Let’s Talk About Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call promises to be a turkey hunter’s best friend. Designed in collaboration with the Drury Outdoors team, this call aims to deliver realistic and irresistible turkey sounds. It’s crafted with a select American Walnut Body and a Purple Heart lid/paddle, offering both visual appeal and distinct sound characteristics.
I’ve been chasing longbeards for over a decade and I was looking for a reliable box call that could produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations. I needed a call that could cut through the wind and reach distant birds, but also be subtle enough to coax in a wary tom at close range. I was intrigued by the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call because of its unique wood combination and the reputation of the Drury Outdoors team.
Upon unboxing, the call felt solid and well-made. The contrasting colors of the walnut and Purple Heart wood were striking, and the fit and finish were excellent. Compared to my older slate call and a diaphragm call, the box call felt immediately more intuitive and powerful, promising to fill the sound void I was seeking. I passed on a similar maple box call because I’ve had success with walnut bodied calls in the past, as well as its lower price.
My first impression was excitement and a touch of skepticism. I was excited by the potential of the call, but also wary of whether it could live up to the hype. Could it really deliver the realistic and versatile sounds I needed to consistently call in gobblers?
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call into the Missouri Ozarks during the spring turkey season. I tested it in various terrains, from open fields to dense forests, and in both dry and slightly damp conditions. The call performed exceptionally well, producing clear and consistent sounds even when my hands were a bit sweaty from the spring heat.
The call was easy to use right out of the box. A few practice strokes were all it took to get the hang of the different sounds. On my first sit, I used it to create some soft yelps and clucks and was rewarded with a distant gobble, which turned into a bird right in my lap!
No real issues arose during the initial use, but I noticed that the Purple Heart lid/paddle seemed a bit more sensitive to moisture compared to my other box calls with cedar paddles.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call continued to perform reliably. It held up well to being carried in my vest pocket and showed minimal signs of wear and tear. The finish remained intact, and the sound quality didn’t degrade.
Cleaning the call was simple. I just used a soft cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris. I did lightly chalk the Purple Heart paddle now and then, but that was personal preference. Comparing it to a cheaper box call I used years ago, the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call is a clear winner in terms of durability and sound consistency. It’s a higher quality tool that I expect will last for years.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Hunters Specialties.
- Color: Brown.
- Species: Wild Turkey.
- Band/Strap Color: Brown.
- Body Material: Select American Walnut.
- Lid/Paddle Material: Purple Heart.
The select American Walnut Body provides a deep, rich tone, while the Purple Heart lid/paddle adds crispness and volume. The hand-tuned nature of the call ensures optimal sound quality right out of the box. The chosen materials and tuning contribute directly to the call’s ability to produce realistic and effective turkey vocalizations.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call excels at producing a wide range of turkey sounds. From soft yelps and clucks to aggressive cuts and gobbles, this call can do it all. It’s relatively simple to learn how to create various sounds with this call, even for someone who is new to using box calls.
Its strength lies in its versatility and ease of use. The call is not perfect, though. The Purple Heart paddle can be a bit finicky in very wet conditions, but this is minor. Overall, it exceeds my expectations for a mid-priced box call.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call features a comfortable and ergonomic design. The walnut body fits nicely in the hand, and the Purple Heart paddle provides a good gripping surface. The call feels well-balanced and weighs just enough to feel substantial without being cumbersome.
The design is user-friendly, even for beginners. The call is intuitive to use, and with a little practice, anyone can produce realistic turkey sounds. The deep cavity with narrow bottom and thin side boards are designed for that high end on the front that drops into a nice rasp and back end.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call is built to last. The walnut body and Purple Heart paddle are durable and resistant to wear and tear. With proper care, this call should last for many seasons.
Maintenance is simple. Just keep the call clean and dry, and apply chalk to the paddle as needed. No special tools or skills are required for upkeep.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with standard chalks designed for friction calls. While there are no specific customization options, the call’s design allows for experimentation with different striking techniques to produce unique sounds.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call
Pros
- Versatile Sound Production: Capable of producing a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations.
- Easy to Use: Simple and intuitive design, even for beginners.
- Durable Construction: Made with quality materials for long-lasting performance.
- Select American Walnut Body offers a rich, deep tone.
- Purple Heart lid/paddle adds crispness and volume.
Cons
- Paddle can be finicky in wet conditions.
- No included accessories.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call?
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels. It’s a great choice for beginners looking for an easy-to-use and effective call, as well as experienced hunters who want a versatile and reliable addition to their arsenal. Hunters who enjoy the classic sound and feel of a box call will appreciate this model.
Those who prefer diaphragm calls or require a call that performs flawlessly in extremely wet conditions might want to consider other options. This call is best suited for hunters who appreciate the nuances of different wood combinations and enjoy experimenting with calling techniques.
Must-have accessories include high-quality call chalk and a carrying case or pouch to protect the call during transport.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call is a well-made and versatile turkey call that offers excellent value for its price. The combination of select American Walnut and Purple Heart creates a unique and effective sound, and the hand-tuned design ensures optimal performance. While not flawless, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
The price is certainly justified by the quality of materials and the performance of the call. It’s a great investment for any serious turkey hunter.
I would definitely recommend the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Box Call to anyone looking for a reliable and effective turkey call. It’s a tool that will help you put more gobblers in the freezer. Pick one up and get out in the woods, you won’t regret it!