Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack Review

All About the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack: Start Here

The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack offers a specialized approach to turkey calling, designed with a unique reed configuration and tongue cut that promises enhanced performance. Manufactured by Hunters Specialties, this pack contains four distinct mouth calls, each crafted from latex and built on an aluminum frame with a focus on consistent quality thanks to their precision press. I initially sought out these calls after a particularly frustrating season where my old, generic mouth calls simply weren’t producing the realistic clucks and yelps needed to consistently turn a gobbler. I had considered a few other high-end brands, but the specific “flat tongue” design mentioned in the product description caught my attention, suggesting it might overcome the limitations I was experiencing. My first impression upon handling the pack was one of professional craftsmanship; the calls felt well-made, and the different cuts were immediately apparent.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds were my own backyard, then various local woods known for their turkey populations during the pre-season scouting period. I practiced in a variety of conditions, from quiet mornings to noisier afternoons, and even with light wind. The calls proved surprisingly easy to get a range of sounds out of, with the distinct cuts offering varied tones. I specifically focused on replicating common turkey vocalizations like clucks, kee-kees, and yelps, aiming for clarity and realism. One minor surprise was the slight learning curve associated with the unique flat tongue cuts; it took a few sessions to fully master the subtle pressure needed to produce the desired sounds without them sounding strained.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks of consistent practice and a few actual hunting trips, these calls have held up remarkably well. I’ve stored them in my vest pocket, sometimes subjected to light dew and the general jostling of walking through brush. Despite this, there’s no noticeable degradation in sound quality or structural integrity. Compared to budget mouth calls I’ve used in the past, which often start to sound raspy or stick after prolonged use, this series maintains its clarity. Cleaning is straightforward; a gentle rinse under cool water and allowing them to air dry is all that’s needed. I haven’t encountered any premature failures, cracks, or stiffness in the latex, which speaks to the quality of the materials and construction.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack

Specifications

This Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack is constructed primarily from latex for the reeds, mounted on an aluminum frame. Each call features three reeds of .003 latex, with a specific emphasis on the “Tongue Series” design. This design is characterized by a unique flat tongue cut, deviating from the traditional pointed tongue, which Mark Drury states provides more performance. The reeds are spaced very tight to each other, a notable difference from typical mouth call spacing. The pack includes four distinct calls:

• #1 Typical MAD Cutter: Features Mark’s signature notch in the back corner.
• #2 Cutter with Inverted V: Combines a cutter cut and notch with an inverted V cut and a flat tongue.
• #3 Traditional Inverted V: Utilizes a traditional inverted V cut with a flat tongue.
• #4 Traditional Ghost Cut: A ghost cut with a flat tongue and notches on the back sides.

These specifications are crucial because the precise reed configuration and cuts directly influence the range of sounds a call can produce and the ease with which a caller can achieve them. The tight spacing and flat tongue are intended to create a more controlled and versatile soundscape, crucial for mimicking the nuanced vocalizations of wild turkeys. The inclusion of four distinct designs offers a broader sonic palette, allowing hunters to adapt to different turkey moods and situations, from aggressive yelps to softer clucks.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of these calls is to mimic turkey vocalizations, and the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack performs this role admirably. The distinct cuts on each of the four calls provide a surprising range of tones and volumes. The flat tongue design, a key innovation, genuinely seems to offer greater control over rasp and volume, allowing for both soft, subtle clucks and loud, attention-grabbing yelps. The tight reed spacing also contributes to a cleaner sound, reducing unwanted air leakage that can mar a call. The #1 MAD cutter is particularly effective for aggressive hen sounds, while the #4 Ghost cut excels at softer, more realistic contact calls.

A significant strength of this series is the consistent quality across all four calls. Each one feels like it was manufactured with the same attention to detail, ensuring that once you find a sound you like, you can replicate it reliably. The flat tongue design is a genuine game-changer for controlling rasp; it allows for a more nuanced expression of turkey language than many traditional calls. On the flip side, the tightness of the reeds, while beneficial for sound clarity, might require a bit more air control for absolute beginners compared to calls with wider spacing. However, for an experienced caller, this presents an opportunity for finer tonal manipulation.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack is fundamentally practical, focusing on function over flash. The aluminum frame provides a sturdy base for the latex reeds, ensuring they maintain their shape and tension. The yellow finish is standard for many mouth calls, making them visible if accidentally dropped in leaf litter. The overall feel in hand is solid and well-constructed; there’s no excessive floppiness or flimsy construction, which instills confidence. The distinct cuts are clearly defined and visually different, aiding in quick identification in the field.

