First Thoughts on the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose
The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose call. This unassuming call promises to bring the sound of the Specklebelly to your lanyard, and into the skies. From the trusted name of Haydel’s, a company known for its affordable and effective calls, the WF-00 aims to reproduce those crucial clucks and yodels that can turn a flock of geese.
For years, I’ve struggled with speck calls that either lacked the rasp or were just too darn complicated to master. The frustration of watching geese flare just out of range fueled my search for a reliable, easy-to-use call that could deliver authentic sounds. This led me to the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose, hoping it would finally fill that gap in my goose-calling arsenal.
Unboxing the WF-00 revealed a simple, compact design. The call felt lightweight but solid, constructed from what appears to be durable molded plastic. Its double O-ring design caught my eye, suggesting a focus on consistent performance and air tightness.
Compared to my older, more expensive speck calls from Echo Calls and Buck Gardner, the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose seemed almost too basic. The Echo Calls call has a richer, deeper tone. The Buck Gardner call is very complex with lots of moving pieces, which makes it a challenge to tune.
Initially, I was skeptical. Could a call this inexpensive really compete with higher-end options? I was eager to put it to the test and see if its simplicity translated into effective performance in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to use the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose came during an early-season goose hunt in the flooded rice fields of Arkansas. The morning was crisp, with a light fog hanging over the decoys. The conditions were ideal for testing a speck call’s ability to cut through the air and grab the attention of distant geese.
I was immediately impressed with how easy the WF-00 was to blow. It required minimal air pressure to produce clear, distinct clucks. The call’s responsiveness allowed me to quickly transition between different sounds, mimicking the natural vocalizations of specklebellies with relative ease.
Despite a promising start, the first flock of geese that approached seemed indifferent to my calling. They circled cautiously but ultimately veered off without committing. I attributed this to their early-season wariness and the need for further practice on my end.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose has proven to be a surprisingly reliable and effective call. It has held up well to the rigors of frequent use. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the call’s body.
The double O-ring design has maintained an airtight seal, ensuring consistent sound quality even in damp conditions. Cleaning the call is a breeze. I simply disassemble it and rinse the components with warm water.
Compared to my previous experiences with more finicky speck calls, the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose has been a refreshing change. It consistently delivers the sounds I need without requiring constant adjustments or tinkering. This gives me more confidence to focus on hunting.
Breaking Down the Features of Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose
Specifications
The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose call is a short-reed specklebelly goose call designed for ease of use and realistic sound reproduction. It features a durable molded plastic body. It is equipped with double O-rings for an airtight seal and consistent performance.
The call is designed to produce both clucks and yodels, the two primary vocalizations of white-fronted geese. Its compact size makes it easy to carry on a lanyard. At $24.99, the price point makes it an affordable option for both beginner and experienced goose hunters.
These specifications translate into a call that is both accessible and effective in the field. The durable construction ensures longevity. The ease of use allows hunters of all skill levels to produce realistic specklebelly sounds, increasing their chances of success.
Performance & Functionality
The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose performs admirably, especially considering its price point. It excels at producing clear, crisp clucks. It also delivers a convincing yodel with practice.
The call’s strength lies in its user-friendliness. It requires minimal backpressure. This makes it easy for beginners to learn and allows experienced callers to produce a wide range of vocalizations.
While the WF-00 may not have the same depth of tone or volume as some higher-end calls, it certainly meets expectations for a call in its price range. It’s simple design will reliably produce the sounds needed to lure in geese.
Design & Ergonomics
The WF-00’s design prioritizes simplicity and functionality. The molded plastic body is lightweight and comfortable to hold, even during extended calling sessions. Its compact size makes it easy to manage on a lanyard, along with other calls.
The call is user-friendly. The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose has a minimal learning curve, allowing hunters to quickly master the basics of specklebelly calling. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The durable molded plastic body of the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose is built to withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting. It is resistant to cracking and chipping. With proper care, the WF-00 should last for several seasons.
Maintenance is simple. The call can be easily disassembled for cleaning. Routine rinsing with warm water will keep it performing optimally.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose does not come with any additional accessories. It is primarily designed as a standalone call. Customization options are limited due to the call’s molded plastic construction.
However, the WF-00 is compatible with most standard lanyards. It can be easily paired with other calls and hunting accessories. The simple design makes it easy to incorporate into any hunter’s existing setup.
Pros and Cons of Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to beginners.
- Easy to use, requiring minimal air pressure and skill.
- Durable construction ensures longevity and reliability.
- Realistic sound reproduction for effective specklebelly calling.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy carrying.
Cons
- Lacks the depth of tone found in higher-end calls.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose?
Perfect for: Waterfowl hunters on a budget, beginner goose callers, and hunters seeking a reliable and easy-to-use specklebelly call. The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose will be a perfect introduction to white-fronted goose hunting.
Who should skip this product? Experienced callers who require a wider range of tones and advanced customization options may find this call too basic. Those seeking a premium call with greater volume and depth may also want to consider other options.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality lanyard to keep the call readily accessible is essential. No additional modifications are necessary.
Conclusion on Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose
The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose call offers exceptional value for the price. Its combination of affordability, ease of use, and reliable performance makes it an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate goose hunters. It may be simple, but the WF-00 can definitely bag you some birds.
The price is absolutely justified. The WF-00 provides a functional and effective specklebelly call at a fraction of the cost of higher-end options.
I would personally recommend the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose to anyone looking for an entry-level or backup speck call. This will be the perfect addition to anyone’s setup. Don’t let its price fool you – this call can definitely bring home the bacon. Pick one up today and experience the satisfaction of luring in those wary white-fronts!