HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey Review

Let’s Dive into HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey

The HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey aims to provide hunters with a compact and versatile electronic call at an affordable price. It promises six pre-loaded, essential turkey calls in a handheld device, eliminating the need for multiple friction calls or mastering diaphragm calls. Is it a game-changer for the novice or a reliable tool for the experienced turkey hunter?

I’ve spent years mastering slate, box, and diaphragm calls, but sometimes simplicity and convenience trump tradition. I needed a lightweight option for run-and-gun setups where carrying multiple calls felt cumbersome. An electronic call seemed like the perfect solution, but many options are bulky and expensive.

Upon unboxing the HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey, I was immediately struck by its compact size and lightweight feel. The plastic housing felt sturdy enough, and the button layout seemed intuitive. The included hand lanyard was a welcome addition.

I considered the Primos Lil’ Squawker and the Flextone Funky Chicken Turkey Call before settling on the HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey. The Primos offered fewer call options and the Flextone lacked a dedicated on/off switch. This HME product offered the best combination of features and price for my needs.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While it lacked the premium feel of higher-end electronic calls, the HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey seemed like a solid, functional device that could potentially simplify my turkey hunting setup.


Real-World Testing: Putting HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey during the spring turkey season in the oak and pine forests of central Texas. The conditions varied from crisp, cool mornings to warm, humid afternoons. I primarily used it to supplement my friction calls, especially when trying to locate distant gobblers.

The call performed reasonably well in calm conditions, but the sound quality diminished noticeably in windy or heavily wooded areas. The volume control was adequate for close-range calling, but I needed to crank it up to the maximum setting in open fields. Initially, it was easy to cycle through the pre-loaded calls with gloved hands.

The most significant issue I encountered during my first use was the call’s limited range. Distant gobblers responded weakly, suggesting the sound projection wasn’t optimal. Also, the “Gobble” call sounded slightly artificial compared to a natural gobble.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey has held up surprisingly well considering its price point. The plastic housing has shown no signs of cracking or warping. The buttons still function reliably, although the printed labels are starting to fade slightly.

The durability has been acceptable, with only minor cosmetic wear and tear. The battery life has been consistent, requiring a fresh set of AAA batteries after approximately 15 hours of intermittent use. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe away dirt and moisture.

Compared to my diaphragm and slate calls, the HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey is less versatile in tone and cadence but far more convenient. It doesn’t replace my traditional calls, but it serves as a useful supplemental tool for specific situations.

Breaking Down the Features of HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey

Specifications

The HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey boasts six pre-loaded calls: Cluck and Purr, Mating Yelps, Cuttin of a Hen, Tree Call, Old Hen Yelp, and Gobble. It features an On/Off switch and volume control, housed in a compact handheld design with a hand lanyard. It is powered by four AAA batteries (not included).

These specifications offer a hunter a versatile call setup in a small package. The range of calls allows the user to cover various turkey hunting scenarios. The compact size and hand lanyard make it easy to carry and use in the field. The battery operation provides consistent power, but requires replacement batteries.

Performance & Functionality

The HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey performs adequately for its intended purpose: attracting turkeys at close to moderate range. The clarity of the calls is decent, although some sound more realistic than others. Its strength lies in its ease of use and portability.

The strengths include its compact size, ease of operation, and the variety of pre-loaded calls. The main weakness is the limited sound projection and the somewhat artificial sound quality of certain calls, particularly the gobble. It meets the basic expectations for an entry-level electronic turkey call.

Design & Ergonomics

The HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey features a lightweight plastic housing that is comfortable to hold. The button layout is simple and intuitive, allowing for easy operation with gloved hands. The included hand lanyard adds to its portability and ease of use.

It’s user-friendly with virtually no learning curve. The design prioritizes simplicity and functionality over premium materials or advanced features. The call is ready to use right out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

With reasonable care, the HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey should last for several seasons of moderate use. The plastic housing is durable enough to withstand typical hunting conditions.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily consisting of wiping the unit clean after each use. The battery compartment is easily accessible for replacing batteries. No special tools or procedures are required for maintenance or repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey comes with a hand lanyard and requires four AAA batteries for operation. No customization options are available as the call sounds are pre-loaded.

It is not designed for compatibility with aftermarket accessories. The pre-loaded calls and fixed design limit its customizability, but simplifies use.

Pros and Cons of HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey

Pros

  • Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry and use in the field.
  • Six Pre-loaded Calls: Offers a variety of essential turkey calls.
  • Easy to Use: Simple button layout and intuitive operation.
  • Affordable Price: Excellent value for beginner hunters.
  • On/Off Switch: Preserves battery life when not in use.

Cons

  • Limited Sound Projection: Not ideal for calling distant gobblers in windy conditions.
  • Artificial Sound Quality: Some calls, particularly the gobble, lack realism.
  • Plastic Construction: Doesn’t have the premium feel of higher-end calls.


Who Should Buy HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey?

The HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey is perfect for beginner turkey hunters, youth hunters, or experienced hunters seeking a lightweight and convenient backup call. It is also a good option for hunters on a budget.

This product is not recommended for serious turkey hunters who demand the highest level of realism and sound projection. Experienced hunters looking for advanced features and customization options should consider higher-end electronic calls.

Consider purchasing extra AAA batteries for extended hunts. A camouflage carrying case would further protect the call during transport.

Conclusion on HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey

The HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey is a decent entry-level electronic turkey call that offers convenience and affordability. While it lacks the realism and power of more expensive options, it provides a solid foundation for beginner hunters to learn basic calling techniques.

The price is justified for its functionality and ease of use. This is a good option for hunters that want a no-nonsense turkey call.

I would recommend it to novice hunters and those seeking a backup electronic call for specific hunting situations. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to get started turkey hunting, the HME Products Six Shooter Game Call-Turkey is worth considering. Give it a try and see if it brings that big tom strutting your way this season!

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