The Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat Made a Bold First Impression
The Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat is a simple tool promising big results. Designed by Hunters Specialties, it aims to mimic the sound of a young doe in estrus, a key auditory signal for attracting bucks during the rut. I was intrigued to see if such a compact, affordable device could truly deliver on its promise of bringing in that trophy buck.
My hunting season last year was frustratingly silent. I saw does, young bucks, and even a coyote, but no mature bucks responded to my calls. I needed a new tactic, something to cut through the noise and pique the interest of those wary old bucks. This led me to researching various deer calls, ultimately settling on the Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat for its simplicity and focused sound profile.
The packaging is simple and straightforward. Upon opening it, I was immediately struck by the call’s small size and lightweight construction. It’s a basic plastic cylinder, but the build quality seems decent enough for the price point.
Compared to diaphragm calls, which I’ve struggled to master, the Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat promised ease of use. It seemed less intimidating than electronic calls, which can sometimes sound artificial. I specifically chose this over other can calls promising multi-sounds; I wanted a focused estrus bleat.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It felt easy to handle, and the sound produced upon my first attempt was surprisingly realistic. I was definitely eager to get out in the field and put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test took place on a crisp morning in mid-November, deep within my usual hunting grounds in the Appalachian foothills. I set up near a known deer crossing, positioned downwind of a thicket I suspected bucks were using as bedding cover. The air was still, perfect for sound to travel.
Despite the favorable conditions, I initially hesitated, unsure how much to use the call. I gave a few soft bleats every 15 minutes, trying to imitate a young doe subtly calling out. After about an hour, I heard the distinct sound of antlers raking against a tree roughly 100 yards away. Within minutes, a mature 8-point buck emerged, cautiously approaching my position.
The buck circled downwind, clearly trying to scent-check the area, but the Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat had successfully piqued his curiosity and brought him into range. The shot was clean, and the buck went down quickly. I was shocked, and quite honestly, thrilled!
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the remaining weeks of the hunting season, the Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat became a regular part of my hunting strategy. I used it in various locations and weather conditions, from dry, sunny days to light rain. It performed consistently well, attracting bucks in about half of my calling attempts.
The call shows no signs of significant wear and tear after a full season of use. The plastic is surprisingly durable, and the internal components still produce a clear, consistent sound. I store it in a small pouch in my hunting pack to protect it from the elements.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. I occasionally wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Compared to the more complex diaphragm calls I’ve used, the Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat is significantly easier to care for. It outperforms those diaphragm calls in consistency for sure.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat
Specifications
- The Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat is designed to mimic the sound of a young doe in estrus. Its higher pitch is effective during the rut.
- The call is made of durable molded plastic. This makes it lightweight and resistant to cracking.
- The dimensions are approximately 3 inches long and 1.5 inches in diameter. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or pack.
- It is a can-style call that is operated by tipping it over. This simple operation makes it easy for hunters of all skill levels to use.
- The call is designed to be effective throughout the rut. This is the period when deer are most actively seeking mates.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the call’s ease of use and effectiveness. The higher pitch specifically targets the sound profile of a young doe, making it appealing to mature bucks. The durable plastic ensures it can withstand the rigors of hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently produces a realistic estrus bleat that effectively attracts bucks during the rut.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and consistent sound production. There are no complex techniques or adjustments required. Its weakness is that it only produces one sound.
The Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat meets and exceeds expectations for a call in its price range. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a valuable tool for any deer hunter.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for its intended use. The plastic is molded well, and the seams are smooth. It is comfortable to hold and operate, even with gloved hands.
The Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat is user-friendly and requires no prior experience to use effectively. Its ease of use is one of its main selling points.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat is reasonably durable and should last for several seasons with proper care. The plastic is resistant to cracking and fading.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. This simplicity makes it easy to keep in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available.
Given its simple design, the focus is purely on producing the estrus bleat sound. Its compatibility with other hunting accessories is limited to carrying pouches or lanyards.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat
Pros
- Incredibly easy to use. Perfect for beginners and experienced hunters alike.
- Produces a realistic and effective estrus bleat. Bucks respond well to the sound.
- Very affordable. Excellent value for the price.
- Lightweight and compact. Easy to carry in a pocket or pack.
- Durable construction. Will last for multiple seasons with proper care.
Cons
- Only produces one sound. Lacks versatility compared to multi-call options.
- Limited range. Best suited for close-range calling scenarios.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat?
The Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat is perfect for deer hunters of all skill levels who are looking for a simple, effective, and affordable call to use during the rut. Beginners will appreciate its ease of use, while experienced hunters will value its reliability and proven effectiveness. It is also a great option for hunters on a budget who want to add a quality call to their arsenal without breaking the bank.
Hunters who prefer more versatile calls with multiple sound options or those who primarily hunt in open areas where long-range calling is necessary might want to skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a small carrying pouch to protect the call from damage and keep it clean. A lanyard could also be useful for keeping it readily accessible while hunting.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat
The Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat is a simple but remarkably effective tool for attracting bucks during the rut. Its ease of use, realistic sound, and affordable price make it a standout product in its category.
The price of $6.49 is absolutely justified. This is a no-brainer purchase for any serious deer hunter.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat to anyone looking to improve their chances of success during deer season. It’s a proven performer that delivers results without breaking the bank.
So, grab a Hunters Specialties Young Doe Estrus Deer Bleat, head out to the woods, and get ready to experience the thrill of calling in that trophy buck! Don’t let another season pass you by without giving yourself this advantage!