Master the Hunt: Unleash Shock Gobbles with the H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call

For serious turkey hunters, locating a wary tom without revealing your position is the ultimate tactical advantage. This challenge is precisely what the H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call (UPC 040444513681) is engineered to solve, offering a revolutionary approach to bringing those elusive gobblers within striking distance. It's more than just a call; it's a strategic instrument designed to elicit the crucial "shock gobble" response, putting you on the path to a successful hunt.

What is a Turkey Locator Call and Why is the Crow Call Essential?

In the world of wild turkey hunting, a locator call is an indispensable tool used to pinpoint the exact location of a gobbling tom. Unlike calls designed to attract a turkey (like yelps or purrs), locator calls aim to provoke an involuntary, instinctual "shock gobble" from a male turkey, revealing his presence without indicating the presence of a potential mate or rival.

While various sounds can trigger a shock gobble—from owl hoots to coyote howls or even the sound of a distant gunshot—the crow call stands out as one of the most consistently effective and widely used. Why? Because crows are a common, non-threatening presence in most turkey habitats. Their distinctive "caw" is a natural part of the outdoor soundscape, unlikely to alarm a tom, yet sufficiently sharp and distinct to startle him into a reflexive gobble. This allows hunters to ascertain the turkey's position without actively "calling" to him, which can sometimes make a bird wary or send him in the wrong direction.

The Problem: Locating Turkeys Without Spooking Them

Every turkey hunter knows the frustration of scouting an area and believing turkeys are present, only to struggle to pinpoint their exact roosting spot or daytime movement patterns. Traditional calling methods, while effective for attracting, can also make a wise old tom suspicious. If he hears a hen call from a direction he doesn't expect, or too close for comfort, he might "hang up" or simply melt away into the underbrush.

This is where the H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call becomes invaluable. It addresses the core problem of silent, undetected turkeys by providing a method to accurately locate them from a distance. Imagine standing on a ridge line at dawn, the woods still, and with a few well-executed calls, hearing the thunderous gobble of a tom echoing back – confirming his presence and direction. This information is gold, allowing you to plan your approach with precision, minimizing unnecessary movement and maximizing your chances of an ethical shot.

Who Benefits from the H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call?

• New Turkey Hunters: If you're just starting out, learning to "talk turkey" can be daunting. The Scare Crow Call offers an easy-to-master method for locating birds, providing immediate success and building confidence. You don't need to perfectly mimic complex hen sequences; just a convincing crow caw.
• Experienced Hunters: For those with years in the field, this call becomes a critical piece of a diversified strategy. It’s perfect for scouting new areas, verifying roost locations before dawn, or re-locating a turkey that has gone silent or moved unexpectedly during the day.
• Hunters in Challenging Terrain: In dense woods, hilly country, or areas with thick cover, visual scouting is difficult. A locator call helps cut through the visual limitations, allowing sound to guide your strategy.
• Run-and-Gun Hunters: If your style involves covering a lot of ground, the ability to quickly ascertain if a gobbler is in an area before committing to a full setup saves precious time and energy.

Key Features & Benefits of the H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call

1. Authentic Crow Sound Replication

The cornerstone of any effective locator call is its ability to perfectly mimic the target sound. The H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call excels here, producing the exact sound and volume of a real crow. This realism is crucial because a truly convincing crow caw is more likely to elicit that reflexive shock gobble from a tom. Poorly replicated sounds might be ignored or, worse, alert the turkey to an unnatural presence. This call ensures your caws are indistinguishable from those of actual crows in the wild, maintaining the natural integrity of the environment.

2. Powerful Shock Gobble Induction

This is the primary purpose and most significant benefit of the Scare Crow Call. By replicating a natural, non-threatening sound that often startles other wildlife, it prompts a tom to "shock gobble" – an automatic, territorial response. This allows you to quickly determine his precise location, even if he's not actively seeking hens or responding to other turkey calls. This ability to trigger a gobble without direct turkey-to-turkey communication is a game-changer for strategy.

3. Unparalleled Ease of Use

You don't need to be an expert caller to use the H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call effectively. Its design prioritizes simplicity, allowing even novice hunters to produce realistic crow caws with minimal practice. This ease of use means you can focus more on the hunt itself – scouting, movement, and setup – rather than struggling with complex calling techniques. Just grab it, blow, and listen for the response.

