Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call Review

Why the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call Caught My Eye

My hunting toolkit is as varied as the environments I’ve worked in, from frosty mountain mornings to steamy workshop afternoons. For turkey hunting, the sounds I can produce are often the difference between a successful harvest and a silent forest. For years, I’ve relied on a medley of calls, but I was always on the lookout for something that offered that perfect blend of grit and clarity, something that felt intuitive yet versatile. The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call, with its promise of a raspy tone and clear front end, piqued my interest immediately. Bone Collector has a reputation, and the concept of a four-reed system designed for ease of use for both amateurs and seasoned callers was particularly appealing.

My quest for this specific call was driven by a frustrating experience last spring. I was trying to elicit a response from a gobbler that seemed particularly wary, and my usual go-to call just wasn’t hitting the right notes. It was either too sharp and metallic, or too muffled and indistinct. I needed a call that could mimic the nuances of a hen turkey’s vocalizations, especially those softer, more subtle sounds that can draw in a curious bird. I considered a few other brands known for their high-end mouth calls, but the attractive price point and the specific description of the Con Artist’s sound profile made it stand out. My first impression, even before I got it to my lips, was one of pleasant surprise at its compact size and the feel of the reeds. It felt solid, yet pliable, a good sign for potential sound quality.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call took place in my backyard, away from any pressure, and then on my local hunting grounds during an early morning scouting trip. The objective was simple: to see if it could produce the sounds described – raspy yet clear. I practiced yelps, clucks, and purrs, focusing on varying my air pressure and tongue placement. Immediately, I noticed how little air it took to get a decent sound, which is a testament to the reed configuration. It was surprisingly easy to achieve a good yelp, with a pleasant rasp on the backend that faded into a clearer tone.

The conditions were mild, a typical early spring day, so I didn’t stress it with extreme temperatures or moisture. However, the ease with which I could transition between different calls without adjustment was notable. There were no immediate issues, no unexpected air leaks or reeds sticking together, which can be a common problem with lesser calls. The biggest surprise was how quickly I could produce realistic sounds; it felt less like I was fighting the call and more like it was cooperating with me.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of practice sessions and two full hunting days, this mouth call has become a staple in my vest. It has held up remarkably well. I’ve kept it in a dedicated pocket in my hunting vest, protecting it from undue stress, and it shows no signs of wear. The reeds remain flexible and responsive, and the latex hasn’t degraded, which is crucial for maintaining its sound profile. The consistency of its performance over multiple outings has been a significant positive.

Compared to some of the budget calls I’ve used in the past, which often lose their rasp or become difficult to control after just a few uses, this Bone Collector call has proven to be much more durable and reliable. Maintenance is incredibly simple; a quick rinse with water after a wet day, or even just a gentle wipe, is usually all that’s needed. I haven’t experienced any issues with it becoming sticky or losing its shape, and I’m confident it will last me through many seasons.

Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call

Specifications

The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call is a 4 reed combo cut call. This specification is key to its performance, offering a balanced approach to sound production. The reeds are typically made from high-quality latex, known for its elasticity and ability to produce nuanced turkey sounds. The 6 cm length and 0.75 in height contribute to a comfortable fit in the mouth, allowing for precise control. Its weight of 0.06 lb makes it practically unnoticeable when stored or in use. The 3.75 in width also aligns with standard mouth call dimensions for optimal lip and tongue placement.

This combination of 4 reeds is designed to allow less air flow, which translates directly to an easier calling experience. For beginners, this means less frustration in producing basic sounds like yelps and clucks. For experienced callers, it provides a greater range of control, allowing for subtle variations and more complex sequences. The “combo cut” is a specific shaping of the reeds, which is engineered to create both the raspy tone and the clear front end mentioned in its description. This dual sound capability is what makes it so versatile.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of a mouth call is to accurately mimic turkey vocalizations, and the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call excels at this. It delivers a surprisingly rich and realistic sound. The raspy backend is spot-on for simulating the natural grittiness of a hen turkey’s yelp, which is often what attracts a wary gobbler. Simultaneously, the clear front end provides the necessary crispness for clucks and cuts, ensuring these sounds are distinct and attention-grabbing.

