First Impressions of Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker
The Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker arrives promising a blend of simplicity and effectiveness for both novice and experienced turkey hunters. Marketed as a user-friendly tool capable of producing high-pitched yelps and realistic clucks, this striker piqued my interest as someone always looking to refine their turkey calling arsenal. My aim was to find a dependable striker that could offer a consistent and versatile sound, fitting seamlessly into various calling scenarios I encounter each spring.
Having spent over a decade chasing gobblers through thick timber and open fields, I’ve experimented with numerous strikers, each with its own nuances. After struggling for years to get the “cut” and “cackle” sounds just right with other strikers, I started to research options. The Woodhaven Calls name is synonymous with quality in the turkey hunting world, so it seemed like a natural choice.
Upon unboxing, the Woodhaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker presents itself as a straightforward, no-frills tool. The 5/16 inch oak dowel feels solid and well-constructed. Its simple brown and black color scheme exudes functionality rather than flashy aesthetics.
Compared to some of my other strikers, like those with exotic wood handles or intricately designed tips, the Woodhaven Calls striker appears almost basic. However, I’ve learned that performance often trumps appearance in the turkey woods. Its simplicity appealed to me more than the elaborate designs of other strikers I have previously used.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While the striker’s design is unassuming, the Woodhaven Calls reputation and the promise of easy-to-produce high-pitched yelps and clucks held significant appeal. I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype and become a reliable addition to my turkey vest.
Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test with the Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker took place during a pre-season scouting trip in the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle permeating the air. I paired the striker with several different slate and glass pot calls to assess its versatility.
The Woodhaven Calls striker proved surprisingly easy to use right out of the gate. It required minimal effort to produce clean, crisp yelps, clucks, and purrs. Even with slightly wet hands, the striker maintained a good grip and didn’t slip on the call surface. I was able to produce cutts and cackles with relative ease, even for a beginner.
Initially, I struggled slightly to achieve the desired high-pitched kee-kee run, but after adjusting my grip and the angle of the striker on the call, I quickly found the sweet spot. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was able to produce realistic turkey sounds, even in less than ideal weather conditions. My very first call brought 2 hens out of the woods and into the field to investigate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker has proven to be a dependable and effective tool. I have used it on multiple scouting trips and hunting excursions, in both wet and dry conditions. The striker shows no signs of wear and tear, despite being regularly exposed to the elements.
The oak dowel has maintained its shape and texture, and the tip remains smooth and responsive. Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to remove any residue from the call surface. It seems like a no nonsense, reliable tool.
Compared to some of the more fragile strikers I’ve used in the past, the Woodhaven Calls striker offers a welcome sense of durability. It consistently produces the desired sounds with minimal effort, making it a valuable asset in my turkey hunting endeavors. It outperforms other strikers I’ve used in terms of ease of use and consistency.
Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker
Specifications
The Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker features a straightforward design built for functionality. It is constructed from a hard, 5/16 inch oak dowel, offering a balance of rigidity and responsiveness. The striker measures approximately 6 inches in length, providing a comfortable grip.
The color scheme is simple, featuring a brown oak dowel with a black tip. The Manufacturer is Woodhaven Calls. These specifications are important because they directly impact the striker’s ability to produce consistent and realistic turkey sounds. The oak dowel provides the necessary hardness to generate clear tones, while the 5/16 inch diameter offers a good balance between control and volume.
Performance & Functionality
The Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. It is particularly adept at generating high-pitched yelps and realistic clucks, which are crucial for attracting gobblers in various hunting situations. The striker’s responsiveness allows for subtle variations in tone and volume, enabling hunters to mimic the nuances of hen vocalizations.
One of the striker’s strengths is its ease of use. Even inexperienced turkey callers can quickly learn to produce convincing sounds. However, some advanced callers may desire a striker with more customizability in producing more complex sounds.
Overall, the Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker meets and exceeds my expectations for a reliable and versatile turkey calling tool. Its performance in the field has been consistently impressive.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The oak dowel provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions. The striker’s weight is well-balanced, allowing for precise control and minimizing hand fatigue during extended calling sessions.
The striker’s user-friendly design makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced callers. There is virtually no learning curve involved. I have passed it around at hunting camp with success.
Durability & Maintenance
The Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. The oak dowel is resistant to cracking and warping, ensuring long-lasting performance. With proper care, this striker should last for many seasons.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. A quick wipe with a damp cloth after each use is all that’s needed to keep the striker in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker does not come with any additional accessories. As a simple, standalone tool, it doesn’t require any customization options. The striker is compatible with a wide range of slate, glass, and ceramic pot calls from various brands.
Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker
Pros
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Produces clear, crisp yelps, clucks, and purrs.
- Durable oak construction.
- Versatile – works well with various pot calls.
- Excellent value for the price.
Cons
- Simple design may not appeal to everyone.
- May not be ideal for producing highly complex turkey sounds.
Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker?
The Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker is perfect for:
- Beginner turkey hunters looking for an easy-to-use and effective striker.
- Experienced hunters seeking a reliable and versatile backup striker.
- Hunters who prefer a simple, no-frills design.
This product is not ideal for:
- Hunters who require a striker with extensive customization options.
- Hunters who prefer strikers with more elaborate designs or exotic wood handles.
A must-have accessory is a quality pot call made of slate, glass, or ceramic. I have had success with a slate over glass design.
Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker
The Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker is a well-built, easy-to-use, and versatile tool that delivers excellent value for the price. Its ability to produce clear, crisp yelps, clucks, and purrs makes it a valuable asset for any turkey hunter. While its design may be simple, its performance in the field is undeniable.
The price of $18.49 is more than justified, considering the striker’s durability, versatility, and ease of use. For such a low cost, it makes an excellent addition to anyone’s hunting vest.
I would highly recommend the Woodhaven Calls WoodHaven Cut/Cackle Turkey Call Striker to both beginner and experienced turkey hunters. If you’re looking for a reliable and effective striker that won’t break the bank, this is an excellent choice. Add it to your cart and get ready to chase those spring gobblers!