Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call Review

My Honest Thoughts on the Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call

For years, my quest for the perfect turkey call has led me down many paths, often involving a cacophony of reeds and frustration. This spring, a familiar need for a versatile, reliable mouth call resurfaced as I prepped for an early season hunt. I’d heard whispers about Quaker Boy’s reputation, and the promise of a “most versatile” call, specifically the Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call, piqued my interest. It’s a deceptively simple piece of gear, yet its impact on a hunt can be profound.

My previous go-to was a well-worn call that had developed a slight rasp, no longer producing the clean hen sounds I needed for subtle interactions. I was also looking for something that could handle a wider range of tones, from soft clucks to louder yelps, without excessive air or effort. While I briefly considered more complex box calls, the portability and immediate responsiveness of a mouth call always drew me back.

Upon unboxing, the Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen felt immediately promising. The Green Custom Latex material had a good initial feel, and the reed structure seemed well-executed. There wasn’t a dramatic revelation, but rather a quiet confidence in its construction that spoke to years of refinement. It wasn’t the most expensive call I’d ever handled, but it certainly didn’t feel cheap, aiming for a sweet spot between performance and accessibility.

Real-World Testing: Putting Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call to the Test

My testing ground for this call was the rolling hills and dense hardwood forests of my usual spring turkey territory. I spent several mornings in blind, as well as practicing from various locations, trying to simulate real hunting scenarios. This included calling from thick brush, open fields, and even while on the move to mimic a hunter walking and calling.

During these initial outings, the call performed admirably in calm, dry conditions. It produced clear hen sounds with moderate air pressure, and I found it relatively easy to transition between different types of calls. The two lite reeds contributed to a crispness that was particularly noticeable in the higher-pitched yelps, a key component for attracting curious gobblers.

Extended use over the course of the season revealed its true character. After weeks of daily practice and several hunting trips, the latex maintained its elasticity and tuning. I experienced no significant degradation in sound quality, nor did the reeds begin to stick or fray.

Maintenance for this type of call is minimal, primarily involving a gentle rinse and ensuring it’s dry before storage. I stored it in its original packaging or a dedicated call pouch to protect the reeds from debris and accidental damage. Compared to some budget calls that can quickly lose their sound or become unusable after a few uses, this Quaker Boy offering demonstrated solid durability.

First Use Experience

I first put the Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call to the test during a quiet pre-dawn sit in a familiar oak stand. The air was cool and still, perfect for evaluating a new call’s nuances. I started with basic clucks and purrs, wanting to get a feel for the sensitivity of the QB 2000 latex.

The initial sounds were remarkably clear and controlled, requiring less air than I anticipated for a clean hen vocalization. I was able to produce a soft, almost hesitant cluck that felt authentic. Transitioning to a slightly more forceful yelp, the two lite reeds responded well, producing a sharp, attention-grabbing sound without the airy or raspy quality that can sometimes plague mouth calls.

There was a very minimal learning curve. While I’m accustomed to mouth calls, I did spend about ten minutes adjusting my tongue placement slightly to achieve the perfect seal and airflow. This is typical for any new call, but the forgiving nature of the reed setup meant I was making quality sounds fairly quickly.

A minor surprise was how well it handled slightly wetter conditions. While I avoided full submersion, a light dew seemed to have minimal impact on its sound quality. This is a welcome trait for any gear used in the unpredictable outdoor environment.

Extended Use & Reliability

As the spring turkey season progressed, the Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen became my go-to for most hunting scenarios. Its consistent performance in producing a variety of hen sounds – from soft feeding calls to more aggressive yelps – proved invaluable. I found myself relying on it for both opening day excitement and late-season wary gobblers.

Durability has been impressive for a call of this price point. The Green Custom Latex shows no signs of tearing or losing its shape, and the tape holding the reeds is still firmly in place. I’ve even accidentally dropped it a time or two onto soft leaf litter without any noticeable effect on its performance, which is a testament to its robust construction.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick rinse with water and allowing it to air dry is usually sufficient. I make sure to press out any excess moisture gently before storing it. Keeping the reeds clean and free from debris is crucial for maintaining sound quality, and this call has been relatively easy to keep in top condition.

Compared to other mouth calls I’ve used, this Quaker Boy model strikes a great balance. It’s more consistent and responsive than many entry-level calls, and it offers a versatility that rivals some higher-priced options. While it might not possess the absolute sonic complexity of a custom-made, multi-layered reed call, it certainly punches above its weight.

Breaking Down the Features of Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call

Specifications

The Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call is designed with simplicity and effectiveness in mind. It features premium QB 2000 latex for its reeds, specifically two lite reeds.

This two lite reed configuration is key to its versatility. It allows for a good range of tones, from soft clucks requiring minimal air, to sharper yelps and cutts that demand a bit more pressure. The latex material itself is known for its elasticity and ability to maintain its shape and sound quality over time.

The call is constructed with a Green Custom Latex reed set, which is specifically formulated by Quaker Boy for turkey vocalizations. This material choice directly impacts the realism and clarity of the sounds produced. The overall design focuses on creating a reliable and user-friendly mouth call.

The intended species is, of course, Turkey. This call is designed to mimic the sounds of a hen turkey, aiming to attract gobblers during the spring breeding season. Its simplicity in design means fewer moving parts to fail, contributing to its overall reliability.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call is to accurately replicate hen turkey sounds. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well, especially for its price point. The two lite reeds are adept at producing clear, crisp yelps that can cut through ambient noise.

