Natural Bone Grunt’R Review

The Natural Bone Grunt’R Made a Bold First Impression

The Natural Bone Grunt’R promises to be a versatile and affordable deer call, designed to mimic a range of deer vocalizations from bucks to does and even fawns. At a mere $8.49, it immediately piqued my interest as a seasoned hunter who has tested countless calls over the years. What drew me in was the promise of variable tones via the expandable hose and the adjustability offered by the o-ring, a feature absent in many fixed-tone calls.

For years, I’ve struggled to find a single call that can effectively cover all the common deer sounds without needing to carry multiple devices. Most calls either sound too artificial or lack the subtlety needed to fool a wary buck during the rut. Unboxing the Natural Bone Grunt’R revealed a simple, soft-bodied call with a short, expandable hose and a small adjustable o-ring. Its lightweight construction was immediately noticeable, although the plastic material felt less robust than some of my higher-end calls.

I considered other calls, such as the Primos Buck Roar and the Flextone Bone Collector call, both of which offer a wider range of tones. However, they come at a higher price point and often require more practice to master, the Natural Bone Grunt’R’s simplicity made it appealing for quick, on-the-fly adjustments in the field. My initial excitement was tempered by a slight apprehension; could such an inexpensive call actually deliver realistic deer sounds? Only real-world testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Natural Bone Grunt’R to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Natural Bone Grunt’R came during an early-season bow hunt in the dense hardwood forests of Pennsylvania. I positioned myself near a well-used deer trail, hoping to entice a buck investigating the area. The morning was cool and damp, with a light mist hanging in the air, ideal conditions for sound to carry.

Initially, the Natural Bone Grunt’R required some experimentation to achieve the desired tones. Adjusting the o-ring proved to be crucial, and I quickly learned how subtle changes could create distinct buck, doe, and fawn sounds. The expandable hose did contribute to the variable tones, but controlling the air flow consistently took some practice. After about 30 minutes of fiddling, I felt confident enough to attempt my first call, a series of soft doe bleats. Fortunately, the damp conditions did not seem to negatively impact the call’s performance, and the soft body remained easy to grip.

After an hour of silence, punctuated by the occasional bleat, a young buck emerged from the thick underbrush. He was cautious, scanning the area, but clearly intrigued by the sound. While he didn’t come close enough for a shot, it was an encouraging sign that the Natural Bone Grunt’R could indeed attract deer. No significant issues arose during this first outing, although the expandable hose did slip off the main body once, requiring a quick reattachment.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the next few months, I used the Natural Bone Grunt’R on several more hunts, primarily in the whitetail woods of the Midwest. After extensive use, the call held up reasonably well, considering its price point. There were no major failures, although the expandable hose did become slightly looser over time.

Durability-wise, the Natural Bone Grunt’R shows some wear. The soft body has accumulated a few scratches, and the o-ring exhibits slight signs of degradation. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe with a damp cloth usually suffices. Compared to my more expensive calls, which are often made of wood or higher-grade plastic, the Natural Bone Grunt’R feels less premium, but its performance remains surprisingly consistent. It’s not going to replace my high-end calls, but it has earned a place as a reliable backup.

Breaking Down the Features of Natural Bone Grunt’R

Specifications

• Expandable Hose: Allows for creating variable tones by adjusting the length and air flow. This offers a basic range of grunt variations for different deer vocalizations.
• Soft Body: Designed for producing natural deer sounds due to its flexible material. The soft texture also provides a comfortable grip, even in cold weather.
• Adjustable O-Ring: Enables users to mimic buck, doe, and fawn sounds by altering the tension and air passage. This adjustability is key to versatile deer calling.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the call’s versatility and ease of use. The expandable hose allows for a broader range of tones, while the soft body enhances the realism of the sounds. The adjustable o-ring is the key feature enabling the simulation of different deer vocalizations with a single call.

Performance & Functionality

The Natural Bone Grunt’R performs its intended job of attracting deer reasonably well, particularly when used correctly. With practice, the user can create convincing buck grunts, doe bleats, and even fawn distress calls. However, the consistency of these sounds depends heavily on the user’s skill and control over air flow and o-ring adjustment.

The main strength lies in its affordability and versatility. The weaknesses are in its slightly less realistic sound compared to high-end calls and the potential for inconsistent tones without proper technique. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly deer call but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price point, with a soft plastic body that is comfortable to hold. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry and use for extended periods. However, the overall construction feels less durable than more expensive calls.

It is fairly user-friendly, although mastering the various tones and o-ring adjustments requires some practice. The expandable hose can be a bit finicky, occasionally slipping off the main body.

Durability & Maintenance

The Natural Bone Grunt’R is expected to last for several seasons with proper care, although the soft body may show signs of wear and tear. The o-ring is the most likely component to fail over time, requiring replacement.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving cleaning with a damp cloth. The o-ring can be lubricated with a small amount of silicone grease to extend its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Natural Bone Grunt’R does not come with any accessories. There are no official customization options available.

However, resourceful users might experiment with different o-rings to fine-tune the sounds. Some hunters have also added camouflage tape to the body for better concealment. Although not officially supported, it is compatible with aftermarket lanyards for easy carrying.

Pros and Cons of Natural Bone Grunt’R

Who Should Buy Natural Bone Grunt’R?

The Natural Bone Grunt’R is perfect for beginner hunters, budget-conscious individuals, and those who want a versatile backup call. It’s also suitable for hunters who prefer a simple and easy-to-use call.

Hunters seeking the most realistic deer sounds or those hunting in extremely rugged terrain might want to skip this product and opt for a more durable, high-end call. A lanyard for convenient carrying is a must-have accessory, and some users may find a small container of silicone grease helpful for maintaining the o-ring.

Conclusion on Natural Bone Grunt’R

The Natural Bone Grunt’R offers a surprising amount of functionality for its incredibly low price. While it may not rival the sound quality or durability of high-end deer calls, its versatility and ease of use make it a valuable tool for any hunter’s arsenal.

The price is definitely justified, making it an excellent entry-level or backup option. I would personally recommend it to beginners and budget-conscious hunters, but experienced hunters might prefer a more premium call for critical situations. For under $10, the Natural Bone Grunt’R is a worthwhile investment that can help you bring home the buck. Grab yours today and start practicing those calls!