The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate Made a Bold First Impression
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate isn’t just another turkey call; it’s a meticulously crafted instrument promising a sound that can lure even the wariest gobbler. WoodHaven boasts of an unequaled sound, achieved by combining premium Pennsylvania slate with a cherry sound chamber. At $81.99, it sits at a premium price point, raising expectations considerably.
My journey to this call started with frustration. Cheap, mass-produced calls were simply not cutting it in heavily pressured hunting areas. I needed a call that offered superior sound quality and realism, one capable of producing a range of subtle, convincing turkey vocalizations.
The unboxing experience was straightforward, but the first impression was immediately positive. The cherry wood felt warm and substantial in hand, and the slate surface looked pristine. The weight felt balanced, and the overall build quality exuded confidence.
Compared to my old aluminum pot call and a cheaper glass-over-slate, the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate instantly felt like an upgrade. The difference in materials was noticeable, promising a potentially richer and more complex sound. I was immediately excited to see how it would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate was a crisp spring morning in the Appalachian foothills. The air was still and damp, typical turkey hunting weather in my area. I set up along a hardwood ridge overlooking a known strutting zone.
The first few yelps produced a surprisingly sweet tone. It was distinctively different from my aluminum and glass calls. The slate seemed to cut through the air with a clarity I hadn’t experienced before.
The learning curve was minimal. The call responded quickly to slight variations in pressure and angle of the striker. I was able to create convincing clucks, purrs, and even the challenging kee-kee run with relative ease.
The only initial issue was keeping the slate surface dry. The damp morning air caused some slight slippage with the striker, requiring frequent wiping. This is typical for slate calls and easily managed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full spring season of rigorous use, the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate has proven its worth. It has become my go-to call for pressured birds. The cherry sound chamber seems to amplify the subtle nuances of the slate.
The call has held up remarkably well. Despite being subjected to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental drop, there are no signs of cracks or damage. The slate surface has developed a slight patina, but this only seems to enhance its sound.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each use keeps it in top condition. I occasionally use fine sandpaper to refresh the slate surface if it becomes overly slick.
Compared to my previous slate call, the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate is significantly better. The superior materials and construction result in a more consistent and realistic sound, as well as improved durability. It has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate
Specifications
- Material: Pennsylvania slate striking surface. This provides the primary sound generation for the call.
- Sound Chamber: Cherry wood construction. The cherry wood is designed to enhance resonance and tone.
- Construction: Hand-tuned and assembled. This suggests attention to detail and quality control.
- Intended Use: Turkey Hunting. The call is specifically designed to mimic turkey vocalizations.
- Price: $81.99. This places the call in the premium category.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the sound quality, durability, and overall performance of the call. The Pennsylvania slate is known for its consistent sound properties. The cherry sound chamber adds warmth and depth, and hand-tuning ensures optimal performance.
Performance & Functionality
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate excels at producing a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. It delivers long, high front breaks that transition into a sweet rasp. This is crucial for attracting long-distance gobblers. The call also tones down effortlessly to quiet yelps, clucks, and purrs, necessary for closing the deal with birds at close range.
The call’s greatest strength lies in its ability to produce subtle and nuanced sounds. This allows for highly realistic calling sequences that fool even the most wary turkeys. The only slight weakness is the sensitivity of the slate to moisture, requiring the hunter to keep it dry for optimal performance.
The call has exceeded my expectations in terms of sound quality and versatility. I have been able to consistently lure in turkeys using a variety of different calling techniques.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The cherry wood is smoothly finished and feels comfortable in hand. The weight is balanced, making it easy to hold and operate for extended periods.
The call is user-friendly, even for hunters with limited experience using slate calls. The responsive surface allows for quick learning and experimentation. The comfortable grip and balanced weight further enhance the user experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate is built to last. The quality materials and solid construction suggest a long lifespan with proper care.
Maintenance is straightforward. Simply wipe the slate surface clean after each use and occasionally refresh it with fine sandpaper if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The call typically comes with a matched striker. The striker is crafted from a specific wood type designed to complement the slate surface.
There are no explicit customization options offered by WoodHaven, but users can experiment with different strikers from other brands to achieve unique sound profiles. Some hunters also apply aftermarket conditioning treatments to the slate surface.
Pros and Cons of WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate
Pros
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Produces a wide range of realistic and nuanced turkey sounds.
- Premium Materials: Pennsylvania slate and cherry wood sound chamber for superior tone and durability.
- Versatile Call: Capable of long-distance yelps and subtle close-range purrs.
- User-Friendly Design: Easy to learn and operate, even for beginners.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of hunting.
Cons
- Price: Relatively expensive compared to other turkey calls.
- Moisture Sensitivity: Slate surface can become slick in wet conditions.
Who Should Buy WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate?
This call is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the highest quality sound and performance. It’s ideal for those hunting pressured birds that require realistic and subtle calling. Experienced hunters will appreciate the call’s versatility and responsiveness.
Hunters on a tight budget or those who primarily hunt in consistently wet environments might want to consider alternative options. These individuals might be better served by a less expensive or more weather-resistant call.
A must-have accessory is a small piece of sandpaper or a slate conditioning kit to maintain the slate surface. Additionally, experimenting with different strikers can help fine-tune the call’s sound to individual preferences.
Conclusion on WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate is a top-tier turkey call that delivers exceptional sound quality and performance. The combination of Pennsylvania slate and a cherry sound chamber creates a call that is both versatile and realistic.
The price is justified by the superior materials, construction, and sound quality. This is an investment that will pay off in the field.
I would highly recommend the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Turkey Call Slate to any serious turkey hunter looking to elevate their calling game. If you’re ready to experience the difference that a truly high-quality call can make, give this one a try. Go ahead, bag that gobbler!