Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call Review

Meet the Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call: First Thoughts

The search for the perfect turkey call can feel like an endless quest, and for me, it often boils down to finding a tool that’s as versatile as it is reliable. The Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call caught my eye as a contender for an all-around performer. This particular model promises a blend of sharp yelps, mellow cuts, cackles, and soft purrs, all from a single slate pot. My interest was piqued by its claim to be an “all-around turkey call,” something many hunters strive for but few calls truly achieve. I’d been struggling with calls that either excelled at one sound but faltered at others, or required too much fine-tuning to produce different tones. This slate pot, with its custom-made slate top, seemed like a promising solution to simplify my calling arsenal. While I considered simpler friction calls and more complex box calls, the appeal of a compact, multi-sound slate pot was strong. My initial impression upon holding it was positive; it felt solid and well-constructed, hinting at a tool built for the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing began on a crisp early spring morning, standing on the edge of a familiar turkey hunting territory. The goal was to simulate a typical calling scenario, trying to elicit a response from any gobblers holding in the area. I started with basic yelps, aiming for a clear, cutting sound. Immediately, the Working Girl Slate responded with a surprisingly crisp tone, even with my initial tentative strokes. Transitioning to clucks and purrs felt natural; the striker glided smoothly across the slate surface, producing those softer, more nuanced sounds that can often bring a hesitant bird closer. I found the learning curve to be minimal; the call felt intuitive from the start, requiring no excessive practice to get a decent sound. The only minor surprise was the slight “scratchiness” when attempting extremely soft purrs, but this diminished as I became more familiar with the striker pressure.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks of hunting and practice sessions, the Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call proved its mettle. I’ve taken it through dew-laden fields, brushed against thorny thickets, and even subjected it to a light drizzle, and it has held up remarkably well. The slate surface has shown no discernible degradation, and the pot material feels just as robust as it did on day one. Maintenance has been blessedly simple; a quick wipe with a dry cloth after each use is all that’s needed. I haven’t encountered any stiffness or performance drop, even after repeatedly filling it with different strikers. Compared to some of the more delicate friction calls I’ve used in the past, this model’s durability is a significant advantage, easily matching or exceeding the reliability of similarly priced calls.

Breaking Down the Features of Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call

Specifications

The Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call boasts a design focused on versatility and user-friendliness. Its core is a custom-made slate top, a material known for its ability to produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations. The pot itself is likely constructed from a durable polymer, providing a sturdy housing for the slate and contributing to its overall resilience.

• Manufacturer: Pittman Game Calls
• Color: Green/Slate Grey – A natural, earthy tone that blends well with hunting attire and surroundings.
• Fabric/Material: Poly/Slate – This combination suggests a durable polymer pot housing a responsive slate calling surface.
• Dimensions: 1.45 X 6.85 X 9.80 in – These dimensions indicate a compact and manageable call that is easy to hold and manipulate in the field.

These specifications translate into a call that’s both practical for hunters and capable of producing a broad spectrum of sounds. The poly/slate construction promises longevity, while the dimensions ensure it won’t be cumbersome to carry or use, even during long days in the woods. This focus on materials and size makes it a well-rounded choice for hunters who need a reliable, all-in-one option.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – calling turkeys – the Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call performs admirably across its claimed sound range. The sharp yelps are clear and carry well, making them effective for cutting through ambient noise or cutting a gobbler off at a distance. Transitioning to clucks and cuts reveals a softer, more intricate tone that is crucial for bringing in wary birds. The purrs, while sometimes requiring a lighter touch, are achievable and possess a realistic, raspy quality.

• Strengths: Its primary strength lies in its versatility, allowing a single hunter to produce a convincing array of sounds without switching calls. The ease with which one can move between different vocalizations is remarkable, making it a potent tool for mimicking hen turkey interactions. The clarity of the yelps and the realism of the purrs are particularly noteworthy.
• Weaknesses: While it covers a wide range, achieving the absolute finest nuances might require a bit more striker control than some premium, single-purpose calls. For instance, extremely soft, subtle purrs can sometimes have a slight scratchiness if the striker pressure isn’t perfectly modulated.
• Expectations: For its price point, this call exceeds expectations as an all-around performer. It delivers on its promise of producing multiple turkey sounds effectively, making it an excellent value.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Working Girl Slate is straightforward and functional, prioritizing performance over elaborate aesthetics. The green/slate grey color scheme is understated and effective for camouflage. The tactile feel of the polymer pot is solid, offering a good grip even with slightly damp hands.

• Build Quality: The construction feels robust, with no obvious seams or weak points. The slate surface is well-seated within the pot, suggesting it will withstand the rigors of regular use.
• Ergonomics and Usability: The call is comfortable to hold and manipulate. The striker fits well in the hand, allowing for precise control over pressure and angle. There was virtually no learning curve for basic sounds, making it accessible even to beginners. The size is ideal, fitting comfortably in a vest pocket or lanyard.
• Practical Details: The subtle texture on the pot offers a secure grip. The smooth finish of the slate prevents snagging on vest material.

Durability & Maintenance

From my experience, this call is built to last. The poly/slate construction suggests it can handle being dropped or knocked around in a hunting vest.

• Longevity: For regular turkey hunting seasons, this call is likely to remain a reliable performer for multiple years. It’s not a disposable item by any means; it feels built for repeated, hard use.
• Maintenance: Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a dry cloth. I recommend storing it in a place where the slate surface isn’t constantly subjected to abrasive materials.
• Failure Points: I haven’t encountered any significant failure points. The most likely area for wear would be the striker tip over a very extended period of use, but this is typical for any friction call.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call typically comes as a standalone unit, often with a complementary striker. This is standard for most slate calls, as the striker is crucial to its performance.

• Included Accessories: The call usually includes a custom-designed striker that is specifically paired with the slate for optimal sound production.
• Customization: While the call itself isn’t heavily customizable, its performance can be significantly influenced by the striker used. Experienced hunters might experiment with different strikers from various manufacturers to find a sound that perfectly matches their style or the specific turkey’s vocalizations. The custom-made slate top is the primary feature that sets it apart from generic alternatives.

Pros and Cons of Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call

Who Should Buy Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call?

The Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call is an ideal choice for new and intermediate turkey hunters seeking a versatile call that can handle various situations. It’s also a fantastic option for experienced hunters who want a reliable, no-nonsense call that simplifies their gear without sacrificing sound quality. If you’re looking for a call that can mimic a wide range of hen sounds and is built to last through many seasons, this is a strong contender.

However, advanced callers who demand absolute mastery over extremely subtle nuances, or those who prefer the unique tonal qualities of ceramic or glass calls, might find it slightly less specialized. Those who require ultra-compact or unique materials might look elsewhere, but for the vast majority of turkey hunters, this call is a solid investment. A simple lanyard to keep it easily accessible is a highly recommended complementary item.

Conclusion on Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call

The Pittman Game Calls Working Girl Slate Pot Turkey Call truly lives up to its “all-around” moniker. It strikes an impressive balance between sonic versatility, ease of use, and robust construction, all at a very accessible price point. While it might not possess the hyper-specialized sonic capabilities of some niche calls, its ability to produce a convincing array of vocalizations makes it an indispensable tool for most turkey hunting scenarios. The custom-made slate top provides a responsive surface, and the durable build ensures it will be a hunting companion for seasons to come.

For the price of $37.99, the value proposition is exceptional. It delivers performance that punches well above its weight class, offering a reliable and effective way to call in turkeys. I would personally recommend this call to any hunter who values a dependable, multi-talented option. If you’re looking for a single call to cover most of your bases in the spring woods, the Working Girl Slate is a fantastic place to start.