I like the idea of trying out new calls and types of calls, but 98% of the time you'll find me with a cheap mouth call that I know will make the sounds I want and I don't have to move to use it. Whether it's a yelp, cutting, or kee kees, most of the time I have one call that will do it all. I sometimes will use a different latex call if I've busted a bird or felt like I've called to the same one with no results more than once. That being said I am a turkey hunter so I have a slate call, a box call that was given to me, tube calls I've made, a gobble tube, a couple of locator calls, all of which I use a total of not very much. I just haven't run into a situation I felt I had to use much else yet.

its always fun to try new calls but you seem to go back to the oldies but goodies so i take a couple of slate calls a box call and hit the woods.good luck to all you turkey hunters this spring!

Hey deja vu: I did. We'll keep ya posted on any further product developments beyond our recent SZ "Choke a Turkey" post as they develop. Thanks man.

charlie elk (& dv): The official confirmation from that particular source is recent (generally speaking), but the New England coyote/wolf cross idea has been in the air as long as I can remember. Research will show other sources have reflected such findings in the past. (Saw my first N.E. coyote in the fall of 1987. Big animal.)

Thanks again guys,
Steve

Hey guys. Thanks for checking in. Just coming off the SHOT Show in Vegas, which ended Friday, 1/22. Thought we'd float that new H.S. call here on the SZ (& the updated twist on the Li'l Deuce model, a fine compact call for your vest) in lead-off batter mode as the spring seasons approach. More to come in the way of vests, decoys, and other calls. And of course gobbling reports and first hunts around the country.

Levi: Yeah man, I've definitely had days (often late in the season) when I'm out there in full camo with just a tattered mouth call, my vest & seat cushion, some shells, and trusty 870. Old school running-and-gunning. On Opening Day you'll find me 25 pounds heavier.

charlie elk: Like you, I've never heard a hen squeal. Like you too, I live in the turkey woods. Eager to put the question to some turkey biologists, so stay tuned.

patrick88: You know I am a HUGE slate call fan. Always have been. With ya.

deja vu: I may have to do some field research following up on your coyote calling idea. Seems every year I call in some hunting around the country with straight turkey calling, but yeah, this new offering does have those predator call qualities. Will likely work as a shock gobble locator call too as Salter suggested.

Good to have you guys back. Stoked for turkey season like you. -Steve

I'm with you guys and what wa said above. That squealing hen call would have me looking over my shoulder for predators more than anything else. I stick with my favorite slate, a box call or two and a push-button call when I am in the turkey woods. Never have been any damn good with a mouth call, so I'll use my voice once in a while if pinned down and not able to run one of my friction calls. I think I sound sound terrible, but the turkeys seem not to mind.

Tony

So far, so good. We had a lot of rain over the weekend that melted most of the snow. Supposed to be cold this weekend, but no significant snowfall as far as I know. They should do ok.

Steve, Did you get by the Hevi-Shot booth? Just wondering if there would be an update on thier new choke or other offerings that were mentioned in the "choke a turkey" blog a while back

That call (squeling hen)reminds me of when I had no clue whatsoever how to use a mouth diapragm call for turkey...A nice sized bear got a little close..of course it was to early for my bear tag... and yep no turkey wanted anything to do with that..at least I sent them in the direction of another hunter....Colorado