Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator Review

True Results from the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator

The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator promises an exceptionally loud yet realistic coyote howler designed to provoke a strong response from wild turkeys. As someone who’s spent well over a decade in environments ranging from dusty workshops to remote fieldwork, I’m always on the lookout for calls that deliver authenticity and power. This locator call, with its blend of wood and high-density plastic, caught my eye as a potential game-changer for turkey hunting.

My search for a better locator call stemmed from a particularly frustrating spring morning. Several promising gobblers remained stubbornly silent, and my usual calls just weren’t cutting through the dense pre-dawn fog. I needed something that could project and cut through ambient noise, and the claims of this particular model being able to make turkeys gobble “a mile away” piqued my interest significantly.

Upon receiving the call, my initial impression was one of rugged practicality. The combination of a wood barrel and a high-density plastic horn felt substantial, suggesting it could withstand the occasional bump and scrape that comes with being afield. It lacked the flashy aesthetics of some high-end calls, but for a tool meant to be functional in the elements, it struck a good balance between utility and a hint of craftsmanship. I had briefly considered a fully plastic model for its perceived durability, but the idea of a wood barrel for sound resonance was more appealing. My first reaction was one of cautious optimism, a sense that this might just be the tool to elicit that longed-for gobble.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial tests were conducted in the quiet solitude of my backyard, a controlled environment before the high stakes of a turkey hunt. I wanted to gauge the raw sound output and realism without the pressure of a live bird. Later, I took it out to a local wildlife management area during the shoulder season, where I could practice calling without the immediate pressure of drawing attention from actual hunters, while simulating a hunting scenario.

The call performed admirably in various conditions. Even with a light dew settling on the wood, the sound projection remained strong. I found that a firm, deliberate exhale produced the most resonant howls, and it took only a few minutes to get a feel for the right pressure. What surprised me was how quickly I could produce a distinct, piercing howl; there was virtually no learning curve for basic operation.

However, I did notice a slight tendency for the call to collect dust and debris in the crevices of the wood barrel. While not a performance issue, it meant a quick wipe-down was necessary after each session to maintain its appearance and prevent buildup in the sound-producing parts. This was a minor quirk, but a noticeable one in extended use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, both for practice sessions and during actual hunts, this locator call has proven its mettle. It has become a staple in my hunting vest, frequently deployed to try and locate distant gobblers. The wood barrel has held up well to the rigors of being slung in my vest, showing only minor scuffs that add to its character rather than detracting from its function.

Durability has been a strong suit for this locator call. I haven’t experienced any cracking, warping, or loss of sound quality, even after being exposed to damp mornings and dry, dusty afternoons. The high-density plastic horn remains unblemished and continues to channel sound effectively. Maintenance is refreshingly simple; a quick brush to clear out any debris from the barrel and a wipe-down of the horn is all that’s typically required.

Compared to some of the purely synthetic calls I’ve used in the past, which could sometimes sound tinny or artificial, this call strikes a better balance. It doesn’t quite match the nuanced finesse of a hand-carved wooden duck call, but for its intended purpose as a loud, far-reaching locator, it outperforms simpler, cheaper plastic alternatives. The integrated design of the injection molded guts with a .014 reed seems to contribute to its consistent performance over time.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator

Specifications

The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator features a wood barrel paired with a high-density plastic horn, a design choice aimed at optimizing sound resonance and durability. It utilizes injection molded guts and a .014 reed, a combination that contributes to its powerful output. The manufacturer is Hunters Specialties, and the product is specifically marketed for Wild Turkey species, despite its coyote howler design.

These specifications are crucial for its performance. The wood barrel is intended to add a natural warmth and depth to the sound, while the high-density plastic horn ensures that the sound can project powerfully over long distances. The carefully selected reed thickness, .014, is designed to produce a loud, sharp, and attention-grabbing coyote howl that is meant to elicit a reaction from turkeys.

While other locator calls might opt for all-plastic construction for simplicity or entirely custom-made components for intricate sound sculpting, this model strikes a pragmatic middle ground. The .014 reed is a standard size that many users will find familiar and easy to work with, offering a good compromise between volume and control. Its straightforward design means less potential for complex failure points compared to more elaborate calls.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator is to produce a loud, realistic coyote howl capable of making turkeys gobble. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The sound it produces is undeniably loud, cutting through wind and foliage with an impressive reach. I’ve found it effective at drawing responses from turkeys that were previously silent and at considerable distances.

