First Thoughts on the Ol’ Bushy Tail
The Ol’ Bushy Tail, a squirrel and fox call from an unnamed manufacturer, is a deceptively simple tool that promises to bring those elusive critters within range. For over a decade, I’ve relied on my knowledge of animal behavior and sound to successfully call in various game, but squirrels, in particular, have always been a humbling challenge. This little call aims to make them a bit less humbling.
What initially led me to the Ol’ Bushy Tail was a persistent problem: locating and calling in squirrels effectively for small game hunting, especially in densely wooded areas where visual spotting is difficult. I needed a compact, reliable call that could produce a variety of squirrel vocalizations, including barks, whines, alarm chatters, and distress calls, to improve my success rate. After all, a hungry woodsman is an unhappy woodsman.
Upon receiving the Ol’ Bushy Tail, I was immediately struck by its diminutive size and lightweight construction. It’s a small, molded piece of plastic, easily fitting in the palm of my hand. There’s a utilitarian simplicity to its design. Compared to some of the more elaborate calls I’ve used, like electronic game callers or diaphragm calls for turkeys and deer, the Ol’ Bushy Tail felt almost… rudimentary. I picked this call over a diaphragm style call for squirrels due to the perceived ease of use and less learning curve than manipulating a diaphragm. My initial feeling was cautiously optimistic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ol’ Bushy Tail to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Ol’ Bushy Tail took place during a squirrel hunting trip in the oak-hickory forests of Pennsylvania. I positioned myself near a known squirrel hotspot, a cluster of mature oak trees with plenty of visible squirrel nests. The weather was cool and damp, conditions that often make squirrels less active.
The Ol’ Bushy Tail proved surprisingly easy to use, even with gloved hands. The molded plastic produced a reasonably convincing bark with a short puff of air, and the whine was achieved by varying the pressure and duration of the puff. After about 15 minutes of intermittent calling, alternating between barks and whines, I was rewarded with the rustling of leaves and the distinct chattering of an approaching squirrel. One small gray squirrel eventually showed itself about 20 yards away. Success, though I missed on the first shot (embarrassing, I know).
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Ol’ Bushy Tail has held up remarkably well. Its simple design means there are very few moving parts to break or wear out. I noticed no degradation in sound quality or structural integrity. It has survived being stuffed in pockets, dropped on the ground, and exposed to varying weather conditions without any discernible issues.
Maintenance is virtually nonexistent; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean. Comparing it to my previous experiences with other calls, the Ol’ Bushy Tail has proven to be more reliable and require less maintenance than diaphragm calls, which often require frequent cleaning and can be prone to tearing. The Ol’ Bushy Tail is a no nonsense and utilitarian small game call.
Breaking Down the Features of Ol’ Bushy Tail
Specifications
- Target Species: Fox & Gray Squirrels. This call is designed specifically to mimic the vocalizations of these common squirrel species.
- Sounds Produced: Easy Barks & Whines. It aims to provide simple, effective calls for luring squirrels.
- Additional Vocalizations: Alarm Chatter & Young Distress Calls. These additional calls can be vital for triggering a response from wary squirrels.
- Material: Molded Plastic. The durable material is intended to be light and weather resistant.
- Price: $7.49. An inexpensive hunting accessory.
These specifications are significant because they directly influence the Ol’ Bushy Tail‘s performance and overall user experience. The ability to produce a variety of squirrel vocalizations increases the chances of attracting squirrels in different situations. The durable plastic construction ensures that the call can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, and the affordable price makes it accessible to a wide range of hunters.
Performance & Functionality
The Ol’ Bushy Tail performs its job reasonably well. It produces audible and recognizable squirrel vocalizations. The ease of use is a major strength. However, the sound quality is somewhat limited. It lacks the nuanced realism of more advanced calls. It does meet expectations for a call at this price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate, given the price point. The molded plastic feels durable enough for regular use. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold in the hand. However, the design is basic and lacks any ergonomic features. The smooth plastic can become slippery when wet. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its simple design and durable plastic construction, the Ol’ Bushy Tail should last for several seasons with proper care. Maintenance is straightforward: simply wipe it clean after each use. No specialized tools or cleaning solutions are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ol’ Bushy Tail comes with no accessories. There are no customization options available. Its simplicity is both a strength and a limitation. It is what it is.
Pros and Cons of Ol’ Bushy Tail
Pros
- Affordable Price: At just $7.49, it’s an accessible option for any hunter.
- Ease of Use: Requires minimal practice to produce convincing squirrel calls.
- Durable Construction: Molded plastic can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easily fits in a pocket or hunting pack.
- Effective for Calling Squirrels: Proven to attract squirrels in real-world testing.
Cons
- Limited Sound Quality: Lacks the nuanced realism of higher-end calls.
- No Customization Options: Cannot be adjusted or modified to suit individual preferences.
Who Should Buy Ol’ Bushy Tail?
The Ol’ Bushy Tail is perfect for beginner squirrel hunters or anyone looking for an affordable, easy-to-use call. It’s also suitable for seasoned hunters who want a simple, reliable backup call. Those who should skip this product are experienced hunters who demand the highest possible sound quality and realism from their calls. There are no must-have accessories, but practicing with the call to master the different vocalizations will definitely help increase success.
Conclusion on Ol’ Bushy Tail
The Ol’ Bushy Tail is a surprisingly effective tool despite its simplicity. For the price, it provides an excellent value proposition, offering a durable, easy-to-use squirrel call that can genuinely improve your hunting success. While it may not be the most sophisticated call on the market, its reliability and affordability make it a worthwhile addition to any hunter’s gear. I would definitely recommend the Ol’ Bushy Tail to anyone looking to take their squirrel hunting to the next level. Get out there and start calling!