First Thoughts on the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut isn’t just another turkey call; it’s a promise. A promise of authentic sound, handcrafted quality, and a connection to the age-old tradition of calling in wary gobblers. For years, I’ve relied on various calls, from slates to diaphragms, but the allure of a well-made box call, particularly one from a reputable manufacturer like WoodHaven, has always lingered. My quest? To find a call that consistently produces realistic hen sounds, capable of fooling even the most seasoned longbeards.
I had been experiencing increased hunting pressure in my usual spots. Consequently, the birds were becoming call-shy and I needed a call that offered a different, more natural sound. I was looking for a call that would cut through the noise and bring those weary toms into range.
Upon unboxing, the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut immediately impressed with its visual appeal and solid feel. The walnut trough paired with the Brazilian cherry lid exuded quality. It felt substantial without being bulky. Compared to some of my cheaper box calls, the fit and finish were noticeably superior. This box call felt like a finely crafted instrument, not just a hunting tool.
I chose the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut over a couple of slate calls I was considering due to its projected volume and tone control. I also felt a walnut box call would withstand the elements in my rugged terrain better than some of the more delicate options. My initial excitement stemmed from the promise of a call that could bridge the gap between affordability and professional-grade performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut was on a crisp morning in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. I set up near a known roosting area, the air thick with anticipation. The early morning dew clung to the leaves, adding a layer of challenge to maintaining a clean, consistent sound.
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut performed admirably, even under those damp conditions. It required a bit more finesse to prevent the lid from sticking initially. The call produced clear, crisp yelps that echoed through the timber. The birds responded almost immediately, with several gobbles in the distance.
Using the call was intuitive, though I did spend some time practicing before the hunt to find the sweet spot for different calls. The biggest surprise was the range of tones I could achieve with minimal adjustments to pressure and angle.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hunting, the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut has become a staple in my vest. It consistently produces realistic sounds, from soft tree yelps to aggressive cutts and cackles. This turkey call allows me to adapt to various hunting scenarios.
The call exhibits minimal wear and tear. After regular cleaning and light waxing of the lid, it maintains its sound quality and playability. Compared to my previous, less expensive box calls, the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut outperforms them significantly in both sound quality and durability. The construction of the walnut box and Brazilian cherry lid provides a resilience I didn’t expect.
Breaking Down the Features of WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut
Specifications
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut boasts a one-piece walnut trough-style box. It also includes a matched Brazilian cherry lid. This combination of woods is specifically chosen for its tonal qualities. The overall design focuses on producing deep, raspy yelps, cutts, and cackles.
- One-Piece Walnut Trough: The single-piece construction enhances the call’s resonance, contributing to a richer, more authentic sound.
- Brazilian Cherry Lid: This dense hardwood is known for its excellent sound projection and responsiveness, enabling a wide range of tones.
These specifications are crucial for delivering realistic turkey vocalizations. The high-quality materials ensure durability and consistent sound production, season after season. The careful design helps to maintain sound quality, even in varying weather conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut excels in producing realistic turkey sounds. Its ability to create deep, raspy yelps is unmatched. The cutts and cackles it produces are particularly effective for aggressive calling scenarios.
Its main strength lies in its realism and ease of use. The call requires minimal effort to produce convincing sounds. The only area needing improvement would be the lid’s occasional tendency to stick in very humid conditions.
The call significantly exceeds my expectations. It consistently brings birds into range, thanks to its lifelike sound and versatile calling capabilities.
Design & Ergonomics
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut is thoughtfully designed for both aesthetics and functionality. The walnut and cherry woods give it a classic, refined appearance. It feels comfortable and balanced in hand.
The ergonomic design allows for easy manipulation and precise control over the sounds produced. There is a slight learning curve to master all the different calling techniques. However, the design makes it easier for both novice and experienced callers to achieve desired sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The combination of walnut and Brazilian cherry ensures the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut is built to last. With proper care, this call will withstand years of use in the field. This is thanks to the carefully selected materials.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and occasional waxing of the lid are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. This minimal maintenance ensures the call is always ready for action.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut doesn’t come with extensive accessories, as it is primarily a standalone instrument. However, several aftermarket accessories can enhance its performance and longevity.
- Call conditioners and waxes: These products can improve the consistency of the lid’s movement and prevent sticking, particularly in humid conditions.
- Protective cases: Hard cases or soft pouches are available to protect the call from damage during transport and storage.
The call is universally compatible with these aftermarket products. These items can help further improve the tool’s performance and long-term reliability.
Pros and Cons of WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut
Pros
- Produces exceptionally realistic and deep, raspy yelps.
- High-quality construction with walnut and Brazilian cherry woods ensuring durability.
- Versatile call, capable of producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations.
- Relatively easy to learn and use, even for novice callers.
- Excellent sound projection, effective in various hunting environments.
Cons
- Lid can occasionally stick in very humid conditions, requiring extra maintenance.
- Price point is higher than some other box calls on the market.
Who Should Buy WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut?
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut is perfect for serious turkey hunters. This call is ideal for those who demand realistic sound and reliable performance in the field. It is also a great option for experienced hunters looking to upgrade their calling arsenal with a premium-quality box call.
This call is perhaps not best suited for absolute beginners who may prefer a simpler, less nuanced call to start with. Those on a very tight budget may also find the price prohibitive.
A must-have accessory is a quality call conditioner or wax to address potential sticking issues in humid weather. A protective case is also recommended to safeguard the call during transport and storage.
Conclusion on WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut delivers on its promise of providing realistic and versatile turkey sounds. Its high-quality construction and thoughtful design make it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s gear. The solid build quality is something I’ve come to expect from the WoodHaven brand.
The price of $79.99 is justified by the call’s performance, durability, and overall quality. I wholeheartedly recommend the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut to any serious turkey hunter looking for a reliable and effective call.
If you’re ready to elevate your turkey hunting game, invest in the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Walnut. You won’t be disappointed.