The WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting is a tradition etched into my bones. For over a decade, I’ve pursued gobblers through dense woods and across open fields, relying on my skills and the tools of the trade. One tool, perhaps the most vital, is the turkey call. I was intrigued when I came across the WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call.
My aging diaphragm call was losing its rasp, so I needed a replacement that offered versatility and consistent performance. I was looking for a call that could produce both soft, seductive purrs and loud, aggressive cuts to reach those distant toms. The WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call, with its unique three-layer latex design, promised just that.
The WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call arrives in simple, functional packaging. Upon opening it, the first thing I noticed was the quality of the latex. It felt supple and well-constructed, inspiring confidence. Compared to my old Primos diaphragm, and a newer Quaker Boy call I had tried, the Black Hornet felt different. It was noticeably thinner. I was excited to see how this translated to sound. My first impression was optimistic, though the real test would be in the field.
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Real-World Testing: Putting **WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call** to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial field test took place during the opening week of the spring turkey season in the Missouri Ozarks. The conditions were mixed, with a crisp, damp morning followed by a warmer, drier afternoon. Right away, I noticed how little air it took to make the call sing.
The WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call performed remarkably well in both the cool morning air and the drier afternoon conditions. The sounds were crisp and clear, even when slightly wet from saliva. I found it easy to create realistic yelps with very little practice. I initially struggled with consistent purrs, however I quickly learned how to adjust my air pressure to achieve desired tones.
Extended Use & Reliability
Now, several months later, the WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call has become a staple in my turkey vest. After numerous hunts in varying weather conditions, including some brutally hot and humid days, it’s still performing admirably. The latex hasn’t shown any significant signs of wear or stretching.
Maintenance is minimal, simply rinsing it with water after each hunt and storing it in a cool, dry place. It surpasses my previous calls in terms of tonal range and ease of use. I can reliably produce a wider range of calls with the WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call than I ever could with my older, more traditional diaphragms.
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Breaking Down the Features of **WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call**
Specifications
The WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call features a three-reed design. WoodHaven uses yellow latex and adds a third layer using black latex. This construction gives the call a unique tone.
This three-layer design, specifically the black latex addition, is crucial. It is what allows the call to produce both high-pitched cuts and soft, raspy purrs. The black latex likely adds a slightly deeper, more guttural tone to the call.
Performance & Functionality
The WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. The yelps are crisp and clean, the cuts are sharp and aggressive, and the purrs are soft and seductive. I found it exceptionally easy to control the volume and tone.
The call’s strength lies in its versatility. Its only weakness might be the initial learning curve for some users to master the purrs, though I quickly overcame this with practice. The call definitely meets and exceeds my expectations, particularly considering its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call is designed for comfort and ease of use. It fits snugly in the mouth and requires minimal pressure to produce sound. The latex is thin and flexible, molding comfortably to the palate.
The Black Hornet is user-friendly, although, as mentioned, mastering the subtleties of purring might require some initial practice. The thinness of the latex promotes ease of use.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience thus far, the WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call is quite durable. The latex is holding up well to repeated use and exposure to moisture. With proper care (rinsing and storing), I expect it to last for at least a couple of seasons.
Maintenance is straightforward: simply rinse it with water and let it air dry. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat, as this can damage the latex.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call doesn’t come with any specific accessories. There are no customization options available from WoodHaven directly. However, mouth calls are relatively standardized, and you might find aftermarket call cases or holders.
The product is compatible with standard mouth call storage cases and cleaning solutions. I have not seen any modifications beyond the basic cleaning and storage.
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Pros and Cons of **WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call**
Pros
- Produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds (yelps, cuts, clucks, purrs).
- Easy to use, especially for creating yelps and cuts.
- Durable latex construction that holds up well to repeated use.
- Excellent value for the price ($13.49).
- The unique three-layer latex design provides a distinctive, attractive sound.
Cons
- Purrs require some practice to master.
- No included storage case or accessories.
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Who Should Buy **WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call**?
The WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call is perfect for both beginner and experienced turkey hunters. Its ease of use makes it a great choice for those new to diaphragm calls. Its versatility and realistic sound make it a valuable addition to the arsenal of seasoned hunters.
Hunters seeking ultra-realistic purrs with minimal effort might want to explore calls specifically designed for soft calling. However, with practice, the Black Hornet is perfectly capable of producing excellent purrs. Those who strictly pursue competition calling should likely test many different calls and find one that fits their individual style.
A mouth call case or holder is a useful accessory to keep the call clean and protected.
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Conclusion on **WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call**
The WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call is a fantastic diaphragm call that delivers exceptional performance at an affordable price. Its versatility, ease of use, and realistic sound make it a standout in its category. I’ve been consistently impressed with its ability to produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations.
At $13.49, the price is more than justified. The WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call offers exceptional value for the money. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable and versatile diaphragm call.
Pick up a WoodHaven Black Hornet Turkey Call today and experience the difference for yourself. It might just be the secret weapon you need to bag that elusive tom this season!
