WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey Review

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey Made a Bold First Impression

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey might seem like a simple piece of equipment, but for a seasoned turkey hunter, the striker is as crucial as the call itself. It’s the bridge between your skill and the sound that can lure a longbeard into range. Woodhaven Custom Calls has a reputation for producing quality calls and accessories, and the hickory striker promised a reliable and consistent performance at an accessible price point.

My years in the field have taught me that subtle variations in sound can make all the difference between a filled tag and an empty-handed return. I needed a striker that would produce a range of realistic turkey vocalizations, and offer dependable performance in all weather conditions.

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey arrived in simple packaging, the 5/16″ dowel immediately feeling familiar and comfortable in my hand. The hickory wood had a smooth, natural finish, and the overall build felt solid. Compared to some of my custom strikers costing significantly more, the initial impression was one of practical simplicity. I’ve used strikers made from exotic woods like purpleheart and cocobolo, but sometimes the basics work best.

At $11.99, it’s significantly cheaper than most of my go-to strikers from smaller, independent call makers. This made me slightly skeptical, wondering if performance would be sacrificed for affordability. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; the striker felt good, but the real test would be in the woods.

Real-World Testing: Putting WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey was on a crisp, early morning hunt in the Appalachian foothills. The temperature hovered around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and a light mist hung in the air. Paired with a slate call, I started with soft purrs and clucks to locate any nearby birds.

The hickory striker produced clean, consistent tones with minimal effort. The sound wasn’t as rich and resonant as some of my more expensive strikers, but it was undeniably effective. It wasn’t long before a gobble answered my calls from across the ridge. The bird was responsive to the yelps and cuts I produced with the striker, eventually closing the distance.

There were no immediately apparent issues. The striker felt balanced in my hand, and the hickory wood didn’t slip, even with the light moisture. It performed well, even in the slightly damp conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use throughout the turkey season, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey continued to perform reliably. I used it with a variety of pot calls including slate, glass, and crystal. Its consistent performance was notable.

The striker showed minimal signs of wear and tear, despite being used in various weather conditions. I did notice a slight darkening of the wood from handling, but this didn’t affect its performance. I’ve found hickory to be a robust wood for strikers; less prone to cracking compared to some more brittle exotic woods.

Maintenance was simple: a quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each hunt was all that was required. I lightly sanded the tip a couple of times to maintain optimal friction on different calling surfaces. Compared to some of my more temperamental strikers, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey proved to be a low-maintenance, reliable tool. It might not offer the absolute best sound on every pot, but its consistency makes it a valuable asset.

Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey

Specifications

• Material: Hickory Wood. Hickory is a dense hardwood known for its durability and ability to produce clear, crisp tones.
• Diameter: 5/16″ Dowel. This is a common and versatile diameter that works well with various types of pot calls.
• Manufacturer: Woodhaven Custom Calls. Woodhaven is a well-respected name in the turkey hunting world, known for quality and innovation.
• Price: $11.99. This makes it an incredibly affordable option for both beginners and experienced hunters.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with slate, glass, crystal, and other friction turkey calls. Its universal design ensures usability across different call types.

These specifications contribute directly to the striker’s performance. The hickory wood ensures durability and consistent sound, while the 5/16″ diameter offers a comfortable grip and versatility.

Performance & Functionality

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey excels in producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. From soft purrs and clucks to aggressive cuts and yelps, the striker is capable of creating realistic and enticing sounds.

Its strength lies in its consistency and ease of use. There is a minimal learning curve involved. The striker’s main weakness is that it might not produce the absolute best sound on every single call surface compared to some premium strikers made from more exotic or specialized materials. It consistently produces good sound, though. The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey met, and even slightly exceeded, my expectations for a striker in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The striker features a simple, functional design. The smooth hickory dowel is comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.

The weight is well-balanced, contributing to precise control and consistent sound production. Its ergonomic design makes it user-friendly, even for those new to using friction calls.

Durability & Maintenance

The hickory wood construction ensures the striker is durable and long-lasting. With proper care, it should withstand years of use in the field.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and light sanding of the tip. This makes it a practical and reliable tool for any turkey hunter.

Accessories and Customization Options

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories.

It’s compatible with a wide range of pot calls from different brands, allowing for a high degree of customization in your calling setup. While you can’t customize the striker itself, you can pair it with different calls to achieve various sound profiles.

Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey

Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey?

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey is perfect for:

• Beginner turkey hunters looking for a reliable and affordable striker to get started.
• Experienced hunters who need a dependable backup striker for their turkey vest.
• Hunters who value simplicity and durability over premium, exotic materials.

Who should skip this product?

• Hunters who demand the absolute highest sound quality from every call surface, regardless of price.
• Hunters who prefer highly customized or aesthetically unique strikers.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A good quality pot call (slate, glass, or crystal) to pair with the striker.
• A small piece of sandpaper or a striker conditioning tool to maintain optimal friction.

Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey is a fantastic value for the money. It offers reliable performance, durable construction, and versatile sound production at an incredibly affordable price.

The $11.99 price tag is more than justified by its quality and functionality. It is an exceptional tool for the price.

I would definitely recommend the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Hickory Striker Turkey to any turkey hunter looking for a dependable and budget-friendly option. Add one to your vest and head to the woods – that longbeard won’t know what hit him!