4. Precision Location Advantage

Because the crow call induces a shock gobble without giving away your exact position or intent to the turkey, you maintain the element of surprise. You can determine the tom's direction and approximate distance, then plan your approach without him knowing you're coming. This contrasts sharply with using turkey vocalizations, where a tom might pinpoint your exact location and potentially approach cautiously or move away. The crow call helps you locate, then reposition for the ideal setup.

5. Durable, Hunter-Ready Construction

Built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors, the H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call is crafted from robust materials. This means it can endure diverse weather conditions, accidental drops, and the general wear and tear of a hunting season. Its compact, lightweight design ensures it’s easy to carry in a vest pocket or around your neck, always ready for action when you need to confirm a turkey's presence. Hunters appreciate gear that performs reliably season after season, and this call delivers.

6. Versatility Across Hunting Scenarios

Whether you're hunting expansive public land, dense private timber, or open agricultural fields, the Scare Crow Call adapts. It's equally effective at dawn when turkeys are still on the roost, or midday when they might be quietly feeding. Its distinct, penetrating sound travels well through various types of cover, making it a highly versatile tool for any turkey hunting situation.

Mastering the H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call: Techniques for Success

Basic Technique:

• Hold firmly: Grip the call with one hand, placing your mouth over the mouthpiece.
• Short, sharp breaths: Use short, sharp breaths, almost like saying "caw-caw-caw." Don't blow too hard initially; experiment to find the right pressure for a natural sound.
• Vary pitch and rhythm: Real crows don't make identical calls. Try varying the length and pitch of your "caws" slightly to make it sound more realistic, like multiple crows or a single crow with varied vocalizations.
• Listen intently: After each series of calls (e.g., 3-5 caws), pause and listen for a gobble. Turkeys often gobble immediately in response to a startling sound.

Advanced Strategies:

• "Calling the Roost": Arrive at your hunting spot well before dawn. As legal shooting light approaches, begin calling from a strategic position. Turkeys are often most responsive on the roost. Pinpointing them before they fly down gives you a significant advantage for setting up.
• Midday Locating: When turkeys go silent later in the morning or midday, it can be tough to find them. Walk quietly through potential areas, stopping periodically (every 100-200 yards) to make a few crow calls. This "run-and-gun" method can reveal hidden gobblers.
• Echo Location: If you get a faint gobble, try to triangulate the turkey's position by moving a short distance (50-100 yards) to the left or right, and calling again. The change in the sound's direction or intensity can help you narrow down his exact location.
• Don't Overcall: Just like any call, moderation is key. A few well-placed calls are often more effective than excessive, frantic calling. Once you get a response, pinpoint the direction, and then plan your move. Avoid calling repeatedly to a bird once he's located, as it can make him wary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Calling too loudly in close proximity: If you suspect a turkey is very close, a loud, aggressive crow call could startle him into silence or send him running. Use softer calls initially or wait until you've established distance.
• Calling from an exposed position: Always call from behind cover or in a position where you can quickly set up if a turkey responds.
• Assuming no response means no turkey: Sometimes turkeys don't gobble back, especially if they are "gobbled out" or have heard the sound repeatedly. If you don't get a response, but the area feels right, consider switching to another locator call or moving to a new spot.

Integrating the Crow Call into Your Overall Turkey Hunting Strategy

Pre-Hunt Scouting:

Use the crow call during your scouting trips days or weeks before the season. This helps you identify roosting trees, travel corridors, and feeding areas where turkeys are consistently present. Knowing where they are before the hunt even begins saves valuable time and increases your chances of success.

In-the-Field Use:

• First Light: Position yourself near suspected roosting areas. As dawn breaks, use the crow call to shock gobblers into revealing their location on the limb. This allows you to set up for a fly-down shot or plan your immediate approach.
• Mid-Morning Transition: After turkeys have flown down and dispersed, they might become quiet. Use the crow call to re-locate birds that have moved into feeding areas or strutting zones.
• Midday Persistence: When the woods go silent, many hunters give up. This is precisely when the crow call shines. Systematically work through promising terrain, calling periodically to elicit a gobble from a previously unlocated or quiet tom.
• Evening Roosting: While less common, you can use the crow call in the late afternoon to pinpoint where turkeys might be heading to roost for the night, setting you up for an early morning hunt the next day.

Beyond Locating: The Tactical Advantage

• Directional Accuracy: A gobble is a loud, distinct sound that carries well, allowing you to get a precise fix on the turkey's direction.
• Minimal Intrusion: Unlike hen calls that directly engage the turkey, a crow call is less intrusive. It elicits an involuntary response without putting the turkey on high alert regarding a potential suitor or rival.
• Conservation of Energy: Instead of blindly walking miles hoping to stumble upon a turkey, the crow call helps you narrow down search areas, making your hunt more efficient.
• Confidence Building: Hearing a gobble in response to your call is incredibly motivating and boosts confidence, which is vital for maintaining focus throughout a challenging hunt.

