Dirty Lil Hen Review

The Dirty Lil Hen Made a Bold First Impression

The Dirty Lil Hen mouth call from Flextone isn’t just another piece of turkey hunting gear; it promises the raw, unfiltered sounds of the fall woods. Its double reed diaphragm and no-cut design are intended to create the kee-kees and tree yelps that drive turkeys wild during the autumn months, and it’s part of the Michael Waddell Series, adding some significant credibility. This call, retailing for a mere $6.99, positions itself as an accessible and effective tool for both novice and seasoned turkey hunters alike.

My quest for the perfect fall turkey call stemmed from years of frustration with calls that either sounded artificial or required an expert’s touch to operate. I needed something reliable, easy to use, and capable of producing authentic sounds that would fool even the wariest old tom. The promise of realistic kee-kees and tree yelps from the Dirty Lil Hen was exactly what piqued my interest.

Unboxing the Dirty Lil Hen revealed a simple, no-frills diaphragm call. The hybrid blended latex felt durable and ready for action, but the real test would be in how it sounded. Compared to other calls I’ve used – ranging from custom-made pot calls to mass-produced diaphragm models – the Dirty Lil Hen stood out for its minimalist design. I specifically chose this call over others promising more complex sounds because of its simplicity and the endorsement from Michael Waddell.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed solid for the price, and the latex felt comfortable against my palate. I was eager to hit the woods and see if the Dirty Lil Hen could live up to its promise of producing irresistible fall turkey sounds.

Real-World Testing: Putting Dirty Lil Hen to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test with the Dirty Lil Hen took place during an early October scouting trip in the Appalachian foothills. I wanted to simulate a real hunt, so I set up near a known turkey roosting area and waited for the morning fog to dissipate. The air was crisp and damp, a typical autumn morning in those hills.

The call performed surprisingly well in the cool, moist conditions. It required very little air to produce clear, crisp kee-kees that echoed through the valley. Even with my novice mouth call skills, I was able to create believable sounds that didn’t spook the birds. However, getting the hang of the tree yelps took a little more practice, requiring subtle tongue and air pressure adjustments.

After about an hour of calling, I noticed a hen cautiously approaching my position. She wasn’t coming in hot, but she was definitely curious, which spoke volumes about the call’s authenticity. This initial success was a major confidence booster.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the fall season, the Dirty Lil Hen has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. It has withstood multiple hunts in varying weather conditions, from dry and dusty afternoons to drizzly mornings. The latex has shown no signs of cracking or degrading, a testament to its durability.

Maintaining the call is incredibly simple. After each use, I rinse it with water and allow it to air dry. This prevents the buildup of saliva and debris that can affect the sound quality. Compared to other calls that require specialized cleaning solutions or frequent adjustments, the Dirty Lil Hen is remarkably low-maintenance.

The Dirty Lil Hen has certainly exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability. It outperforms many of the more expensive diaphragm calls I’ve used in the past. It’s now a permanent fixture in my turkey hunting vest.

Breaking Down the Features of Dirty Lil Hen

Specifications

The Dirty Lil Hen is a double reed diaphragm mouth call designed specifically for producing fall turkey sounds. The call is constructed using a durable hybrid blended latex, which is known for its resilience and ability to maintain consistent sound quality. This call features a no-cut reed design.

• Double Reed Diaphragm: This allows for a wider range of tones and greater volume control. The double reed construction makes it easier to achieve the desired kee-kee and yelp sounds.
• No-Cut Design: Eliminating cuts in the reed simplifies the call, making it easier for beginners to master. This design also contributes to the call’s consistency and reliability.
• Hybrid Blended Latex: This material ensures the call is both durable and flexible, allowing it to withstand repeated use without losing its shape or sound quality. The latex’s resistance to moisture is crucial for maintaining consistent performance in various weather conditions.
• Michael Waddell Series: The association with Michael Waddell lends credibility to the call, as it is designed and endorsed by a respected figure in the hunting community. This series is known for its focus on practical and effective hunting tools.

These specifications are crucial for the call’s performance because they directly impact its sound quality, ease of use, and durability. The double reed and no-cut design make it accessible to hunters of all skill levels, while the durable latex ensures it can withstand the rigors of the field.

Performance & Functionality

The Dirty Lil Hen excels at producing the specific sounds needed for fall turkey hunting: kee-kees and tree yelps. Its ability to mimic these calls accurately is its greatest strength. I found it relatively easy to create realistic sounds that attracted the attention of both hens and young toms.

While the call is excellent for fall sounds, it is not as versatile for producing spring mating calls like clucks and purrs. This limitation is a tradeoff for its specialization in fall hunting techniques. It meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose: reliably producing authentic fall turkey sounds.

Design & Ergonomics

The Dirty Lil Hen’s simple design contributes to its overall user-friendliness. The latex is thin and flexible, conforming comfortably to the roof of the mouth. There is no significant learning curve associated with this call.

The quality of the latex contributes to the call’s durability and comfort. The call’s light weight makes it easy to hold in place for extended periods without causing fatigue. It’s designed with the user experience in mind.

Durability & Maintenance

The durable hybrid blended latex construction ensures that the Dirty Lil Hen will last for multiple seasons with proper care. Rinsing the call with water after each use is sufficient to keep it clean and functioning optimally. With minimal maintenance, this call should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Dirty Lil Hen is a standalone mouth call and does not require any additional accessories for basic use. There are no specific customization options available for this particular model. However, hunters can experiment with different calling techniques to achieve a wider range of sounds.

As a mouth call, the Dirty Lil Hen can be paired with other turkey hunting accessories, such as pot calls or box calls, to create a more dynamic and realistic sound profile. Combining the Dirty Lil Hen’s kee-kees and tree yelps with the clucks and purrs of a friction call can be highly effective in attracting turkeys during the fall season.

Pros and Cons of Dirty Lil Hen

Who Should Buy Dirty Lil Hen?

The Dirty Lil Hen is perfect for turkey hunters who specifically target turkeys during the fall season. It’s ideal for both beginners looking for an easy-to-use call and experienced hunters seeking a reliable and affordable option for producing realistic kee-kees and tree yelps. Hunters who prefer a versatile call that can produce a wide range of sounds might want to consider other options.

Hunters new to mouth calls might consider purchasing a diaphragm call case for storage. It will keep it clean and protected.

Conclusion on Dirty Lil Hen

The Dirty Lil Hen mouth call from Flextone is a surprisingly effective and affordable tool for fall turkey hunting. Its ability to produce realistic kee-kees and tree yelps, combined with its durable construction and ease of use, make it an excellent choice for hunters of all skill levels. For only $6.99, the price is more than justified.

I would absolutely recommend the Dirty Lil Hen to anyone looking to improve their fall turkey hunting success. It has earned a permanent place in my turkey hunting arsenal. Pick one up and hit the woods – you won’t be disappointed!