Unleashing the Wilderness: A Deep Dive into the HS Strut Hammerin' Crow Locator Call

For dedicated turkey hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, the pursuit of a wary gobbler is an art form, a blend of patience, strategy, and keen observation. One of the most effective tools in a hunter's arsenal for pinpointing the exact location of a tom is a reliable locator call. Among the vast array of options, the HS Strut 06964 Hammerin' Crow Locator Call stands out as an indispensable piece of gear, expertly designed to provoke an immediate shock gobble, revealing a turkey's hidden whereabouts. This detailed guide explores everything you need to know about this exceptional call, from its design principles to advanced usage techniques, ensuring you maximize your chances of success in the field.

Why Every Turkey Hunter Needs a Crow Locator Call

Imagine the thrill: You're in the pre-dawn quiet, nestled against a tree, waiting for the first light to break. You know turkeys are in the area, perhaps even roosted nearby, but their exact position remains a mystery. This is where a locator call becomes your secret weapon. Turkeys, especially gobblers, have an innate tendency to "shock gobble" – letting out a loud, involuntary gobble – in response to sudden, sharp, loud noises. Among the most reliable of these sounds are the distinct caws of a crow.

The primary function of a crow locator call, such as the HS Strut Hammerin' Crow Locator Call, is not to attract turkeys directly. Instead, it capitalizes on this shock gobble reflex. By accurately mimicking the loud, often startling caw of a crow, you can elicit a responsive gobble from a tom, instantly betraying his location. This strategy is particularly effective when you're dealing with quiet gobblers, or when trying to locate birds that are still on the roost before they fly down, allowing you to position yourself perfectly for an early morning setup.

Beyond its utility as a turkey locator, the realistic crow sounds produced by the HS Strut 06964 Hammerin' Crow Locator Call also offer benefits for general wildlife observation and even for those interested in calling crows themselves, whether for hunting or simply to observe their fascinating social behaviors.

Understanding the Shock Gobble Phenomenon

Why do turkeys react so strongly to a crow's caw? Wildlife biologists suggest it's likely a territorial or defensive response. A loud, unexpected noise can startle a gobbler into revealing his presence, a natural reaction to potential threats or rivals. Crows are common inhabitants of turkey habitats, and their calls are part of the natural soundscape. When a turkey hears a sudden, aggressive crow caw, it often triggers an instinctive gobble. This is precisely the mechanism the HS Strut Hammerin' Crow Locator Call leverages, providing a consistent, authentic sound that reliably elicits this crucial response.

Unpacking the Features of the HS Strut 06964 Hammerin' Crow Locator Call

The effectiveness of any hunting gear lies in its design and the quality of its components. The HS Strut 06964 Hammerin' Crow Locator Call incorporates several thoughtful features that make it a top choice for serious hunters.

Precision Crow Sounds

At the heart of any locator call is its ability to produce accurate, realistic animal vocalizations. The HS Strut Hammerin' Crow Locator Call is specifically engineered to emit authentic crow sounds. This isn't just about making noise; it's about replicating the specific tone, pitch, and cadence that turkeys recognize and react to. The precision in sound reproduction ensures that when you blow this call, it sounds like a genuine crow, maximizing the chances of triggering a shock gobble. The realism is crucial for effective turkey hunting, where a synthetic or unnatural sound can alert birds rather than entice them.

Open Call Design for Versatility

The "Open Call" designation of this locator is a key feature. An open call design typically refers to calls that are easy to use and produce a wide range of tones and volumes. This allows hunters to vary their crow caws, mimicking different crow vocalizations – from sharp, single caws to more aggressive, hammering series of calls. This versatility is invaluable in the field, as different situations may call for different approaches. A quick, sharp caw might be ideal for a subtle probe, while a more drawn-out, insistent sequence of calls might be needed to provoke a particularly stubborn gobbler. The open design also contributes to the call's volume, allowing it to project clearly across long distances, essential for locating birds in dense timber or across open fields.

Durable "Root Beer Plastic" Construction

The material choice for hunting gear is critical, needing to withstand the rigors of the outdoors. The HS Strut 06964 Hammerin' Crow Locator Call is constructed from robust "Root Beer Plastic." This isn't just about a unique color; it signifies a durable, impact-resistant material that can handle drops, scrapes, and exposure to various weather conditions without compromising performance. Plastic calls are also generally less susceptible to moisture changes than wood, ensuring consistent sound quality regardless of humidity or temperature fluctuations. The "root beer" color itself often blends naturally with outdoor environments, making it less conspicuous if accidentally dropped. This rugged construction ensures that the call will be a reliable part of your hunting kit for many seasons to come.

Strategic Application of Your Crow Locator Call

Knowing how to use your HS Strut Hammerin' Crow Locator Call effectively is as important as having it. Here are some strategic approaches and tips for maximizing its potential:

Pre-Dawn Roost Locating

One of the most powerful applications of the crow call is in the pre-dawn hours. As light begins to break, but before turkeys fly down from their roosts, use the call to get an initial fix on their location. A sharp, loud crow caw from your HS Strut call often results in a booming gobble that echoes through the quiet woods, giving you a precise bearing on where to set up. This allows you to position yourself within striking distance, ready for when the birds hit the ground.

