First Impressions of Strut Commander Hootie
The Strut Commander Hootie isn’t just another game call; it’s a promise of bringing those elusive longbeards within striking distance. Strut Commander has built a reputation on providing affordable, reliable hunting gear, and I was eager to see if the Hootie lived up to that standard.
I needed a compact, easy-to-use owl hooter to locate roosted turkeys before dawn. Having used diaphragm calls for years with mixed success, I was searching for a simple, foolproof locator call.
Upon receiving the Strut Commander Hootie, I was immediately struck by its lightweight design and compact size. The materials felt durable enough for field use, and the construction seemed solid, giving me confidence it could withstand the rigors of early morning hunts. Compared to larger, bulkier owl calls I’ve used in the past, this one seemed much more manageable. I chose the Strut Commander Hootie over other calls because of its simplicity and Strut Commander’s reputation for quality at an affordable price. My first impression was a pleasant surprise; I was excited to put it to the test and see if it could consistently produce realistic owl sounds.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Hootie to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to use the Strut Commander Hootie was on a crisp morning in the Missouri Ozarks. I positioned myself near a known turkey roosting area and began using the call just before dawn.
The Hootie performed admirably, even in the slightly damp conditions, producing clear, resonating owl hoots. It was incredibly easy to use, requiring minimal practice to produce realistic sounds, and within minutes, I received a response from a gobbler still on the roost. There were no surprises; the call worked exactly as advertised, and the tom’s response was music to my ears.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Strut Commander Hootie across various hunting locations, it has proven to be a reliable and effective tool. Despite being subjected to dew-soaked mornings and the occasional accidental drop, the call has shown no signs of wear and tear.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down after each hunt is all that’s needed. Compared to my previous experiences with more complex calls, the Strut Commander Hootie has consistently outperformed them in terms of ease of use and reliability, proving its worth as a valuable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Hootie
Specifications
The Strut Commander Hootie is designed for simplicity and effectiveness. It features a durable construction, with the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: Strut Commander
- Additional Features: No additional bells and whistles, just a straightforward owl hooter.
- Length: 8 inches, making it easy to pack.
- Height: 1.5 inches, keeping it compact in your vest.
- Weight: 0.16 lb, so light you’ll barely notice it.
- Width: 5 inches, easy to grip and manipulate.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the call’s portability, ease of use, and overall durability. The lightweight design ensures it won’t weigh you down on long hunts, while the simple construction means there’s less to go wrong in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Strut Commander Hootie excels in its primary function: producing realistic owl hoots to elicit shock gobbles from turkeys. The call’s design allows for consistent and clear sound projection, making it easy to locate roosted birds from a distance.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use, while a potential weakness might be its lack of versatility compared to calls that can produce multiple sounds. However, for its intended purpose, it meets and exceeds expectations, consistently delivering results in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strut Commander Hootie’s design is straightforward and functional. The materials used feel durable and capable of withstanding the elements, while the lightweight construction makes it comfortable to carry and use for extended periods.
Its user-friendly design means there’s virtually no learning curve, making it accessible to both experienced and novice hunters alike. The ergonomics are simple but effective, allowing for easy manipulation and consistent sound production.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, the Strut Commander Hootie appears to be built to last. The materials used are resistant to wear and tear, and the simple construction minimizes the risk of mechanical failure.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick wipe-down after each use to remove moisture and debris. With proper care, this call should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strut Commander Hootie is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. Due to its simple design, there are no customization options available. It’s designed to be used as is, focusing on its core functionality of producing realistic owl hoots.
While there are no accessories to add, the Hootie’s inherent simplicity and effectiveness mean that it doesn’t need them. Its focus on delivering a single, crucial function – eliciting shock gobbles – makes it a valuable tool in any turkey hunter’s arsenal.
Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Hootie
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Extremely easy to use, requiring minimal practice.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy carrying.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Effective at eliciting shock gobbles from turkeys.
Cons
- Limited to owl hooting sounds lacks versatility of multi-sound calls.
- No customization options for personalized use.
Who Should Buy Strut Commander Hootie?
The Strut Commander Hootie is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels who need a simple, reliable owl call to locate roosted birds. It’s also a great option for those on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice quality.
Those seeking a versatile call capable of producing multiple sounds or who prefer customized gear might want to skip this product. A must-have accessory would be a lanyard for easy access and to prevent loss in the field.
Conclusion on Strut Commander Hootie
The Strut Commander Hootie is a testament to the idea that simplicity can be incredibly effective. It’s a no-frills, affordable owl call that delivers consistent results in the field.
At just $9.99, the price is more than justified, making it an excellent value for any turkey hunter. I would absolutely recommend the Strut Commander Hootie to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use owl call. Don’t head into the woods without it; get yours today and start locating those longbeards!