First Thoughts on the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry promises a higher-pitched, raspier version of their already popular Real Hen box call. WoodHaven is a respected name in turkey hunting, and their calls are known for their realism and quality craftsmanship. As a seasoned outdoorsman with over a decade of experience chasing gobblers, I’m always looking for an edge, a call that can break through the monotony and entice even the most call-shy birds.
I was searching for a call that offered a distinct tone from my existing slate and diaphragm calls. I was hoping it could cut through the wind and reach distant birds on windy spring mornings. I had been using a walnut box call, but the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry’s promise of a higher pitch and unique rasp piqued my interest.
Unboxing the call, I was immediately impressed with the fit and finish. The Brazilian cherry lid perfectly matched the one-piece cherry trough. It felt substantial and well-balanced in my hand, a clear indicator of quality materials and careful construction. Compared to my older, less expensive box calls, the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry exudes a sense of premium craftsmanship. It is also noticeably more refined than some mass-produced, plastic-bodied calls I’ve seen on the market. I chose this over a similar box call with a composite body, expecting a more authentic and resonant sound.
My first impression was one of excitement. The call felt right, looked right, and gave me the confidence that it could produce the sounds needed to bring those wary toms into shooting range. I couldn’t wait to get it into the woods.
Real-World Testing: Putting WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test took place on a cool, crisp morning in the hardwood bottoms of southern Missouri. I settled into a pre-dawn setup, using the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry to softly yelp and cluck. The air was still, but the call carried exceptionally well, its higher pitch seemed to travel farther than my usual walnut box call.
I experimented with different pressures and angles on the lid to produce a variety of sounds. I found that the call performed beautifully even in light rain. The wood, although slightly dampened, didn’t lose its resonance. However, after extended exposure to moisture, I noticed a slight change in tone, which required a quick wipe-down.
The first use was extremely encouraging. Within an hour, I had a longbeard hammering back at my calls and closing the distance rapidly. While I ultimately didn’t connect on that particular bird, the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry proved its effectiveness in luring a tom.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the spring turkey season, the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry has become a staple in my hunting vest. The cherry wood construction has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking or warping, even after exposure to varying temperatures and humidity.
Maintenance is simple. I wipe the call down with a clean cloth after each hunt and occasionally apply a thin coat of beeswax to the friction surfaces to maintain smooth operation. Compared to my diaphragm calls, which require frequent replacement, the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry offers a far more durable and reliable option. This call outperforms my older box calls in both sound quality and ease of use, allowing me to create a wider range of realistic turkey vocalizations.
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, meticulously crafted for optimal resonance. The matched Brazilian cherry lid enhances the call’s tonal qualities. This box call is designed to produce realistic two-tone raspy yelps.
The call is optimized for creating clucks, cutts, and cackles. While specific weight and dimensions aren’t provided, it’s clear from handling that this call is designed for comfortable use and portability.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the call’s sound quality and overall hunting effectiveness. The cherry wood provides a warm, rich tone that mimics the natural sounds of a hen turkey. The carefully matched lid ensures consistent and accurate sound production. The ability to create a variety of calls expands the hunter’s repertoire and increases their chances of success.
Performance & Functionality
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry excels in producing realistic turkey vocalizations. The higher pitch distinguishes it from other calls, making it effective in areas with heavy hunting pressure. It is very reliable. Its consistent performance instills confidence.
The call’s strengths lie in its ability to create realistic yelps, clucks, cutts, and cackles. The raspy tone is particularly effective in enticing call-shy toms. One minor weakness is the learning curve involved in mastering the call’s nuances, which requires practice to achieve consistent results. However, with time and dedication, the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry boasts exceptional build quality. The cherry wood is both beautiful and durable. The call feels comfortable and secure in hand.
The design is user-friendly. The learning curve is moderate, even for experienced callers. The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry’s ergonomics are well-considered, allowing for comfortable and extended use in the field.
Durability & Maintenance
The solid cherry wood construction suggests that the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry will last for many seasons with proper care. Maintenance is relatively simple. Wiping the call down after each use and applying beeswax to the friction surfaces as needed will keep it in top condition.
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry’s durable construction and ease of maintenance ensures it remains a reliable tool in any turkey hunter’s arsenal.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry doesn’t come with any additional accessories. The focus is on the call itself and its ability to produce realistic turkey sounds. There are no specified customization options.
As a traditional box call, the customization is limited, but care can be taken in how the call is conditioned. You can experiment with different abrasives to achieve a specific tone. The design is not inherently compatible with accessories from other brands, but beeswax and sandpaper are universal.
Pros and Cons of WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry
Pros
- Produces high-pitched, realistic two-tone raspy yelps.
- Excellent for clucks, cutts, and cackles.
- Durable cherry wood construction.
- Comfortable and ergonomic design.
- Stands out in areas with heavy hunting pressure.
Cons
- Requires practice to master different calling techniques.
- No included accessories.
Who Should Buy WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry?
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels. It is especially helpful to those seeking a higher-pitched, raspy call that can break through the noise and attract even the most wary toms. Experienced callers will appreciate the call’s versatility and ability to produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
Beginners may find a slight learning curve. A more experienced hunter can help introduce and train a novice. A beginner can work up to the sounds necessary to effectively call turkeys.
A must-have accessory is a small container of beeswax for maintaining the call’s friction surfaces. A piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a conditioning stone can be helpful for maintaining the call’s tone.
Conclusion on WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry
The WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry is a top-quality turkey call that delivers on its promise of realistic, high-pitched raspy sounds. Its durable construction, comfortable design, and exceptional performance make it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal. The price is justified by the call’s quality, performance, and longevity.
I would highly recommend the WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry to anyone looking for a reliable, effective, and versatile turkey call. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, pick up a WoodHaven Real Hen Turkey Call Cherry today! You won’t be disappointed.