First Thoughts on the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat
The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat is a compact, seemingly simple deer call that promises to mimic the distress and estrous vocalizations of does and young deer. Marketed for its ease of use and effectiveness in both early and late season hunting, it’s a tool designed to draw in does and, more importantly, bucks during the rut. The Manufacturer, Woodhaven, is known for producing quality calls, so my initial expectation is that this little call packs a punch.
I’ve spent years chasing whitetails in dense, eastern hardwoods where calling is often the only way to break through the silence and get a deer to commit. My biggest challenge has always been finding a call that’s both realistic and easy to manipulate in the heat of the moment, especially when my hands are cold or gloved. The compact size of the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat is immediately appealing, suggesting a potential solution to this problem.
Upon unboxing, the call is surprisingly lightweight and feels well-constructed for its price point. The plastic seems durable enough to withstand the rigors of the field, and the single reed design is visually straightforward. I appreciate the simplicity, hoping it translates to consistent and reliable sound production.
Compared to diaphragm calls, which require significant practice and breath control, or more complex multi-reed calls, the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat seemed like a simpler alternative. I’ve used Primos Can calls in the past, finding them bulky. I’ve also tried various mouth calls, but never mastered the technique. This call offered the potential for more immediate success.
My first impression is cautiously optimistic. I’m eager to see if the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat can truly deliver on its promise of realistic and versatile deer vocalizations. It needs to prove itself in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat took place during the early archery season in a heavily wooded area known for its dense doe population. The weather was mild and humid, typical for early October in my region. I positioned myself overlooking a well-used deer trail, hoping to entice a doe or young buck into range.
The call was remarkably easy to use right out of the package. A short, sharp blow produced a convincing distress bleat, while a longer, more controlled exhale created a softer, estrous-like sound. I started with a few soft bleats, gradually increasing the volume and frequency.
After about 30 minutes, a young doe cautiously approached from downwind, ears perked and nose twitching. She circled downwind, unable to pinpoint the location, but remained curious. I blew a soft bleat as she moved behind some cover. She stepped back into view and presented me with a shot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use in varying weather conditions – from crisp, frosty mornings to damp, rainy afternoons – the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat has held up surprisingly well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the plastic body. The reed remains responsive and consistent.
Maintenance is minimal; I simply wipe the call clean after each use to remove any moisture or debris. I haven’t needed to adjust or replace the reed yet. This is a significant advantage over some other calls that require frequent tuning or replacement of parts.
Compared to previous experiences with other deer calls, the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat has been a definite upgrade. Its ease of use, realistic sound, and durability have made it a valuable addition to my hunting arsenal. It’s performed consistently and reliably, exceeding my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat
Specifications
The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat is designed to produce realistic distress bleats and bawls of a young deer, as well as doe estrous bleats. Its primary function is attracting deer, especially does and rutting bucks.
The call is constructed from a durable plastic material and features a single reed design for easy operation. This ensures consistent sound production with minimal effort.
Its dimensions are roughly 3 inches long and 1 inch in diameter, making it extremely compact and easy to carry in a pocket or on a lanyard. The small size contributes to its ease of use, particularly in close quarters.
The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat allows for variable volume, from extremely soft to very loud. This versatility is crucial for different hunting scenarios and distances.
The call weighs approximately 1 ounce, making it virtually unnoticeable when carried. This is crucial for maintaining stealth in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat performs its job exceptionally well. It produces realistic and convincing deer vocalizations with minimal effort. The ability to vary the volume is a significant advantage.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. A novice caller can quickly learn to produce convincing sounds, while an experienced hunter can use it to create subtle nuances. One weakness might be its reliance on a single reed; a damaged reed would render the call unusable.
The call meets and slightly exceeds expectations. Its ease of use and realistic sound quality make it a standout performer.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid, considering the price point. The plastic feels durable, and the single reed is securely mounted. The compact size and lightweight design make it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
The design is very user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve. Even someone who has never used a deer call before can quickly produce convincing sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat should last for several seasons with proper care. The plastic body is resistant to cracking and fading, and the reed is relatively durable. Maintenance is simple; just wipe the call clean after each use.
Repairing the reed might be challenging. However, the low cost of the call makes replacement a viable option if necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat does not come with any accessories. It is a standalone product. Customization options are limited, although a lanyard can be easily attached for convenient carry.
The call is not designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. Its simplicity and self-contained design limit customization possibilities.
Pros and Cons of Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat
Pros
- Extremely easy to use, even for beginners. Produces realistic deer vocalizations with minimal effort.
- Compact and lightweight design. Easily fits in a pocket or on a lanyard for convenient carry.
- Versatile volume control. Allows for both soft and loud calls to suit different hunting scenarios.
- Durable construction. Withstands the rigors of field use.
- Affordable price point. Offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Single reed design. A damaged reed renders the call unusable.
- Limited customization options. No accessories included.
Who Should Buy Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat?
Perfect for: Hunters of all experience levels, particularly those who are new to deer calling or who prefer a simple and easy-to-use call. It’s especially well-suited for hunters targeting does or seeking to attract bucks during the rut. Those hunting in dense cover or areas with high hunting pressure will find its versatility beneficial.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who prefer more complex or customizable calls, or those who are comfortable using diaphragm calls. Hunters seeking long-range calling capabilities might find its volume limitations restrictive.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A lanyard for convenient carry is highly recommended. Consider carrying a backup call in case of reed damage.
Conclusion on Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat
The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat is an exceptional deer call that delivers on its promises. Its ease of use, realistic sound, and durable construction make it a standout performer in its price range. The ability to vary the volume adds to its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of hunting scenarios.
The price is more than justified. It offers excellent value for the money. For under $15, you get a reliable and effective tool that can significantly increase your chances of success in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat to any deer hunter. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable call that can make a real difference in your hunt. Don’t head into the woods without one – add this call to your gear and experience the difference for yourself!