Let’s Talk About Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator is a deceptively simple tool, yet it holds immense value for turkey hunters and anyone looking to add a unique element to their predator calling strategy. This call, developed in collaboration with the Drury Outdoors team and manufactured by Hunters Specialties, aims to realistically mimic the sound of a crow, provoking shock gobbles from nearby turkeys and attracting the attention of predators.
I was looking for a more versatile call option beyond my usual slate and box calls. Having experienced stubborn turkeys that wouldn’t respond to hen calls, I wanted something that could trigger a different reaction. The promise of a realistic crow sound and the Drury Outdoors endorsement piqued my interest, leading me to choose this particular locator call.
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator arrived in simple packaging, highlighting the no-frills nature of the product. Upon opening it, I immediately noticed the natural wood construction, giving it a classic and durable feel. It’s lightweight and fits comfortably in the hand, a definite plus for extended use in the field.
I considered a few other crow calls on the market, primarily those with plastic or acrylic barrels. However, I opted for the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator because of its wooden construction and the purported realism of the sound it produces. This seemed like a more authentic and effective option compared to the more synthetic-sounding alternatives.
My first impression was positive; the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator felt solid and well-made. The wooden construction gave it a certain warmth and authenticity that I appreciated, and I was eager to put it to the test in the field to see if its performance matched its appearance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator was in the oak ridges of southern Missouri during spring turkey season. I primarily used it before sunrise and between calling sequences to locate roosting birds. The call cut through the still morning air, producing a series of loud, raspy caws.
The call performed remarkably well even in slightly damp conditions. The wooden construction didn’t seem to be significantly affected by the moisture, and the sound remained consistent. The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator was easy to use right out of the box, requiring minimal practice to produce convincing crow calls.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slight learning curve in controlling the volume and tone. Initially, my calls were a bit too shrill, but after a few minutes of experimentation, I was able to produce a more natural and varied crow sound. No other significant surprises were encountered during the first outing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. The wooden barrel has held up well to the rigors of hunting, showing no signs of cracking or warping. The call continues to produce consistent and realistic crow sounds, even after prolonged use.
There’s been minimal wear and tear on the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator. A few scuff marks are visible on the wooden barrel, but this is purely cosmetic. Cleaning the call is simple; I usually just wipe it down with a damp cloth after use.
Compared to previous locator calls I’ve used, the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator outperforms them in both sound quality and durability. The wooden construction creates a richer, more realistic sound than plastic calls, and it feels significantly more robust than cheaper alternatives. It has definitely earned its place in my turkey hunting arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator
Specifications
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator boasts a simple yet effective design, utilizing the following specifications:
- Material: The barrel is constructed from Wood, providing a natural and authentic sound.
- Intended Species: Primarily designed for Crow and Wild Turkey hunting.
- Color: The call features a natural Brown wood finish.
- Reed: Utilizes a .014 Mylar reed for consistent sound production.
- Band/Strap Color: Comes with a Brown band/strap, though the product description does not specify if there is one.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the sound quality, durability, and overall effectiveness of the call. The wooden construction, for example, contributes to the realistic tone, while the Mylar reed ensures consistent performance. The wood also makes for a more robust and longer-lasting call.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator excels at its intended purpose: locating turkeys and attracting predators. The call produces a loud, raspy caw that carries well across long distances, provoking shock gobbles from nearby turkeys.
The strength of the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator lies in its ability to elicit responses from otherwise silent birds. The main weakness is its learning curve to manipulate the tone. Overall, it performs exceptionally well, exceeding my expectations for a relatively simple and inexpensive call.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator features a straightforward and ergonomic design. The wood barrel is comfortable to hold and easy to manipulate. The call is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in a vest pocket or lanyard.
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator is incredibly user-friendly, requiring minimal practice to produce convincing crow calls. The design is intuitive and efficient, allowing hunters of all skill levels to effectively utilize the call.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator is built to last, thanks to its durable wooden construction. With proper care, this call should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe the call down with a damp cloth after use to remove any dirt or debris. The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator is designed to withstand the rigors of hunting, making it a dependable tool for any outdoorsman.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator is a standalone product with limited customization options. The call comes ready to use out of the box, and no specific accessories are included beyond the call itself.
While there are no official Hunters Specialties accessories, the call can be paired with a lanyard for easy carrying. Due to its design, it’s unlikely that modifications are necessary or easily implemented.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator
Pros
- Realistic Sound: The wooden construction produces a very realistic crow sound that effectively triggers shock gobbles.
- Durable Build: The wood barrel is robust and built to withstand the rigors of hunting.
- Easy to Use: Minimal practice is required to produce convincing crow calls, making it suitable for all skill levels.
- Lightweight & Compact: The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator is easy to carry in a vest pocket or on a lanyard.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for money, providing high-quality performance at a reasonable cost.
Cons
- Limited Customization: Few options for personalizing or modifying the call.
- Moisture Sensitivity: Although performs well in dampness, excessive moisture could affect the wooden barrel over time (but has not happened so far).
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator?
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator is perfect for turkey hunters looking to add a new dimension to their calling strategy. This call is also suited for predator hunters. Also it is great for bird watchers wanting to attract local wildlife.
Beginner turkey hunters unsure about using more complex calls may want to start with a simpler friction call. Those requiring highly customizable calls might find the lack of accessories and modifications a drawback. However, the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator is an exceptional value.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator
The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator is a simple yet effective tool that delivers on its promise of realistic crow sounds and reliable performance. At a price of $17.99, the value proposition is outstanding.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Crow Locator to anyone looking for an affordable and effective locator call. It is a valuable tool for turkey hunters of all skill levels, and a great addition to any hunting arsenal. Pick one up and get ready to hear those shock gobbles!