First Impressions of Haydels Cow Elk Call
The Haydels Cow Elk Call promises to be a compact and effective tool for any elk hunter looking to lure in cows and calves. Haydels is a well-known name in the hunting call industry, and their reputation for producing reliable and affordable calls definitely piqued my interest. I wanted to see if this simple call could truly reproduce the subtle nuances of elk vocalizations.
As a seasoned elk hunter, I’m always on the lookout for calls that offer realism and ease of use. I’ve used diaphragm calls, bugles, and electronic calls, but sometimes a simple, compact cow call is all you need to bring a curious elk into range. The Haydels Cow Elk Call seemed like a good fit.
The call arrived in a simple blister pack. The first thing I noticed was the rubberized exterior, which immediately suggested a focus on noise control. I was hoping that this design choice would prevent unwanted sounds while handling the call in the field. It felt solid enough for its size and weight, though I wondered about its long-term durability compared to other calls I own.
Compared to my Primos Hyper Lip Single and my diaphragm calls from Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls, the Haydels Cow Elk Call seemed like a much simpler design. I chose it for its potential ease of use and portability, hoping it would be a quick and reliable option when I needed a simple cow or calf call. My first impression was cautiously optimistic, excited to test its performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels Cow Elk Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Haydels Cow Elk Call on a scouting trip in the Colorado Rockies during the pre-season. The weather was mild, but I wanted to test the call in a realistic environment, even without active hunting. I found a secluded meadow and began experimenting with different calling techniques.
The call was surprisingly easy to use, requiring minimal practice to produce convincing cow and calf sounds. The rubberized exterior proved effective in dampening handling noises. I was able to generate a range of vocalizations, from soft mews to more urgent calls, with relative ease. There were no immediate issues or surprises with the call’s functionality.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during scouting and the early season, the Haydels Cow Elk Call has held up reasonably well. There are no visible signs of significant wear and tear. The rubberized coating continues to provide a secure and quiet grip, even in wet conditions.
Maintenance is simple; I just wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use. Comparing it to my diaphragm calls, which require more careful cleaning and storage, the Haydels Cow Elk Call is much more convenient. It hasn’t outperformed my diaphragm calls in terms of realism, but it’s a reliable and accessible option for quickly producing basic cow and calf sounds.
Breaking Down the Features of Haydels Cow Elk Call
Specifications
The Haydels Cow Elk Call is designed specifically to reproduce cow and calf elk sounds. It features a rubberized exterior for enhanced noise control. The call’s weight is approximately 0.13 kg (about 4.6 ounces).
The call’s dimensions are roughly 8 inches in length, 1.5 inches in height, and 5 inches in width. These compact dimensions make it easy to carry in a pocket or pack.
Performance & Functionality
The Haydels Cow Elk Call effectively produces a variety of cow and calf sounds. The tone is generally convincing, though it may lack the subtle nuances of a more advanced diaphragm call. The call’s strength lies in its ease of use; even inexperienced callers can quickly produce acceptable sounds.
The main weakness is that it lacks the tonal complexity and range of more advanced calls. The Haydels Cow Elk Call meets expectations for a basic, easy-to-use cow call, but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price. The rubberized exterior provides a comfortable and secure grip, while also minimizing unwanted noise. The call is user-friendly and requires virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Haydels Cow Elk Call seems reasonably durable for its construction. The rubberized exterior should help protect it from minor impacts and moisture. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick wipe down after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Haydels Cow Elk Call doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for this basic call. It is designed as a standalone tool for producing cow and calf elk sounds.
Pros and Cons of Haydels Cow Elk Call
Pros
- Easy to use: Requires minimal practice, even for beginners.
- Rubberized exterior: Reduces handling noise and provides a secure grip.
- Compact and lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket or pack.
- Affordable: A budget-friendly option for elk hunters.
- Reproduces cow and calf sounds: Effective for attracting elk.
Cons
- Lacks tonal complexity: Doesn’t offer the subtle nuances of more advanced calls.
- Limited range: Primarily suited for close-range calling.
Who Should Buy Haydels Cow Elk Call?
The Haydels Cow Elk Call is perfect for beginner elk hunters who want a simple, easy-to-use cow call. It’s also a good option for experienced hunters who want a compact and reliable backup call.
This product should be skipped by hunters who prioritize tonal complexity and advanced calling techniques. Hunters looking for a single call to reproduce all elk vocalizations might prefer a diaphragm or electronic call. A lanyard is a must-have accessory to keep the call readily accessible.
Conclusion on Haydels Cow Elk Call
The Haydels Cow Elk Call offers a solid value proposition for hunters seeking a simple and affordable cow call. Its ease of use and compact design make it a convenient addition to any elk hunter’s gear. The price is definitely justified for what it offers.
I would personally recommend it to beginner and intermediate hunters looking for a reliable and easy-to-use cow call. If you’re looking to bag that elk, add the Haydels Cow Elk Call to your arsenal!