Let’s Talk About Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak
The Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak isn’t just another call; it’s a meticulously crafted tool designed to put you within striking distance of that elusive gobbler. From Roost’Em, a name synonymous with quality hunting calls, this hooter aims to be your early-season secret weapon, and potentially beyond. My journey to acquiring this specific owl call stemmed from a frustrating early spring a few seasons back.
The turkeys were tight-lipped, and traditional hen calls weren’t cutting it. I needed something to shock them into revealing their location, and the Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak seemed like the perfect solution. Unboxing it, I was immediately struck by the build quality – the oak barrel felt solid and well-crafted in my hand, a far cry from some of the cheaper plastic calls I’d used in the past.
Compared to a Primos Owl Hooter and a Woodhaven The Natural Owl, the Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak felt more refined, producing a richer, deeper tone. The Primos felt a little too shrill, while the Woodhaven, while excellent, had a slightly different pitch that I found less effective in my local woods. My initial excitement was tempered with a dose of cautious optimism.
I knew that a well-made owl call could be a game-changer, but only field testing would reveal its true potential. First impressions count, and the Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak certainly made a good one.
Real-World Testing: Putting Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak was on a cool, damp morning in the Allegheny National Forest. I positioned myself along a ridge overlooking a known roosting area and waited for the pre-dawn darkness to begin to fade. I began with a series of soft hoots, mimicking a barred owl searching for prey.
The response was almost immediate. A gobble erupted from the bottom of the holler, confirming a turkey’s presence. The sound cut through the stillness of the woods, proving that this call works. The Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak performed admirably, even in the damp conditions, maintaining its rich tone.
There was a slight learning curve in producing the perfect hoot – too much air, and it would squeak; too little, and it sounded weak. After a few practice runs, I found the sweet spot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full spring season of regular use, the Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak has become a staple in my turkey hunting arsenal. It has proven to be remarkably durable. The oak barrel has held up well to the rigors of the field, showing no signs of cracking or splitting, despite being subjected to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental drop.
Maintenance is minimal – a quick wipe down with a dry cloth after each hunt is all that’s needed. Compared to previous owl calls I’ve used, the Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak offers a consistently clear and authentic sound, and it has undoubtedly helped me locate more birds. It has genuinely elevated my early-season scouting efforts.
Breaking Down the Features of Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak
Specifications
The Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak is a shock-locating call, primarily designed for early-season turkey hunting but effective throughout the spring. It features an oak barrel construction, providing a rich and resonant sound. The call is Brown in color.
The significance of these specifications lies in the call’s ability to mimic the natural sound of an owl effectively. The oak barrel contributes to the call’s tonal quality, creating a realistic hoot that can elicit a response from turkeys.
Performance & Functionality
The Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak performs exceptionally well at its intended job: shock-locating turkeys. Its strengths lie in its realistic sound and ease of use. A few hoots can easily provoke a response from even the most call-shy gobblers.
However, it may take a bit of practice to perfect the technique, ensuring a consistent and authentic sound. It definitely meets my expectations, proving to be a reliable and effective tool for locating turkeys.
Design & Ergonomics
The Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak features a simple yet effective design. The oak barrel is comfortable to hold and easy to operate, and its natural look blends seamlessly into the environment. The call is light enough to carry all day without fatigue.
The learning curve is minimal, making it suitable for both novice and experienced hunters.
Durability & Maintenance
The oak construction of the Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak suggests that it will last for many seasons with proper care. It appears robust and capable of withstanding the usual wear and tear of hunting. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and moisture.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Being a simple, manually operated call, there aren’t really any customization options available. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and effectiveness right out of the box.
Pros and Cons of Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak
Pros
- Realistic Sound: The oak barrel produces a convincingly natural owl hoot, greatly increasing the chance of a response from gobblers.
- Durable Construction: The oak barrel is robust and built to withstand the rigors of hunting.
- Ease of Use: Simple design ensures quick learning for both novice and experienced hunters.
- Effective Shock-Locating: Proven to elicit gobbles, helping to pinpoint turkey locations, especially in early season.
- Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry throughout long days in the field.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Mastering the perfect hoot requires some practice to avoid squeaks or weak sounds.
- No Customization: Lacks options for personalization or additional features.
Who Should Buy Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak?
The Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak is perfect for turkey hunters of all experience levels who want a reliable and effective way to locate gobblers, particularly during the early season when turkeys are less responsive to hen calls. It’s an excellent tool for scouting new areas or confirming the presence of birds in known roosting locations.
Hunters who rely solely on hen calls and are looking for a different approach should definitely consider this call. Hunters who prefer electronic calls or those unwilling to invest time in mastering the manual technique might want to skip this product. A good lanyard for easy access is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak
The Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak is a well-crafted and effective tool that delivers on its promise to shock-locate turkeys. The oak barrel construction provides a realistic sound. The easy-to-use design makes it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal.
The price of $31.99 is justified given the call’s quality, durability, and effectiveness. I would personally recommend the Roost’Em Owl Hooter Oak to anyone looking to improve their early-season turkey hunting success. Get yours today and experience the thrill of eliciting a gobble from that elusive tom!