The Hunters Specialties Butski Long Stroker Box Call Wild Turkey High Pitched Rasp Brown Walnut/Purple Heart Hand Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Hunters Specialties Butski Long Stroker Box Call Wild Turkey High Pitched Rasp Brown Walnut/Purple Heart Hand Call isn’t just another call; it’s a finely crafted instrument designed to extend your reach and enhance your turkey hunting game. This long boat paddle style box call, designed by the legendary Paul Butski, promised to redefine long-distance calling while still being effective for close-in work. I was intrigued by the promise of that high-pitched rasp and the exotic wood combination.
For years, I’ve relied on diaphragm calls, but have often found myself needing something that could cut through the wind on those wide-open fields. I wanted something with more volume and carrying power to reach those distant gobblers, without sacrificing the subtle nuances needed to seal the deal at close range. The Butski Long Stroker, with its design promising both long reach and close-in finesse, seemed like the perfect solution.
Opening the package, I was immediately struck by the call’s length and the beauty of the walnut and Purple Heart wood. The fit and finish were impressive, and the weight felt substantial but manageable, hinting at the quality of materials used. Holding it in my hand, it felt like a tool built for a specific purpose, not just a mass-produced trinket.
I’ve used other box calls, including a slate-over-glass pot call with a striker and a smaller, more compact box call. The Butski Long Stroker stood out due to its unique paddle design and the promise of a high-pitched, raspy sound, which I hoped would differentiate my calls from the typical hen sounds. I chose this call specifically because I trusted the Hunters Specialties name and the reputation of Paul Butski, believing their combined expertise would deliver a top-tier product.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of anticipation. I couldn’t wait to get this call into the woods and see if it lived up to the hype. The craftsmanship was evident, and the design seemed well-thought-out, but the real test would be how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Butski Long Stroker Box Call Wild Turkey High Pitched Rasp Brown Walnut/Purple Heart Hand Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Butski Long Stroker was a sprawling private farm in southern Missouri, known for its challenging terrain and wary birds. I primarily hunted the edges of large fields, using the call to locate gobblers across open ground and then moving into the timber for a closer setup. The weather was typical for spring turkey season: cool mornings with a slight breeze, transitioning to warmer afternoons.
The call performed admirably in the varied conditions. Its volume carried exceptionally well in the open fields, easily cutting through the wind to reach distant birds. Even when damp from morning dew, the Purple Heart lid maintained a consistent sound, and the long stroke made it easy to produce both loud, aggressive calls and soft, seductive clucks.
It did take some practice to master the long stroke and consistently produce the desired sounds. Initially, I found myself over-stroking and creating harsh, unnatural noises. However, after about an hour of dedicated practice, I was able to consistently create realistic yelps, cuts, and purrs.
The biggest surprise was how effective the call was at close range. Despite its long design, I was able to produce soft, subtle calls that didn’t spook birds that were already close. This versatility was a significant advantage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Butski Long Stroker has become an indispensable part of my turkey hunting arsenal. It has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The walnut box and Purple Heart lid have retained their rich color and smooth finish, despite being subjected to rain, mud, and accidental bumps.
I’ve noticed only slight wear on the contact surfaces between the lid and the box, which is normal for any box call. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and occasional re-chalking of the lid have kept the call sounding its best. The Butski Long Stroker is relatively easy to maintain.
Compared to my previous experiences with other calls, the Butski Long Stroker outperforms them in terms of both range and versatility. Its ability to produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds, from loud locator calls to soft finishing purrs, has significantly improved my success rate. It has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Butski Long Stroker Box Call Wild Turkey High Pitched Rasp Brown Walnut/Purple Heart Hand Call
Specifications
- The Hunters Specialties Butski Long Stroker Box Call Wild Turkey High Pitched Rasp Brown Walnut/Purple Heart Hand Call features a long boat paddle style design. This design maximizes sound projection and allows for a greater range of tones.
- The box is constructed of select American walnut, known for its density and tonal qualities. Walnut provides a rich, resonant sound.
- The lid is made of exotic Purple Heart wood, adding a unique aesthetic and contributing to the call’s high-pitched rasp. The Purple Heart wood’s density creates that desired rasp.
- The call is designed to produce a high-pitched rasp, which is particularly effective for cutting through wind and attracting turkeys from long distances. The rasp is key for locating those birds.
- The call is designed by renowned turkey hunting expert and Champion turkey calling guru Paul Butski. This ensures the call is designed with the expertise of a top hunter and caller.