I found it particularly strong in generating medium-to-high-pitched hen sounds. The clucks are tight and resonant, and the yelps have a good amount of rasp without being overly coarse. The ability to vary air pressure to produce different volumes and tones is a definite strength.

Where it might fall slightly short for some is in producing very deep, guttural sounds or complex cutts without a bit more practice and precise tongue placement. However, for the majority of common hen vocalizations, it exceeds expectations. It reliably produces sounds that have elicited responses from gobblers in various hunting situations.

Its overall functionality is high; it’s easy to get good sounds out of it without being an expert caller. The consistency of the Green Custom Latex ensures that your effort is rewarded with a usable sound nearly every time. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced hunters alike.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call is focused on practicality and effective sound production. It utilizes a Green Custom Latex reed structure, typically layered over a thicker base reed for support, all held in place by tape.

The material feels supple yet durable, and the two lite reeds are cut in a way that promotes easy air passage and clear sound articulation. The overall feel when placed in the mouth is comfortable, and the tape, while visible, doesn’t cause discomfort or irritation with prolonged use. It’s a classic mouth call design that has been refined over the years.

Ergonomically, it’s designed to be held and manipulated easily with the tongue. The standard size fits well within the mouth, and the texture of the latex provides enough grip for control. There’s no complex learning curve; the user’s ability to control air and tongue pressure is the primary factor in achieving desired sounds.

The absence of any external embellishments or complex mechanisms means it’s straightforward to use. Its compact size makes it easy to carry and deploy quickly, which is crucial when a gobbler is closing the distance unexpectedly. The focus is purely on sound production, which it achieves effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

For a piece of gear designed to be placed in the mouth and exposed to the elements, the durability of the Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call is quite good. The premium QB 2000 latex is known for its resilience, resisting premature tearing or stretching, which are common failure points in lesser mouth calls. The tape securing the reeds is also robust, holding firm even with repeated use and occasional moisture exposure.

I expect this call to last at least one full turkey season, possibly longer, with proper care. Its simple construction means there are few parts that can break. Even after repeated aggressive calling sessions, I haven’t noticed any degradation in the sound quality or structural integrity of the call.

Maintenance is minimal and straightforward. After each use, I gently rinse it under cool water to remove saliva and any debris. It’s important to let it air dry completely before storing it to prevent mold or mildew growth. I usually store it in a dedicated call case or the original packaging to protect the reeds from damage.

Given its construction, potential failure points would likely be the tape loosening over time or the latex eventually losing some elasticity. However, based on my experience, this process is slow and the call remains functional for a considerable period. It’s a reusable, reliable tool rather than a disposable item.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call typically comes as a standalone unit, with no additional accessories included. Its design is focused on being a ready-to-use mouth call right out of the package. Customization, in the traditional sense of attaching different components, isn’t applicable here.

However, the way you use the call is a form of customization. Your tongue placement, air pressure, and the speed at which you manipulate the reeds are all user-defined adjustments. This allows for a surprising degree of personalization in the sounds you produce.

While there are no specific accessories that come with this call, I would strongly recommend pairing it with a dedicated call lanyard or a protective call case. These accessories are essential for keeping your call secure, dry, and readily accessible when you need it most. Protecting the reeds from damage is paramount for maintaining its performance, making a simple protective pouch a worthwhile addition.

Pros and Cons of Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call

Who Should Buy Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call?

This call is an ideal choice for beginners venturing into turkey hunting who want a reliable and easy-to-use mouth call to start with. It’s also a great option for intermediate hunters looking for a versatile, no-frills call that performs consistently without breaking the bank. Hunters who appreciate a simple, effective tool that doesn’t require extensive tuning or complex manipulation will find it particularly appealing.

Those who should probably skip this call are advanced callers seeking extremely specialized sounds or those who prefer multi-layered reed configurations for very specific vocalizations. If you’re looking for a call designed solely for deep, raspy gobbler sounds, this might not be the primary choice, though it can certainly be part of a calling sequence. Also, anyone looking for a “set it and forget it” call with absolutely zero learning curve might want to consider simpler friction calls, though this mouth call is very forgiving.

To enhance the experience, I highly recommend purchasing a call lanyard or a protective call case. These simple accessories are crucial for keeping your call secure, dry, and readily accessible in the field, preventing loss or damage to the delicate reeds.

Conclusion on Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call

The Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call stands out as a remarkably capable and user-friendly turkey call, especially considering its accessible price. It delivers on its promise of versatility by producing a clear and varied range of hen vocalizations with impressive consistency. The premium QB 2000 latex and thoughtful two lite reed design make it durable enough for a full season of use and easy enough for newcomers to master quickly.

For the price of $10.49, the value proposition is exceptionally strong. You get a reliable tool that can significantly increase your chances of success in the field without requiring a substantial investment. While it may not offer the absolute cutting-edge complexity of some custom calls, its performance and ease of use make it a standout choice for its intended purpose.

I would personally recommend the Quaker Boy Screamin’ Green Old Boss Hen Turkey Call without hesitation to any hunter seeking a dependable and effective mouth call. It’s a fantastic entry point for those new to turkey hunting and a solid, reliable option for seasoned enthusiasts looking for a workhorse call. This call proves that quality and effectiveness don’t always come with a premium price tag.