Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call Review

The Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call Made a Bold First Impression

The Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call isn’t just another piece of wood; it’s a promise. A promise of connecting with the wild, of speaking the language of the woods, and of drawing in that wary gobbler with irresistible hen talk. Zink Calls, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of game calls, aims to deliver a premium sound at a palatable price point with this box call.

For years, I’ve relied on a combination of pot calls and mouth calls to coax turkeys into range, achieving varying degrees of success. However, I was searching for a box call that delivered not just volume, but also authentic, raspy hen sounds that could cut through the wind and grab a tom’s attention from a distance. I wanted something reliable, easy to use, and capable of producing a range of realistic turkey vocalizations.

My first impression upon unboxing the Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call was one of quality craftsmanship. The American walnut bottom felt solid and well-finished, while the hickory paddle offered a nice contrast in color and texture. The call felt substantial in my hand, not cheap or flimsy, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of the hunt.

I considered other box calls like the Primos Heart Breaker and the Lynch’s Fool Proof, but ultimately chose the Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call because of the double-sided design and the promise of replicating multiple hen sounds. The Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call stood out as a potential game-changer. It offered a unique feature set at a competitive price, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

I was definitely excited about the possibilities this call presented. The prospect of having a single tool that could mimic an entire flock of hens was incredibly appealing. I was cautiously optimistic and eager to get it into the field and see if it could truly produce the realistic, raspy calls I was hoping for.

Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call was on a crisp spring morning in the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma. I set up on a ridge overlooking a known strutting zone, the air still and carrying sound exceptionally well.

The Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call performed admirably, even in slightly damp conditions, maintaining consistent sound without sticking or warping. The double-sided design allowed me to quickly transition between higher-pitched young hen yelps and deeper, raspier old hen clucks, adding realism to my calling sequence. There were no unexpected hiccups and no problems after initial setup.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the spring and into the early fall seasons, the Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. Minor surface scratches from regular use are present, but the walnut and hickory have held up extremely well with no cracks or splits.

Maintenance is simple: a light sanding of the paddle with fine-grit sandpaper every few hunts, and the occasional application of chalk to the sounding surfaces has kept it singing sweetly. It definitely outperforms many cheaper box calls I’ve used in the past, and its versatility rivals that of more expensive custom calls. The Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call has remained in excellent condition after a good deal of use in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call

Specifications

• Walnut/Hickory Construction: The combination of American walnut for the body and hickory for the paddle creates a call that is both durable and tonally rich. The different densities of the woods contribute to the call’s ability to produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.

• Double-Sided Design: This feature allows the user to create two distinct tones, effectively mimicking multiple hens. The versatility of the double-sided design makes it easy to create the illusion of a small flock of turkeys, piquing the interest of nearby toms.

• Hand-Built and Hand-Tuned: Each call is individually crafted and adjusted to ensure optimal sound quality. The meticulous hand-tuning process ensures that each Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call produces the purest, most realistic turkey sound possible.

• Mimics Multiple Hens: This is crucial for creating a realistic and enticing sound profile that attracts dominant toms. The ability to imitate different hen vocalizations can significantly increase your chances of success in the field.

• Hickory Paddle Duplicates Sound of Old Raspy Hen: The specific properties of hickory wood allow the paddle to produce the distinctive raspy sounds that drive gobblers wild. The hickory paddle helps mimic the mature sound of an older turkey hen.

Performance & Functionality

The Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call excels at producing realistic yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs. It is capable of both loud, attention-grabbing calls for long-distance calling and soft, subtle purrs to seal the deal at close range.

Its strengths lie in its ease of use, consistent sound quality, and ability to mimic multiple hens; however, like all box calls, it can be affected by excessive moisture. With proper care, this call meets and even exceeds expectations, especially considering its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call has a solid, well-balanced feel in the hand. The walnut body is comfortable to hold, and the hickory paddle is easy to manipulate. The size is perfect for carrying in a vest pocket or pack without being cumbersome.

The call is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve for experienced callers and easy-to-follow instructions for beginners. Anyone who is familiar with a box call, especially, should have no problems using this.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, the Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call should last for many seasons of hunting. Regular cleaning and sanding of the paddle will keep it in optimal condition. The durability of this turkey call is notable.

Repairs are typically limited to occasional sanding or chalking of the paddle. This is typical of most turkey calls and is not a significant issue.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call doesn’t come with a lot of accessories, because it doesn’t need them. It is a self-contained unit designed to produce high-quality turkey sounds right out of the box.

While there are no specific customization options offered by Zink, some hunters may choose to experiment with different chalks or slightly alter the paddle for a personalized sound. There are generally no aftermarket parts for a box call.

Pros and Cons of Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call

• Realistic Sound: Capable of producing a wide range of authentic turkey vocalizations.
• Easy to Use: Minimal learning curve, suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters.
• Double-Sided Design: Mimics multiple hens, adding realism and versatility to your calling.
• Durable Construction: Walnut and hickory construction ensures long-lasting performance.
• Affordable Price: Excellent value for the quality and features offered.