Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call Review

What’s Special About the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call?

As an enthusiast of authentic gear, I’m always on the lookout for tools that genuinely enhance an experience, especially when it comes to something as nuanced as turkey calling. The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call caught my eye for its promise of precision and its pedigree, being designed by a multiple-time world champion. This particular call aims to offer a distinct edge with its unique reed configuration and cut.

My pursuit of this specific call stemmed from a desire to refine my repertoire of turkey sounds, particularly the sharp, cutting yelps that can sometimes be challenging to master with standard calls. I was also looking for a durable option that could withstand the rigors of frequent use in various weather conditions without losing its voice. While I considered a few other calls from well-regarded brands, the specific design elements of the Tongue Cutter Plus seemed to align best with my goal of producing a more aggressive and realistic cutting sound.

Upon first handling this mouth call, my initial impression was one of solid construction, despite its relatively simple appearance. The latex reeds felt robust, and the overall feel suggested it was built for performance rather than just aesthetics. It offered a tangible sense of potential, a feeling that this could be the tool to unlock a new level of calling effectiveness.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call to the Test

I primarily tested the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call during the spring turkey season, working it into my routine during several days of field hunting. The initial tests were conducted from the comfort of my backyard, allowing me to get a feel for its sound profile and my ability to manipulate it without the pressure of a live bird. I then transitioned to actual hunting scenarios, using it in a variety of woodland environments, from dense thickets to open fields.

Performance in various conditions proved surprisingly consistent. The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call maintained its tone and volume even when damp from dew or light rain, a crucial factor for any outdoor calling device. I also found that the unique “flat tongue” design, as mentioned in its description, seemed to aid in consistent airflow, preventing those frustrating airy notes that can plague other calls.

Ease of use was another aspect I focused on. For someone with over a decade of experience with diaphragm calls, this model felt intuitive almost immediately. The specific cut and reed spacing offered a familiar, yet enhanced, response to my breath control. There were no significant issues or surprises during the first few uses, which is always a good sign for a piece of gear designed for immediate application.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, spanning multiple hunting outings and practice sessions, the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call has held up remarkably well. It has become a go-to call in my hunting vest, frequently reaching for it when a sharp, attention-grabbing cut is needed. The aluminum frame provides a sturdy foundation that doesn’t flex or degrade, ensuring the reed placement remains consistent.

Durability has been a strong suit. Despite being stored in a vest pocket alongside other gear and occasionally being exposed to the elements, there are no visible signs of wear, such as cracks in the frame or degradation of the latex. The latex reeds themselves, made from .003 latex, have maintained their elasticity and sharpness, showing no signs of stiffness or loss of tone, which is a common issue with lesser-quality calls over time.

Maintenance for this mouth call is refreshingly simple. A quick rinse with water after use, especially if hunting in dusty conditions, is usually sufficient. I store it in its original packaging or a dedicated call pouch to protect the reeds. Compared to some of my older calls that required more careful handling to prevent damage, this model is straightforward to care for, making it a reliable companion for the long haul.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call

The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call is built around some key design principles aimed at producing a specific, aggressive turkey vocalization. Its specifications detail a thoughtful approach to reed placement and cut style, reflecting its champion-designed origin. These elements are crucial for understanding how it achieves its signature sound.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hunters Specialties
• Fabric/Material: Latex
  • This is the standard material for high-quality mouth calls, offering the necessary flexibility and resilience to produce clear, sharp sounds. The latex in this model feels particularly durable.
• Species: Wild Turkey
  • This call is specifically engineered for imitating the vocalizations of wild turkeys, aiming for authentic hen sounds.
• Design: Flat Fold
  • The flat fold design is a departure from some more traditional folded styles. This allows for a unique reed configuration and can contribute to a more controlled airflow.
• Finish: Yellow
  • The bright yellow finish is not just aesthetic; it makes the call easy to spot if accidentally dropped in the grass or leaf litter, a surprisingly useful feature in the field.
• Frame Material: Aluminum Frame
  • The use of an aluminum frame offers superior rigidity and longevity compared to plastic alternatives. This ensures the reeds maintain their precise positioning over time and through repeated use.
• Reed Configuration: 3 reeds of .003 latex
  • A three-reed setup is common for producing a wide range of sounds, from soft clucks to sharp cuts. The .003 latex thickness provides a good balance of sensitivity and durability, contributing to the call’s responsiveness.
• Reed Spacing: Extra tight reed spacing
  • This feature is critical for creating the sharp, cutting sounds that Mark Drury is known for. The extra tight reed spacing demands precise air control but rewards the user with piercing yelps.
• Cut Style: Cutter call with Mark Drury Signature notch plus .5 inverted V
  • This is the heart of the call’s unique sound. The specific cutter call design, along with the signature notch and inverted V, is engineered to produce a particularly rasping and aggressive cutting sound that is distinct from softer yelps or purrs.
• Manufacturing: Hand-stretched on the HS precision press
  • This indicates a level of quality control and attention to detail in the manufacturing process. Hand-stretched reeds are often superior in consistency and performance.

