Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 Review

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 Made a Bold First Impression

Turkey hunting, for me, is more than just a sport; it’s an art form passed down through generations. It’s about understanding the language of the woods, mimicking the calls of the wild, and respecting the ancient ritual between hunter and prey. When my grandfather gifted me his worn-out box call, I knew I had big shoes to fill. The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 promised to be a worthy successor.

My old call, affectionately named “Clucky,” had seen better days, its sound muffled and its wood chipped. So, I began the search for a replacement that wouldn’t break the bank but could still deliver authentic raspy hen sounds. The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179, with its CNC machined cherry wood body and maple lid, seemed like the perfect blend of tradition and modern precision at an affordable price of $13.49.

The arrival of the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 was met with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. Compared to my grandfather’s hand-carved call, this one felt decidedly more…manufactured. Still, the cherry wood was beautiful, the maple lid fitted snugly, and the overall feel was solid.

Before settling on the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179, I considered a slate call from Primos and a diaphragm call from Quaker Boy. The slate call offered versatility, but I missed the unique tone of a box call. The diaphragm call, while compact, required a level of skill I hadn’t yet mastered. Ultimately, the simplicity and potential for realistic hen sounds won me over, as well as the low price.

My initial excitement stemmed from the call’s promise of consistent tones and ease of use. I hoped it would be a reliable tool to mimic the subtle nuances of a raspy old hen. I held the striker, took a deep breath, and prepared to unleash my inner turkey. It was time to see if this call was all talk, or if it could really “talk turkey”.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 to the Test

First Use Experience

My inaugural hunt with the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 took place in the dense hardwood forests of eastern Tennessee during the peak of the spring gobbler season. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers. The early morning mist hung low, creating an ethereal atmosphere perfect for calling in a wary tom. I set up against a towering oak, box call in hand, ready to put it through its paces.

The conditions were damp, with a light drizzle threatening to turn into a steady rain. The cherry wood body seemed to hold up well against the moisture, and the maple lid maintained good contact, even with slightly damp hands. Using the call was surprisingly easy. A few soft yelps and clucks produced a fairly convincing hen sound. I did discover however that the sweet spot for a raspy tone needed to be sought with practice.

After about thirty minutes, I got a response – a gobble echoing from the ridge. My heart pounded as I coaxed the tom closer with a series of soft purrs and seductive yelps, all produced by the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179. The call, despite its low price point, performed admirably. The tom strutted into view, and the hunt ended quickly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of hunting in various conditions, including rain, mud, and even a brief encounter with snow, the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 has proven to be surprisingly durable. There are no significant signs of wear and tear, although I’ve taken extra care to keep it dry and protected when not in use. The cherry wood has retained its color, and the maple lid still fits snugly.

Maintaining the call is simple. I periodically wipe it down with a clean cloth and apply a small amount of rosin to the maple lid to maintain consistent sound quality. It’s a far cry from the intricate cleaning and oiling required for some of my other hunting gear. I’m happy with how easy it is to keep the HS-STR-100179 performing at its best.

Compared to my grandfather’s call, the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 lacks the sentimental value and handcrafted charm. It performs better overall because of consistent manufacturing and readily available replacement. The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 is a reliable and affordable tool that has earned a permanent place in my turkey hunting arsenal.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179

Specifications

• Construction: The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 is crafted from a solid billet of select cherry wood, providing a warm, natural tone. The maple lid enhances the raspiness and produces clear, consistent calls.
• Manufacturing: This call is CNC machined, resulting in precise dimensions and consistent performance. The accuracy of the cuts affects the consistency in tone from call to call.
• Sound: The call is designed to produce natural, consistent tones that mimic the sounds of a raspy old hen. The specific sound is the primary function of this device.
• Dimensions: While the exact dimensions aren’t specified, the call is designed to be easily portable and fit comfortably in the hand. Ergonomics are important in any calling device.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s sound quality, durability, and ease of use. The CNC machined construction ensures consistent performance, while the cherry wood and maple lid contribute to the call’s authentic sound.

Performance & Functionality

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 excels at producing a variety of hen sounds, including yelps, clucks, purrs, and cuts. It allows for realistic turkey calling, which helps to attract mature Toms.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use. It is very easy to pick up and create sounds with. A weakness is its lack of versatility compared to diaphragm calls which can create a wider array of sounds.
Ultimately, it meets my expectations for an affordable and reliable box call. Its consistent tones and durable construction make it a valuable tool for any turkey hunter.

Design & Ergonomics

The cherry wood body is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides a comfortable grip. The maple lid fits snugly and is easy to manipulate, even with gloved hands. The ergonomics are well-suited for extended use in the field.
The design is straightforward and functional, making it easy to learn and master. There is little to no learning curve for experienced box call users.

Durability & Maintenance

The solid cherry wood construction and maple lid make the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 a durable call that can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. I expect it to last for many seasons with proper care.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. Occasional light sanding of the lid surface helps to keep the tone crisp.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 does not come with any additional accessories. Some users may choose to add a lanyard for easy carrying. There are no readily available customization options for this call.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179

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Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179?

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 is perfect for beginner and intermediate turkey hunters looking for an affordable and reliable box call. It is also well-suited for experienced hunters who prefer the simplicity and consistency of a box call. This would make a perfect backup call for seasoned hunters.

Hunters who rely on extreme versatility of sounds, and need advanced calling techniques or prefer hands-free operation should skip this product. Those hunters would be better served by diaphragm or electronic calls.

A must-have accessory is a small container of rosin to keep the lid surface slightly rough. Also, a lanyard or call carrier is advisable to keep it readily accessible.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 is an excellent choice for turkey hunters seeking an affordable, durable, and easy-to-use box call. Its cherry wood construction and maple lid produce realistic hen sounds that can lure even the most wary toms.

At a price of $13.49, the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 offers exceptional value for money. It’s a worthwhile investment for both novice and experienced turkey hunters.

I would definitely recommend the Hunters Specialties HS-STR-100179 to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable box call. Pick one up today and get ready to “talk turkey” like a pro!

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