Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose Review

The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose Made a Bold First Impression

The sharp, resonant call of the Specklebelly goose has always been a siren song to me. I’ve spent countless hours in soggy fields, patiently waiting for that telltale yodel to break the dawn’s silence. So, when I first saw the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose call advertised, promising both clucks and yodels, I was immediately intrigued.

I’ve been chasing Specklebelly geese across the flyways for over a decade. My current call, a custom acrylic piece, is fantastic but demands precise breath control and can be finicky in adverse weather.

Unboxing the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose, I was struck by its simple, functional design. The call felt lightweight yet sturdy in my hand, a stark contrast to my heavier acrylic call.

I’ve primarily used high-end custom calls in the past, like those from RNT or Echo. I was hoping for a more consistent, readily available option for newer hunters, something that didn’t require constant tuning. Initial impressions were positive, although the plastic barrel felt less premium than my custom calls. I was eager to see how it would perform in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose was during an early-season speck hunt in the Sacramento Valley. The weather was typical for the area: cool, damp, and foggy.

The call performed admirably, cutting through the thick fog and carrying the sound across the flooded rice fields. I was able to produce convincing clucks and yodels with relative ease, even with slightly less-than-perfect breath control. The geese responded well, breaking from their flocks to investigate.

There were no immediate issues after the first hunt, although I noticed the plastic barrel became a bit slippery when wet. This necessitated a firmer grip, which took some getting used to.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of regular use, the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose has held up surprisingly well. I subjected it to various weather conditions, from freezing rain to blowing dust, without any significant degradation in sound quality.

The plastic construction has proven to be reasonably durable, showing only minor scratches and scuffs. Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with water removes most debris, and occasional disassembly allows for thorough cleaning of the reed.

Compared to my higher-end calls that require regular tuning and meticulous cleaning, the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose has been a refreshing change. It consistently performs well with minimal maintenance, making it a reliable tool in my hunting arsenal. It may not have the nuanced sound of my custom call, but it provides consistency and durability that are valuable in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose

Specifications

The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose is a short-reed goose call designed specifically for mimicking the sounds of Specklebelly geese. Its key features include:

• Double O-ring design: This creates a tight seal, ensuring consistent back pressure and minimizing air leakage. This feature translates to a more responsive and easier-to-blow call.
• Newly designed barrel: The barrel’s internal geometry is optimized to produce both clucks and yodels effectively. This allows hunters to create a wider range of sounds to attract geese.
• Durable plastic construction: While not as aesthetically pleasing as acrylic, the plastic barrel is more resistant to cracking and chipping in harsh conditions. This increases the lifespan of the call and reduces the risk of failure in the field.
• Easy to disassemble and clean: The call can be easily taken apart for thorough cleaning and maintenance. This ensures optimal performance and prevents the buildup of debris that can affect sound quality.

These specifications are crucial for producing realistic goose sounds and ensuring reliable performance in diverse hunting environments.

Performance & Functionality

The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose performs its primary function – mimicking Specklebelly goose sounds – admirably. Its versatility in producing both clucks and yodels makes it effective in various calling scenarios.

The call’s strengths lie in its ease of use and consistent performance. Its weaknesses are the lack of nuanced sound compared to high-end calls and a slightly slippery barrel when wet. However, for its price point, it meets and even exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate, with durable plastic and a straightforward design. The lightweight construction makes it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.

The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose is user-friendly, requiring minimal practice to produce convincing goose sounds. Even novice callers should be able to quickly master its basic functions.

Durability & Maintenance

The plastic construction should withstand several seasons of regular use with proper care. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the O-rings.

Replacement reeds are readily available, further extending the lifespan of the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose. With reasonable care, this call should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose does not come with any specific accessories. Due to its design, there are limited customization options beyond replacing the reed.

However, its universal design should allow for compatibility with aftermarket lanyards for convenient carrying. Hunters can also experiment with different reed materials to fine-tune the sound to their preference.

Pros and Cons of Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose

Who Should Buy Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose?

The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose is perfect for:

• Beginner goose hunters who are just learning to call.
• Experienced hunters looking for a reliable and durable backup call.
• Hunters on a budget who need an effective call without breaking the bank.
• Youth hunters who may be less experienced with calling techniques.

Those who should skip this product:

• Experienced hunters who demand the absolute highest level of sound quality and realism.
• Hunters who prefer the feel and aesthetics of acrylic or other premium materials.

Must-have accessories:

• A durable lanyard for convenient carrying.
• Spare reeds for quick replacement in the field.

Conclusion on Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose

The Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose is a solid, dependable goose call that delivers excellent value for its price. While it may not possess the refined sound of more expensive calls, its ease of use, durability, and versatility make it a worthwhile addition to any hunter’s gear.

At $24.99, the price is definitely justified. This call offers performance that far exceeds its cost.

I would definitely recommend the Haydel’s WF-00 White Front Goose to beginner and intermediate goose hunters alike. It is a reliable and effective tool that will help you bring more birds to the ground. Grab one today and experience the thrill of calling in Specklebelly geese for yourself!