First Thoughts on the Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds
The Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds is the newest offering from Primos in their line of turkey hunting essentials. It promises to be a deadly combination of visual realism and authentic turkey sounds, designed to entice even the most call-shy gobblers. As an avid turkey hunter with over a decade of experience, I was eager to get my hands on this call and see if it lives up to the hype.
My pursuit of this specific box call stemmed from a persistent problem I’ve encountered over the years: wary, late-season toms. They’ve become increasingly difficult to draw in with traditional calls, often hanging up just out of range, seemingly unimpressed by standard hen yelps. The promise of a compact, realistic strutter decoy combined with a user-friendly box call intrigued me, offering a potential solution to this frustrating scenario.
Upon unboxing the Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds, my first impression was positive. The decoy itself is surprisingly detailed for its size. The weight is minimal, a definite plus for run-and-gun hunting.
Compared to other strutter decoys I’ve used, like the full-sized Dave Smith Decoys Strutter, the Lil’ Gobblestopper is significantly smaller and easier to pack. However, it sacrifices some of the DSD’s hyper-realism for portability. Similarly, compared to slate calls I own, the Primos offers ease of use, albeit perhaps not the nuanced sound control of a good slate. Ultimately, I chose the Primos for its dual-threat capability.
My initial feeling was excitement tempered with a bit of skepticism; could something so compact and seemingly simple truly fool a seasoned gobbler? Only time in the field would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial field test of the Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds took place in the rolling hills of central Missouri during the late spring season. I set up near a known strut zone in a field edge, placing the decoy about 20 yards out and nestled it in some sparse cover. The weather was slightly damp, with a light drizzle that threatened to turn into a full-blown shower.
The box call was incredibly easy to use right out of the box, producing convincing yelps, clucks, and purrs with minimal effort. I mixed in some soft calling with more aggressive cuts, mimicking a hen trying to steal a gobbler away from his current location. After about 30 minutes of calling, a longbeard appeared on the far ridge.
He hesitated for a moment, sizing up the Lil’ Gobblestopper. Then, seemingly convinced by the visual and auditory presentation, he began strutting and closing the distance. The gobbler committed hard and I had him within ethical shooting range.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds has proven to be a reliable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal. The decoy has held up remarkably well to being packed, unpacked, and occasionally subjected to light rain. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear.
The box call still produces consistent, realistic sounds, and the decoy’s paint job remains intact despite a few close encounters with dense brush. I wipe down the box call after each hunt with a dry cloth to prevent moisture buildup. The decoy is simple enough to clean, just using water if mud splatters.
Compared to past experiences with other decoy/call combinations, the Primos system stands out for its portability and ease of use. It hasn’t completely replaced my slate calls for nuanced calling scenarios. However, its simplicity and effectiveness make it a go-to choice for quick setups and challenging birds.
Breaking Down the Features of Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds
Specifications
The Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds features a compact design focused on portability and ease of use. The strutter decoy is constructed from a lightweight, durable plastic with realistic feather detailing and coloring. The box call is made of wood, designed for consistent turkey sounds.
- Strutter Decoy Size: Approximately 12 inches tall.
- Box Call Material: Wood (species unspecified).
- Decoy Material: Lightweight, durable plastic.
- Weight: Lightweight and easy to pack. Specific weight is not listed, but it’s significantly less than a full-size decoy.
- Coloring: Realistic feather detailing and natural colors.
- Intended Use: To attract hesitant gobblers without intimidating them.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the decoy’s effectiveness in the field. The lightweight construction ensures that the Lil’ Gobblestopper won’t weigh you down during long hunts. The realistic detailing and coloring contribute to its ability to fool wary toms.
Performance & Functionality
The Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds excels in its intended job of attracting gobblers, particularly those that are hesitant to commit to traditional hen calls alone. The combination of a visual stimulus (the strutter decoy) and authentic turkey sounds from the box call can be incredibly effective. It is easy to use even for novice callers.
The decoy is easy to deploy and position, and the box call is forgiving in terms of technique, making it a great option for hunters of all skill levels.
The box call sounds are not quite as nuanced as a custom-made slate call, but are still effective. I would like to see a more realistic texture on the decoy material itself.
Design & Ergonomics
The Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds boasts a user-friendly design centered around portability and ease of use. The decoy’s lightweight construction makes it easy to carry and set up. The box call’s ergonomic shape fits comfortably in the hand.
There isn’t much of a learning curve. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners or experienced hunters looking for a simple, effective calling system.
Durability & Maintenance
The Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds appears to be reasonably durable, capable of withstanding typical hunting conditions with proper care. The plastic decoy can withstand some abuse. The wooden box call should be stored in a dry environment to prevent warping or cracking.
Both the decoy and the call are easy to clean with mild soap and water. I anticipate years of use with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds comes as a complete package with the strutter decoy and the box call. There are no additional accessories included.
There are no official customization options offered by Primos for this product. However, some users may choose to repaint the decoy for a more personalized look or experiment with different strikers for the box call to achieve a wider range of sounds. It is compatible with standard decoy stakes.
Pros and Cons of Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds
Pros
- Portability: The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and deploy in any hunting situation.
- Ease of Use: The box call is incredibly simple to operate, even for beginner turkey hunters.
- Effectiveness: The combination of a visual decoy and realistic calls can be highly effective in attracting hesitant gobblers.
- Durability: The decoy and call are constructed from durable materials designed to withstand typical hunting conditions.
- Complete Package: Comes with both the decoy and box call, providing everything you need to start hunting right away.
Cons
- Decoy Realism: While the decoy is detailed for its size, it doesn’t quite match the realism of higher-end, full-sized decoys.
- Call Nuance: The box call doesn’t offer the same level of nuanced sound control as a custom slate or diaphragm call.
Who Should Buy Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds?
The Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels who value portability, ease of use, and effectiveness. It’s especially well-suited for:
- Beginner turkey hunters looking for a simple and forgiving calling system.
- Mobile hunters who prioritize lightweight gear and quick setups.
- Hunters facing call-shy gobblers who need a combination of visual and auditory attraction.
Hunters who demand the highest level of realism in their decoys or the most nuanced sound control from their calls might want to consider other options.
A simple, adjustable decoy stake is a must-have accessory to ensure proper decoy placement.
Conclusion on Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds
Overall, the Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds is a solid and effective turkey hunting tool. While it may not be the most realistic decoy or the most versatile call on the market, its combination of portability, ease of use, and proven performance make it a worthwhile addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal.
At a price of $94.99, the value proposition is justifiable, especially considering that you’re getting both a decoy and a call in one package.
I would personally recommend the Primos 69076 Lil’ Gobblestopper Strutter Box Call Turkey Sounds to any hunter looking for a simple, effective, and portable turkey hunting solution. If you’re tired of lugging around heavy decoys and struggling with complicated calls, give the Lil’ Gobblestopper a try. You might just find yourself tagging more toms this season. Get yours today and experience the difference!