These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the call’s performance and the overall user experience. The long design and high-quality materials maximize sound projection and create a realistic, attractive turkey sound. Paul Butski’s design guarantees that the call is optimized for effectiveness in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Butski Long Stroker Box Call Wild Turkey High Pitched Rasp Brown Walnut/Purple Heart Hand Call excels at its primary job: attracting turkeys. Its ability to produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds, from loud yelps and cuts to soft purrs and clucks, makes it a versatile tool for any turkey hunter. It functions extremely well in the field.
The call’s strengths lie in its long-range projection, realistic sound, and ease of use, once mastered. A minor weakness is the initial learning curve required to consistently produce the desired sounds. However, with practice, this call becomes a powerful asset.
The Butski Long Stroker meets and, in many ways, exceeds expectations. Its performance in the field has been consistently impressive. The range and realism of the calls produced are truly impressive.
Design & Ergonomics
The Butski Long Stroker boasts excellent build quality, with high-quality materials and precise craftsmanship. The walnut box feels solid and durable, while the Purple Heart lid provides a comfortable grip. The call has a substantial weight that is not cumbersome.
The call is relatively user-friendly, though it does require some practice to master. Once the proper stroke and technique are learned, the call is easy to use and control. The learning curve is well worth the time.
Durability & Maintenance
The Butski Long Stroker is built to last, with durable materials and solid construction. With proper care, this call should provide years of reliable service. The durability is excellent.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and chalking of the lid. The call is easy to maintain and repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Butski Long Stroker Box Call Wild Turkey High Pitched Rasp Brown Walnut/Purple Heart Hand Call does not come with any additional accessories, but its design is self-contained and doesn’t require any specific additions. While there are no explicit customization options offered by Hunters Specialties, one could potentially sand or file the Purple Heart paddle for slight alterations to tone.
The call is compatible with standard box call maintenance products, such as chalk and cleaning cloths, from various brands. No specific compatibility is needed beyond basic cleaning and maintenance.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Butski Long Stroker Box Call Wild Turkey High Pitched Rasp Brown Walnut/Purple Heart Hand Call
Pros
- Exceptional Long-Range Projection: The long design allows for loud, clear calls that can reach distant gobblers, making it perfect for hunting open areas.
- Versatile Sound Production: Capable of producing a wide range of realistic turkey sounds, from loud yelps and cuts to soft purrs and clucks.
- High-Quality Materials & Construction: The walnut box and Purple Heart lid are durable and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Designed by a Turkey Calling Expert: Paul Butski’s design ensures that the call is optimized for effectiveness in the field, providing confidence to the user.
- High Pitched Rasp Perfect For Cutting Through Wind: The high pitch combined with a nice rasp are ideal for windy days.
Cons
- Initial Learning Curve: Requires some practice to master the long stroke and consistently produce the desired sounds, which may be frustrating for beginners.
- Larger Size: The longer design may be less convenient to carry in a vest or pocket compared to smaller box calls.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Butski Long Stroker Box Call Wild Turkey High Pitched Rasp Brown Walnut/Purple Heart Hand Call?
This call is perfect for experienced turkey hunters who hunt in open areas or encounter wary birds that require long-distance calling. It’s also ideal for hunters who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship and are willing to invest the time to master a versatile and effective call. Hunters needing volume and rasp will greatly benefit.
Hunters who are new to turkey hunting or prefer a more compact and beginner-friendly call might want to skip this product. Someone wanting an out-of-the-box solution with no learning curve might want a simpler push-button call.
A small piece of sandpaper to freshen the paddle after extended use is a must-have accessory. Keeping the paddle and box clean will help keep the Butski Long Stroker calling loud and clear for years to come.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Butski Long Stroker Box Call Wild Turkey High Pitched Rasp Brown Walnut/Purple Heart Hand Call
The Hunters Specialties Butski Long Stroker Box Call Wild Turkey High Pitched Rasp Brown Walnut/Purple Heart Hand Call is a premium turkey call that delivers exceptional performance in the field. Its long-range projection, versatile sound production, and high-quality construction make it a valuable asset for any serious turkey hunter. With a little practice, this call can help you bring in even the most stubborn gobblers.
At $30.99, the price is justified by the call’s quality, performance, and the expertise of Paul Butski’s design. This is a worthwhile investment.
I would definitely recommend the Butski Long Stroker to any experienced turkey hunter looking to extend their reach and improve their calling game. Grab one today and experience the difference a quality call can make this season!