Its main strength lies in its sheer volume and the piercing quality of its howl, which seems to have a potent effect on gobblers. This effectiveness is directly tied to the wood barrel and the high-density plastic horn, which work in tandem to amplify and project the sound. The injection molded guts and the specific .014 reed also play a significant role in achieving this consistent, powerful output.

However, its realism as a coyote howler, while good, might not satisfy the most discerning predator callers. The emphasis seems to be on volume and provoking a reaction rather than nuanced coyote vocalizations. For its intended use as a turkey locator, this focus on raw power is a definite advantage, but if you were hoping for a call that could also imitate a distressed coyote kit, you might find it slightly less versatile.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this locator call is focused on practicality and effectiveness. The wood barrel provides a comfortable grip, and its natural texture aids in handling, especially with gloved hands. The high-density plastic horn is smoothly finished and shaped for optimal sound projection.

Ergonomically, it’s straightforward to use. Holding the call and exhaling through it requires minimal effort, and the injection molded guts seem to be positioned effectively to allow for proper air flow across the .014 reed. There’s no significant learning curve; users can pick it up and produce a usable sound almost immediately.

The visual aesthetic is understated, leaning more towards a functional tool than a showpiece. The combination of brown and black, as indicated in the product description, is muted and practical for the field. The fit between the wood barrel and the plastic horn is solid, with no noticeable gaps or rattles that could detract from the sound.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator appears built to last through many seasons. The use of a wood barrel suggests a need for some basic care, but the density of the wood and the protective coating it likely received during manufacturing seem to offer good resilience. The high-density plastic horn is inherently durable and resistant to impacts.

Maintenance is relatively simple. After a hunt, I’d recommend giving the inside of the barrel and the reed area a gentle brush to clear out any moisture or debris. Storing it in a dry place, preferably in a protective pouch or slot in my vest, will prolong its life. There are no complex parts to disassemble or lose, which is a significant advantage in terms of long-term reliability.

Potential failure points would likely be related to the reed itself. Over time, any reed can degrade or become over-saturated, affecting its sound. However, the .014 reed is a common size, making replacement straightforward should it ever become necessary. Given the robust construction of the rest of the call, this would likely be the only component requiring eventual attention.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator comes as a standalone product, with no additional accessories typically included. Its design is inherently simple, focusing on its core function as a locator call. There are no user-serviceable parts beyond the reed itself, and external customization options are minimal.

While the wood barrel offers a natural aesthetic, it’s not designed for decorative customization. The injection molded guts and the .014 reed are integrated components, not meant for swapping with aftermarket alternatives. If you were looking for a call that you could extensively modify with different reeds or sound boards, this wouldn’t be the platform for that.

However, its compatibility with a hunting vest’s general organizational features is high. It fits comfortably in most call pockets and is easy to access quickly. The lack of accessory integration keeps the price point accessible, making it an attractive option for hunters who prioritize function over extensive customization.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator

Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator?

This locator call is ideally suited for turkey hunters who prioritize being able to locate distant gobblers effectively. It’s a fantastic option for those who often hunt in windy conditions or through dense cover where sound can be muffled. Beginners will appreciate its ease of use, while experienced hunters will value its sheer volume and reliable performance for eliciting responses.

Individuals who require a call that can produce a nuanced range of coyote sounds for predator hunting might want to look elsewhere. Those who prefer highly customizable calls with interchangeable parts might also find this model too basic. However, for its primary purpose as a potent turkey locator, it excels.

Essential accessories would simply be a good hunting vest with a dedicated call pocket to keep it protected and easily accessible. A small brush for cleaning the barrel after use would also be beneficial for maintaining its condition over time.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator

The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Howler Locator is a highly effective tool for its intended purpose. Its combination of a wood barrel and high-density plastic horn delivers a loud, attention-grabbing coyote howl that consistently prompts turkeys to respond. Despite its focus on volume over nuanced vocalizations, its ability to elicit gobbling from a distance makes it an invaluable asset for any serious turkey hunter.

At a price of $17.99, the value proposition is exceptionally strong. It offers performance that rivals calls costing significantly more, making it an accessible yet powerful addition to any hunter’s gear. I would absolutely recommend this locator call to anyone looking to improve their ability to find and engage gobblers in the field. It’s a no-frills, high-impact call that gets the job done.