Let’s Talk About Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call
The Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call isn’t just another piece of gear hanging on the sporting goods shelf. It’s a meticulously crafted tool designed to elicit a specific, and often explosive, reaction from wild turkeys. Hunters Specialties, a name synonymous with quality hunting accessories, aims to deliver a realistic crow sound that can shock even the most call-shy gobblers into revealing their location.
I’ve spent countless hours in the field, trying various tactics to locate turkeys, and the need for a reliable crow call became increasingly evident. Many commercially available calls sounded tinny or artificial, failing to produce the desired response from pressured birds. The hope with the Loco Crow Call was to find a compact, durable, and convincingly realistic crow call that could become an indispensable part of my turkey hunting arsenal.
Upon unboxing, the Loco Crow Call presented a unique appearance. Its engineered wood construction, pressure treated and sealed, promised weather resistance and a custom feel due to the unique grain pattern of each call. The weight felt substantial enough to suggest quality, but light enough to remain comfortable during extended use.
I’ve used diaphragm calls, box calls, and even electronic calls, but settled on the Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call for its simplicity, durability, and potential for producing realistic sounds. Compared to other crow calls, the Loco Crow Call boasts a unique construction and a distinct, ergonomic design. Its promise of a custom feel was particularly appealing.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The call felt good in hand, and the construction appeared solid. I was eager to get into the field and see if the Loco Crow Call could live up to its promise of producing realistic crow sounds and eliciting a response from wary toms.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call took place during a spring turkey season in the Appalachian foothills. I positioned myself near a known roosting area at dawn, hoping to shock a gobbler into betraying its location.
The early morning air was crisp, with a light mist hanging in the valleys. Despite the dampness, the Loco Crow Call performed admirably. The sound carried well, and I managed to produce a series of loud, raspy caws that echoed through the timber.
Initially, I struggled slightly with the call’s air pressure requirements, needing a few minutes to find the sweet spot that produced the most realistic sounds. No gobblers responded on that first morning, but I did manage to attract the attention of a few actual crows, confirming the call’s ability to mimic their vocalizations.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the spring turkey season, the Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of equipment. It has withstood numerous bumps and scrapes without showing any significant signs of wear and tear.
Despite exposure to rain, mud, and even a brief accidental dunk in a creek, the Loco Crow Call has continued to function flawlessly. The pressure-treated wood seems to be doing an excellent job of repelling moisture and preventing warping or cracking. Cleaning has been simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.
In comparison to other crow calls I’ve used in the past, the Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call offers a more consistent and realistic sound, as well as significantly better durability. Some of my previous calls have become waterlogged or cracked after only a few outings, but this one appears to be built to last.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call
Specifications
The Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call is crafted from engineered wood that has been pressure treated, turned, and sealed for optimal weather protection. Each call features a unique wood grain pattern, offering a custom aesthetic. It is finished in a Green Mountain Camo pattern.
- Material: Wood – The wooden construction provides a natural resonance for realistic sound.
- Color: Green Mountain Camo – The camouflage finish aids in concealment in the field.
- Manufacturer: Hunters Specialties – Guarantees quality and expertise in hunting accessories.
These specifications are vital to the Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call‘s effectiveness. The wood construction enhances sound quality, while the weather treatment ensures durability, leading to a reliable and convincing calling experience.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call is to produce realistic crow sounds that will shock gobblers into revealing their location. In this respect, the call performs admirably.
- Strengths: Realistic sound production, durable construction, ergonomic design.
- Weaknesses: Requires some practice to master air pressure, can be slightly loud in close quarters.
The Loco Crow Call largely meets expectations, providing consistent performance and durable construction at an accessible price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call features an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand, even during extended use. The unique wood grain pattern and Green Mountain Camo finish also add to its aesthetic appeal.
The wooden construction provides a solid feel without being excessively heavy, and the ergonomic shape makes it easy to grip and control. Some users may require a short learning curve to master the air pressure needed for optimal sound production, but overall, the design is user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The pressure-treated wood construction of the Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call suggests that it is built to last for many seasons. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth should be sufficient to maintain its performance.
Given its solid construction and weather-resistant finish, the Loco Crow Call should provide years of reliable service with minimal maintenance. Hunters can expect this call to withstand the rigors of the field.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited due to its wooden construction.
While there are no readily available accessories or customization options specifically designed for the Loco Crow Call, users could potentially add a lanyard for convenient carry. Its compatibility with accessories from other brands is nonexistent, but this isn’t a significant drawback for a call of this type.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call
Pros
- Realistic crow sounds effectively shock gobblers.
- Durable pressure-treated wood construction ensures long-lasting use.
- Ergonomic design provides comfortable handling.
- Unique wood grain pattern offers a custom feel.
- Affordable price makes it accessible to hunters of all budgets.
Cons
- Requires practice to master air pressure for optimal sound.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call?
The Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call is perfect for turkey hunters who rely on locator calls to pinpoint gobblers in the field. It is also suitable for predator hunters looking to attract coyotes or foxes.
Hunters who prefer electronic calls or those unwilling to practice with a mouth-blown call may want to skip this product. Beginners who are unwilling to put in practice time should also look for a simpler option.
A lanyard for convenient carry is a must-have accessory. While there aren’t any specific modifications required, experimenting with different calling techniques is always recommended.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call
The Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call is a well-designed and durable tool that delivers on its promise of producing realistic crow sounds. While it may require some practice to master, its effectiveness in shocking gobblers into revealing their location makes it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal.
At a price of $12.07, the Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call offers excellent value for money. Its durable construction and realistic sound production justify the price point.
I would personally recommend the Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable and effective locator call. It’s a well-built, affordable, and convincingly realistic crow call that can significantly increase your chances of locating gobblers in the field. So, grab a Hunters Specialties Loco Crow Call, head to the woods, and get ready to shock some gobblers!