Mid-Morning Gobbler Probing

As the morning progresses, gobblers often become quieter after their initial flurry of activity. They might be with hens, or simply moving through the woods silently. This is when the HS Strut 06964 Hammerin' Crow Locator Call can be invaluable for re-establishing contact. Periodically let out a series of crow caws as you move through known turkey habitat. A shock gobble at this stage can indicate a lone gobbler seeking companionship, making him more susceptible to your turkey calling efforts.

Scouting and Patterning

The crow call isn't just for hunt day. During scouting missions, use your HS Strut call to identify travel corridors, roosting sites, and strutting zones. By noting where and when gobblers respond, you can build a more comprehensive understanding of their patterns, greatly improving your chances on future hunts.

Adapting to Conditions

• Windy Conditions: In windy weather, blow the call with more force to ensure the sound carries.
• Dense Foliage: Use louder, more aggressive caws to cut through thick cover.
• Open Terrain: Moderate your volume to avoid startling close-by birds, but ensure it carries far enough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcalling: While exciting to get a gobble, don't call excessively. Once you've located the bird, switch to your turkey calls.
• Calling Too Close: If a bird is very close, a loud locator call can spook it. Use softer, more subdued locator calls or no call at all.
• Inaccurate Sounds: Practice with your HS Strut Hammerin' Crow Locator Call to ensure your crow caws are realistic and consistent. Listen to real crow vocalizations to fine-tune your technique.

Beyond Turkey Hunting: Other Uses for a Realistic Crow Call

While its primary fame comes from turkey hunting, the HS Strut Hammerin' Crow Locator Call offers utility in other outdoor pursuits:

• Crow Hunting: For those interested in hunting crows, this call is an obvious choice. Its realistic sounds can attract crows, bringing them into range. Crow hunting can be a challenging and rewarding activity, often serving as great off-season practice for honing calling and shooting skills.
• Wildlife Observation: Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts can use the call to elicit responses from actual crows, helping in identification or simply enjoying close-up observations of these intelligent birds.
• Pest Control: In agricultural areas, a realistic crow call can sometimes be used as part of a deterrent strategy, disrupting crow roosts or feeding patterns.

Integrating the HS Strut Call into Your Hunting System

The HS Strut 06964 Hammerin' Crow Locator Call is a vital component of a comprehensive turkey hunting setup. It complements other calls and gear to create a cohesive strategy:

• Paired with Turkey Calls: Once a gobbler is located with the crow call, you seamlessly transition to your slate, box, or diaphragm calls to lure him in. The crow call sets the stage; your turkey calls close the deal.
• Alongside Decoys: Knowing a gobbler's precise location allows for optimal decoy placement, enhancing the visual deception once he approaches.
• Part of a Scouting Kit: Combine it with binoculars, maps, and a GPS to mark locations where gobblers are consistently found.

The HS Strut brand is synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of game calls, boasting a legacy of producing gear that helps hunters achieve success. The Hammerin' Crow Locator Call is a testament to this commitment, offering reliability and performance season after season.

Care and Maintenance for Longevity

To ensure your HS Strut 06964 Hammerin' Crow Locator Call remains effective for years, follow these simple care tips:

• Keep it Clean: Periodically wipe down the call to remove dirt, dust, and moisture.
• Store Properly: When not in use, store the call in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. A small pouch or case can protect it from scratches and debris.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, which could damage the "Root Beer Plastic" material or affect its sound properties.
• Check for Obstructions: Ensure no foreign objects are lodged within the call's sound board or mouthpiece, as this can impede sound production.

By taking these simple steps, you can preserve the integrity and performance of your call, ensuring it's ready for action whenever turkey season arrives.

Finding Your HS Strut Hammerin' Crow Locator Call

When you're ready to enhance your turkey hunting strategy, the HS Strut 06964 Hammerin' Crow Locator Call is an excellent investment. This proven tool is designed to deliver consistent, realistic crow sounds that get results. For reliable outdoor gear and hunting essentials, look no further than DEGuns. As a reputable seller of quality hunting and shooting sports equipment, DEGuns provides a trusted source for the best tools to help you succeed in the field. Adding this powerful locator call to your arsenal will undoubtedly elevate your hunting experience, bringing you closer to that coveted gobbler.

Product Specifications and Details

Feature	Description
Purpose	Locator Call to elicit shock gobbles from wild turkeys.
Application	For effectively locating wild turkeys.
Key Features	Crow Sounds, Attracts Turkeys (indirectly), Root Beer Plastic, Open Call Design.
HS Strut Item No.	06964
Brand/Manufacturer	HS Strut
Manufacturer's ID (UPC)	021291069647
Color/Material	Root Beer Plastic