The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II Review

Why the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II Might Be Right for You

For those in the know, locating elusive, tight-mouthed gobblers in the spring turkey woods can be a true test of skill and patience. The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II is a tool designed specifically to overcome this challenge, aiming to elicit that critical shock gobble from wary Toms. I was searching for a locator call that was both simple and highly effective, something that could cut through the ambient noise of the woods and consistently provoke a response.

My previous experiences with turkey calls have ranged from frustratingly silent to overly complex. I needed something straightforward, a piece that I could pull out and use without a steep learning curve, yet one that possessed the sonic capability to truly grab a gobbler’s attention. This particular call from The Grind Outdoors caught my eye with its promise of a high-pitched tone, a sound often cited as being particularly effective for waking up hesitant birds.

Upon receiving it, my first impression was of its remarkable simplicity. It felt lightweight, almost feather-light, yet there was a certain solidity to the plastic construction. It didn’t have any moving parts or intricate setups to fiddle with, which immediately appealed to my desire for a no-nonsense piece of gear. I’d briefly considered a few other crow calls, including some that incorporated other sounds, but the singular focus of the Caw II on a pure, high-pitch crow caw was what sealed the deal for me.

There was an immediate sense of quiet satisfaction; this felt like a tool built for purpose, designed to do one thing and do it exceptionally well.

Real-World Testing: Putting The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II to the Test

My testing grounds for the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II were primarily the early morning woods during turkey season, specifically in areas known for producing wary gobblers. I sought out dense timber and open fields where a loud, clear crow call would have the best chance of carrying and eliciting a response. The initial test was simple: locate a gobbler before he was actively roosted or during those critical first moments of daylight.

I utilized the call in various conditions. On crisp, cool mornings, the sound carried exceptionally well. During slightly more humid or windy days, I found that a firmer puff of air was necessary to achieve the same volume and pitch. It proved incredibly easy to use; there was virtually no learning curve, making it a perfect grab-and-go item for those rushed mornings.

The most significant quirk I noted was the sheer volume; it’s deceptively loud for its size. One initial surprise was how quickly it could sometimes elicit a response, even from birds that had been relatively quiet, suggesting its effectiveness in cutting through other forest noises.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use throughout the spring season, the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II has held up admirably. It has been stuffed into pockets, tossed into vest pockets, and has endured the occasional brush against tree bark without any visible damage. There are no signs of cracking, no loss of sound quality, and the plastic remains free of any stiffness or degradation.

Maintenance for this call is non-existent, which is a major boon for any hunter. A quick wipe with a damp cloth if it gets muddy is all that’s ever needed. Compared to my previous experiences with friction calls that can lose their edge or mouth calls that require careful drying, this locator call is remarkably low-maintenance. It performs just as robustly now as it did on the first day.

Breaking Down the Features of The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II

Specifications

The The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II is crafted from Plastic, making it exceptionally lightweight. Its primary purpose is as a Turkey locator call, specifically a Mouth Call, although its design suggests it’s operated externally rather than from within the mouth. The color is a simple, practical Green, allowing it to blend into the natural environment.

The key specification here is its hand-tuned high pitch tone. This isn’t just marketing speak; the sound it produces is sharp and piercing, designed to mimic a crow’s vocalizations with an emphasis on that loud, attention-grabbing caw. This high pitch is crucial because it’s been proven to be an effective way to get a tom turkey to reveal his location by gobbling in response. Its lightweight but loud design means it won’t weigh down your gear but will still be heard.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job – locating gobblers – the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II performs exceptionally well. The high pitch tone it emits is undeniably effective at cutting through the ambient forest noise and eliciting a response from wary birds. I found it particularly useful during the pre-dawn hours and during mid-morning lulls when gobblers might otherwise remain silent.

The strength of this crow call lies in its sheer simplicity and sonic effectiveness. It does exactly what it’s designed to do: make a loud, clear crow sound. A potential weakness, though not a significant one for its intended purpose, is that it’s a single-note sound. Some hunters might prefer a call with more versatility, but for pure locating, this single-mindedness is a benefit. It meets and often exceeds expectations for a locator call, especially considering its very accessible price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II is deliberately minimalist. Constructed from durable plastic, it feels robust enough to handle the rigors of outdoor use. The Green color is functional, helping it to remain discreet in the field.

Ergonomically, it’s designed for simple operation. There are no complex grips or finger placements required; you simply cup your hand around it and blow. This ease of use is a significant advantage, allowing hunters to focus on listening for a gobble rather than fumbling with their equipment. The smooth finish means no snags on clothing or gear, and its compact size makes it easy to handle and direct the sound.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its plastic construction and lack of moving parts, the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II is built for longevity. Under normal use for its intended purpose as a locator call, it should last for many hunting seasons. I anticipate no significant wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic scuffs from being carried in a vest.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent. A quick rinse or wipe down is sufficient if it gets dirty. There are no internal components to clean or adjust, making it a hassle-free addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal. Potential failure points are minimal; the biggest risk would be losing it rather than it breaking.

Accessories and Customization Options

The The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II comes as a standalone item with no specific accessories included. It is designed for a singular purpose and does not lend itself to customization in the way that some other calls might. There are no interchangeable parts or add-ons to consider for this specific unit.

Pros and Cons of The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II

Who Should Buy The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II?

This crow call is ideal for any turkey hunter who struggles with locating gobblers, particularly those who frequently encounter tight-mouthed or hesitant birds. If you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use tool that consistently works, or an experienced hunter seeking a reliable locator call without complexity, the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those who value simplicity and proven effectiveness over elaborate features.

Hunters who need to make a variety of turkey sounds (yelps, clucks, purrs) will need to supplement this call with other options, as it’s solely a locator. Those hunting in extremely dense cover where extreme quiet is paramount might find its high volume challenging to control, but for general locating across varied terrain, it’s superb. I would recommend pairing this with a good diaphragm or friction call for the actual hunting sequences.

Conclusion on The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II

The The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II stands out as a remarkably effective and accessible tool for turkey hunters. Its simple design, coupled with its potent high pitch tone, makes it an invaluable asset for locating gobblers, especially in challenging situations. The lightweight but loud characteristic ensures that even the wariest toms can be coaxed into revealing their position.

Considering its $7.49 price, the value proposition is outstanding. It delivers performance that rivals calls costing significantly more. I wholeheartedly recommend this crow call to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable, easy-to-use, and effective way to find birds. If you’re heading into the woods this spring and want to increase your chances of hearing that tell-tale gobble, this simple plastic call is a must-have addition to your vest.