The Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey Made a Bold First Impression
The Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey might seem like an oddity at first glance – a call designed for both crow and turkey. When I first saw it, I was intrigued by the potential for versatility. My usual calling setup involves multiple calls, each tailored to a specific species, but the idea of one call pulling double duty was appealing.
I’m a seasoned outdoorsman, and for years, I’ve relied on separate calls for turkey and crow hunting. Crow hunting, in particular, has always been a favorite of mine because it helps me keep sharp during the off-season. I decided to try the Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey because I was searching for a more streamlined calling system.
Upon unboxing the call, I immediately noticed its compact size and simple design. The molded plastic felt durable enough for field use. The call is lightweight, a critical factor when you’re already carrying a pack full of gear.
Compared to my Primos Power Crow and my slate turkey call, the Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey definitely felt like a budget option. However, the potential for its combined functionality was a definite draw. I chose this call over a dedicated high-end crow call because I was interested in the turkey locator feature.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The price was certainly right, but the real test would be how well it performed in the field. I was eager to see if it could truly deliver on its promise of being both a crow and turkey call.
Real-World Testing: Putting Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey during a scouting trip in early spring, a few weeks before turkey season. I wanted to see if I could elicit a response from crows and also test its effectiveness as a turkey locator. The weather was damp and cool, with a light drizzle.
The call was easy to use right out of the package. The instructions were simple: blow into the call and adjust your hand over the end to manipulate the sound. I was able to produce a fairly convincing crow call after only a few tries. However, the turkey locator sound took some practice to get right.
Initially, I struggled to get the “raspy” turkey yelp described on the packaging. My first attempts sounded more like a strangled duck. However, after some practice and experimentation, I managed to produce a sound that at least resembled a turkey. I didn’t manage to call in any turkeys that day, but I did get a gobble response from a distant ridge.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey has held up surprisingly well, given its low price point. There are no signs of cracking or damage to the plastic. The call has become a regular part of my gear.
The call requires minimal maintenance. I occasionally wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and saliva. I haven’t experienced any issues with clogging or degradation of sound quality.
Compared to my higher-end calls, the Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey doesn’t quite match the richness or complexity of the sound. It is far more versatile than carrying two separate calls. The Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey is a good, all-around option for hunters on a budget.
Breaking Down the Features of Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey
Specifications
- Super Raspy: This refers to the call’s ability to produce a realistic, broken-sounding crow call, which is essential for attracting crows. A raspy call mimics the natural sounds of a crow flock, increasing its effectiveness.
- Excellent Turkey Locator: The call is designed to imitate the sound of a turkey hen, enticing gobblers to reveal their location through a shock gobble. Locating turkeys is a crucial first step in a successful hunt.
- Great for Calling Crows: Its primary function is to mimic crow vocalizations, making it effective for attracting crows for hunting or pest control. Crows are intelligent birds, so a realistic call is essential for fooling them.
Performance & Functionality
The Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey performs admirably for its intended purpose. The crow call is relatively easy to master. The turkey locator requires more practice.
The call’s strengths lie in its simplicity, versatility, and low cost. Its main weakness is that it doesn’t quite match the sound quality of higher-end, dedicated calls. The Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey mostly meets my expectations for an inexpensive, dual-purpose call.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for the price. The molded plastic is durable enough for regular use.
The call is user-friendly, with a simple design and easy-to-follow instructions. The Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey has a manageable learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The call should last for several seasons with proper care. The simple design makes it easy to clean and maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available. The call is designed as a simple, standalone unit.
Pros and Cons of Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey
Pros
- Affordable Price: At $7.99, it’s a budget-friendly option for hunters.
- Dual Functionality: Serves as both a crow call and turkey locator.
- Ease of Use: Simple design makes it easy to learn and use in the field.
- Lightweight and Compact: Easy to carry and doesn’t add extra bulk to your gear.
- Decent Durability: Holds up well despite its low price point.
Cons
- Sound Quality: Doesn’t match the realism of higher-end, dedicated calls.
- Turkey Locator Learning Curve: Takes practice to produce a convincing turkey sound.
Who Should Buy Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey?
The Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey is perfect for beginner hunters, budget-conscious outdoorsmen, and those looking for a simple, dual-purpose call. It’s also a good option for crow hunters who want a tool to help locate turkeys during scouting trips.
Those seeking professional-grade sound quality or highly specialized calls should skip this product. Instead, they should invest in dedicated crow and turkey calls.
There are no must-have accessories or modifications for the Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey.
Conclusion on Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey
The Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey is a solid, budget-friendly option for hunters seeking a versatile call that can serve multiple purposes. While it doesn’t offer the same level of realism or sound quality as higher-end calls, its affordability, ease of use, and dual functionality make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is definitely justified for what you get.
I would recommend it to beginner hunters or those on a tight budget.
If you’re looking for a simple, effective, and affordable call that can attract both crows and turkeys, give the Primos 00302 Crow Call Turkey a try. You might be surprised by its performance. Pick one up today and add a versatile tool to your hunting arsenal!