The Still Cottontail Rabbit Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Still Cottontail Rabbit Call isn’t going to win any beauty contests, but its promise is a primal one: to mimic the desperate cries of a rabbit in distress, drawing in predators from surprising distances. Manufactured by Still, this hands-free call is designed to be simple, effective, and inexpensive. I needed a reliable, compact call for coyote hunting in thick brush, and this one piqued my interest.
I’d been relying on electronic callers for years, but their batteries always seemed to die at the worst moment. I also wanted something small and unobtrusive I could use with my hands free. I’ve used diaphragm calls before, but found them inconsistent in the cold. The Still Cottontail Rabbit Call promised easy use and hands-free operation, so I was intrigued.
Unboxing was…minimal. It’s a small, molded piece of plastic, lightweight and seemingly durable enough for the task. The build quality seems decent for the price point, nothing fancy, but functional.
I considered the Primos Mouse Squeeze Me call and the Flextone Bone Collector Lil’ Squaller, both decent options. The Primos requires more hand movement, something I wanted to avoid. The Flextone is known for its realistic sound, but I wanted something simpler and smaller. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The simplicity is appealing, but I’m curious about the sound quality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Still Cottontail Rabbit Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test run with the Still Cottontail Rabbit Call was on a chilly morning in late November, hunting coyotes in a densely wooded area bordering a large agricultural field. The temperature hovered around freezing, with a light dusting of snow on the ground. I attached the call to my lanyard and positioned it so I could use it hands-free.
The hands-free design worked as advertised, allowing me to keep my rifle shouldered and ready. The sound was initially a bit rough, requiring some practice to get a convincing rabbit squeal. I did find that varying the air pressure was key to getting different tones from it.
After about 30 minutes, I had a coyote respond from across the field, roughly 400 yards away. While I didn’t get a shot, the response was encouraging. No issues arose beyond figuring out the best blowing technique.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using the Still Cottontail Rabbit Call consistently for several weeks, I’ve become more confident in its reliability. It’s been exposed to rain, snow, and mud, but it still produces a consistent sound. The plastic construction has held up well with no visible cracks or damage.
Cleaning is incredibly easy; I simply rinse it with water and let it air dry. The performance hasn’t degraded over time. It’s definitely a step up from some of the cheaper plastic calls I’ve used in the past.
This call surpasses my previous diaphragm calls in terms of ease of use and consistent sound, especially in cold weather. It hasn’t matched the volume of electronic calls, but its simplicity and reliability are a significant advantage.
Breaking Down the Features of Still Cottontail Rabbit Call
Specifications
The Still Cottontail Rabbit Call is designed to reproduce the high-pitched scream of a cottontail rabbit. This is its primary function. It’s a simple, compact design.
It’s a hands-free call, allowing hunters to keep their hands free for other tasks like holding a firearm. This feature is crucial for maintaining readiness. The hands-free design adds immense value in high-pressure situations.
The call works by blowing air through it. Varying the air pressure allows for long-range or close-range calling. Blowing hard produces a louder, longer-range call. Blowing softly mimics a rabbit in closer proximity.
The call is constructed from molded plastic. This keeps the cost down and provides reasonable durability. Although not indestructible, the plastic is sufficient for typical hunting conditions.
The price point is $6.49. This makes it an incredibly affordable option. Its low price allows for experimentation without breaking the bank.
Performance & Functionality
The Still Cottontail Rabbit Call performs its intended function adequately. It produces a sound that mimics a rabbit in distress, which is essential for attracting predators. It does take practice to get the right tone.
Its greatest strength is its simplicity and hands-free operation. The major weakness is the somewhat inconsistent sound quality, which requires practice. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly call, but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable, given the low price point. The plastic is molded and seems relatively durable, but it doesn’t feel premium. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry and use.
There’s no real learning curve beyond finding the optimal blowing technique. It is generally user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic construction should hold up for several seasons of moderate use. It’s easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance. Rinsing with water and air drying are sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Still Cottontail Rabbit Call doesn’t come with any accessories, nor are there many customization options. Its simplicity is its strength. It can be attached to a lanyard for easy access. It could also be painted with camouflage patterns.
Pros and Cons of Still Cottontail Rabbit Call
Pros
- Affordable price point. Excellent value for money.
- Hands-free operation. Allows for constant readiness.
- Simple and easy to use (after practice). Minimal learning curve.
- Durable plastic construction. Resistant to weather and wear.
- Compact and lightweight. Easy to carry and store.
Cons
- Sound quality requires practice; could be higher pitched. May not sound perfectly realistic initially.
- No accessories or customization options. Limited functionality out of the box.
Who Should Buy Still Cottontail Rabbit Call?
The Still Cottontail Rabbit Call is perfect for:
- Budget-conscious hunters.
- Hunters who prefer simplicity and reliability.
- Hunters who need a hands-free calling option.
- Beginners looking for an easy-to-learn call.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters seeking high-end sound quality.
- Hunters who prefer electronic calls.
- Those unwilling to practice to refine their calling technique.
A must-have accessory would be a durable lanyard for easy access and hands-free carry.
Conclusion on Still Cottontail Rabbit Call
The Still Cottontail Rabbit Call offers a solid value proposition for hunters seeking a simple, affordable, and hands-free calling option. Its sound quality requires practice, but its durability and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment, especially for beginners. The price is absolutely justified.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly call that prioritizes reliability and hands-free operation. Pick up a Still Cottontail Rabbit Call and start calling in those predators!