The Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex Made a Bold First Impression
The Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex isn’t just another diaphragm call; it promises to be a bobcat whisperer. This call is designed with a special cat-ear cut, aiming to perfectly mimic those alluring and desperate sounds that draw bobcats in close. I was eager to see if this little piece of latex could truly live up to the hype and help me outsmart some of the most elusive predators in my area.
My usual haunts have become frustratingly quiet lately, bobcat-wise. The local population seems to have wised up to my old calling tactics, so I needed something new, something different, something that could cut through their learned skepticism. The Hunters Specialties‘ reputation for quality and the Ditch Tiger’s specific design piqued my interest, promising a realistic and irresistible allure.
Upon receiving the call, I immediately noticed the quality of the latex. It felt supple and resilient, indicating a well-made product. The red color is a nice touch, making it easy to spot in my kit.
Compared to my older diaphragm calls, which primarily focus on coyote and deer sounds, the Ditch Tiger felt specialized. I also considered Primos’ cat calls, but the Hunters Specialties‘ reputation and the unique “cat ears” cut swayed my decision. My initial impression was excitement tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Would this call be the game-changer I was hoping for, or would it end up gathering dust with the rest of my unused gear? Only time and a real-world test would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex was on a crisp morning in the high desert. The air was still and the sun was just beginning to crest the horizon. I set up on a rocky outcrop overlooking a known bobcat travel corridor.
The call took a little practice to master. I found that slight variations in tongue and air pressure produced distinctly different sounds. After about 15 minutes of practice, I was able to consistently produce convincing kitten-in-distress and bobcat-in-heat vocalizations.
Within about 30 minutes of calling, I spotted movement in the brush below. A mature bobcat, ears perked and eyes locked on my position, cautiously approached. The cat came within 75 yards before my scent gave me away.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex, I’ve become quite proficient with it. The call continues to produce consistent and realistic sounds. The latex has held up surprisingly well, showing no signs of cracking or tearing.
Cleaning is simple: a quick rinse with warm water and air dry is all it takes. It outperforms my previous, cheaper diaphragm calls in terms of sound quality and durability. It is a welcome change from constantly replacing worn-out reeds.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex
Specifications
- This is a 2-reed diaphragm call designed specifically for attracting bobcats. The special “cat ears” cut is the key to its unique sound production.
- The call is built on the Premium Flex frame. This ensures consistent stretch and sound quality from call to call.
- It uses durable Infinity Latex. This provides high-quality sounds throughout the entire hunting season.
- The sounds produced include bobcat-in-heat vocalizations. These are highly effective for attracting males and females during breeding season.
- It also mimics meows and kitten-in-distress calls. These sounds appeal to the maternal instincts of females and the predatory instincts of males.
These specifications matter because they contribute to the call’s realism, consistency, and longevity. The Premium Flex frame and Infinity Latex ensures that the call will continue to perform well over time, giving hunters value for their money.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex excels at its intended purpose: attracting bobcats. The realistic sounds it produces are highly effective.
It requires some practice to master, but the results are worth the effort. The call meets and even exceeds my expectations for a diaphragm predator call.
Design & Ergonomics
The diaphragm is designed for comfort and ease of use. Its light weight makes it easy to carry and use for extended periods. The Premium Flex frame is flexible and conforms well to the roof of the mouth.
There is a slight learning curve, but most experienced diaphragm call users will adapt quickly. Beginners may require some online tutorials or practice before achieving optimal sound production.
Durability & Maintenance
The Infinity Latex construction ensures that the call will last through an entire hunting season, and potentially longer with proper care. The call is easy to clean with water and should be stored in a cool, dry place. This is an excellent investment for serious predator hunters.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex is primarily a standalone product. No specific accessories come with it, but you can pair it with other predator calls for a more diverse sound profile. There are no customization options for this product.
It is best paired with howler calls for coyotes and canine distress calls. This creates a more dynamic calling sequence.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex
Pros
- Highly realistic bobcat sounds. The cat ears cut is very effective.
- Durable Infinity Latex construction. The call lasts throughout the season.
- Premium Flex frame. This ensures consistent sound quality.
- Relatively inexpensive. The call is a good value for its performance.
- Easy to clean. The call is simple to maintain.
Cons
- Requires practice to master. Beginners might find it challenging.
- Limited to bobcat sounds. It cannot be used for other predators.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex?
The Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex is perfect for hunters specifically targeting bobcats. It’s also ideal for predator hunters looking to expand their calling repertoire. Experienced diaphragm call users will find it easy to adapt to this call.
Hunters primarily targeting other predators, like coyotes, might want to skip this product. They would be better served with a more versatile call. A lanyard or call holder would be useful for keeping the call readily available.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex
The Hunters Specialties HSJSDIA8 Ditch Tiger Diaphragm Call Red Latex is a specialized tool that delivers exceptional results. Its realistic bobcat sounds and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment. The price is definitely justified by the call’s performance and longevity.
I would personally recommend this call to any serious bobcat hunter. It’s a game-changer. If you are looking to increase your success rate in the field, add the Ditch Tiger to your kit and prepare to be amazed!