The Deer Bleat and Bawl Made a Bold First Impression
The Deer Bleat and Bawl – even the name itself suggests a primal connection to the hunt. As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade in the field, I’ve seen countless calls come and go. My initial interest stemmed from a persistent problem: drawing in wary does during the early bow season when bucks are less responsive. I wanted a call that tapped into the maternal instincts of does, something different from the usual buck grunts and bleats.
Upon receiving the Deer Bleat and Bawl, I was struck by its simplicity. The call is compact and appears durable, ready for the rigors of the hunt. It’s lightweight, constructed of what feels like a high-impact molded plastic, and fits comfortably in hand.
Compared to some of the fancier, multi-sound electronic calls I’ve tested (which can cost upwards of $100), the Deer Bleat and Bawl takes a minimalist approach. There are no batteries to worry about, no complicated settings to adjust; just pure, unadulterated sound. I also considered a diaphragm call for doe bleats, but for simplicity and ease of use, especially in cold weather, I opted to try the Deer Bleat and Bawl. My first impression was positive; it feels like a tool designed for a specific purpose, not a jack-of-all-trades that compromises on effectiveness. I was excited to see if its simple design could deliver complex results in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Deer Bleat and Bawl to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Deer Bleat and Bawl was during the early archery season in a densely wooded area known for its high doe population. The weather was damp and cool, the perfect conditions for still-hunting. I found a promising spot near a known bedding area and settled in to test the call. I started with a few soft estrus doe bleats, mimicking the sound of a doe searching for a mate.
The call was easy to use, requiring minimal breath control to produce a realistic sound. After about 20 minutes, I switched to the distress bleat and bawl of a young deer. To my surprise, within minutes, a mature doe appeared at the edge of the woods, cautiously approaching my location. She was alert but clearly drawn in by the sound. There were no issues using the call, even with slightly damp hands.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Deer Bleat and Bawl on various hunts, it has proven to be remarkably reliable. The call has held up well to the rigors of being carried in my pack and exposed to the elements. There are no signs of wear and tear on the plastic body, and the sound quality remains consistent.
Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove any dirt or debris. Compared to some of the more complex calls I’ve used in the past, the Deer Bleat and Bawl is a breeze to maintain. In terms of outperforming previous experiences, it’s not a revolutionary product, but the consistency in producing a realistic doe bleat has impressed me. It’s a reliable tool that has earned a permanent place in my hunting pack.
Breaking Down the Features of Deer Bleat and Bawl
Specifications
The Deer Bleat and Bawl is a manually operated deer call designed to mimic the sounds of estrus does and distressed fawns. It produces an estrus doe bleat to attract bucks during the rut and a distress bleat and bawl to appeal to the maternal instincts of does, particularly during the early bow season. The call is constructed from molded plastic. It is compact, easily fitting in a pocket or pack. It weighs practically nothing, making it easy to carry for long periods.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the call’s usability and effectiveness in the field. The light weight ensures that it won’t add unnecessary bulk to your gear. The simple construction ensures consistent sound quality.
Performance & Functionality
The Deer Bleat and Bawl excels at producing realistic doe bleats and fawn distress calls. Its dual functionality is a strength, allowing hunters to adapt their calling strategy based on the time of year and the behavior of the deer.
The primary strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. A potential weakness, however, could be its limited range of sounds compared to electronic calls. It definitely meets expectations as a specialized call for attracting does, particularly during the early season.
Design & Ergonomics
The Deer Bleat and Bawl is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The molded plastic body is lightweight and comfortable to hold, even with gloves. There is no significant learning curve; anyone can pick it up and produce a reasonable sound with minimal practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Deer Bleat and Bawl is constructed from durable molded plastic, which should withstand years of use with proper care. Maintenance is minimal: simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any dirt or debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Deer Bleat and Bawl is a standalone product and does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available. Its simplicity is its strength, and there is little need for additional features or modifications. It is, however, easily paired with a lanyard for convenient carry.
Pros and Cons of Deer Bleat and Bawl
Pros
- Easy to use: Minimal learning curve, even for beginners.
- Realistic sound: Produces convincing doe bleats and fawn distress calls.
- Lightweight and compact: Easy to carry in a pocket or pack.
- Durable construction: Molded plastic body withstands regular use.
- Affordable: Excellent value for the price.
Cons
- Limited sound range: Only produces two basic sounds.
- No customization options: Cannot be modified or upgraded.
Who Should Buy Deer Bleat and Bawl?
The Deer Bleat and Bawl is perfect for:
- Bow hunters targeting does during the early season.
- Hunters seeking a simple, reliable, and affordable deer call.
- Beginner hunters looking for an easy-to-use tool to attract deer.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters who prefer electronic calls with a wide range of sounds.
- Experienced callers who are already proficient with diaphragm calls.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A lanyard for easy carry.
Conclusion on Deer Bleat and Bawl
The Deer Bleat and Bawl is a simple yet effective tool for attracting does during the early bow season. At $6.49, it’s an absolute steal. The price is more than justified.
I would definitely recommend it to any hunter looking for a reliable and affordable way to improve their odds of success. If you are looking to add an edge to your early season hunts and need to target does, add the Deer Bleat and Bawl to your hunting arsenal today.