Hunters Specialties Strut Turkey Call Box Hedge Cutt’r Strut Select Review

Ready to Know the Truth About the Hunters Specialties Strut Turkey Call Box Hedge Cutt’r Strut Select?

For years, I’ve relied on a specific set of tools that can cut through the noise and deliver results when it matters most. That’s why I was intrigued by the Hunters Specialties Strut Turkey Call Box Hedge Cutt’r Strut Select. This particular call boasts a blend of American cherry and hedge wood, promising a unique tonal quality. My quest for a reliable, versatile turkey call that could handle both distant locators and intimate finishing sounds led me to this model. I considered other box calls, including those made from solely hardwood, but they often lacked the advertised rasp. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of simple, rugged craftsmanship; it felt solid in hand, with a natural wood grain that suggested durability. There was an immediate sense of practicality, a feeling that this call was built for the field, not just the display shelf.

Real-World Testing: Putting the Hunters Specialties Strut Turkey Call Box Hedge Cutt’r Strut Select to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real outing with the Strut Select box call was on a crisp April morning in a familiar oak-hickory woodlot, the kind that holds a good number of mature gobblers. I was nestled against a thick oak, the dawn chorus just beginning to stir. The goal was to test its ability to produce a clear, far-carrying cluck and cut, followed by the softer, more seductive purrs and yelps that can seal the deal at close range. I started with a few sharp clucks, and immediately, the sound that echoed back was precisely what the description promised: high-pitched with a distinct rasp. It cut through the ambient forest noise surprisingly well, and I could envision it attracting attention from across a field or a wide creek bottom. Switching to a softer putt and then a gentle purr, the call produced a more mellow tone, suitable for lulling a hesitant bird closer. There was no real learning curve; the grip felt natural, and the paddle-side interaction was intuitive. The only minor surprise was the slight friction sound when the paddle just began to move, a small characteristic that became negligible with more fluid strokes.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of hunting, from early season to late, the Strut Select has proven its mettle. I’ve carried it through dew-soaked fields, across rocky terrain, and into dense thickets, and it’s held up remarkably well. The wood construction shows only minor scuffs from incidental contact, nothing that affects its performance or structural integrity. Critically, the sound quality has remained consistent; there’s been no degradation in its rasp or pitch, even after being exposed to varying temperatures and humidity levels. Maintenance has been straightforward: a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after use, and a light coat of wood oil every few outings to keep the wood healthy. Compared to some of the more expensive, intricate calls I’ve used, this one offers a surprising amount of reliability without excessive fuss. Budget options sometimes lose their edge quickly, but this call feels built to last, and its performance hasn’t waned.

Breaking Down the Features of the Hunters Specialties Strut Turkey Call Box Hedge Cutt’r Strut Select

Specifications

The Hunters Specialties Strut Turkey Call Box Hedge Cutt’r Strut Select is constructed from a combination of American cherry and dense hedge wood. This deliberate pairing is key to its sound profile, with the harder hedge providing the resonance and high-end pitch, while the cherry offers a medium density for that sought-after rasp. The dimensions of the call, while not explicitly stated in inches for the usable surface, are substantial enough to offer a good grip and sufficient surface area for varied sound production. These material choices are fundamental to a box call’s effectiveness, dictating the clarity, volume, and tonal character of the yelps, clucks, and purrs. The hard-dense hedge paired with the medium-density cherry creates a sound that is both loud enough to carry and nuanced enough for close-range work.

Performance & Functionality

This call excels at its primary function: producing realistic turkey vocalizations. The high-pitched yet raspy hen talk is its standout feature, making it exceptionally effective for cutting through wind or distance. I found its ability to generate clear locater calls—loud, attention-grabbing sounds—to be particularly impressive. When used for softer, more intimate sounds, the rasp remains present but mellows appropriately, crucial for convincing a wary gobbler to commit. Its strength lies in its versatility across different calling scenarios, from aggressive cutting to subtle purring. A minor area for improvement could be even greater consistency in the absolute softest purrs; sometimes, a whisper-quiet stroke can be a touch too muted, requiring a slightly firmer touch than ideal for absolute silence. However, for its intended purpose, it performs exceptionally well, meeting and often exceeding expectations for a call in its price bracket.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Strut Select is classic and functional, reflecting its intended use in the field. The American cherry and hedge wood construction feels robust, with a natural grain that provides a good, non-slip grip even with slightly damp hands. The finish is understated, allowing the natural beauty of the wood to show through, which I personally prefer over overly glossy or artificial coatings. The paddle is well-shaped, fitting comfortably in my palm, and its movement across the box produces the desired friction for sound. There’s a slight textured feel on the sides of the box, which aids in maintaining control during aggressive calling sequences. The overall feel is solid and dependable, without any unnecessary embellishments that could complicate its use or increase its weight.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, the durability of the Hunters Specialties Strut Turkey Call Box Hedge Cutt’r Strut Select appears to be quite good. The wood construction is naturally resistant to damage from moderate impacts, and the joinery feels secure. I haven’t noticed any signs of splitting or warping, even with exposure to varying weather conditions. Maintenance is refreshingly simple; a light cleaning after each use and an occasional application of a wood conditioner will likely keep it in top shape for many seasons. The simplicity of its design—a box and a paddle—means there are very few potential failure points. It’s a tool designed to be used, and it feels like it can withstand the rigors of serious hunting.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular box call comes as a standalone unit, focusing on the core functionality of the call itself rather than elaborate accessory packages. There are no additional needles, tips, or interchangeable parts provided. However, the true “customization” for a box call like this comes from the user’s ability to manipulate the paddle and produce different sounds. The Hunters Specialties Strut Turkey Call Box Hedge Cutt’r Strut Select is designed to be highly responsive to subtle variations in pressure and speed, allowing for a wide range of vocalizations without needing any physical modifications. Its straightforward design means it is not compatible with external accessories in the way electronic calls or some other types of calls might be.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Strut Turkey Call Box Hedge Cutt’r Strut Select

Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Strut Turkey Call Box Hedge Cutt’r Strut Select?

This call is ideal for the dedicated turkey hunter who values realistic sound and dependable performance without breaking the bank. If you are a beginner looking for a reliable first box call, or an experienced hunter seeking a no-nonsense tool that performs exceptionally well in various conditions, this model is a strong contender. It is particularly suited for hunters who frequently hunt in windy conditions or across open terrain where a call with good volume and cutting ability is essential. Those who appreciate the classic feel and sound of wood calls over electronic alternatives will find a lot to like here. However, hunters seeking extensive customization options, such as interchangeable strikers or advanced electronic soundscapes, might need to look elsewhere.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Strut Turkey Call Box Hedge Cutt’r Strut Select

The Hunters Specialties Strut Turkey Call Box Hedge Cutt’r Strut Select has earned its place in my hunting gear. It delivers on its promise of high-pitched, raspy hen sounds that are incredibly effective in the field. The combination of American cherry and hedge wood provides a tonal quality that is both powerful and nuanced, making it a versatile tool for various calling situations. While there’s a minor point about a slight initial friction noise, it’s a small concession for the overall excellent performance and robust build. For its price point, the value proposition is outstanding; it competes with calls that often cost significantly more. I would absolutely recommend this call to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable, effective, and authentic-sounding box call that is built to last. If you’re hunting for a call that brings birds in close with realistic vocalizations, the Strut Select is a smart and capable choice.