Choosing the Right Locator Call: Why the Crow Stands Out

While owl calls (hoots), coyote howls, and even gobble calls (mimicking a tom) can serve as locator calls, the crow call often offers a unique blend of effectiveness and safety:

• Owl Hoot: Highly effective at dawn and dusk, but less so during midday. Can sometimes be confused with actual owls by the turkey.
• Coyote Howl: Very effective for shock gobbling, but may put turkeys (and other hunters) on edge. Some hunters prefer not to use predator sounds.
• Gobble Call: Can elicit a challenge gobble, but risks calling in another hunter or making a wary tom shy if he hears a "rival" too close without seeing him.

The crow call provides a universal, non-threatening, and highly realistic sound that works consistently across all hours of the day, making it an indispensable part of any serious turkey hunter's arsenal.

Care and Maintenance of Your H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call

• Keep it clean: Periodically blow out any debris that might accumulate inside. If it gets wet, allow it to air dry thoroughly before storing.
• Store properly: Keep it in a dry place, away from extreme temperatures, which can affect the material.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use strong cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the call's components or affect its sound.
• Protect from impacts: While durable, avoid unnecessary drops or impacts that could crack the housing or alter its internal structure.

Why H.S. Strut is a Trusted Choice for Turkey Hunters

H.S. Strut, a division of Hunters Specialties, has long been a revered name in the hunting community, particularly among turkey enthusiasts. Their reputation is built on:

• Innovation: Consistently developing new and improved calling technologies and hunting accessories.
• Quality: Manufacturing products designed for reliability and effectiveness in the field.
• Hunter Focus: Understanding the needs and challenges of turkey hunters and creating solutions that genuinely work.
• Proven Results: Their calls are used by championship callers and everyday hunters alike, consistently delivering results.

When you choose the H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call, you're not just buying a product; you're investing in a piece of gear from a brand with a proven track record of helping hunters succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Turkey Locator Calls

Q: Can I use this crow call for actual crow hunting?
A: While designed primarily as a turkey locator, the H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call produces a realistic crow sound and can certainly be used to call in crows for pest control or general bird watching, provided it adheres to local regulations.

Q: How far away can I hear a turkey gobble in response to this call?
A: The distance can vary greatly depending on terrain, wind, humidity, and ambient noise. In ideal conditions (flat, open woods, calm air), a strong gobble might be heard up to a mile away. In dense cover or windy conditions, it could be much less, perhaps a few hundred yards. Effective range for pinpointing direction is usually within 400-600 yards.

Q: Should I use a crow call only in the morning?
A: No, the crow call is effective at any time of day when turkeys are active. While it's excellent for locating roosted birds at dawn, it's equally valuable for finding silent gobblers during the midday lull or in the late afternoon.

Q: What if I don't get a gobble back? Does that mean there are no turkeys?
A: Not necessarily. Turkeys can be "gobbled out" from too much calling, or they might be wary. They may also just be too far away, or conditions might not be conducive to sound travel. Try moving to a new location, waiting a bit, or switching to another type of locator call if you have one. Consistency in scouting and calling will increase your odds.

Q: Is this call difficult to learn for a beginner?
A: No, the H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call is one of the easiest locator calls to master. Its simple design allows beginners to produce convincing crow sounds almost immediately with minimal practice.

Q: Can this call scare away turkeys if used improperly?
A: If used excessively loud when a turkey is very close, it could potentially startle a turkey into silence or make it move off. However, because it mimics a natural, non-threatening sound, it's far less likely to spook a turkey than an aggressive turkey vocalization might. Use common sense regarding volume and proximity.

Get Your H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call Today

Equip yourself with the ultimate advantage in turkey hunting. The H.S. Strut Scare Crow Call (UPC 040444513681) provides the realism, ease of use, and effectiveness you need to locate gobblers with precision and plan your approach for a successful hunt. This essential piece of gear is readily available to elevate your turkey hunting game.

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Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Product Type	Turkey Locator Call
Sound Profile	Realistic Crow Replication
Primary Use	Inducing Shock Gobbles to Locate Turkeys
Ease of Use	High (Beginner-friendly)
SKU	SC17CROW
UPC	040444513681
Brand	H.S. Strut (by Hunters Specialties)
Availability	Available at DEGuns