The WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call Made a Bold First Impression
The WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call promises a potent blend of rasp, volume, and versatility in a compact package. From WoodHaven, a name synonymous with quality turkey calls, this striker-operated call aims to deliver everything from subtle clucks to aggressive cutts. It’s designed for the hunter who demands a broad range of vocalizations to lure in even the most stubborn gobblers.
My quest for a new turkey call stemmed from a consistent issue: my older call lacked the rasp needed to cut through windy conditions. I needed something that could carry a significant distance and still sound like a real hen.
Upon unboxing the WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call, I was immediately struck by its simple yet purposeful design. The three-reed construction felt solid and well-assembled. It was noticeably lighter than my old slate call, which was a pleasant surprise.
Compared to my previous slate call and a friend’s pot and peg, the Black Wasp seemed to offer a unique sonic profile. My old slate was too mellow, and my friend’s pot was too high-pitched. The WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call appeared to strike a balance between the two.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The call felt right in my hand, and the sound potential seemed promising. Now, it was time to see if it could deliver in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call was during the early spring season in the rolling hills of Kentucky. The weather was unpredictable, with occasional light rain and gusty winds. I tested the call in a variety of situations: open fields, dense timber, and along a creek bottom.
The Black Wasp truly shined in the wind. Its rasp carried exceptionally well, cutting through the gusts without losing clarity. Producing a convincing yelp was surprisingly easy, even with minimal practice. However, initially achieving softer clucks and purrs took a little more finesse.
There were no immediate issues after the first use. The call remained responsive, and the sound quality didn’t degrade despite the damp conditions. I was impressed by its consistent performance under pressure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of consistent use throughout the spring turkey season, the WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call has proven to be remarkably reliable. It has become my go-to call, replacing my older model entirely.
The call has shown minimal signs of wear and tear. The reeds remain intact, and the sound quality is still excellent. I store the call in a protective case when not in use, which undoubtedly contributes to its longevity.
Maintenance is simple; I occasionally wipe the reeds with a clean, dry cloth to remove moisture and debris. This prevents the reeds from sticking together and ensures optimal sound production. It vastly outperforms my previous slate call in terms of sound projection and versatility. The Black Wasp delivers a more diverse range of tones and is significantly easier to use in challenging weather conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call
Specifications
The WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call features a three-reed construction. The top reed is red latex, while the middle reed is prophylactic. The bottom reed is black latex, with a specific thickness and V-cut. This combination is what gives the Black Wasp its unique sound.
The unique V-cut and reed thickness on the bottom black reed contribute to the call’s signature rasp, volume, and overall backbone. This is the heart of what sets this call apart. Understanding this design element explains why it performs so well in windy conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. It delivers convincing cutts and yelps with minimal effort. Achieving soft clucks and purrs requires a bit more practice, but the call is certainly capable.
Its strengths lie in its volume and rasp, making it ideal for calling in turkeys from a distance or cutting through noisy environments. The primary weakness is the initial learning curve required to master softer, more subtle calls. It undeniably meets and often exceeds my expectations for a diaphragm call in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call is designed for comfort and ease of use. The frame is lightweight and fits comfortably in the mouth. The reed placement is optimized for consistent sound production.
The design is user-friendly, although beginners may require some practice to achieve optimal sound. Experienced turkey hunters will likely find it intuitive and easy to master.
Durability & Maintenance
The WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call is constructed from durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. With proper care, the call should last for multiple seasons.
Maintenance is simple: keeping the reeds clean and dry is essential. A small case for storage is also beneficial to prevent damage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for the call itself. However, it is compatible with various striker holders and lanyards for convenient carry.
Pros and Cons of WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call
Pros
- Exceptional Rasp: The Black Wasp has a very realistic rasp, crucial for attracting mature gobblers.
- Excellent Volume: The call is loud enough to cut through wind and reach long distances.
- Versatile: It is capable of producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations.
- Durable Construction: It’s built to withstand the demands of the hunt.
- Affordable Price: It provides great performance at a reasonable price point.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Mastering softer calls takes practice.
- No Accessories: No case or lanyard is included.
Who Should Buy WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call?
The WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels. Beginners will appreciate its ease of use for producing basic calls, while experienced hunters will value its versatility and rasp. It is especially well-suited for hunters who hunt in windy conditions or areas with a lot of background noise.
Hunters who prefer a very mellow call or struggle with diaphragm calls in general might want to skip this product. A protective case is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call
The WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call is a fantastic value for the money. It delivers exceptional performance, durability, and versatility at an affordable price. The price of $13.49 is extremely reasonable considering its capabilities.
I would absolutely recommend this call to any turkey hunter looking to add a reliable and effective tool to their arsenal. It’s a game-changer. If you want to increase your odds of success this season, grab a WoodHaven Black Wasp Turkey Call and get ready to call in some gobblers!