The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting is more than a pastime; it’s a dance with nature, a strategic conversation with the wild. When the opportunity arose to test the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry, I jumped at the chance. I’ve used countless calls over the years, from slates to diaphragms, but a premium box call always holds a special allure, promising unparalleled realism and control.
My journey towards finding the perfect turkey call has been a long one, often filled with frustration. My current box call, while reliable, lacks the nuanced tones I need to coax those stubborn toms out of the thickets. I wanted a call that could whisper sweet nothings and belt out aggressive cutts with equal finesse, something that could imitate the full spectrum of a real hen.
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry arrived meticulously packaged, instantly conveying a sense of quality. The rich, dark cherry wood gleamed, and the weight in my hand felt substantial, speaking to the craftsmanship within. This wasn’t just another mass-produced trinket; it was a tool, an instrument designed to deceive the wariest of birds.
Compared to my old faithful box call, the Real Hen Cherry immediately stood out. My old call felt somewhat lifeless, the sounds it produced lacking the subtle inflections that drive a tom wild. In contrast, the WoodHaven call promised a more realistic and responsive experience. Another call I considered was a custom-made slate call, which offers incredible sound quality but requires more finesse and is less forgiving in wet conditions. Ultimately, the WoodHaven’s promise of realistic raspy yelps and its all-weather usability pushed it ahead.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a touch of apprehension. The call exuded quality, but could I truly master its intricacies and unlock its potential? Only time in the field would tell, but I was eager to find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial field test took place during the early spring turkey season in the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma. The weather was classic springtime – unpredictable. I nestled against a thick oak, call in hand, and let out a few soft yelps.
The sound was instantly different; a richer, deeper tone with a subtle rasp that I hadn’t been able to achieve with any other call. A gobble echoed back in the distance! It responded! Encouraged, I followed up with some clucks and purrs.
Using the call was intuitive; however, mastering the subtle pressure and angles for those perfect two-tone raspy yelps required practice. The only surprise was how sensitive the call was to moisture. Even a light drizzle affected the sound, requiring me to wipe it down frequently.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of hunting in various conditions, the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry continues to impress. Its performance remains consistent, and it holds its tuning well. The cherry wood shows no signs of wear, despite being subjected to dew-covered mornings and the occasional bump against a tree.
Cleaning the call is a breeze; a simple wipe down with a dry cloth after each use keeps it in top condition. Compared to my previous calls, the Real Hen Cherry stands head and shoulders above the rest in terms of sound quality and realism. It’s allowed me to have conversations with toms that I simply couldn’t have before.
Breaking Down the Features of WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry
Specifications
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry features a one-piece cherry trough-style box. The lid is crafted from matched Brazilian cherry, creating a stunning visual and sonic combination.
The design aims to produce higher-pitched calls compared to the walnut version while retaining realistic raspy tones.
One-Piece Cherry Trough: The single-piece trough ensures consistent resonance and durability. This solid construction minimizes the risk of warping and maintains consistent sound quality over time.
Matched Brazilian Cherry Lid: The Brazilian cherry lid provides the striking surface for creating different sounds. Its density and grain pattern contribute to the call’s distinctive tone.
Higher-Pitched Call: Designed for hunters who need to cut through wind or call to birds at longer distances. This higher pitch can also be more effective in pressured hunting areas.
Realistic Two-Tone Raspy Yelps: The combination of cherry wood and precise construction allows for authentic hen vocalizations. This raspy quality is crucial for fooling mature gobblers.
Versatile Sounds: Capable of producing clucks, cutts, and cackles in addition to yelps. This versatility makes it a valuable tool in any turkey hunter’s arsenal.
Performance & Functionality
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry excels at producing realistic turkey sounds, particularly yelps, clucks, and cutts. Its responsiveness allows for subtle variations in tone and volume, mimicking the nuances of a real hen.
However, the call is sensitive to moisture, requiring frequent wiping in wet conditions.
The call’s strengths lie in its realism and versatility. It can whisper sweet yelps to coax in a wary tom or belt out aggressive cutts to fire up a distant bird. Its weakness is its sensitivity to moisture, which can alter the sound and require extra maintenance in damp environments. Overall, it exceeds my expectations in terms of sound quality and realism.
Design & Ergonomics
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry is meticulously crafted from high-quality cherry wood, providing a substantial feel. The call is comfortable to hold and operate, even for extended periods.
The ergonomic design and weight distribution contribute to its user-friendliness.
The build quality is exceptional; the wood is smooth and well-finished, and the moving parts operate seamlessly. While there’s a slight learning curve to mastering the subtle nuances of the call, the intuitive design makes it relatively easy to pick up and start producing realistic sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the high-quality construction and materials, the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry is expected to last for many seasons with proper care. Cherry wood is durable and resistant to cracking, but it’s essential to protect it from excessive moisture and impact.
Maintenance is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a dry cloth after each use is sufficient. Occasional application of a wood protectant can help preserve the finish and prevent warping.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry does not come with additional accessories beyond the call itself. However, a lanyard can easily be attached to keep the call readily accessible while hunting.
There are no specific customization options available for the call itself, but various aftermarket strikers can be used to subtly alter the sound.
Pros and Cons of WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry
Pros
- Exceptional Realism: Produces incredibly realistic two-tone raspy yelps that mimic a hen turkey.
- Versatile Sound Range: Capable of creating a wide range of turkey vocalizations, including clucks, cutts, and cackles.
- High-Quality Construction: Meticulously crafted from premium cherry wood for durability and consistent performance.
- Comfortable Ergonomics: Designed for comfortable use, even during long calling sequences.
- Higher Pitch: Effective for cutting through wind and calling to distant birds.
Cons
- Sensitivity to Moisture: Performance can be affected by damp conditions, requiring frequent wiping.
- Price: Considerably more expensive than entry-level box calls.
Who Should Buy WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry?
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the highest level of realism and versatility in their calls. It’s also great for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and are willing to invest in a premium piece of gear. Experienced callers will benefit most, as they can fully utilize the call’s nuanced capabilities.
Hunters who are just starting out with turkey calling may find the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry a bit challenging initially, because of its sensitivity. Those who hunt primarily in consistently wet environments or who prefer low-maintenance gear might consider a different type of call, such as a diaphragm or pot call with a weatherproof striker.
A high-quality lanyard is a must-have accessory for keeping the call readily accessible in the field. Also, experimenting with different strikers may fine-tune the sound to suit individual preferences and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry is a premium turkey call that delivers exceptional realism and versatility. Its high-quality construction, combined with its ability to produce a wide range of authentic turkey vocalizations, makes it a valuable tool for any serious turkey hunter. While its sensitivity to moisture and higher price point may deter some, the call’s superior performance justifies the investment for those who demand the best.
The price is justified by the unmatched sound quality, durability, and potential for success in the field. I would wholeheartedly recommend the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry to any experienced turkey hunter looking to elevate their calling game. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, invest in the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry and prepare to have conversations with the wariest toms in the woods. Don’t just call turkeys; communicate with them.