Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call Review

After the Test: My Review of Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call

For years, my turkey calls have been a mix of reliable workhorses and occasional experimental pieces. Recently, the lure of a classic slate call, specifically one promising that sought-after “raspy” tone without breaking the bank, led me to the Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call. I’d been looking for a call that could deliver those soft, nuanced sounds essential for luring in wary gobblers, especially during those finicky spring mornings. While I have a few premium calls in my arsenal, the appeal of an affordable, yet reportedly consistent, slate call piqued my interest.

My first impression upon unboxing this call was one of practical simplicity. It felt surprisingly lightweight, and the slate surface had a uniform, almost polished look to it, immediately suggesting a degree of manufactured precision. There wasn’t any obvious flash or unnecessary adornment, which I appreciate in gear meant for the field; functionality always trumps form for me. I’d briefly considered a few other entry-level slate calls, but the inclusion of a dedicated striker and a diaphragm call in the package swayed my decision towards this offering. My initial reaction was a quiet sense of optimism – it felt like a solid, no-nonsense tool ready for the elements.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call to the Test

My testing began in earnest during the early days of turkey season, deep in the dense woods of my local hunting grounds. I focused on situations demanding subtlety – soft clucks, gentle purrs, and short yelps designed to sound like a lone hen nearby. The initial moments were spent simply conditioning the slate surface with the included carbon striker, a process I’ve done countless times with various calls.

I found that the Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call produced a remarkably consistent sound profile once I got a feel for it. The striker felt comfortable in my hand, and the slate surface offered good friction for controlled scratching. Even after several hours of practice and a few actual hunts, the call held its sound. It didn’t seem to be overly sensitive to the light morning dew or the occasional brush against my vest.

Over the course of a few weeks, this slate call became a regular fixture in my hunting vest. It was used in various scenarios, from clearings where a louder yelp might be needed to the thick underbrush where softer, more intimate sounds were paramount. Its compact size meant it was always easily accessible without being cumbersome. I experienced no degradation in sound quality or noticeable wear on the slate or the striker, which speaks well to its durability. Cleaning was straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after each outing was all that was needed to keep it in top condition. Compared to some cheaper, generic slate calls I’ve encountered that quickly lose their rasp or develop inconsistent tones, this call proved to be a significantly more reliable performer.

First Use Experience

My primary testing ground for the Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call was the pre-dawn stillness of mature oak and pine forests. I sought out areas known for their turkey activity, aiming to replicate the natural sounds a hen would make when trying to attract a tom. This involved gentle scratching on the slate, followed by soft clucks and more complex yelps.

The call performed admirably under these conditions. It was surprisingly easy to produce soft, seductive sounds that mimicked a hen’s natural cadence. Even when I deliberately exposed it to a light mist during an early morning drizzle, the call maintained its acoustic integrity and remained responsive.

Initially, I did need a brief period to acclimate to the specific grip and angle required to produce the best sounds from this particular slate call. However, this learning curve was minimal, and I found it intuitive after just a few minutes of focused practice. The only minor surprise was how quickly the included carbon striker seemed to find its sweet spot on the slate, producing a rich, resonant tone without much effort.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, spanning multiple hunting trips and practice sessions, the Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call continued to impress with its reliability. It has become my go-to for situations demanding subtle, realistic hen vocalizations. The slate surface has held up exceptionally well, showing only the faintest signs of use that are common with any slate call.

There have been no cracks, no loss of sound quality, and the striker remains perfectly matched to the call’s surface. Maintenance has been minimal; a simple wipe-down after each use has kept it clean and ready. It performs just as well now as it did on the first day, which is a testament to its solid construction.

When comparing it to other slate calls I’ve owned, this model strikes a great balance. It doesn’t have the exotic materials or ultra-premium feel of some higher-priced calls, but it significantly outperforms many budget options that can become unusable after a short time. It’s a truly dependable tool for the serious hunter.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call

The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call is designed to be a straightforward, effective tool for turkey hunters. Its core appeal lies in its ability to produce a range of natural-sounding hen vocalizations.

Specifications

The key specifications of this call focus on its core components and materials. It features a slate surface, which is the primary sound-producing element. This slate is set within a custom-molded pan, designed for acoustic consistency.

Included with the slate call is a carbon striker, which is crucial for its operation. The striker’s material and design directly influence the tone and rasp produced. The product description also notes its lightweight and compact nature, making it easy to carry.

