HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE Review

First Thoughts on the HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE

The HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE call. It’s a deceptively simple device promising to bring cottontails running from surprising distances. Haydel’s Game Calls has built a reputation on producing affordable, effective calls, and this one seemed to fit the bill perfectly. I was eager to see if this small, unassuming call could live up to the “long range” claim and become a staple in my rabbit hunting arsenal.

For years, I’ve relied on a combination of traditional mouth calls and electronic calls to lure in cottontails, with varying degrees of success. I needed something compact, reliable, and easy to use in thick cover, offering enough volume to reach distant rabbits. I hoped the HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE would bridge the gap between the subtlety of mouth calls and the power of electronic ones.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the call’s size and simplicity. It felt lightweight yet sturdy, constructed from what appears to be durable molded plastic. The call’s design is straightforward, with a simple reed system that looked easy to manipulate. The material felt well-suited for the rough and tumble of the outdoors.

I’ve used other diaphragm calls from Primos and Flextone over the years, and while those offer excellent realism, they require a good deal of practice and can be finicky in cold weather. The HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE seemed much more user-friendly. I chose this one for the simple design and hope for ease of use, especially in colder conditions, as dexterity is compromised with gloves.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the call appeared well-made and compact, the proof would be in its sound and effectiveness in the field. I was excited to put it to the test and see if it could truly deliver on its promise of long-range cottontail attraction.

Real-World Testing: Putting HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE on a cold December morning in the rolling hills of central Texas, known for its dense brush and healthy cottontail population. The temperature was hovering around freezing, with a light wind that could carry sound effectively. I set up on the edge of a thicket, hoping to call rabbits out into the open.

The call performed admirably, producing a high-pitched squeal that cut through the wind. The sound was surprisingly loud for such a small device and seemed to carry well across the open field. I was able to produce a variety of cottontail distress calls, from a soft whimper to a more urgent, panicked scream.

The learning curve was minimal; within minutes, I was able to consistently produce convincing cottontail sounds. After about 15 minutes of calling, a young cottontail cautiously emerged from the brush, stopping to survey the area before hopping closer. That rabbit eventually ended up on the dinner table.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE has become a constant companion on my rabbit hunts. It has proven to be reliable in various weather conditions, including rain and snow. The call has continued to work flawlessly without any noticeable degradation in sound quality.

The call exhibits no obvious wear and tear, even after being subjected to the usual abuse of being carried in a hunting vest pocket. Cleaning is simple: just a quick rinse with water and a wipe down with a cloth. It’s a low-maintenance piece of gear that I can depend on.

Compared to my previous experiences with other calls, the HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE excels in its ease of use and consistent performance. It’s not as versatile as a high-end electronic call, but it’s far more portable and requires no batteries. It has consistently outperformed my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE

Specifications

• The HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE is a compact, closed-reed call designed to imitate the distress sounds of a cottontail rabbit. It is specifically engineered for long-range calling in various hunting situations.
• The call is constructed from durable molded plastic, making it lightweight and resistant to damage from moisture and impacts. Its dimensions are approximately 3 inches in length and 1 inch in diameter.
• It weighs less than an ounce, making it easy to carry in a pocket or on a lanyard. The call does not require any batteries or external power sources.
• The call uses a simple, single-reed design. This allows for easy manipulation and a consistent, realistic sound.
• The price is a significant feature: at $12.99, it’s exceptionally affordable.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the call’s portability, ease of use, and durability. The lightweight design and compact size make it an ideal choice for hunters who need to travel light. The affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of hunters.

Performance & Functionality

The HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE excels at producing a variety of realistic cottontail distress sounds. It allows the user to effectively lure rabbits from a distance. The volume is surprisingly loud for its size, enabling hunters to reach rabbits in open fields or thick cover.

Its strengths lie in its simplicity, reliability, and ease of use. The weaknesses are that it only mimics cottontail distress sounds, lacking the versatility of more advanced calls. It meets and exceeds expectations for a call in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE features a simple and functional design. Its molded plastic construction provides durability and weather resistance. Its compact size makes it comfortable to hold and easy to operate with one hand.

The call is extremely user-friendly, requiring minimal practice to produce convincing sounds. The design is intuitive, making it suitable for both experienced and novice hunters. There is virtually no learning curve to operate the call effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

The durable molded plastic construction ensures that the HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE will last for many seasons of use. The call is resistant to damage from moisture, impacts, and temperature changes. The closed-reed design protects the reed from debris and damage, further extending its lifespan.

Maintaining the call is easy: simply rinse it with water and wipe it dry after use. No specialized tools or cleaning solutions are required. This simple maintenance routine will ensure that the call performs optimally for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE does not come with any additional accessories. Due to its simple design, there are no customization options available. However, it can be easily attached to a lanyard for convenient carry.

The call is compatible with any standard lanyard. Hunters can personalize their setup by choosing a lanyard that suits their preferences.

Pros and Cons of HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE

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Who Should Buy HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE?

The HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE is perfect for:

• Beginner rabbit hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use call.
• Experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call.
• Hunters who prioritize portability and simplicity.
• Those hunting in areas with a high cottontail population.

Who should skip this product? Hunters who require a wide range of sound options or those who prefer electronic calls with advanced features.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A good quality lanyard is recommended for easy carry.

Conclusion on HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE

The HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE is a surprisingly effective and affordable rabbit call. Its simple design, durable construction, and long-range sound projection make it an excellent choice for hunters of all skill levels. For a mere $12.99, the value proposition is undeniable.

I would definitely recommend this call to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use cottontail distress call. It’s a must-have for any rabbit hunter’s arsenal. Grab the HAYDEL BABY COTTONTAIL/LONG RANGE and get ready to bring those cottontails running!

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