First Thoughts on the WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call
The WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call promises to be a versatile and easy-to-use diaphragm call for turkey hunters of all skill levels. Manufactured by WoodHaven, a company known for producing quality game calls, the Blue Demon boasts a 2.5 reed design with a ghost cut for effortless kee-kee and hen yelp sounds. For $13.49, it sits squarely in the entry-level price point, making it an attractive option for beginners or those looking to expand their call repertoire without breaking the bank.
Having spent over a decade in the outdoor gear industry, I’ve seen countless turkey calls come and go, each promising to be the magic bullet for bagging that elusive gobbler. I wanted to see if this call lived up to the promise of affordability and effectiveness. I’ve often found that cheaper calls can be more difficult to master.
Out of the package, the WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call feels lightweight and comfortable against the roof of my mouth. The latex seems durable enough for a season or two of hard hunting. I’ve seen similar calls feel bulky, but the Blue Demon is relatively thin.
Compared to my trusty slate call or even a premium diaphragm from another WoodHaven series, this one feels more streamlined. It’s designed for simplicity. Many calls boast complex cuts and multiple reeds, so the Blue Demon’s focus on ease of use is appealing. Initial testing reveals decent sound quality; the ghost cut does indeed make producing yelps relatively straightforward.
My first impression is cautiously optimistic. While it lacks the premium feel of higher-end calls, the WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call appears to be a solid entry-level option. Hopefully, it will deliver consistent results in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call during a spring turkey season hunt in the oak-hickory forests of central Missouri. The weather ranged from crisp early morning frosts to warmer, sunny afternoons, presenting varied sound projection challenges. I needed to know how it would perform under pressure.
The Blue Demon proved surprisingly effective at close range, easily enticing a tom within 40 yards with soft yelps and clucks. The ghost cut made producing consistent yelps easier than other diaphragm calls I’ve used. However, in windy conditions, the sound didn’t carry as far as I’d hoped.
The call was initially very easy to use, but I found it started to squeak after a couple hours of use. After rinsing it with water it returned to proper function.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of frequent use, the WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call held up remarkably well. While the latex showed some slight discoloration from moisture and use, the reeds remained intact and the call continued to produce consistent sounds. It did begin to squeak again after extended use.
The latex began to separate slightly from the frame after being submerged in water a number of times. This did not affect performance. Cleaning required only a quick rinse with water and air drying, making maintenance simple and straightforward.
Compared to more expensive diaphragm calls I’ve used in the past, the WoodHaven Blue Demon performs admirably, especially considering its price point. It doesn’t quite match the nuanced tones of premium calls, but it’s certainly more than capable of bringing birds into range.
Breaking Down the Features of WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call
Specifications
- The WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call is a 2.5 reed diaphragm call. This design aims for a balance between ease of use and realistic sound production.
- It features a ghost cut in the top reed. This cut assists in producing clear kee-kee runs and hen yelps without excessive air pressure or complex mouth positioning.
- The materials are standard latex reeds stretched across a frame. The frame is designed for comfortable fit and secure placement in the mouth.
- It is priced at $13.49. This makes it one of the more budget-friendly diaphragm calls on the market.
These specifications contribute to a call that is designed for beginner to intermediate turkey hunters who want a simple and effective tool. The ghost cut specifically aids in producing those critical kee-kee and yelp sounds, while the price makes it accessible to all.
Performance & Functionality
The WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call performs its job adequately, producing realistic turkey sounds with relative ease. The ghost cut truly shines here, making consistent yelps and clucks achievable with minimal practice.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. Its weakness is limited sound projection at longer distances or in windy conditions. For its price, it meets expectations and even slightly exceeds them.
Design & Ergonomics
The WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call features a fairly standard diaphragm call design. The materials used feel durable enough for a season or two of hard hunting.
The call is very user-friendly, requiring minimal learning curve. The ghost cut significantly simplifies the process of producing yelps and kee-kee runs.
Durability & Maintenance
The WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call is reasonably durable for its price point. Cleaning is simple, involving only rinsing and air drying.
Expect a lifespan of one to two seasons with regular use and proper care. It is not designed for extreme conditions or heavy abuse, but for most hunters, it will hold up well.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available.
It is a standalone product designed for immediate use out of the package. Due to the nature of diaphragm calls, customization is generally limited to trimming the reeds or adjusting the frame fit.
Pros and Cons of WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call
Pros
- Easy to use: The ghost cut makes producing realistic yelps and clucks simple, even for beginners.
- Affordable: At $13.49, it’s a budget-friendly option for expanding your call repertoire.
- Versatile: Capable of producing a range of turkey sounds, including kee-kee runs, yelps, and clucks.
- Comfortable Fit: The frame is designed for comfortable placement in the mouth.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry in a vest or pocket without adding bulk.
Cons
- Limited Sound Projection: Not ideal for long-distance calling or windy conditions.
- Durability: May not withstand heavy use or extreme conditions as well as higher-end calls.
- Squeaking: Can start to squeak after extended use, requires rinsing.
Who Should Buy WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call?
The WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an easy-to-use and affordable diaphragm call. It is also a great option for experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call or a simple call for close-range situations.
Hunters who primarily hunt in open areas or in windy conditions should skip this product. They would benefit more from a call with greater sound projection.
A must-have accessory would be a call case to keep it clean and dry when not in use. This would help extend the call’s life.
Conclusion on WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call
The WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call is a solid entry-level option that delivers on its promise of ease of use and affordability. While it may not have the nuanced sound quality or durability of higher-end calls, it is a capable and effective tool for bringing birds into range, particularly in close-range scenarios.
The price is definitely justified. It provides excellent value for money, especially for those just starting out or looking to add a simple diaphragm call to their arsenal.
I would personally recommend the WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call to beginner and intermediate turkey hunters seeking an affordable and user-friendly option. It’s a great starting point for mastering diaphragm calls and a reliable backup for seasoned veterans. So, grab a WoodHaven Blue Demon Turkey Call and get ready to bring those gobblers in close this season!