Unlock Your Hunting Success: The Ultimate Guide to the HS Strut Hooter Barred Owl Call

For any dedicated hunter, wildlife observer, or nature enthusiast, understanding the nuances of the wild is paramount. One of the most effective strategies to locate game, especially elusive turkeys and cunning predators, is the masterful use of a locator call. Among the vast array of options, the Hunters Specialties 06898 Hooter Owl Call stands out as a true game-changer, renowned for its exceptional authenticity and unmatched reliability. Crafted by HS Strut, a leader in game calling innovation, this Hooter Barred Owl Call is not just another accessory; it's an indispensable tool designed to put you closer to your target.

What is a Locator Call and Why is the Hooter Barred Owl Call Essential?

A locator call serves a simple yet profound purpose: to elicit an audible response from target game without alarming them. Instead of silently tracking through dense woods, hoping to stumble upon a prize, hunters can use a locator call to pinpoint an animal's exact location. The Hooter Barred Owl Call, specifically, imitates the distinct "Who cooks for you?" hoot of a barred owl, a sound that is common and non-threatening in most North American woodlands.

Why is this particular call so effective?

• Eliciting a "Shock Gobble": For turkey hunters, the primary benefit is its ability to trigger a "shock gobble" from a tom. Turkeys are territorial and often gobble in response to loud, sudden, and natural sounds like an owl hoot, a crow caw, or a coyote howl. By using the Hooter Barred Owl Call, you can quickly determine if a tom is on the roost at dawn or holding tight during the day, giving you a critical advantage in planning your approach.
• Locating Predators: Beyond turkeys, the realistic hoot of a barred owl can also pique the curiosity of coyotes, foxes, and other predators, causing them to vocalize and reveal their position. This makes the Hooter Barred Owl Call a versatile addition to any predator hunter's arsenal.
• Non-Threatening Presence: Unlike aggressive turkey calls or distress calls, an owl hoot is generally perceived as a natural, ambient sound by most wildlife. This means you can use it frequently without putting animals on high alert, allowing for more strategic scouting and less disturbance.
• Time Efficiency: Instead of spending hours blindly searching, a few well-placed hoots can quickly narrow down your search area, saving valuable time and energy in the field. This efficiency is critical, especially when hunting during peak activity windows.

Unparalleled Authenticity: The HS Strut Difference

The core of any effective game call lies in its ability to perfectly mimic nature. The Hunters Specialties 06898 Hooter Owl Call excels in this regard, setting a benchmark for realistic sound production.

Key Features that Deliver Superior Performance:

• Dual Tone Ports: This innovative design feature is central to the call's authenticity. By incorporating two distinct tone ports, the Hooter Owl Call allows users to produce both high and low pitch variations of the barred owl's hoot. This versatility enables hunters to create a more dynamic and convincing vocalization, mimicking different individual owls or different aspects of an owl's natural call sequence. The ability to vary pitch adds depth and realism, making it more likely to elicit a response from wary game.
• Consistent True Tones: One of the most frustrating aspects of many locator calls is their inconsistency. The HS Strut Hooter Owl Call, however, is engineered to consistently produce true, unwavering tones. This means that every time you bring the call to your lips, you can expect the same high-quality, authentic sound, free from variations that might alert or confuse game. This consistency builds confidence and ensures reliable performance under all conditions.
• Rugged, Water-Resistant Construction: Hunting environments are inherently unpredictable, often involving moisture, temperature fluctuations, and rough handling. Recognizing this, HS Strut has constructed the Hooter Barred Owl Call from durable, entirely water-resistant materials. Unlike calls made from less robust materials that might crack, expand, or warp when exposed to humidity or rain, this call maintains its integrity and acoustic properties regardless of the weather. This resilience guarantees a long lifespan and dependable operation, hunt after hunt.
• Durable Plastic Material: The choice of high-grade plastic ensures the call is lightweight, yet incredibly robust. It can withstand accidental drops, impacts, and the general wear and tear of being carried through challenging terrain, making it a reliable companion for any outdoor adventure.
• Open Call Type: Its "open call" design typically refers to a design where the sound is produced by blowing across a reed or through a chamber that doesn't require complex mouth positioning. This contributes to its ease of use and consistent sound production.

