Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call Review

The **Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call** Review You’ve Been Looking For

For anyone looking to add a versatile turkey call to their arsenal, the Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call presents itself as a compelling option. Manufactured by Bone Collector, this tri-combo double reed call promises accessibility for beginners while offering enough nuance for experienced callers. Its design aims to strike a balance between ease of use and effective sound production, a crucial combination for a game call.

The need for a reliable, all-around mouth call arose for me during an unexpectedly challenging spring turkey season. My usual calls, while effective in specific scenarios, struggled to produce the varied tones needed to bring in a hesitant gobbler from a distance. I needed something that could replicate a range of sounds without requiring a master’s degree in waterfowl acoustics.

Initial impressions of the Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call were positive. The call feels well-constructed, with a comfortable fit in the hand and a material that suggests reasonable durability. I briefly considered a different brand’s single-reed call, but its perceived complexity steered me back towards this more adaptable design.

Overall, my first reaction was one of cautious optimism. This mouth call seemed to offer a practical solution to my calling challenges.

Real-World Testing: Putting **Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call** to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this mouth call took place during several late-season turkey hunts in varied terrain, from open fields to dense woodland. I also spent considerable time practicing in my backyard, aiming to master its intricacies before venturing into the field.

During these hunts, the call performed admirably under different conditions, including moderate wind and light morning dew. While it didn’t face heavy rain or extreme temperatures, the materials held up well without any noticeable degradation in sound quality. The design proved to be quite user-friendly, requiring minimal adjustment to achieve audible clucks and yelps.

There were a few minor surprises, primarily related to the subtle differences in sound production compared to my more specialized calls. The nasally quality, attributed to its unique cut, took a bit of getting used to for achieving specific hen sounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use on hunts and during practice sessions, the Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call has held up remarkably well. It has become a go-to call for its versatility and ease of deployment.

The durability appears to be excellent; there are no signs of the reeds separating, the frame cracking, or any other structural compromise. Its compact size also means it’s easy to store safely in a vest pocket without worrying about damage. Maintenance is practically non-existent, as mouth calls require minimal attention beyond keeping them clean of debris.

Compared to some budget options I’ve used in the past, which quickly lost their rasp or became difficult to control, this mouth call feels like a significant step up in quality and reliability. It certainly offers better performance than many similarly priced alternatives.

Breaking Down the Features of **Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call**

Specifications

The Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call is a tri-combo double reed design, which is its primary selling point. This means it incorporates three distinct reed configurations within a single mouth call, offering a broader spectrum of sounds. The reeds themselves are likely made from a durable latex or similar synthetic material, designed for consistent vibration.

The manufacturer states it requires less pressure for accurate calling, a critical aspect for mouth calls where breath control is paramount. This feature suggests the reeds are finely tuned, allowing for a wider range of vocalizations with less effort. The call measures approximately 6 cm in length and 0.75 inches in height, with a weight of 0.06 lb, making it incredibly lightweight and unobtrusive. Its width is noted as 3.75 inches, likely referring to the packaging or overall dimension of the call itself and any accompanying protective casing.

The tri-combo double reed configuration is key because it allows for the emulation of different hen turkey vocalizations. The ease of achieving these sounds with less pressure means that even callers who are still developing their technique can produce convincing calls. This specification directly impacts the user’s ability to adapt to different turkey behaviors and situations in the field.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of any mouth call is to accurately mimic turkey vocalizations, and this model does a commendable job. It excels at producing clear, consistent yelps and clucks, which are essential for basic turkey communication. The tri-combo double reed system allows for a surprising range of tones, from softer hen sounds to more aggressive cutting yelps, depending on how it’s manipulated.

A significant strength is its adaptability for a wide range of users, from those just learning to use a mouth call to seasoned veterans. The instruction about requiring less pressure holds true; it’s forgiving for beginners, reducing frustration. However, a minor weakness might be achieving the very high-pitched, sharp “cutting” sounds that some advanced callers prefer, as the nasally front end can sometimes limit that extreme pitch.

Overall, it meets expectations for a versatile, mid-range mouth call, exceeding basic functionality without necessarily reaching the pinnacle of specialized, high-end calls. It’s a solid performer that lives up to its promise of being a good all-around option.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call focuses on practicality and effectiveness. The latex reeds are precisely cut and layered to create its distinctive sound profile. The tri-combo double reed setup is neatly integrated into the call’s frame, ensuring a secure fit.

Ergonomically, the call is designed for comfortable placement within the mouth, allowing for good seal and control. The nasally front end is a deliberate design choice that contributes to its unique sound, though it might feel slightly different initially for some users. The overall feel is solid, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of regular field use without issue.

The compact dimensions and lightweight nature make it an easy piece of gear to carry and use. There’s minimal learning curve for basic sounds, making it approachable for newcomers to diaphragm calls.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call is a strong point, as expected for a game call designed for the outdoors. The materials used are robust and resistant to common wear and tear. Given its construction, it should last for several hunting seasons with proper care.

Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving rinsing with water after use and ensuring it dries thoroughly before storage. Avoiding contamination from dirt or food particles will prolong its life and maintain sound quality. There are no complex parts to clean or maintain, making it a low-fuss piece of equipment.

A potential concern for any mouth call is reed damage, but the design appears to protect the reeds reasonably well. As long as it’s stored in a protective case or pocket, longevity should not be an issue for most users.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call typically comes as a standalone item, with no significant accessories or customization options included in the basic package. Its value lies in its inherent design and the tri-combo double reed configuration. While some manufacturers offer replacement reeds or specialized cases, this model focuses on being a complete unit out of the box.

It’s not designed for modification in the way a firearm or certain other gear might be. The customization is built into its tri-combo double reed system, allowing users to achieve various sounds through different blowing techniques rather than swapping parts. It’s a ready-to-use tool that offers a spectrum of sounds without needing additional components.

Pros and Cons of **Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call**

Who Should Buy **Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call**?

The Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call is an excellent choice for beginner turkey hunters who are new to using diaphragm calls. Its ease of use, requiring less pressure, makes it far less frustrating than more complex designs. It is also ideal for intermediate hunters looking for a reliable, all-around call that can handle various situations without needing multiple specialized calls.

Those who should probably skip this product are extremely advanced callers who demand the absolute finest nuances for very specific calls, or hunters who prefer mechanical calls over mouth calls. While this call is versatile, hunters who specialize in mimicking rare regional dialects of turkey might find it limiting. If you’re on the fence about mouth calls, this one offers a gentle introduction without a steep learning curve.

For those looking to enhance their experience, a small, durable protective case for the call would be a worthwhile accessory. Keeping it clean and protected between hunts will ensure its longevity and consistent performance.

Conclusion on **Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call**

The Bone Collector The Hotshot Mouth Call stands out as a highly capable and accessible turkey call. Its tri-combo double reed system, combined with the requirement for less pressure, makes it a truly versatile tool for both novice and experienced hunters. The construction feels solid, and the price point of $10.99 offers significant value for the range of sounds it can produce.

I would personally recommend this call to any turkey hunter seeking a dependable, all-around performer that won’t break the bank. It strikes an excellent balance between ease of use and acoustic capability, making it a practical addition to any hunting vest. If you’re looking to improve your turkey calling without a steep learning curve, this model is a solid choice.