The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting is more than a sport; it’s an art, a dance between man and nature. It requires patience, skill, and, most importantly, the right tools to whisper the sweet nothings that bring a tom within range. For years, I’ve relied on various calls, from slates to diaphragms, each with its own quirks and strengths. So, when I saw the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen, I was intrigued.
The elegant design and the promise of a unique sound profile immediately piqued my interest. My primary issue was finding a box call that could cut through the wind and still deliver a convincing, subtle rasp. Unboxing the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen was a pleasing experience. The mahogany body and purple-heart lid looked exquisite. The weight felt balanced and substantial, hinting at quality craftsmanship.
Compared to my old Lynch’s Foolproof box call (simple and reliable) and a newer Primos Heart Breaker box call (loud, but sometimes too shrill), the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen seemed to offer a middle ground. I was hoping for a call that could be both subtle and assertive. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. It looked and felt like a premium product, but the true test would be in the woods.
Real-World Testing: Putting WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen was on a blustery spring morning in the oak-hickory forests of southern Missouri. The wind was whipping through the trees, making it difficult for sound to carry. I found a sheltered spot at the base of a large oak and cautiously began to call. The sound was immediately impressive: crisp, clear yelps that seemed to cut through the wind with ease.
Even with the wind, the call maintained a distinct rasp that sounded incredibly realistic. It took a bit of practice to find the sweet spot. I noticed the call responded differently depending on the pressure and angle of the paddle. There were no immediate issues, but I wanted to see how well it performed under varying conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen has proven to be a reliable and effective call. It has seen action in everything from drizzly mornings to scorching afternoons. The call has held up remarkably well. There are only minor scratches on the finish from being carried in my vest.
The wood has not warped or cracked, despite the temperature and humidity fluctuations. Maintenance is simple: I lightly chalk the paddle before each hunt and occasionally clean the sound surfaces with a soft cloth. Compared to some of the cheaper box calls I’ve used, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen feels like a significant upgrade in terms of durability and sound quality. It has consistently outperformed expectations, becoming my go-to call.
Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen
Specifications
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen features a mahogany body, known for its resonant tonal qualities. Its dimensions are approximately 7.5 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1.5 inches tall. The call weighs around 6 ounces, making it easy to carry without adding significant bulk.
The paddle is crafted from purple-heart wood, chosen for its density and ability to produce a sharp, clear sound. The combination of mahogany and purple-heart gives the call its unique sound profile: a blend of warmth and aggression. These specifications are essential because they contribute directly to the call’s tone, volume, and overall performance in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. It yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs with remarkable realism. The call is particularly effective at creating aggressive, raspy yelps that can grab a tom’s attention from a distance. Its strength lies in its ability to cut through wind and other ambient noise while maintaining a natural tone.
The only minor weakness is that it can be a little tricky to master at first. It requires a delicate touch to produce the most subtle sounds. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a premium box call.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The mahogany body is smooth and comfortable to hold. The purple-heart paddle fits snugly against the sound surfaces, creating a tight seal that maximizes sound projection. The call is incredibly user-friendly, even for beginners.
There is a slight learning curve in mastering the subtle nuances of the call, but the basic techniques are easy to pick up. The build quality is top-notch. The materials feel solid and durable, promising years of reliable service.
Durability & Maintenance
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen is built to last. The mahogany and purple-heart woods are naturally resistant to moisture and wear. With proper care, this call should easily withstand years of use in the field.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and chalking. The simple design makes it easy to inspect and maintain the call’s key components.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen does not come with any additional accessories. Given that it is a box call, it doesn’t require optics or other attachments. The call is compatible with various types of chalk, allowing users to fine-tune the sound to their preferences. While there are no specific customization options available directly from WOODHAVEN, some hunters might choose to personalize the call with custom engravings or finishes.
Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen
Pros
- Produces incredibly realistic and raspy turkey sounds.
- Cuts through wind and other ambient noise effectively.
- Features beautiful and durable mahogany and purple-heart construction.
- Relatively easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
- Requires minimal maintenance and promises years of reliable service.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some other box calls.
- Requires a delicate touch to produce the most subtle sounds; a bit of a learning curve.
Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen?
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the highest quality and realism in their calls. It is also ideal for experienced hunters who are looking to upgrade from cheaper, less effective calls. Anyone who values craftsmanship and durability will appreciate this call.
This call might not be the best choice for absolute beginners who are just starting out. The higher price and slight learning curve might be intimidating. A beginner might be better served with a simpler, less expensive call to learn the basics before investing in the WOODHAVEN. A stick of good quality call chalk is a must-have accessory to maintain optimal sound.
Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen is an exceptional turkey call that delivers on its promise of realistic sound and durable construction. While the price of $94.99 is certainly an investment, the quality and performance justify the cost. The call’s ability to produce a wide range of authentic turkey vocalizations, combined with its elegant design, makes it a standout product in a crowded market.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Mahogany Hen Box Call Turkey Hen to any serious turkey hunter who is looking for a call that can help them bag more birds. It is a true investment in your hunting success. Go ahead and add it to your vest!