Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call Review

Reviewing the Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call: Beyond Marketing

For anyone venturing into the spring woods with a bow or rifle, the sound of a tom turkey is the siren song of success. However, sometimes those wary birds need a little encouragement to reveal their presence, especially when they’re hunkered down or have been pressured. This is where the Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call aims to step in. As an equipment specialist with a decade of experience across varied environments, I’m always looking for tools that perform as promised, especially at a budget-friendly price point.

My own spring turkey hunting often involves long hours of quiet observation, and occasionally, frustrating silence from the target gobbler. I’ve found that while yelping and clucking can sometimes bring a bird in, the ability to simply locate them with a distinct, sharp call can dramatically alter the game plan. It can coax a gobble from a roosted bird or pinpoint a silent tom holding tight to the flock. This need for a reliable locator call, particularly one that doesn’t break the bank, led me to the Strut Commander Scarecrow.

Upon receiving this locator call, my initial impression was one of simplicity and practicality. It’s not a complex piece of gear, which often bodes well for durability and ease of use. The design feels robust enough for the field, with no obvious weak points that immediately raise concerns. I briefly considered a more elaborate electronic caller or a higher-end friction call, but the straightforward nature of this sound-making device appealed to my preference for no-nonsense tools. My immediate reaction was a quiet sense of anticipation; could this little device truly replicate the sharp, attention-grabbing call of a crow and coax a gobbler out of hiding?

Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call out on several early spring mornings, specifically targeting areas known for turkey activity. My testing grounds included dense woodlands with thick underbrush and more open oak stands, mimicking typical turkey habitats where a locator call would be invaluable. I tested it after dawn, when birds are most vocal, and also during midday when they can become more reclusive.

The performance in varied conditions was straightforward; this is not a call that’s overly sensitive to light moisture or minor temperature fluctuations. Its simplicity is its strength here, meaning it functions reliably without fuss. As for ease of use, the Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call is exceptionally intuitive. There’s no complex diaphragm manipulation or specific angle required; it’s essentially a blow-and-go device, requiring minimal instruction or practice to get a reasonable sound.

My only minor surprise was the sheer volume this small call could produce. While the product description mentions replicating the sound and volume of a crow, I found it capable of a surprisingly loud and piercing caw that carried well through the trees. There were no immediate issues or quirks; it performed its intended function without any hiccups right out of the box.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of deployment on multiple hunts, the Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call has proven itself to be a dependable piece of gear. It’s become a regular part of my turkey hunting vest, easily accessible when needed. Its compact size means it doesn’t add noticeable bulk or weight to my pack.

In terms of durability, there are no visible signs of wear and tear. The plastic construction, while not premium, feels solid and shows no indication of cracking or becoming brittle, even after being jostled around in my gear. Its performance remains consistent; each time I’ve used it, it has produced the same sharp, startling crow call.

Maintenance and care are virtually non-existent. Unlike diaphragm calls that can harbor moisture or friction calls that require careful cleaning, this locator call simply needs to be wiped down occasionally if it gets dirty. There’s nothing specific to watch out for in terms of maintenance, making it a hassle-free tool for the field.

Compared to other locator calls I’ve used, including some more expensive brands, this Strut Commander model holds its own. It doesn’t offer the nuanced tonal variation of a high-end friction call, but for its specific purpose – creating a loud, attention-grabbing crow sound – it performs exceptionally well, arguably outperforming some budget options that can sound tinny or weak.

Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call

Specifications

The Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call comes with a very straightforward set of specifications, reflecting its no-frills design. It has a stated weight of 0.13 kg, which is negligible in a hunting pack. Its dimensions are roughly 8 inches in length, 1.5 inches in height, and 5 inches in width.

These specifications are important because they contribute directly to its portability and ease of use in the field. The compact nature means it can be easily tucked into a pocket or a side pouch on a hunting vest without becoming cumbersome. The Strut Commander manufacturer has kept the design focused on essential functionality, which is a significant advantage for a tool that needs to be readily available and quickly deployed.

