Ol’ Bushy Tail Review

The Ol’ Bushy Tail Made a Bold First Impression

Squirrels. Those bushy-tailed bandits of the backyard, a constant source of amusement and, if you’re a hunter, a challenging quarry. I’ve spent years honing my skills in the woods, and a good game call can be the difference between a successful hunt and a long walk home. Enter the Ol’ Bushy Tail, a simple yet promising call designed to mimic the sounds of both fox and gray squirrels. This compact device from [MANUFACTURER NAME – Not Provided] promises easy barks, whines, alarm chatters, and even young distress calls.

My usual squirrel calling arsenal consisted of a custom diaphragm call and a couple of hand-carved wooden strikers. I was looking for something quicker, easier to use in a variety of conditions, and less fatiguing on long sits. The Ol’ Bushy Tail, with its promise of simple operation and diverse sounds, seemed like a perfect addition.

Unboxing the Ol’ Bushy Tail was, admittedly, underwhelming. It’s a small, plastic call, but it felt surprisingly sturdy. The molded plastic felt durable enough to withstand some wear. It definitely lacks the artistry of my handmade calls, but its simplicity is its strength.

Compared to my diaphragm call (which requires significant practice) and my wooden strikers (which can be affected by moisture), the Ol’ Bushy Tail stood out for its potential accessibility and all-weather reliability. The price point of $7.49 also made it far less of a commitment than investing in another high-end custom call. I was cautiously optimistic. Would this little plastic piece deliver on its promises?

Real-World Testing: Putting Ol’ Bushy Tail to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Ol’ Bushy Tail out to a familiar patch of woods where gray squirrels are plentiful. The early morning air was crisp, with a slight drizzle adding a sheen to the forest floor. I settled in at the base of a large oak, concealing myself among the fallen leaves. My plan was simple: experiment with the various calls and observe the squirrels’ reactions.

Initially, I started with a few soft barks. The Ol’ Bushy Tail produced a surprisingly realistic sound, though a bit raspy at first. A few minutes later, a squirrel appeared, cautiously approaching from the underbrush. Emboldened, I transitioned to a series of whine calls. This seemed to pique its interest even further. The squirrel paused, its bushy tail twitching, and then scurried closer. The ease of creating different calls surprised me.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Ol’ Bushy Tail on multiple hunts, I’ve developed a good understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The call has held up remarkably well to the rigors of the woods. There are a few minor scratches on the plastic. No cracks or significant wear are apparent.

Cleaning the call is a breeze. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth removes any dirt or debris. Compared to my diaphragm call (which requires careful cleaning and storage to prevent mold), the Ol’ Bushy Tail is incredibly low-maintenance. While my custom calls offer a wider range of tonal nuances, the Ol’ Bushy Tail’s consistent performance and ease of use make it a valuable tool in my hunting kit.

Breaking Down the Features of Ol’ Bushy Tail

Specifications

The Ol’ Bushy Tail is a compact, handheld squirrel call designed to mimic a variety of squirrel vocalizations. It is constructed from molded plastic. The dimensions are roughly 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. It weighs less than an ounce. Its main selling point is its ability to produce easy barks and whines, as well as alarm chatter and young distress calls.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the call’s portability, ease of use, and durability. The lightweight design makes it comfortable to carry on long hunts. The durable plastic construction ensures it can withstand the elements. The variety of calls it produces allows hunters to adapt to different hunting scenarios and squirrel behaviors.

Performance & Functionality

The Ol’ Bushy Tail performs its intended function admirably. It effectively mimics the sounds of squirrels. The barks and whines are realistic enough to attract squirrels from a distance. The alarm chatter and distress calls can be used to create a sense of urgency and draw squirrels into closer range.

The strengths of the call lie in its simplicity and ease of use. Even a novice hunter can quickly learn to produce convincing squirrel sounds. Its main weakness is its limited tonal range compared to more advanced calls. It definitely meets expectations. For its price point, it provides excellent performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Ol’ Bushy Tail’s design is straightforward and functional. The molded plastic is durable and easy to grip. The call is lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended periods.

There’s virtually no learning curve. Anyone can pick it up and start producing squirrel sounds immediately.

Durability & Maintenance

The Ol’ Bushy Tail is built to last. The molded plastic construction is resistant to cracking and breaking. It requires minimal maintenance. A quick wipe-down after each use is all that’s needed to keep it in good working order.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Ol’ Bushy Tail does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options. Its simplicity is part of its appeal. Aftermarket lanyards can easily be attached. The simplicity makes it easy to integrate into existing hunting setups.

Pros and Cons of Ol’ Bushy Tail

Who Should Buy Ol’ Bushy Tail?

The Ol’ Bushy Tail is perfect for novice squirrel hunters who are looking for an easy-to-use and affordable call. It’s also a great option for experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call or a simple tool for attracting squirrels in close range.

Hunters who are looking for the most realistic and nuanced squirrel calls might want to skip this product. This is due to its fairly limited range compared to high-end diaphragm or mouth calls.

A simple lanyard is a must-have accessory to prevent loss in the field.

Conclusion on Ol’ Bushy Tail

The Ol’ Bushy Tail is a surprisingly effective and affordable squirrel call. While it may not have the finesse of more expensive options, its simplicity, durability, and versatility make it a valuable tool for any squirrel hunter.

The price is definitely justified. It provides excellent performance for the money.

I would absolutely recommend the Ol’ Bushy Tail to anyone looking for an easy-to-use and reliable squirrel call. Pick one up, head to the woods, and see if you can outsmart those bushy-tailed bandits!