The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve handled countless turkey calls. When I first laid eyes on the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut, I knew it was different. WoodHaven is a name synonymous with quality, and this call certainly seemed to uphold that reputation.
My quest for the perfect turkey call has been ongoing for years. I needed something that could produce incredibly realistic sounds, with the rasp and versatility to lure in even the wariest gobblers. I was tired of calls that sounded tinny or were difficult to manipulate.
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut arrived in simple, protective packaging. My first impression was of its beautiful craftsmanship. The one-piece walnut trough and Brazilian cherry lid were flawlessly joined. The weight felt good in my hand – substantial, but not cumbersome.
Compared to other box calls I’ve used, like the Primos Heart Breaker and the Quaker Boy Hurricane, the WoodHaven stood out immediately. The Primos is known for its ease of use, but lacks the nuanced tones of higher-end calls. The Quaker Boy offers decent sound, but its construction feels less refined. I chose the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut because I believed it offered the best combination of sound quality, craftsmanship, and potential for advanced calling techniques.
My initial reaction was excitement tinged with a bit of nervousness. Could I master this call and unlock its full potential? The sound right out of the box was promising, deep and raspy, but I knew it would take practice to truly make it sing.
Real-World Testing: Putting WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut took place during the early spring turkey season in the rolling hills of eastern Kentucky. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle permeating the air – conditions that can challenge even the best calls. I nestled into a natural blind, strategically positioned near a known roosting area.
The call performed remarkably well in the humid conditions. Its sound didn’t become muffled or distorted, a common issue with some wood calls. It required a bit of finesse to prevent sticking of the lid against the box, especially when water collected on the striking surface. The WoodHaven required a bit of a learning curve. I spent some time practicing yelps, clucks, and purrs before feeling comfortable enough to use it in a hunting situation.
My initial hunts were met with silence. Then, on the third day, a distant gobble echoed through the woods. I answered with a series of soft yelps, and the gobbler responded, moving closer. After about twenty minutes of back-and-forth calling, a mature tom appeared, strutting proudly into my setup. The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut had sealed the deal!
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut continues to impress. It’s become my go-to call in a variety of hunting scenarios. The call has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of splitting or cracking in either the walnut or Brazilian cherry components, despite being subjected to both damp and arid conditions.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each hunt, I wipe down the call with a clean cloth to remove any moisture or debris. Occasionally, I lightly condition the lid with a bit of rosin to maintain consistent sound quality. Compared to the slate and glass calls I’ve used in the past, the WoodHaven requires less frequent maintenance.
This WoodHaven call far outperforms any other box call I’ve owned. Its realistic sound and durable construction set it apart. It’s a significant upgrade from the mass-produced, entry-level calls I started with.
Breaking Down the Features of WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut
Specifications
- This box call excels at producing deep raspy yelps. Its cutts and cackles are considered unmatched in realism.
- It has a one-piece walnut trough-style box. This is paired with a matched Brazilian cherry lid.
- The walnut box provides a deep, resonant tone. The Brazilian cherry lid adds crispness and clarity to the sounds.
- The overall dimensions are approximately 7.5 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1.5 inches tall. This size provides comfortable handling.
- The weight is around 6 ounces. This offers a substantial feel without being cumbersome.
These specifications are critical because they directly influence the call’s sound quality, durability, and ease of use. The choice of wood, the construction method, and the overall dimensions all contribute to the call’s ability to produce realistic turkey sounds.
Performance & Functionality
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds, from soft purrs to loud, aggressive cutts. The call is reliable in a variety of weather conditions. It does require occasional adjustment to maintain optimal sound.
The call’s greatest strength is its ability to produce realistic sounds that mimic a hen turkey. One weakness could be the learning curve. Mastering the call requires practice and a good ear for turkey vocalizations. It exceeds my expectations in terms of sound quality and overall performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut boasts exceptional build quality. It features high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The walnut and Brazilian cherry are smoothly finished. The call’s weight feels balanced in hand, contributing to comfortable operation.
The design is generally user-friendly, but it does require some practice to master. Beginners may find it challenging to consistently produce the desired sounds. However, experienced callers will appreciate the call’s responsiveness and versatility.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut should last for many years. The high-quality materials and solid construction ensure long-term durability. Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe down the call after each use and occasionally condition the lid.
Repair options are limited, as the call is a single, integrated unit. However, with proper care, repairs should be unnecessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available, such as interchangeable lids or soundboards. The call is designed as a single, complete unit.
It is not compatible with accessories from other brands, such as replacement strikers. The call is designed to be used as is, without modifications.
Pros and Cons of WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut
Pros
- Incredibly realistic sound production. The call flawlessly mimics a hen turkey’s vocalizations.
- Exceptional build quality and durability. High-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship ensure long-term reliability.
- Versatile range of turkey sounds. From soft purrs to loud cutts, this call can do it all.
- Comfortable and balanced feel in hand. The call’s weight and dimensions contribute to easy operation.
- A trusted name. WoodHaven is well respected amongst avid turkey hunters.
Cons
- The price point of $79.99 may be a barrier for some. It’s certainly at the higher end of turkey call pricing.
- It requires practice and a good ear to master. Beginners might find it challenging.
Who Should Buy WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut?
This turkey call is perfect for experienced turkey hunters who demand the highest level of realism and performance. It is also a great option for hunters who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship and durable construction. It is a great fit for those who are committed to mastering the art of turkey calling.
Beginners or casual hunters who are looking for a simple, easy-to-use call may want to consider a less expensive option. Those who are not willing to invest the time and effort required to master the call should also look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory is a small piece of sandpaper or rosin to lightly condition the lid. The lid should be kept in optimal striking condition. Also, consider a quality call case to protect the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut from damage.
Conclusion on WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut is an exceptional turkey call that delivers on its promise of realistic sound and durable construction. While the price may be higher than some other calls on the market, the quality and performance justify the investment. This call is for serious turkey hunters who demand the best.
The value proposition is strong, as the call’s sound quality and durability will provide years of reliable service. I would personally recommend this call to anyone who is serious about turkey hunting and is willing to invest the time and effort required to master its use. The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut will bring you closer to filling your tag. Invest in this call, practice your skills, and get ready for a successful turkey season.