The custom-molded pan is an important design element; it ensures that the slate is seated properly, which is essential for achieving a consistent sound. A well-designed pan prevents air leaks and allows for precise manipulation of the striker against the slate. This leads to more predictable and controllable vocalizations, a critical factor in successful turkey hunting.

Performance & Functionality

The main job of the Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call is to mimic the sounds of a hen turkey convincingly, and it excels at this. It produces soft, seductive yelps, clucks, and purrs with a delightful amount of rasp. This rasp is what gives the call its realism, mimicking the natural imperfections in a hen’s voice.

Its outstanding consistency, attributed to the custom-molded pan, means that once you find the right sound, you can replicate it reliably. This is a significant strength, especially when trying to draw in cautious gobblers. It meets and often exceeds expectations for a call in its price range, offering a sound quality that can rival more expensive options.

However, one potential limitation to be aware of is that achieving the absolute loudest, highest-volume yelps might require a bit more striker control than some might expect. This is not necessarily a weakness, but rather a characteristic of slate calls; they are often favored for their finesse and realism over raw power.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this call is focused on practicality and acoustic performance. The slate surface itself offers a good tactile feel, allowing for precise control over the striker. The carbon striker feels balanced in the hand, providing good feedback as it interacts with the slate.

Its lightweight and compact design makes it exceptionally ergonomic. It tucks away easily into a vest pocket or clip without adding noticeable bulk. There’s no learning curve for its basic function; if you can hold a striker and make contact with a slate, you can make noise.

The finish on the slate is smooth, which is ideal for generating clear tones. The overall build quality feels robust enough for regular field use. The markings on the call, if any, are subtle, reinforcing its functional design.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of longevity, the Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call is built to last. Slate calls, by their nature, are quite durable if treated with basic care. The materials used, including the slate and the carbon striker, are resistant to common field wear.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after use is usually sufficient to remove dust and moisture. Storing it in a protective pouch or pocket prevents scratches. There are no specific maintenance tips beyond keeping it dry and avoiding harsh impacts, as with any delicate instrument.

Potential failure points are minimal. The slate itself could chip if dropped hard on a rock, but this is a risk with all slate calls. The striker, being carbon, is also quite resilient. Overall, this call is designed for repeated use over multiple seasons with minimal fuss.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call comes with a couple of valuable additions. It includes a carbon striker, essential for its operation. Additionally, it comes bundled with a double-reed Raspy Old Hen Premium Flex diaphragm call, featuring a double-split top reed for extra rasp and volume.

This inclusion of both a slate and a diaphragm call makes it a versatile package. The diaphragm call offers a different sound profile and is useful for varying your vocalizations or as a backup. While there isn’t extensive customization in terms of altering the call itself, the ability to swap strikers or experiment with different diaphragm calls provides some flexibility. The compatibility with standard striker sizes means you could potentially use other strikers if you have a favorite.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call

Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call?

This call is ideally suited for intermediate to experienced turkey hunters who understand the importance of realistic hen vocalizations. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the nuanced sounds of a slate call but are looking for an affordable, reliable option that doesn’t require deep pockets. If you primarily hunt in woodlands where subtle calls are more effective than aggressive ones, this call will serve you very well.

New hunters looking to start with a quality slate call that offers a good balance of realism and ease of use would also benefit. However, individuals who prioritize extremely loud calls for open terrain or those who demand the absolute finest exotic materials might want to consider premium, higher-priced alternatives. For those starting out or seeking a dependable backup, this call is a fantastic choice.

I’d recommend pairing this call with a good quality vest that has dedicated call pockets to protect it. Additionally, having a small cloth for quick clean-ups in the field is always a good practice.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call

The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Slate Wild Turkey Call stands out as an excellent option for hunters seeking realistic turkey sounds at an accessible price. Its ability to produce those crucial, raspy hen vocalizations with remarkable consistency is its strongest asset. The inclusion of both a quality carbon striker and a versatile diaphragm call makes it an even more compelling package, offering considerable value for its $35.99 price.

While it might not possess the ultra-premium materials or the sheer sonic output of some high-end calls, it more than makes up for it with its dependable performance and user-friendly design. This call is a testament to the fact that effective turkey calling doesn’t always require an exorbitant investment. I would confidently recommend this model to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable, authentic-sounding slate call that won’t break the bank. It’s a solid tool that’s ready to hit the woods and put birds in your lap.