First Thoughts on the Long Beard Turkey Box Call
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call from Lynch promises to be a reliable and versatile tool for any turkey hunter. Its use of select straight-grain mahogany and centered pivoting lid caught my attention immediately. The idea of producing both raspy old hen and younger hen sounds with a single call seemed particularly promising.
I’ve spent years chasing gobblers in the thickets of the South Carolina low country. Finding a call that accurately mimics the diverse vocalizations of a flock is key to success. Tired of carrying multiple calls and fumbling with strikers, I sought a single, dependable box call that could convincingly imitate a variety of hen sounds.
Upon unboxing the Long Beard Turkey Box Call, the smooth, finished mahogany felt substantial in my hand. The weight felt right, not too light that it felt cheap, but not so heavy that it would become cumbersome during a long hunt. The craftsmanship appeared to be well above average for a call in this price range; the wood grain was beautiful and the pivoting lid moved smoothly and deliberately.
Compared to a slate call I’ve been using (which often requires frequent conditioning and is susceptible to moisture) and a diaphragm call (which, frankly, I’ve never mastered), the box call offered a simpler, more direct approach. The Long Beard Turkey Box Call appeared to be more user-friendly and potentially more resistant to the elements, which is critical in unpredictable spring weather. I was also considering a custom-made walnut box call, but the Lynch Long Beard offered a similar design at a significantly lower price point.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Long Beard Turkey Box Call had the potential to be a valuable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal, provided it lived up to its promise of producing realistic and varied hen sounds. I was eager to get into the woods and put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Long Beard Turkey Box Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Long Beard Turkey Box Call during the opening week of turkey season in the Sumter National Forest. The conditions were typical for South Carolina in late March: cool mornings with dense fog, followed by warmer, humid afternoons. I primarily used the call while set up along a hardwood ridge, attempting to draw birds from a nearby creek bottom.
The first few yelps I produced were a bit rough, as I familiarized myself with the call’s nuances. However, it quickly became clear that the Long Beard Turkey Box Call was relatively easy to use, requiring minimal practice to achieve convincing hen sounds. The centered pivoting lid allowed me to quickly switch between the higher-pitched “young hen” sounds and the deeper, raspier tones intended to mimic an old hen.
The performance in the humid conditions was a pleasant surprise. My slate call often becomes muted or requires frequent sanding to maintain a good sound when exposed to moisture. The mahogany construction of the Long Beard Turkey Box Call seemed less affected by the humidity, maintaining a consistent tone throughout the morning.
The most significant surprise was the responsiveness of a gobbler to the “old hen” sounds. After a series of soft yelps and clucks, a mature tom responded aggressively, closing the distance quickly. I harvested the bird, and it’s safe to say the Long Beard Turkey Box Call played a crucial role in the hunt’s success.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Long Beard Turkey Box Call has held up remarkably well. I’ve used it in a variety of weather conditions, from light rain to dry and dusty environments. The call has consistently produced clear, realistic turkey sounds.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear. The mahogany shows no signs of cracking or warping. The pivoting lid remains smooth and functional. I’ve kept the call in a dedicated pouch in my hunting vest when not in use, which has helped to protect it from scratches and impacts.
Maintenance has been minimal. I occasionally wipe the call down with a clean cloth to remove dirt and debris. I also apply a small amount of rosin to the striking surfaces of the lid to maintain optimal friction and sound quality.
Compared to other calls I’ve used in the past, the Long Beard Turkey Box Call has outperformed them in terms of ease of use, versatility, and reliability in varying weather conditions. Its consistent performance and realistic sound have made it my go-to call for turkey hunting. It certainly has become my favorite.
Breaking Down the Features of Long Beard Turkey Box Call
Specifications
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call is crafted from select straight-grain mahogany. The centered pivoting lid is designed to produce two distinct hen sounds. One side is meant to simulate the raspy tones of an old hen, while the other replicates the higher-pitched sounds of a younger hen. Lynch tunes and tests each call to ensure quality and consistent performance. The price is $27.99.
These specifications are essential because the mahogany construction provides a durable and resonant sound chamber. The dual-tone design significantly increases the call’s versatility, allowing hunters to mimic a wider range of turkey vocalizations. The tuning and testing process ensures that each call meets Lynch’s high standards for sound quality and performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call excels at producing realistic turkey sounds that effectively attract gobblers. The ability to switch between old and young hen sounds is a significant advantage, allowing hunters to adapt their calling strategy to the specific situation. The call is easy to use, even for beginners, requiring minimal practice to achieve convincing results.
The primary strength of the Long Beard Turkey Box Call is its versatility and ease of use. It is easy to carry and it consistently produces realistic sounds. One potential area for improvement might be to include a small, integrated compartment for storing rosin, ensuring it’s always readily available.
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call meets and exceeds expectations for a call in its price range. It provides exceptional value for hunters seeking a reliable and versatile tool.
Design & Ergonomics
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call is well-designed and comfortable to hold. The mahogany construction provides a solid feel in the hand, while the smooth finish ensures a comfortable grip. The weight is well-balanced, making it easy to manipulate the call for extended periods.
The call is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The pivoting lid moves smoothly and predictably, allowing hunters to produce a variety of hen sounds with ease.
Durability & Maintenance
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call is built to last. The mahogany construction is durable and resistant to wear and tear. With proper care, the call should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and occasional application of rosin are all that is required to keep the call in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call does not come with any accessories. However, rosin is a necessary addition. There are limited customization options available. Hunters could potentially experiment with different types of rosin to fine-tune the sound.
The call is compatible with any standard rosin designed for use with friction calls. Custom strikers are not applicable, as the pivoting lid is an integrated part of the design.
Pros and Cons of Long Beard Turkey Box Call
Pros
- Produces realistic old and young hen sounds.
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Durable mahogany construction.
- Performs well in humid conditions.
- Excellent value for the price.
Cons
- No included rosin.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Long Beard Turkey Box Call?
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call is perfect for beginner to intermediate turkey hunters seeking a versatile and reliable call. It’s also suitable for experienced hunters looking for a dependable backup call or a lightweight option for run-and-gun hunting.
Hunters who prefer highly customized calls or those seeking a premium, high-end instrument might consider other options. Those who struggle with fine motor skills may find diaphragm calls more intuitive.
A must-have accessory is rosin, which is essential for maintaining optimal sound quality. A small carrying pouch is also recommended to protect the call from scratches and impacts.
Conclusion on Long Beard Turkey Box Call
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call from Lynch is a well-designed, durable, and versatile call that delivers exceptional value for its price. Its ability to produce both old and young hen sounds makes it a valuable tool for any turkey hunter. It’s easy to use, performs well in a variety of conditions, and is built to last.
The price of $27.99 is more than justified given the call’s performance and features. It’s a significant investment that will pay dividends in the field.
I would personally recommend the Long Beard Turkey Box Call to anyone looking for a reliable and effective turkey call. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a novice hunter, this call will help you put more birds on the ground. Get out there, call in a long beard, and experience the thrill of the hunt!