These features combine to create a locator call that isn't just effective but is also a pleasure to use, providing hunters with a reliable tool they can trust when it matters most.

Mastering the Hoot: How to Use Your Hooter Barred Owl Call

Using the HS Strut Hooter Barred Owl Call effectively is straightforward, but a few techniques can significantly increase your success rate.

1. Grip and Placement: Hold the call firmly, placing your lips over the mouthpiece. The dual tone ports are designed for maximum airflow and sound projection.
2. Basic Barred Owl Hoot: The most common and effective hoot sequence is the classic "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" To achieve this, blow into the call with short, sharp bursts of air, varying the intensity slightly to mimic the natural fluctuations of an owl's voice. Experiment with the dual tone ports to create a higher or lower pitch as needed.
3. Varying Your Calls:
   • Four-Note Hoot: A simple "Who cooks for you?" can be effective, especially for eliciting a quick response from a close turkey.
   • Eight-Note Hoot: The full "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" is often preferred for reaching out to more distant birds or for prolonged calling sequences.
   • Stutter Hoot: Occasionally, a barred owl might make a more erratic, stuttering series of hoots. Incorporating this can add realism and surprise to your calling routine.
4. Optimal Calling Times:
   • Pre-dawn Roosting: This is arguably the most effective time. As turkeys begin to stir on their roosts before daylight, a well-timed owl hoot can often get them to gobble, revealing their exact tree. Position yourself strategically based on their response.
   • Mid-morning/Midday: While less common, turkeys sometimes gobble mid-day, especially if they are feeling lonely or challenged. Use the owl call periodically as you move through an area to check for resident birds.
   • Scouting: Use the call even when not actively hunting to locate birds and map out their patterns for future hunts.

Beyond Turkeys: Versatile Applications for the HS Strut Hooter Owl Call

While the Hooter Barred Owl Call is a favorite among turkey hunters, its utility extends far beyond just one species.

• Predator Hunting: Coyotes and foxes are naturally curious animals. The sound of an owl, especially a barred owl, can sometimes trigger a response from them, as they might perceive it as a rival predator or simply something worth investigating. Using the owl call as a locator can help you pinpoint their general vicinity before switching to more direct predator calls or setting up an ambush.
• Wildlife Observation and Photography: For nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers, the Hooter Barred Owl Call can be an invaluable tool. It allows you to locate and potentially draw in actual barred owls, providing incredible opportunities for observation, bird watching, and capturing stunning photographs in their natural habitat. It's a non-invasive way to interact with and appreciate these magnificent birds.
• General Wildlife Scouting: Even if your primary target isn't turkeys or predators, the owl call can be a useful tool for general scouting. Eliciting responses from various wildlife can help you understand the overall activity and population density in a particular area, informing future hunting or exploration plans.

Why Choose the HS Strut Hooter Barred Owl Call Over Other Options?

In a market flooded with various locator calls, what makes the Hunters Specialties 06898 stand out as a premier choice?

• Proven Effectiveness: Thousands of successful hunters vouch for its ability to consistently elicit responses from turkeys and other game. It's not just a call; it's a proven strategy.
• Ease of Learning: Unlike complex diaphragm calls or friction calls that require extensive practice, the Hooter Owl Call is incredibly user-friendly. Most hunters can produce authentic sounds with minimal effort, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned veterans.
• Reliability in Any Weather: Its water-resistant construction means you don't have to worry about performance degradation in wet conditions, a common issue with wood or less durable plastic calls.
• Natural Sound Profile: The barred owl's hoot is universally recognized and non-threatening in its native range, making it a "safe" sound to use frequently without educating game.
• HS Strut's Legacy: As part of the Hunters Specialties family, HS Strut has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, innovative hunting products designed by hunters, for hunters. This expertise is evident in the thoughtful design and performance of the Hooter Barred Owl Call.

