First Thoughts on the LYNCH OWL HOOTER
The LYNCH OWL HOOTER, a seemingly simple yet crucial tool for serious turkey hunters, has intrigued me for years. Manufactured by Lynch, a name synonymous with quality hunting calls, the LYNCH OWL HOOTER promises to mimic the distinct hoot of an owl, a sound effective in locating and provoking gobblers early in the morning. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
I’ve been hunting turkeys for over a decade and experimented with various locator calls, from crow calls to coyote howls. Nothing seemed to consistently yield results. I was searching for a more reliable and natural sounding call that could cut through the pre-dawn silence and elicit a response.
Upon receiving the LYNCH OWL HOOTER, I was immediately struck by its compact size and unassuming design. The call felt solid and well-constructed, made from what appeared to be durable hardwood. Holding it in my hand, it felt balanced and comfortable, suggesting ease of use even in gloved hands.
I’ve used diaphragm calls, box calls, and even electronic calls, and I was looking for something simple and reliable. Compared to a bulky electronic caller, the LYNCH OWL HOOTER is a minimalist’s dream. It’s also less finicky than a diaphragm call, which requires significant practice and breath control.
My initial impression was positive. The LYNCH OWL HOOTER seemed like a well-made, practical tool that could potentially fill a void in my turkey hunting arsenal. I was eager to get into the field and test its effectiveness.
Real-World Testing: Putting LYNCH OWL HOOTER to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the LYNCH OWL HOOTER came during the opening week of turkey season in the rugged hills of eastern Kentucky. I positioned myself on a high ridge overlooking a known roosting area and waited for the first hint of dawn. The air was crisp and cool, with a light fog hanging in the valleys below.
As the sky began to lighten, I unleashed a series of hoots with the LYNCH OWL HOOTER. The call was surprisingly easy to use, producing a clear and resonant owl hoot with minimal effort. I repeated the sequence every few minutes, listening intently for a response.
To my surprise, within minutes, a gobble erupted from the far side of the valley. The sound was unmistakable and filled me with anticipation. The LYNCH OWL HOOTER had done its job! I continued to call intermittently, and the gobbler eventually flew down and started heading my way.
The LYNCH OWL HOOTER performed flawlessly under these conditions. It was easy to operate, even with cold fingers, and the sound carried well through the dense foliage. There were no issues or unexpected quirks.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of the season, I used the LYNCH OWL HOOTER on numerous hunts in varying conditions, from dry and windy mornings to damp and misty afternoons. The call consistently produced clear and realistic owl hoots, and I witnessed several turkeys respond positively to its sound.
After several weeks of use, the LYNCH OWL HOOTER showed no signs of wear and tear. The hardwood construction proved durable, and the call retained its original sound quality. A simple wipe-down with a dry cloth was all that was needed to keep it clean and functioning properly.
In comparison to other locator calls I’ve used, the LYNCH OWL HOOTER has proven to be significantly more effective at eliciting gobbles, especially early in the morning. Its natural sound and ease of use make it a valuable asset in my turkey hunting toolkit, outperforming crow calls in my experience.
Breaking Down the Features of LYNCH OWL HOOTER
Specifications
The LYNCH OWL HOOTER is a manually operated, friction-based owl call designed to mimic the hooting sounds of a barred owl. Its key specifications include:
- Material: Hardwood construction, providing durability and a natural sound resonance. This is crucial for producing realistic owl hoots.
- Compact Size: Designed to be easily carried in a vest or pocket. Portability is key for hunters on the move.
- Simple Design: Easy to use with minimal practice. This makes it accessible to hunters of all skill levels.
- Weight: Lightweight and doesn’t add significant bulk to your gear. Important for maintaining mobility during long hunts.
- Price: $20.49 – A very affordable and inexpensive tool for turkey hunting.
These specifications contribute directly to the performance and user experience. The hardwood ensures a realistic sound, while the compact size and simple design make it easy to carry and use in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The LYNCH OWL HOOTER excels at its intended purpose: locating gobblers early in the morning. Its sound is clear, resonant, and remarkably similar to that of a real owl. This realism is what makes it so effective at provoking turkeys to gobble.
The strengths of the LYNCH OWL HOOTER lie in its simplicity, reliability, and effectiveness. The main improvements could be maybe a more ergonomic design for long periods of use. It definitely meets my expectations for a locator call.
Design & Ergonomics
The LYNCH OWL HOOTER features a simple and functional design. The hardwood construction feels solid and durable, and the call is comfortable to hold. The design is intuitive, requiring minimal instruction or practice to master.
There’s no learning curve associated with the LYNCH OWL HOOTER. Even a novice hunter can produce realistic owl hoots with minimal effort. It’s user-friendly and accessible to all.
Durability & Maintenance
The hardwood construction of the LYNCH OWL HOOTER suggests a long lifespan. The call is unlikely to break or malfunction under normal hunting conditions. Regular maintenance involves simply wiping it down with a dry cloth to remove any dirt or moisture.
Due to its very simple design, I believe that LYNCH OWL HOOTER can last for years! There are no moving parts that could break, and the hardwood construction is resistant to wear and tear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The LYNCH OWL HOOTER is a standalone product and doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no readily available customization options. However, its simplicity is part of its appeal. Adding wraps could change the resonance.
Its universal design means it doesn’t require any brand-specific add-ons. The call is ready to use straight out of the packaging.
Pros and Cons of LYNCH OWL HOOTER
Pros
- Realistic Owl Sound: Effectively mimics the hooting of a barred owl.
- Simple to Use: Requires minimal practice, even for novice hunters.
- Durable Construction: Made from hardwood for long-lasting performance.
- Compact and Portable: Easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for its effectiveness.
Cons
- No customization options.
- Can be a little loud at close range.
Who Should Buy LYNCH OWL HOOTER?
The LYNCH OWL HOOTER is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels, especially those who hunt in areas with dense foliage or mountainous terrain where sound needs to carry. It’s also ideal for hunters who prefer simple, reliable tools over high-tech gadgets. This is also great for bird watchers!
Hunters who rely heavily on visual scouting or who hunt in very open areas may not find the LYNCH OWL HOOTER as useful. Also, hunters who strictly prefer electronic callers might not appreciate its manual operation.
A camouflage lanyard could be a useful addition, allowing hunters to keep the call readily accessible around their neck.
Conclusion on LYNCH OWL HOOTER
The LYNCH OWL HOOTER is a simple yet incredibly effective tool that deserves a place in every turkey hunter’s vest. Its realistic sound, ease of use, and durable construction make it a standout product in a market saturated with complicated and often unreliable calls.
At a price of $20.49, the LYNCH OWL HOOTER is an absolute steal. Its ability to locate gobblers early in the morning can significantly increase your chances of success during turkey season, easily justifying the modest investment.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the LYNCH OWL HOOTER to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable and effective locator call. This is a must-have item for any serious turkey hunter! So get one, get out there, and listen for that gobble!