Let’s Dive into Primos Hunting Randy Anderson Series Lil’ Dog Game Call
The Primos Hunting Randy Anderson Series Lil’ Dog Game Call promises to bring the calling prowess of Randy Anderson directly to your hunt. Designed by Primos Hunting in collaboration with the “Calling All Coyotes” star, this open-reed call aims to reproduce a wide range of distress sounds, from mouse peeps to pup howls. With its detachable horn and two distinct mouthpieces for varying ranges, the Lil’ Dog presents itself as a versatile tool for both seasoned coyote hunters and those just beginning to explore the world of predator calling.
Having spent years honing my skills in the field, I was intrigued by the Lil’ Dog’s promise of versatility and ease of use. My primary challenge has always been adapting to changing terrain and unpredictable coyote behavior. I needed a call that could handle both close-range coaxing and long-distance summoning.
Upon unboxing the Lil’ Dog, I was immediately struck by its compact size and the feel of the materials. The detachable horn felt solid, and the interchangeable mouthpieces snapped securely into place. It felt well-constructed, if a bit basic in its design. Compared to some diaphragm calls I’ve used, the Lil’ Dog appeared simpler and potentially easier to master. I was hoping this simplicity would translate to consistent and effective calling in the field. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic, but I was eager to get out and test its real-world performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Primos Hunting Randy Anderson Series Lil’ Dog Game Call** to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test took place in the high desert of Nevada, a challenging environment known for its vast open spaces and wary coyotes. I started with the white mouthpiece, designed for long-range calling, and attempted a series of jackrabbit distress calls. The sound carried well across the open terrain, but the initial tone was a bit raspy, requiring some practice to smooth out.
The call performed adequately in the dry, dusty conditions, but I noticed that moisture from my breath tended to accumulate quickly in the reed, affecting the tone. After some fine-tuning, I managed to produce some convincing sounds. I experimented with transitioning to the green mouthpiece for close-range calls, and I found it easier to control the pitch and volume. To my surprise, after about 20 minutes, a coyote appeared on the ridge about 400 yards out, but unfortunately did not commit to coming closer.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use in various conditions, including some light rain and colder temperatures, the Lil’ Dog has proven to be reasonably durable. There are no signs of cracks or damage to the horn or mouthpieces. The call requires minimal maintenance; I simply wipe it down with a dry cloth after each use to prevent moisture buildup.
Compared to some higher-end electronic calls I’ve used, the Lil’ Dog offers less versatility in terms of sound selection and volume control, but it’s also significantly lighter and more portable. While it hasn’t completely replaced my electronic call, the Lil’ Dog has earned a place in my pack as a reliable backup and a quick, convenient option for impromptu calling opportunities.
Breaking Down the Features of **Primos Hunting Randy Anderson Series Lil’ Dog Game Call**
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Primos Hunting.
- Species: Coyote.
- Two separate mouthpieces: Designed for long-range and close-in calling scenarios. This allows for versatility in different hunting situations.
- Detachable horn: Enhances sound projection and provides additional calling options. This is a critical feature in varying terrains.
- Open-reed style call: Reproduces mouse peeps, distress calls of birds, jackrabbits, cottontails, fawns and pup whines. This breadth of sound production is key to attracting predators.
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the Lil’ Dog’s versatility and effectiveness in different hunting scenarios. The two mouthpieces allow for adapting to changing distances, while the detachable horn enhances sound projection. The open-reed design enables a wide range of distress calls, increasing the chances of attracting a coyote.
Performance & Functionality
The Primos Hunting Randy Anderson Series Lil’ Dog Game Call performs adequately in its intended role. It effectively produces a variety of distress sounds, although mastering the nuances of each sound requires practice. The long-range mouthpiece is particularly useful for reaching coyotes across open terrain, while the close-range mouthpiece allows for more subtle coaxing.
One strength of the Lil’ Dog is its simplicity; it’s easy to use and requires minimal setup. However, a weakness is its susceptibility to moisture buildup, which can affect the tone and requires frequent cleaning. Overall, it meets expectations for a basic, entry-level predator call.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lil’ Dog features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry in a pocket or pack. The materials feel reasonably durable, although the plastic horn could potentially be vulnerable to cracking in extreme cold. The call is relatively comfortable to hold, although the mouthpiece can become slightly irritating after extended use.
The design is user-friendly, with the interchangeable mouthpieces easily snapping into place. However, the lack of a lanyard attachment point is a minor inconvenience.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lil’ Dog appears to be reasonably durable for its price point. With proper care, it should last for several hunting seasons. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove moisture and debris.
The open-reed design means that the reed itself might eventually need replacement, but replacement reeds are readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Primos Hunting Randy Anderson Series Lil’ Dog Game Call comes with two interchangeable mouthpieces. There are no official customization options offered by Primos Hunting. However, some users might choose to experiment with different reed materials or horn shapes to further customize the sound.
The call is compatible with most standard lanyards (though you’ll need to add your own attachment point).
Pros and Cons of **Primos Hunting Randy Anderson Series Lil’ Dog Game Call**
Pros
- Easy to use and learn, even for beginners.
- Affordable price point, making it accessible to a wide range of hunters.
- Versatile sound production, capable of mimicking various distress calls.
- Detachable horn for enhanced sound projection.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability.
Cons
- Susceptible to moisture buildup, which can affect the tone.
- Lacks a lanyard attachment point.
- Plastic horn could be vulnerable to cracking in extreme cold.
Who Should Buy **Primos Hunting Randy Anderson Series Lil’ Dog Game Call**?
The Primos Hunting Randy Anderson Series Lil’ Dog Game Call is perfect for beginner coyote hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use call. It’s also a good option for experienced hunters seeking a lightweight and portable backup call. Hunters operating in varied terrain who need flexibility in calling range would also benefit.
This product is not ideal for hunters who demand the highest level of realism and versatility in their calls. Those hunting in extremely wet or cold conditions might want to consider a call with better moisture resistance and a more durable construction.
A must-have accessory is a good lanyard (which needs to be creatively attached). Carrying a small microfiber cloth for wiping down the reed is also highly recommended.
Conclusion on **Primos Hunting Randy Anderson Series Lil’ Dog Game Call**
The Primos Hunting Randy Anderson Series Lil’ Dog Game Call offers a solid value proposition for hunters seeking an affordable and versatile predator call. While it has some limitations, such as its susceptibility to moisture, its ease of use and broad range of sounds make it a valuable tool in the field. At $35.89, the price is certainly justified for what you get.
I would personally recommend the Lil’ Dog to anyone starting out in coyote hunting or looking for a reliable backup call. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable way to add another weapon to your predator-calling arsenal. Get out there, practice your calls, and blow ’em away with the Lil’ Dog!