The O-ring adjustment system provides hunters with the ability to adapt their calling strategy to different hunting situations without needing multiple calls.
Performance & Functionality
The Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam performs admirably in its primary function: mimicking deer vocalizations. The adjustable O-ring allows for a reasonably convincing imitation of mature buck grunts, young buck grunts, doe grunts, estrous bleats, and fawn bleats. While the sound quality may not match that of high-end calls, it is certainly effective enough to attract deer within reasonable distances.
One notable strength is the ease of use. The O-ring is simple to adjust, and the call is easy to blow, even for beginners. A potential weakness is the lack of volume control; the call can be quite loud, which may not be ideal in close-quarters hunting situations. Overall, the Traffic Jam meets expectations for a budget-friendly, multi-vocalization call.
Design & Ergonomics
The Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam features a simple, ergonomic design. The plastic construction keeps the call lightweight and easy to handle. The mouthpiece is comfortable, although it can become slippery when wet.
There is virtually no learning curve associated with using this call. The O-ring adjustment is intuitive, and the call produces consistent sounds with minimal effort.
Durability & Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, the plastic construction initially raised concerns about durability. However, after several weeks of use, the Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam has proven to be surprisingly robust. The plastic is thick enough to withstand normal wear and tear, and the O-ring appears to be made from a durable material.
Maintaining the call is easy; a quick wipe-down after each use is usually sufficient. There are no small parts that are likely to break or become lost.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam does not come with any accessories. There are also no customization options available for this call. Due to its simple design, it is unlikely to be compatible with accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam
Pros
- Versatile vocalizations: The adjustable O-ring allows for mimicking a wide range of deer sounds.
- Budget-friendly price: At under $20, it’s accessible to hunters of all budgets.
- Easy to use: Simple design with an intuitive O-ring adjustment system.
- Lightweight and portable: Easy to carry in a pocket or on a lanyard.
- Surprisingly durable: The plastic construction holds up well under normal use.
Cons
- Plastic construction: Lacks the resonating quality of wood or acrylic calls.
- Limited volume control: Can be quite loud, which may not be ideal for all hunting situations.
Who Should Buy Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam?
The Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam is perfect for novice hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use grunt call. It’s also well-suited for experienced hunters who want a lightweight and versatile backup call. This call’s versatility makes it a great option for hunters in areas with mixed deer populations.
Hunters who are serious about sound quality and demand the most realistic vocalizations should probably skip this product. They should invest in higher-end calls made from wood or acrylic. A must-have accessory would be a lanyard to keep the call readily accessible.
Conclusion on Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam
The Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam is a surprisingly effective and affordable grunt call that offers a versatile range of deer vocalizations. While its plastic construction may not appeal to everyone, it is durable enough for normal use and contributes to the call’s lightweight design. The ease of use and adjustable O-ring make it a great option for both novice and experienced hunters.
The price is certainly justified, considering the functionality and versatility offered by this call. I would personally recommend the Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam to anyone looking for a budget-friendly grunt call that can mimic a wide range of deer sounds. If you’re seeking a reliable and affordable option to enhance your deer hunting success, give the Dead End Game Calls Traffic Jam a try. You might be surprised by its effectiveness.