First Thoughts on the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate promises a potent combination: the crisp, clean sound of Pennsylvania slate married to the warm, resonating tones of a cherry sound chamber. This handcrafted call from WoodHaven aims to bridge the gap between piercing long-distance yelps and subtle, close-range purrs. I’ve spent countless hours in the turkey woods chasing gobblers, and a reliable slate call is an indispensable tool in my arsenal.
I was searching for a slate call that could offer versatility and produce both high-pitched cutts and soft, seductive clucks. Too often, I’ve found calls that excel at one but fail at the other. I wanted a call that wouldn’t require me to switch mid-setup, potentially spooking a cautious tom.
Upon unboxing the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate, I was immediately struck by the craftsmanship. The cherry pot felt solid and well-balanced in my hand. The Pennsylvania slate surface appeared smooth and finely textured. Compared to my older glass and aluminum calls, the WoodHaven exuded a sense of refined quality and traditional artistry. I debated between this call and a Primos Heartbreaker slate call, and a Quaker Boy Hurricane slate call. I ultimately chose the WoodHaven because of the reported cherry wood’s tonal properties and the specific slate sourced from Pennsylvania, known for its consistent sound.
My first impression was one of excitement. This wasn’t just another mass-produced call. This felt like a serious piece of hunting equipment crafted with care and a deep understanding of turkey vocalizations.
Real-World Testing: Putting WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to field-test the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate came during a spring turkey hunt in the Missouri Ozarks. The terrain was varied, ranging from dense hardwood forests to open fields bordering creek bottoms. The weather shifted rapidly throughout the day, presenting both dry and damp conditions.
The call performed exceptionally well under varying environmental conditions. Even with a light mist in the air, the slate maintained its grip and produced consistent sounds without significant degradation. I quickly found a sweet spot and was able to produce clear, distinct yelps, cutts, and clucks with relative ease. Initially, I struggled slightly with the transition from loud, aggressive calling to soft, subtle purrs, needing to adjust my hand pressure and striker angle. There were no significant issues during this initial use, and the call demonstrated its potential.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use throughout the spring turkey season, the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate has proven its reliability and durability. The cherry pot has held up well. There are no visible cracks or splits despite exposure to varying temperatures and humidity levels. The slate surface has maintained its texture and responsiveness.
Maintenance has been minimal. I’ve only needed to occasionally scuff the slate with sandpaper and condition the striker tip to maintain optimal sound quality. Compared to my previous slate call, which required frequent sanding and meticulous cleaning, the WoodHaven has been remarkably low-maintenance. The WoodHaven outperformed my previous call in terms of consistency and versatility. It produced a wider range of authentic turkey sounds with greater ease.
Breaking Down the Features of WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate
Specifications
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate combines premium materials to produce unparalleled sounds. The call utilizes Pennsylvania slate, known for its crisp, consistent tones. It is paired with a sound chamber crafted from cherry wood, adding warmth and depth to the call’s overall sound. The slate surface diameter is approximately 3.5 inches, offering ample space for creating various turkey vocalizations.
These specifications are crucial for the call’s performance. The Pennsylvania slate provides the high-frequency “front end” for yelps and cutts. The cherry sound chamber contributes to the call’s realistic rasp and overall tonal complexity.
Performance & Functionality
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate excels at producing a wide array of realistic turkey sounds. From loud, cutting yelps designed to reach distant birds to soft, seductive purrs ideal for close-range enticement, this call delivers impressive versatility. The call’s strength lies in its ability to transition seamlessly between different vocalizations.
A slight weakness is the sensitivity of the slate surface to contaminants. Excessive oil or debris can diminish sound quality. However, this is easily mitigated with proper maintenance and occasional cleaning. The call consistently exceeded my expectations in terms of sound quality and ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate boasts excellent build quality. The cherry pot is meticulously crafted and exhibits a smooth, comfortable feel in the hand. The call is lightweight and well-balanced.
The design is highly user-friendly. The slate surface provides ample room for manipulating the striker. While there’s a slight learning curve for mastering different vocalizations, the call is generally intuitive to use, even for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality materials and solid construction suggest that the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate should last for many seasons with proper care. The cherry pot is resistant to cracking and splitting. The Pennsylvania slate is durable and maintains its texture over time.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular scuffing of the slate surface with sandpaper and conditioning of the striker tip will ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate typically comes with one matched striker. While there aren’t many customization options for the call itself, different strikers can drastically alter the call’s sound. Experimenting with various wood and composite strikers can unlock new tonal possibilities and tailor the call’s sound to specific hunting conditions. The call is compatible with most commercially available turkey call strikers.
Pros and Cons of WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality: Pennsylvania slate and cherry sound chamber create a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
- Versatile: Capable of producing both loud, long-distance calls and soft, close-range enticements.
- Durable construction: High-quality materials ensure long-lasting performance.
- User-friendly design: Comfortable to hold and easy to use, even for beginners.
- Handcrafted quality: Meticulously crafted with attention to detail.
Cons
- Slate surface is susceptible to contamination from oils and debris.
- Relatively expensive compared to some other slate calls on the market.
Who Should Buy WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate?
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the highest quality sound and versatility from their calls. Experienced callers will appreciate the call’s ability to produce a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations with ease. Even novice hunters can quickly learn to produce convincing yelps, clucks, and purrs with a little practice.
This call might not be the best choice for hunters on a very tight budget or those who are extremely rough on their equipment. While the WoodHaven is durable, it still requires a degree of care and maintenance. Must-have accessories include a high-quality striker and sandpaper for scuffing the slate surface.
Conclusion on WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate is an outstanding turkey call that delivers exceptional sound quality, versatility, and durability. While the price point is higher than some other slate calls, the handcrafted quality and superior performance justify the investment. The blend of Pennsylvania slate and cherry wood creates a sound that is both crisp and warm, allowing hunters to mimic a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations.
I wholeheartedly recommend the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate to any serious turkey hunter looking to elevate their calling game. This call has earned a permanent place in my vest, and I’m confident it will help me bag many more gobblers in the years to come. Don’t just take my word for it; experience the difference that quality craftsmanship and superior materials can make. Invest in the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate and get ready to speak the language of the turkey like never before.