Hunters Specialties HS Review

First Thoughts on the Hunters Specialties HS

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-PBTY HS Strut Push Button Yelper Call is a compact and affordable turkey call designed to produce realistic turkey sounds. Manufactured by Hunters Specialties, a trusted name in hunting gear, this call aims to simplify the art of turkey calling for both beginners and experienced hunters alike. The combination of slate and wood striking surfaces promises versatility in tone, while the push-button mechanism aims to deliver ease of use and consistent sound production.

I’ve been chasing gobblers for over a decade, and I’m always on the lookout for tools that can give me an edge in the field. I needed a super compact and user-friendly call that I could easily operate with one hand, leaving the other free to hold my shotgun or binoculars, and not be so expensive that I would worry about banging it around in the woods. This call seemed like a good candidate.

Upon unboxing the Hunters Specialties HS, I was immediately struck by its small size and lightweight construction. The injected molded body feels sturdy enough, and the slate and wood surfaces appear well-integrated. Compared to my custom-made pot calls that cost significantly more, this one definitely feels more utilitarian, but that’s expected at this price point. Compared to a diaphragm call, it’s worlds easier to get the hang of, at least initially.

I considered other push-button calls, but the Hunters Specialties HS stood out because of its combination of slate and wood surfaces, promising a wider range of sounds. Some other push-button calls only utilize one type of striking surface. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; while it lacks the premium feel of higher-end calls, its compact design and potential versatility intrigued me.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties HS to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Hunters Specialties HS in my backyard, mimicking scenarios I’d encounter in the spring woods. The call was easy to hold and operate with one hand. Initially, it took some practice to find the sweet spot on both the slate and wood surfaces to produce realistic yelps, clucks, and purrs.

The call performed adequately in dry conditions, producing crisp, clean sounds. However, during a light drizzle, the slate surface became slightly slick, requiring more pressure to generate consistent tones. After some practice, I was able to modify my technique to compensate for the moisture.

The ease of use was a definite plus. I quickly learned to produce basic turkey sounds. There weren’t any immediate issues other than getting the pressure right, but getting a good, convincing sound took some practice to find the sweet spots on both surfaces.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Hunters Specialties HS has held up surprisingly well, considering its price point. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the injected molded body or the striking surfaces. The plunger still operates smoothly without sticking.

Maintenance is simple; I just wipe the surfaces clean with a dry cloth after each use and occasionally roughen them up with sandpaper to maintain optimal sound quality. Compared to my more expensive pot calls, which require more delicate handling, this call is much more forgiving. It’s out performed some lower priced calls but is not in the same league as higher end custom calls.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties HS

Specifications

• Product Name: Hunters Specialties HS-STR-PBTY HS Strut Push Button Yelper Call. This call is compact and designed for ease of use.
• Manufacturer: Hunters Specialties. They are a well-known company in the hunting industry.
• Striking Surfaces: Injected Molded with Slate & Wood. This combination provides a range of tonal options.
• Mechanism: Push Button Yelper. This allows for easy, one-handed operation.
• Price: $9.99. It is a very affordable option for beginner or experienced turkey hunters.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s performance, versatility, and ease of use in the field. The combination of slate and wood allows for a wider range of turkey vocalizations, while the push-button mechanism simplifies the calling process, particularly for beginners. The low price makes it an accessible option for hunters on a budget.

Performance & Functionality

The Hunters Specialties HS performs its intended job reasonably well, producing a variety of turkey sounds with practice. The accuracy of the sounds depends heavily on the user’s technique and the condition of the striking surfaces. It offers fair reliability and usability for its price point.

Its strengths lie in its simplicity and affordability. Its weaknesses include the need for practice to achieve realistic sounds, and the potential for inconsistent performance in wet conditions. It meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly turkey call, but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate, given the price. The injected molded body feels durable enough, and the size is comfortable to hold in one hand.

The design is user-friendly, with a simple push-button mechanism that requires minimal learning curve. However, achieving consistently realistic sounds requires practice and fine-tuning.

Durability & Maintenance

The call is expected to last for several seasons with proper care. Regular cleaning and occasional roughening of the striking surfaces are necessary to maintain optimal performance.

The simplicity of the design makes it easy to maintain and repair. Replacement parts are not readily available, but the low cost makes replacement more practical than repair in most cases.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunters Specialties HS comes with no additional accessories. There are limited customization options available for this call, as it is a basic, entry-level product.

It is not designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. Any modifications would likely require significant alterations and may compromise the call’s performance or durability.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties HS

Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties HS?

Perfect for: Beginner turkey hunters, hunters on a budget, or those looking for a simple and compact backup call. This product benefits hunters wanting an inexpensive and easy-to-use call.

Who should skip this product? Experienced turkey hunters who demand premium sound quality and performance from their calls should look at more expensive options.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A small piece of sandpaper for roughening the striking surfaces and a lanyard for easy carrying.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties HS

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-PBTY HS Strut Push Button Yelper Call is a decent, entry-level turkey call that offers good value for its low price. It’s easy to use, compact, and versatile enough to produce a range of basic turkey sounds.

The value proposition is strong, considering its affordability and ease of use. While it may not offer the same level of sound quality and performance as higher-end calls, it is a suitable option for beginners or those on a budget.

I would personally recommend it as a starting point for new turkey hunters or as a backup call for more experienced hunters. If you’re looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly way to get into turkey calling, the Hunters Specialties HS is worth considering. Give it a shot and start practicing your yelps!