What Makes ICOtec GC Fur Cover Stand Out?
The ICOtec GC Fur Cover is a simple, yet ingenious addition to the predator hunter’s arsenal. Manufactured by ICOtec, this inexpensive faux fur cover is designed to mask and enhance your electronic game call, transforming it into a more realistic and appealing target for wary predators. The cover is designed to fit a wide range of ICOtec callers, including the GEN2 GC300, GEN2 GC320, GEN2 GC350, GEN2 GC500, Hellion, Rascal, 300+, 320+, 350+, Nomad+, and Hellion+ models. This immediately broadens its appeal to seasoned hunters already invested in the ICOtec ecosystem.
I was looking for a way to add another layer of realism to my predator setups. Coyotes in particular are incredibly smart and become call-shy very quickly, a static electronic caller, regardless of the sounds it produces, can often raise suspicion. I needed something to break up the outline of the caller and provide a visual cue to complement the audio.
Upon receiving the ICOtec GC Fur Cover, my initial impression was positive. The faux fur appeared to be of decent quality for the price point, and the brown color seemed natural enough to blend into a variety of environments. The hook and loop closures gave me confidence that it could be secured tightly and quickly to the caller.
There are similar products on the market, such as generic camouflage netting or even DIY options using scraps of fabric. However, I specifically chose the ICOtec GC Fur Cover because of its tailored fit for ICOtec callers and the integrated design for units with attachable decoys. This eliminated any guesswork or modification needed.
My first impression was one of mild excitement, this cover promises a noticeable improvement in the effectiveness of my calling setup without breaking the bank. I looked forward to seeing how it would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting ICOtec GC Fur Cover to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to use the ICOtec GC Fur Cover came during a coyote hunting trip in the high desert of eastern Oregon. The terrain was a mix of sagebrush, juniper trees, and rocky outcroppings, providing a challenging environment for both concealment and calling. I situated my ICOtec GC500 caller, now adorned with the fur cover, approximately 75 yards from my concealed position, overlooking a small draw.
The weather was typical for the region: dry, dusty, and with a moderate wind. The fur cover seemed to hold up well in these conditions, with no noticeable shedding or degradation of the material. It definitely helped break up the sharp, unnatural lines of the caller, making it blend more seamlessly into the surrounding vegetation.
Attaching the cover was straightforward. The hook and loop closures allowed for a snug and secure fit around the GC500, and the integrated decoy cover was a nice touch. There was no fumbling or struggling to get it properly in place, even with gloved hands.
Initially, I didn’t see immediate results, but after about 20 minutes of cycling through various coyote vocalizations, I spotted movement on the ridge. A coyote cautiously approached, its attention clearly focused on the caller. The presence of the fur cover seemed to give it the extra confidence to commit, and I was able to make a successful shot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use across various hunting seasons, the ICOtec GC Fur Cover has proven to be a reliable addition to my gear. The faux fur has held up surprisingly well, with only minor signs of wear and tear, such as slight matting in areas that come into contact with brush. I did notice that dirt can stick to the fur, but this is easily remedied by simply shaking the cover out.
The durability has been impressive, considering the cover’s relatively low price. The hook and loop closures still function perfectly, maintaining a tight grip on the caller. The brown color has not faded significantly, even after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick shake to remove debris is usually sufficient. I have occasionally used a damp cloth to wipe away mud or other stains, and the cover dries quickly without any issues.
Compared to my previous attempts at camouflaging my caller with natural vegetation, the ICOtec GC Fur Cover is a significant improvement. It is far more convenient, effective, and durable. It enhances the decoy element of my e-caller in a way that adds visual appeal.
Breaking Down the Features of ICOtec GC Fur Cover
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ICOtec provides predator hunters with a wide range of electronic callers and accessories. Their focus is affordability without sacrificing functionality.
- Size: Small, designed to fit a range of ICOtec callers. This tailored fit ensures optimal coverage and concealment.
- Color: Brown, a versatile color that blends well with various natural environments. The natural earth tone provides a realistic visual profile.
- Fabric/Material: Faux Fur, providing a realistic texture and appearance. This material mimics the appearance of an animal, adding to the decoy effect.
Performance & Functionality
The ICOtec GC Fur Cover performs its intended function admirably. It effectively camouflages the electronic caller, making it less conspicuous to wary predators. The added visual element of the fur can also act as a confidence booster, encouraging predators to approach closer.
The main strength of the cover is its simplicity and ease of use. It’s easy to attach and remove, and requires minimal maintenance. A potential weakness might be its lack of waterproofing, however, that is not the primary function of the cover.
The ICOtec GC Fur Cover exceeds my expectations for a product in this price range. It’s a simple yet effective tool that can significantly improve the success rate of predator hunts.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for the intended purpose. The faux fur is reasonably durable, and the hook and loop closures are well-stitched and secure. The overall weight of the cover is negligible, adding minimal bulk to the caller.
The design is user-friendly. There is no learning curve. The cover is designed to be intuitive and easy to install.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the ICOtec GC Fur Cover should last for several seasons of hunting. The key is to keep it clean and dry when not in use, and to avoid excessive abrasion or exposure to harsh chemicals.
Maintenance is simple, primarily involving cleaning and basic storage. The hook and loop closures can be kept clear of debris by simply brushing them occasionally.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ICOtec GC Fur Cover is designed to work seamlessly with ICOtec callers that have attachable decoys. The cover includes a separate piece to conceal the decoy, further enhancing the realism of the setup.
The cover itself doesn’t lend itself to extensive customization, but it can be easily paired with other camouflage accessories, such as netting or natural vegetation, for added concealment. The cover works with ICOtec products only.
Pros and Cons of ICOtec GC Fur Cover
Pros
- Effective camouflage: The fur cover significantly reduces the visibility of the electronic caller, making it less conspicuous to predators.
- Enhanced realism: The fur texture and appearance add a visual element that can boost a predator’s confidence.
- Easy to use: The hook and loop closures make it quick and simple to attach and remove the cover.
- Durable: The faux fur and closures are reasonably durable and should last for multiple hunting seasons.
- Affordable: The ICOtec GC Fur Cover offers excellent value for its price.
Cons
- The faux fur material can attract dirt and debris.
- Limited to ICOtec callers.
Who Should Buy ICOtec GC Fur Cover?
The ICOtec GC Fur Cover is perfect for predator hunters, especially those who use ICOtec electronic callers. It is an excellent option for hunters looking to enhance the realism of their setups and improve their success rates. It can add a layer of appeal to draw predators into close range.
Hunters who should skip this product are those who do not use ICOtec callers, or those who primarily hunt in environments where concealment is not a major concern (e.g., dense forests where visual detection is less likely). This is designed for ICOtec callers only.
A must-have accessory to pair with the ICOtec GC Fur Cover is an ICOtec electronic caller with an attachable decoy. These items work together to enhance the realism of any set-up.
Conclusion on ICOtec GC Fur Cover
The ICOtec GC Fur Cover is a simple, yet surprisingly effective accessory that can significantly improve the realism and effectiveness of your predator hunting setup. It’s easy to use, durable, and affordable, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious predator hunter.
The price is absolutely justified. For a minimal investment, you gain a significant advantage in the field.
I would definitely recommend the ICOtec GC Fur Cover to anyone who uses ICOtec electronic callers and is looking to improve their predator hunting success. It’s a no-brainer addition to your gear that can make a real difference. Grab one today and fool those wary predators!