Advanced Tips for Maximizing Your Success

To truly master the art of locator calling with your HS Strut Hooter Barred Owl Call, consider these advanced strategies:

• Listen Actively: Don't just call; listen intently for responses. Turkeys might gobble, predators might howl or bark, or even other owls might respond. Pay attention to the direction and intensity of the sounds.
• Vary Your Location: Move every few hundred yards and call again. This increases your chances of hitting an area where game is present and allows you to triangulate their position.
• Combine with Other Calls: Once you've located a bird with the owl call, consider switching to turkey-specific calls (like a hen yelp or cluck) to try and draw them closer. For predators, you might transition to a distress call.
• Silence is Golden: After calling, wait several minutes in complete silence. Wary animals will often respond only after they feel the immediate "threat" of the sound has passed.
• Consider the Terrain: Sound travels differently in various terrains. In dense woods, sound might be muffled; in open fields, it carries further. Adjust your calling volume and frequency accordingly.
• Practice Makes Perfect: While easy to use, practicing your calls will improve their realism and your confidence in the field.

Maintenance and Longevity

The Hunters Specialties 06898 Hooter Owl Call is built for durability, but a little care can ensure it lasts for countless seasons:

• Rinse After Use: If used in muddy or dusty conditions, a quick rinse with clean water will remove debris without damaging the water-resistant material.
• Air Dry: Allow the call to air dry completely before storing to prevent any potential mildew or odor buildup.
• Store Properly: Keep it in a gear bag or pocket where it won't be crushed or exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods.

Frequently Asked Questions about the HS Strut Hooter Barred Owl Call

Q: What is the best owl call for turkey hunting?
A: The HS Strut Hooter Barred Owl Call (Hunters Specialties 06898) is widely regarded as one of the most effective and authentic owl locator calls for turkey hunting. Its dual tone ports and consistent sound production make it highly reliable for eliciting shock gobbles.

Q: How do I use an owl locator call effectively?
A: To use an owl locator call, simply blow into the mouthpiece, mimicking the "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" hoot of a barred owl. Vary your pitch using the dual tone ports and listen intently for responses from turkeys or other game, especially during pre-dawn or early morning hours.

Q: Can I use the Hunters Specialties Hooter Owl Call for coyotes or other predators?
A: Yes, while primarily known for turkey hunting, the realistic hoot of the Hooter Barred Owl Call can also pique the curiosity of coyotes, foxes, and other predators, often causing them to vocalize and reveal their location, making it a versatile scouting tool.

Q: Is the HS Strut Hooter Owl Call durable and water-resistant?
A: Absolutely. The Hunters Specialties 06898 Hooter Owl Call is constructed from durable, entirely water-resistant plastic, ensuring it won't crack, expand, or lose its authentic tone due to moisture or rugged field conditions.

Q: Where can I buy the Hunters Specialties Hooter Barred Owl Call?
A: This exceptional tool is available from trusted retailers specializing in outdoor and hunting gear, such as DEGuns, known for their comprehensive selection of high-quality hunting accessories.

Conclusion

The Hunters Specialties 06898 Hooter Owl Call by HS Strut is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a strategic advantage in the field. Its unparalleled authenticity, robust construction, and ease of use make it an indispensable tool for anyone serious about locating game, whether it's coaxing a shock gobble from a stubborn tom or pinpointing the elusive movements of a coyote. By investing in this precision-engineered locator call, you're not just buying a product; you're investing in more successful hunts, richer wildlife experiences, and the satisfaction that comes from mastering the language of the wild.

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Product Specifications Summary

Feature	Detail
Brand	HS Strut (Hunters Specialties)
Series	Locator Call
Model	Hooter Barred Owl (06898)
Color	Black
Material	Durable Plastic
Resistance	Water Resistant
Species	Owl (Primarily for Turkey/Predator Locating)
Call Type	Open Call
UPC	021291068982
SKU	48269