The absence of any “Additional Features” listed under its specifications is a deliberate design choice; it’s built to do one thing and do it well. This focus on simplicity contrasts with more complex calls that might offer multiple sounds or adjustable tones, but for a pure locator, this pared-down approach is often more effective and reliable.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call is to mimic the sound of a crow. It succeeds admirably in this regard. When I blow into it with moderate force, it produces a sharp, piercing “caw” that is surprisingly realistic and carries a significant distance.

Its main strength lies in its ability to elicit a response from a wary tom turkey. By sounding like a crow, particularly an agitated one, it can sometimes startle a gobbler into revealing its location with a loud, responsive gobble. I’ve experienced this phenomenon on multiple occasions, where a silent morning was broken by a gobbler answering the crow call, allowing me to adjust my position and strategy accordingly.

The weakness, if one could call it that, is its limited range of sounds. It is solely a crow call and does not offer the versatility of a full-spectrum turkey call. However, for its intended purpose as a locator, this focused functionality is a positive, ensuring it excels at its singular task without complexity. It meets expectations for its price point and intended use, providing a clear and effective crow vocalization.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call is entirely functional, prioritizing practicality over aesthetic flair. It’s constructed from what appears to be a durable, hard plastic that feels solid and capable of withstanding the rigors of outdoor use. The finish is simple and utilitarian, without any flashy coatings or embellishments.

Ergonomically, it’s designed for straightforward operation. You simply bring it to your mouth and blow. There’s no complex diaphragm to seat, no reed to get sticky, and no striker to align. The Strut Commander has clearly aimed for an “out-of-the-box” usability that requires zero learning curve.

Practical design details include a slightly flared mouthpiece that is comfortable enough to seal against your lips. The overall shape is cylindrical, making it easy to grip and hold firmly, even with gloved hands. Its compact size ensures it fits comfortably in a pocket without creating an uncomfortable bulge.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction and intended use, the Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call appears to be built for longevity. As a purely mechanical device with no moving parts or delicate components, it’s likely to last for many seasons of regular turkey hunting. I haven’t encountered any failure points so far.

Maintaining this locator call is as simple as it gets: after use, a quick wipe with a cloth or even a damp paper towel is sufficient if it gets dirty. There are no internal mechanisms to clean, no reeds to dry out, and no acoustic chambers that require specific care. I would simply store it in a dry place, perhaps in a side pocket of my hunting vest, to keep it readily accessible and protected from extreme conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call is sold as a standalone item, and its simplicity means there are no accessories included or readily available for customization. It’s not designed for interchangeable parts like some high-end diaphragm calls or elaborate electronic units.

This lack of accessories or customization options is not a drawback, however, for this specific product. Its value lies in its singular, effective function. The Strut Commander brand does not appear to offer any aftermarket modifications or complementary products for this particular locator call, reinforcing its straightforward design philosophy.

Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call

Who Should Buy Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call?

The Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call is ideally suited for any hunter who targets wild turkeys in the spring. This includes new hunters looking for an uncomplicated tool to help locate birds without a significant investment, as well as experienced hunters who appreciate the value of a reliable, no-nonsense locator call for their vest. It’s particularly useful in areas where turkeys may be call-shy or have been pressured, as the crow’s sharp call can sometimes get a reaction when other calls fail.

Conversely, individuals looking for a call that can mimic a full repertoire of turkey sounds, such as yelps, clucks, and purrs, should look elsewhere. This locator call is not designed for that purpose, and a hunter seeking those sounds will need a different type of call. For those who are looking to supplement their turkey call arsenal with a specialized, effective, and inexpensive locator, this Strut Commander is an excellent choice.

Conclusion on Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call

The Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call stands out as a testament to effective simplicity. For its incredibly modest price of $9.99, it delivers a powerful and realistic crow call that has proven itself capable of coaxing hesitant gobblers into revealing their presence. Its straightforward design means it’s instantly usable, and its durable construction promises longevity in the field.

While it doesn’t offer the versatility of more complex turkey calls, its focused purpose as a locator is executed with impressive efficacy. If you’re heading into the spring woods and want a tool that’s easy to use, reliably effective, and won’t strain your budget, the Strut Commander Scarecrow Locator Call is an easy recommendation. It’s a small investment that can yield significant returns in locating those elusive toms.