Ergonomically, these calls are designed to be held comfortably in the mouth, with the latex positioned to allow for controlled airflow and lip pressure. The flat tongue, while different from traditional calls, doesn’t present any significant ergonomic issues once you adapt your technique. The tightness of the reeds means you need to be precise with your tongue and lip placement, but this precision translates into better sound control for those who master it. The lack of complex or unnecessary features keeps the design focused on producing authentic turkey sounds, which is precisely what any hunter needs.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their construction from latex and aluminum, these calls are built for the rigors of hunting season and beyond. Under normal use, which for me includes daily practice sessions and multiple hunting outings, I anticipate these calls will last at least one to two full seasons before the latex begins to lose its elasticity or develop tears. The aluminum frame prevents any warping or structural compromise that can happen with purely plastic frames. Maintenance is minimal; a simple rinse and air dry after each use is sufficient to keep them clean and free from debris that could affect their sound.

There are no obvious failure points in their design, but like all mouth calls, the latex is the most susceptible component to wear and tear over time. If subjected to excessive heat or left in direct sunlight for extended periods, the latex could degrade faster. For those who tend to be rough with their gear, it’s worth noting that while the aluminum frame is sturdy, the latex reeds themselves are delicate and can be easily nicked or torn by fingernails or rough handling during setup.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular product is a 4-pack, meaning the primary “accessory” is the inclusion of four distinct calls. There are no additional components like instructional DVDs or specialized cleaning tools provided. However, the true customization comes from the inherent differences in the four call designs within the pack, allowing users to select the best call for a particular scenario. While the calls are not designed for user modification in terms of reed adjustment (like some tunable calls), the variety offered within the pack serves as its own form of customization. Hunters can experiment with which call best suits their personal calling style and the desired turkey vocalization. For those who want to protect these calls, a small, dedicated mouth call pouch or a compartment in a hunting vest is recommended.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack

Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack?

This Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack is ideally suited for intermediate to advanced turkey hunters who are looking to refine their calling abilities and add more realistic sounds to their repertoire. If you’ve been hunting for a few seasons and find your current mouth calls are limiting your ability to mimic specific turkey nuances, this pack offers a significant upgrade. It’s also a great choice for hunters who appreciate having a variety of tools for different situations, allowing them to adapt their calls on the fly.

Conversely, absolute beginners who have never used a mouth call before might find the specialized design slightly more challenging to pick up initially compared to a simpler, single-reed call. While it’s certainly possible to learn on these, focusing on a more basic call first might be beneficial. For those who demand extreme volumes or very specific, high-pitched cutting sounds that might be better achieved with a dedicated specialized call, this pack might serve as a complementary set rather than their sole vocalization tool. If you’re looking for a truly budget option, this pack might be slightly above the lowest price tier, but the performance justifies the investment.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack

The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Series Mouth Call 4-Pack stands out as a thoughtfully designed and exceptionally well-performing set of turkey calls. The innovative flat tongue cut, combined with tight reed spacing and the inclusion of four distinct call designs, provides hunters with a powerful and versatile toolset. The build quality is evident, with durable materials and consistent manufacturing that promise longevity through many seasons of practice and hunting. For its price point, the value offered in terms of sonic realism and adaptability is remarkable, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey enthusiast.

I would personally recommend this pack to any turkey hunter looking to elevate their calling game beyond basic sounds. It offers a tangible improvement in control and realism, especially for those who understand the importance of nuanced vocalizations in luring wary gobblers. While absolute beginners might benefit from starting with a simpler call, intermediate and advanced hunters will find these calls to be an indispensable addition to their hunting gear, providing the tools needed to speak the language of the wild turkey more fluently.