Let’s Talk About Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Ninja Walnt Bttm Yllwheart Lid
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Ninja Walnt Bttm Yllwheart Lid is a premium turkey call designed for serious hunters. Crafted by Woodhaven Calls, this two-piece friction call boasts a walnut bottom and yellowheart lid, promising a unique sound profile that’s both versatile and deadly. Having spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear space, I’ve seen countless calls come and go, but something about the “Ninja’s” handcrafted appeal and reputation for realistic turkey vocalizations piqued my interest.
I needed a call that could cut through wind and distance, yet still produce subtle clucks and purrs to coax wary gobblers in close. My old slate call was getting worn and weather-beaten, and I wanted to upgrade to something with a bit more finesse. The Woodhaven Calls Ninja seemed to offer that balance of power and precision.
The moment I unboxed it, I was struck by the quality of the wood. The walnut base felt solid and substantial, while the yellowheart lid had a beautiful, almost luminous grain. It felt less like a tool and more like a finely crafted instrument. It immediately stood out from the mass-produced plastic calls that dominate the market.
Compared to a Primos Heartbreaker box call (primarily cedar) and a H.S. Strut slate call (synthetic pot), the Woodhaven Ninja offered a different feel. The Primos, while reliable, lacked the tonal complexity I desired. The H.S. Strut was good for close-in work, but didn’t have the range I was after. The Ninja seemed to bridge that gap.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of anticipation. Would it live up to the hype? The craftsmanship was undeniable, but the proof would be in the calling.
Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Ninja Walnt Bttm Yllwheart Lid to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Woodhaven Ninja on a late-season turkey hunt in the Appalachian foothills. The terrain was steep and rugged, and the weather was unpredictable – rain one minute, sunshine the next. The key was adaptability, and the call needed to perform regardless of the conditions.
Despite a light drizzle, the Ninja produced clear, crisp yelps. The walnut bottom and yellowheart lid combination didn’t seem to be affected by the moisture. I was impressed. Initially, I needed to experiment with different striker angles and pressures to find the sweet spot, but after about 30 minutes of practice, I felt comfortable with its nuances.
The call’s responsiveness surprised me; it produced a wide range of sounds with minimal effort.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Woodhaven Ninja has become my go-to turkey call. It has been used in a variety of terrains – from open fields to dense woodlands – and in temperatures ranging from 30°F to 70°F. So far, it’s held up admirably.
There are no visible signs of wear and tear beyond some minor chalk residue on the striking surfaces. The call feels just as solid and responsive as it did on day one. Cleaning is straightforward: a quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each use keeps it in top condition.
Compared to my previous calls, the Woodhaven Ninja delivers more consistent and realistic turkey vocalizations. It requires more finesse than a basic box call but offers a significantly wider range of sounds and greater control over volume and tone.
Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Ninja Walnt Bttm Yllwheart Lid
Specifications
- Type: Mechanical (Friction Call). This means it relies on the friction between two surfaces to create sound, offering precise control and nuanced tones.
- Material: Walnut bottom/Yellowheart lid. This combination provides a unique blend of warm, mellow tones from the walnut and crisp, high-pitched sounds from the yellowheart.
- Color: Walnut/Yellowheart. The natural wood grain offers a visually appealing and classic look.
- Other Features: Walnut bottom in conjunction with yellowheart lid produces great two-tone yelps. The dual-wood construction allows for a wider range of realistic turkey sounds.
- Other Features2: Sharp, crisp cutts & cackles, comes chalked and ready for action. The call is ready to use right out of the box, requiring minimal setup.
- Dimension: 2.70 x 5.20 x 12.35 inches. These dimensions make it compact and easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
- Height: 2.7000 inches.
- Width: 5.2000 inches.
- Length: 12.3500 inches.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the call’s sound quality, durability, and ease of use. The choice of wood is critical for achieving realistic turkey vocalizations. The dimensions determine how comfortable the call is to hold and operate in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Woodhaven Ninja excels at producing a wide range of turkey sounds, from soft purrs and clucks to aggressive yelps and cutts. Its versatility allows hunters to adapt their calling strategy to different situations and turkey behaviors. The call’s ability to project sound over long distances is particularly impressive, making it ideal for locating birds in open terrain.
The Ninja’s strengths lie in its realistic sound reproduction and ease of use, once the initial learning curve is overcome. One weakness is that it requires practice to master the nuances of the call. It could be more challenging for beginner callers to use effectively right away.
The Ninja exceeds expectations by delivering exceptional sound quality and versatility in a compact and durable package.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ninja’s build quality is excellent. The materials used are high-quality and the construction is solid. The weight feels balanced and comfortable in hand, even after extended periods of use.
The Ninja is relatively user-friendly, though mastering its full range of sounds takes practice. A beginner might find it slightly challenging initially, but the learning curve is manageable.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Woodhaven Ninja should last for many seasons. The solid wood construction and simple design minimize the risk of mechanical failure. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and chalking.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Woodhaven Ninja comes pre-chalked and ready to use. There are no specific customization options for the Ninja itself, but you could experiment with different strikers (though the yellowheart lid works exceptionally well as is). The call is compatible with standard turkey vest pouches and lanyards for easy carry.
Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Ninja Walnt Bttm Yllwheart Lid
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality: Produces a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations.
- Versatile: Can be used in various hunting situations and terrains.
- Durable construction: Made from high-quality walnut and yellowheart wood.
- Compact and easy to carry: Fits comfortably in a vest or pocket.
- Sharp, crisp cutts & cackles: Cuts through wind and accurately mimics an excited hen.
Cons
- Requires practice to master.
- Relatively expensive compared to mass-produced calls.
Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Ninja Walnt Bttm Yllwheart Lid?
Perfect for: Experienced turkey hunters who appreciate high-quality gear and realistic sound reproduction. It’s also a great option for those seeking a versatile call that can handle various hunting situations.
Who should skip this product? Beginner turkey hunters might find the Ninja challenging to use initially. Hunters on a tight budget might consider less expensive options.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A reliable turkey vest with dedicated call pouches is essential.
Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Ninja Walnt Bttm Yllwheart Lid
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Ninja Walnt Bttm Yllwheart Lid is a premium turkey call that delivers exceptional performance and versatility. The price is justified by the call’s high-quality construction, realistic sound reproduction, and durability.
I would highly recommend the Woodhaven Ninja to any serious turkey hunter looking to elevate their calling game. It’s an investment in quality and performance that will pay off in the field. Don’t just call turkeys, entice them. Add the Woodhaven Ninja to your arsenal and experience the difference.