Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle Review

The Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle Made a Bold First Impression

Squirrel hunting is a cherished tradition, passed down through generations in my family. It’s more than just putting food on the table; it’s about connecting with nature and honing skills. I’ve used everything from my own mouth calls to commercially available bellows calls, but I was seeking something more compact and versatile, so the Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle caught my eye.

The Haydels name is synonymous with quality game calls, and this particular model promised both realistic squirrel vocalizations and a built-in whistle for other applications. The Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle part number DS85 was purchased online for $14.99, a price point that piqued my interest, leading me to wonder if this was a bargain or a budget compromise. Upon arrival, the small size of the package and knowing the reputation of Haydels had me excited to quickly try it.

Unboxing the Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle, my initial impression was positive. It felt solid in my hand, and the acrylic construction gave it a quality feel. The vibrant color also gave it a polished look. Compared to the bulky bellows call I usually lug around, this was a welcome change.

I had been considering a Primos Squirrel Buster call and a WoodWise Squirrel Howler, but the Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle stood out due to its dual functionality. The whistle offered added versatility, potentially useful for signaling or even mimicking bird calls. The others lacked this feature. My first thought was one of optimism; I hoped the versatility wouldn’t be to the detriment of quality and performance.

My first impression was definitely one of cautious optimism. The Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle felt like a step in the right direction in terms of size and versatility, but the proof would be in its performance in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle took place in a familiar hardwood forest in central Pennsylvania. The weather was crisp, with a slight breeze, perfect for squirrel hunting. The conditions were dry.

I started by attempting to imitate the distress call of a young squirrel, hoping to draw in a curious adult. The Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle required a bit of practice to get the tone and pitch just right; it wasn’t as intuitive as I initially expected. However, with a little experimentation, I began to produce what I thought were convincing squirrel sounds.

Initially, I didn’t have any immediate success, but after about 20 minutes, a gray squirrel cautiously emerged from the dense undergrowth, its eyes fixed on my location. This prompted the squirrel to quickly retreat. This made me question the effectiveness of my call, but also highlighted the squirrels keen sense of survival.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle has held up reasonably well. There are no visible cracks or damage to the acrylic body. The durability seems decent for a call in this price range.

The only real sign of wear is some slight discoloration around the mouthpiece, likely due to moisture and frequent use. Cleaning is simple; I just rinse it with water and let it air dry. It is very easy to store.

Compared to my old bellows call, the Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle is significantly more portable and easier to use in tight spaces. However, the sound quality isn’t quite as rich or nuanced. It does the job, but doesn’t surpass expectations set by other calls.

Breaking Down the Features of Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle

Specifications

• Product Name: Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle. This is the primary tool for attracting squirrels.

• Part Number: DS85. This identifies the specific model within the Haydels product line.

• Construction: Acrylic. This contributes to the call’s durability and sound quality.

• Dual Functionality: Squirrel call and whistle. It offers versatility in the field.

• Price: $14.99. This makes it an affordable option for hunters.

These specifications are essential for understanding the call’s capabilities and limitations. The acrylic construction, for example, should offer good sound projection and weather resistance. The affordable price makes it accessible, but the long-term durability is something to keep in mind.

Performance & Functionality

The Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle performs adequately as a squirrel call. It does require practice to produce realistic squirrel sounds.

The whistle function is a nice addition, but it’s not particularly loud or piercing. This detracts slightly from the whistles potential uses.

It meets expectations for a call in its price range, but don’t expect professional-grade sound quality or performance. In comparison to high end calls, this unit fails to impress, but provides a level of functionality worthy of purchase.

Design & Ergonomics

The Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a pocket or on a lanyard. The acrylic body feels solid and durable.

The design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills. There is a slight learning curve to master the squirrel calls.

Durability & Maintenance

The acrylic construction should provide decent durability. Regular cleaning is recommended to prevent moisture buildup and maintain sound quality.

It’s a simple design, so there’s not much to repair. This means the product should be long lasting with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available.

It is compatible with standard lanyards for easy carrying. The lanyard would be highly recommended, especially if using the call in dense brush.

Pros and Cons of Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle

Who Should Buy Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle?

• Perfect for: Beginner squirrel hunters on a budget, casual outdoorsmen looking for a versatile call, or anyone wanting a compact and lightweight option for their hunting kit.

• Who should skip this product? Experienced hunters who demand top-tier sound quality, those needing a loud signaling whistle, or individuals who prefer more specialized, single-purpose calls.

• Must-have accessories or modifications? A lanyard for easy carrying, and perhaps a small instructional guide on mimicking different squirrel calls.

Conclusion on Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle

The Haydels Acrylic Squirrel Call w/Whistle is a decent, affordable option for squirrel hunters on a budget. While it might not match the performance of high-end calls, it offers good value for the price.

The dual functionality is a nice bonus, but the whistle’s limited volume is a drawback. For $14.99, the price is definitely justified.

I would recommend it to beginner hunters or anyone looking for a backup call. However, serious hunters might want to invest in a higher-quality call for more realistic and effective squirrel vocalizations. Pick one up, practice with it, and get out in the woods; you might just bag a few squirrels and learn a thing or two about the art of calling.