Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call Review

What Led Me to Try the Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call

My search for a more versatile and forgiving turkey mouth call led me to the Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call. The sheer variety of sounds I needed to replicate – from the softest clucks of a hesitant hen to the aggressive yelps of a dominant bird – was proving a challenge with my current arsenal. This two-pack promised a solution, boasting a dual approach to turkey vocalizations.

Upon initial inspection, the calls felt well-constructed. The hand-stretched and cut reeds on one model, coupled with what felt like premium soft tape, immediately suggested a focus on comfort and precision. The other call, a four-reed combo, hinted at a different tonal quality, aiming for rasp without sacrificing clarity. I’d briefly considered individual calls from other brands, but the dual-pack nature and the Bone Collector reputation for functional gear made this an attractive proposition. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; it felt like a well-thought-out pairing designed to cover a broader spectrum of turkey sounds.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place during my spring turkey hunting season, both in practice sessions in my backyard and then in the field. I focused on replicating common turkey sounds: soft hen yelps, clucks, purrs, and the more aggressive, cutting yelps. The calls performed admirably in my practice sessions, allowing me to produce a good range of volumes and tones.

In the field, the calls proved their worth across varied conditions. I used them from a dense treeline on a crisp morning and later from an open field with a light breeze. The calls were intuitive from the start; even with their differing reed configurations, I found myself adjusting my technique quickly to get the desired sounds. One slight surprise was the Con Artist‘s ability to produce a clear front end on its raspy calls, which was more nuanced than I expected.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent practice and a full turkey season, both calls have held up remarkably well. The Illusionist, with its single reed, has maintained its elasticity and cutting ability, showing no signs of premature wear. The Con Artist, with its four-reed system, also continues to produce its signature raspy yet clear tones, with no discernible fraying on the reeds.

Durability has been impressive; neither call has shown any cracks or stiffness, even after being stored in my vest pocket with other gear. Maintenance has been minimal; a simple rinse with water after use and careful drying is all that’s required. Compared to some budget mouth calls I’ve used in the past, which often lose their tonal quality after only a few outings, these Bone Collector calls feel like a significant step up in longevity and consistent performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call

Specifications

This pack includes two distinct mouth calls, each designed with specific sonic characteristics in mind. The first, The Illusionist, features a hand-stretched and cut single reed construction. This design is intended to offer a wide range of versatility, capable of producing both loud and soft cutts, yelps, and clucks.

The second call, Con Artist, is a 4-reed combo cut call. This configuration is built to deliver a raspy tone with a clear front end, aiming for a complex sound profile. The 4-reed system is noted for requiring less air, making it easier for users of all skill levels to produce accurate yelps, cutts, clucks, and even purrs. These calls are compact, with dimensions around 6 cm in length and 0.75 inches in height, fitting comfortably in the mouth.

Performance & Functionality

The Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call pack truly delivers on its promise of versatility. The Illusionist excels at nuanced calling; its ability to transition from a soft, pleading cluck to a sharp, attention-grabbing yelp is remarkable. I found it particularly effective for simulating a hesitant hen, drawing in curious gobblers.

The Con Artist lives up to its name by producing a sound that is both aggressive and believable. The rasp is authentic, mimicking a more mature hen, while the clear front end ensures the call doesn’t sound muddy or distant. This dual nature makes it exceptional for cutting through distance or the noise of the woods, and it’s also surprisingly effective for softer sounds if you adjust your air pressure.

Design & Ergonomics

The design philosophy behind both calls prioritizes user comfort and effective sound production. The Illusionist uses what feels like a very premium soft tape for its construction. This tape not only ensures a comfortable fit against the roof of the mouth but also contributes to a secure seal, crucial for consistent airflow and tone.

The Con Artist, with its four reeds, presents a slightly more complex challenge initially, but the design facilitates a surprisingly natural feel. The reeds are layered thoughtfully, allowing for controlled airflow without feeling restrictive. Both calls are well-made, with no rough edges or imperfections that could cause discomfort or impede sound.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the durability of these mouth calls is a significant strong suit. The reeds on both The Illusionist and The Con Artist have remained flexible and responsive, even after repeated exposure to moisture and varied temperatures. The tape used to secure the reeds feels robust and has not shown any signs of peeling or degradation.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick rinse under cool water and allowing them to air dry thoroughly is sufficient. I’ve found that keeping them in a small, breathable pouch within my hunting vest helps them dry faster and prevents any potential mildew. There are no complex parts to worry about, making maintenance a non-issue for long-term use.

Accessories and Customization Options

This product is sold as a 2-pack, meaning you receive two distinct mouth calls rather than a single unit with interchangeable parts. Therefore, there are no additional accessories or customization options provided with the Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call pack itself. The customization comes in the form of the two different calling styles offered by each included call.

Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call

Who Should Buy Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call?

The Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call pack is an excellent choice for turkey hunters of all experience levels looking for a reliable and versatile calling solution. Novice callers will appreciate how forgiving The Illusionist is, while seasoned veterans will find the nuanced control of both calls beneficial for specific hunting scenarios. This pack is ideal for anyone who wants to practice and employ a wider range of turkey vocalizations without purchasing multiple individual calls.

However, those seeking a modular system with interchangeable reeds for hyper-specific customization might look elsewhere. For general field use and effective turkey communication, this dual-pack is hard to beat. I would also suggest investing in a small, breathable pouch to store the calls; this will aid in drying and longevity.

Conclusion on Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call

The Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call pack stands out as a high-value offering for serious turkey hunters. It successfully bridges the gap between ease of use and sophisticated sound production, providing two distinct tools that cover a broad spectrum of vocalizations. The build quality is impressive, ensuring durability and consistent performance through many seasons.

For its price point, the performance and versatility offered by this 2-pack are exceptional. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Bone Collector Beard Bluffer Mouth Call to any hunter looking to refine their turkey calling repertoire with reliable, effective, and well-crafted mouth calls. It’s a purchase that promises to enhance your calling success in the field.