Its strengths lie in its ease of use and versatility. I found it exceptionally good at producing basic, but crucial, sounds like clucks and yelps with minimal effort. The ability to easily transition between these sounds without needing to significantly adjust my technique is a significant advantage. One minor weakness, though not a deal-breaker, is that achieving extremely high-pitched, piercing whistles can require a bit more practiced technique compared to some single-reed calls. However, for the vast majority of turkey calling scenarios, its performance is more than sufficient, and certainly exceeds expectations for its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

From a design standpoint, the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call is straightforward but effective. The materials used, primarily the latex reeds and the plastic frame, feel durable and well-constructed. The 4 reed system is neatly layered and secured, contributing to a solid feel when held. Its compact dimensions make it comfortable to hold between the lips and tongue.

Ergonomically, it’s intuitive. There’s a slight learning curve, as with any mouth call, but the design facilitates quick adaptation. The cut of the reeds is what truly defines its usability. It allows for a good seal against the roof of the mouth, which is critical for controlling airflow and producing varied tones. The absence of any sharp edges or uncomfortable protrusions makes it pleasant to use for extended periods. The markings on the call, if any, are usually subtle but help in orienting the call within the mouth for consistent sound production.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction, the Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call is built for moderate to heavy use within its intended environment. For a mouth call, its lifespan is generally measured in seasons rather than years, especially if subjected to rough handling or significant moisture. However, the quality of the latex reeds suggests a good degree of resilience. With proper care, I expect it to last at least one to two full hunting seasons without significant degradation in sound quality.

Maintenance is straightforward. After each use, especially in damp conditions, a gentle rinse with clean water is recommended to prevent reed buildup and maintain flexibility. It’s important to store it in a dry place, ideally in a protective case, to prevent the reeds from getting crushed or damaged. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, but like all mouth calls, excessive drying or accidental dropping on hard surfaces could compromise the reeds over time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call typically comes as a standalone item, with no specific accessories included. Its inherent design is its customization. The 4 reed combo cut is the primary feature that allows for a wide range of vocalizations. While there are no aftermarket parts or modifications typically made to this specific type of call, its strength lies in the user’s ability to manipulate their own tongue, lips, and breath to achieve different sounds.

This type of call doesn’t usually integrate with other gear in terms of direct attachment. However, it’s designed to be easily stored in a dedicated pocket of a hunting vest or even a shirt pocket. The lack of complex components means there’s nothing to get lost or require additional mounting solutions, which simplifies its integration into a hunter’s existing setup.

Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call

Who Should Buy Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call?

This mouth call is an excellent choice for virtually any turkey hunter looking for a versatile and affordable option. It’s particularly well-suited for novice hunters who are learning the ropes of turkey calling and want a forgiving, easy-to-use tool. Experienced hunters will also appreciate its ability to produce nuanced sounds without requiring an excessive amount of air or complex manipulation. It’s perfect for those who hunt in a variety of terrains and need a call that can adapt to different scenarios, from calm morning yelps to aggressive aggressive clucks.

Conversely, if you are a hunter who exclusively relies on extremely high-frequency whistles or requires a call that can produce very specific, often artificial-sounding tones, you might want to explore calls specifically designed for that niche. However, for realistic and effective natural turkey vocalizations, this Bone Collector model is a fantastic option. As for must-have accessories, I’d recommend a small, soft case or pouch to protect the reeds when not in use, ensuring its longevity and consistent performance.

Conclusion on Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call

The Bone Collector Con Artist Mouth Call punches well above its weight class, offering impressive sound quality and ease of use for an incredibly modest price of $10.99. Its ability to deliver both a raspy tone and a clear front end makes it a highly versatile tool for any turkey hunter. The 4 reed configuration significantly reduces the air needed to produce realistic calls, making it approachable for beginners while still offering control for seasoned callers.

Given its performance, durability, and affordability, I would absolutely recommend this call. It’s a smart purchase for anyone looking to improve their turkey calling repertoire without breaking the bank. If you’re a beginner, it’s an ideal starting point; if you’re experienced, it’s a reliable workhorse for your vest. It’s a testament to Bone Collector’s ability to produce effective hunting gear that is accessible to all.