These specifications translate directly into how the call performs in the field. The aluminum frame and hand-stretched latex ensure longevity and consistent tone, while the specialized cutter call design and extra tight reed spacing are the keys to its aggressive sound profile.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call is to produce realistic and effective turkey vocalizations, particularly the cutting sounds that excite gobblers. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The distinct cut allows for a raspy, aggressive yelp that has proven highly effective at cutting through ambient noise and getting a tom’s attention.

Its main strength is undoubtedly its ability to produce sharp, piercing cuts and aggressive yelps. This is precisely what the design intended, and it delivers. The flat tongue design contributes to excellent control over the airflow, allowing for nuanced sound production once you dial in your breath.

The only potential weakness, if one can call it that, is the learning curve associated with its aggressive cut. For a beginner, the extra tight reed spacing might make it harder to produce softer sounds or even basic yelps initially. It requires a slightly different breath control than a simpler, single-reed call, but for experienced callers, this is a minor adjustment for the sound quality it offers. It meets, and in many ways exceeds, expectations for a specialized cutting call.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this mouth call is a blend of traditional understanding and innovative refinement. The aluminum frame feels robust and well-finished, providing a comfortable and secure base against the roof of the mouth. The yellow finish is a practical design choice, enhancing visibility.

Ergonomically, it fits well for consistent placement, and once you are familiar with its specific reed layout, it becomes quite intuitive. There is a slight learning curve in mastering the precise breath control needed for the aggressive cut, but this is inherent to advanced mouth call techniques rather than a flaw in the design itself. The flat tongue and signature notch are practical design elements that directly influence the sound production, making them functional as well as defining features.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of longevity, the Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call appears to be built for the long haul. The aluminum frame is inherently durable and resistant to the warping or cracking that can affect plastic frames over time. The hand-stretched .003 latex reeds are also of high quality, showing minimal signs of wear even after extensive use.

It is easy to maintain with a simple rinse. For extended storage, keeping it in a protective case is recommended to preserve the delicate latex. A potential concern with any mouth call is the eventual wear on the latex, but the quality of materials here suggests a significantly longer lifespan than many budget options. There are no obvious failure points; the construction seems solid throughout.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call is a standalone product. It does not come with any additional accessories, nor does it offer user-configurable parts like interchangeable reeds or different cut inserts, which is typical for this type of mouth call. Its customization lies entirely in the user’s ability to manipulate their breath and tongue to produce a variety of sounds from its fixed configuration.

The absence of accessories is not a detractor here, as the call itself is designed to be a specialized tool. Its performance is tied directly to the user’s skill and the inherent design of the call, rather than external add-ons.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call

Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call?

The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call is an ideal choice for intermediate to experienced turkey hunters who are looking to master or refine aggressive cutting and yelping sounds. It’s perfect for those who understand the nuances of mouth calling and want a tool that can deliver those high-pitched, attention-grabbing noises that can seal the deal. This call is best suited for hunters who prioritize a realistic, high-performance sound that can cut through distance and cover.

Beginner turkey hunters might find this call a bit challenging due to its specialized cut and tight reeds, which require precise breath control. Those solely focused on producing soft clucks or very basic yelps might also find better options elsewhere. I’d recommend pairing this call with a simpler, single-reed call for beginners to have a more versatile starting point.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call

The Hunters Specialties Drury Outdoors Signature Tongue Cutter Plus Mouth Call is a superbly crafted tool for the dedicated turkey hunter. Its performance in generating aggressive, cutting sounds is exceptional, living up to the reputation of its designers. The aluminum frame, hand-stretched latex, and specialized cut design all contribute to a durable and highly effective piece of gear that consistently delivers.

At $9.99, the value proposition is outstanding. For the price of a few cups of coffee, you get a call engineered by champions that can significantly enhance your calling arsenal. While it may require a bit more finesse from the user, especially for those new to diaphragm calls, the rewards in terms of realistic and effective turkey sounds are well worth the investment. I would absolutely recommend this call to any turkey hunter looking to add a potent cutting voice to their repertoire.