Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call Review

The Final Word on the Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call

As an experienced gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I approached the Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call with a seasoned eye. This particular call, a staple for many turkey hunters, promises an all-weather, consistent performance that aims to replicate the natural sounds of a hen. My initial encounter with this call revealed a solid construction, hinting at its intended ruggedness. I was on the hunt for a reliable pot call that could withstand the unpredictable conditions of early spring turkey seasons without degrading in sound quality or functionality. The market offers a vast array of turkey calls, and while I considered some higher-end, custom-made options, the allure of a proven, readily available model like this one from Bone Collector drew me in. My immediate impression was one of pragmatic utility; it felt like a tool built for purpose, rather than ornamentation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call took place during an early spring turkey scouting trip, in conditions that ranged from crisp morning air to a light, persistent drizzle by midday. I worked this call from the edge of a dense thicket, aiming to draw out any gobblers or curious hens. The sound produced was surprisingly crisp, even with damp hands from the dew. Even on its first outing, it felt intuitive to use, requiring minimal adjustment to find a comfortable grip and produce a range of clucks and yelps. The anodized aluminum surface held up well, and the hickory striker exhibited a good balance of grip and responsiveness.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the subsequent weeks, this pot call accompanied me on multiple hunts and practice sessions, enduring everything from chilly pre-dawn temperatures to warmer afternoon conditions. It has consistently delivered reliable performance, proving its all-weather capability. Despite frequent use and occasional accidental drops on soft forest floor, the cherry pot and weather-proof tip of the striker show no signs of premature wear. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a dry cloth usually suffices, and the non-glare finish remains intact. Compared to some of my older, more delicate pot calls that would warp or lose their resonance in adverse weather, this model has maintained its sonic integrity remarkably well.

Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call

Specifications

The Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call features a cherry pot paired with an anodized aluminum surface. This combination is designed for durability and consistent sound production, even when subjected to varying atmospheric conditions. The call includes a hickory striker with a weather-proof tip, ensuring a reliable grip and consistent contact point for generating vocalizations. It boasts a non-glare finish, which is a practical consideration for hunters aiming to remain undetected. The product dimensions are listed as 1.5 inches in height, 11 inches in length, and 7 inches in width, with a weight of 0.42 lb; these measurements contribute to its manageable size and weight for carrying in the field.

These specifications translate directly into user experience. The cherry pot provides a warm, resonant base for the sound, while the anodized aluminum surface offers a smooth, consistent friction zone for the striker to work against. This pairing is crucial for producing the varied tones of a hen turkey. The hickory striker is a classic choice, offering a good balance of hardness and feel, and the weather-proof tip is a thoughtful addition for unpredictable outdoor environments. The non-glare finish is not just aesthetic; it’s functional, reducing any potential shine that could alert wary birds.

Performance & Functionality

In practice, the Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call excels at producing a range of hen vocalizations, from soft clucks to louder, more insistent yelps. The call truly shines when creating those high-pitched yelps that can cut through ambient noise and attract attention. It also produces loud, clear clicks, which are essential for mimicking feeding or contented sounds. I found it particularly effective at replicating the sharper, more cutting sounds that are often necessary to elicit a response from a hesitant gobbler.

The strengths of this pot call lie in its consistency and volume. It consistently produces clear, sharp sounds that don’t degrade significantly in less-than-ideal weather. Its ability to generate loud calls is a major advantage in open terrain or when trying to reach distant birds. A minor point for improvement could be in the nuanced subtleties of softer, more intimate sounds; while capable, some highly experienced callers might prefer a call with a slightly more delicate touch for very close-range interactions. However, for its intended purpose as an all-weather call, it performs admirably and meets expectations for its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call is focused on practicality and outdoor functionality. The cherry pot has a smooth, comfortable feel in hand, and its natural wood grain provides a secure grip, even when wet. The anodized aluminum surface is precisely machined, offering a consistent contact point without any rough edges or imperfections. The hickory striker feels robust and well-balanced, its length and diameter making it easy to control for various calling techniques.

Ergonomically, this call is a pleasure to use. It sits comfortably in the palm, allowing for fluid wrist movement necessary for executing complex calls. There was no significant learning curve; even those new to pot calls should find it relatively intuitive to produce basic sounds. The non-glare finish contributes to its overall understated design, preventing it from being a visual distraction in the field.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extensive use, the Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call is built for longevity. The cherry pot is inherently durable, resisting cracks and warping, and the anodized aluminum surface is resistant to scratches and corrosion. The hickory striker, with its weather-proof tip, has proven to be remarkably resilient, showing minimal wear even after repeated forceful strikes against the aluminum. This unit is designed for reusability and should last for many seasons of regular use.

Maintenance is exceptionally low. A quick brush to remove any dust or debris is typically all that’s needed. It’s important to avoid excessive moisture saturation and to store it properly between uses to prolong its life. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, but like any wooden instrument, avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations or prolonged submersion would be prudent.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call typically comes as a complete unit, including the cherry pot, the anodized aluminum surface, and the hickory striker with its weather-proof tip. There are no additional accessories bundled with this particular model, and customization options are limited to the inherent design itself. While some users might seek to experiment with different striker materials or woods, this unit is designed to function optimally as-is. Its straightforward design means there are no complex mechanisms to modify or upgrade.

Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call

Who Should Buy Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call?

This call is an excellent choice for intermediate to experienced turkey hunters who prioritize reliability and consistent performance in varied field conditions. It’s particularly well-suited for those who hunt in regions with unpredictable weather patterns or who need a call that can withstand the rigors of regular use. Beginners looking for a solid, dependable entry into pot calls will also find this model very user-friendly and effective.

Hunters who demand extremely subtle, nuanced calling for pressured birds or those who prefer highly specialized, custom-made calls might consider exploring other options. For most turkey enthusiasts seeking a robust, effective, and affordably priced pot call, this model is a strong contender. A good pair of gloves for cold mornings and a waterproof bag for storage would complement this call well.

Conclusion on Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call

The Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call stands out as a highly capable and dependable turkey call. Its blend of cherry pot, anodized aluminum surface, and hickory striker with a weather-proof tip delivers consistent, loud vocalizations suitable for various hunting scenarios. The all-weather design is not just a marketing claim; it’s a reality that holds true even in challenging conditions.

Considering its price point of $67.99 and its robust performance, this call offers excellent value. It’s a tool that performs its intended job exceptionally well and is built to last. I would confidently recommend the Bone Collector Ol Weathered Hen Pot Call to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable, durable, and effective vocalization tool that won’t let them down in the field. It’s a practical choice for consistent success.