The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade spent chasing thunder chickens across the country, from the piney woods of Georgia to the rolling hills of Missouri, I’ve learned one thing: the call is king. Not just any call, mind you, but a call that speaks the language of the turkey, a call that can whisper sweet nothings or bark sharp commands. That’s why I was intrigued by the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts.
My go-to diaphragm call was starting to lose its rasp, and I needed something to fill that void, a call that could deliver both the subtle seduction of a hen and the aggressive challenge of a boss. I’d heard whispers among seasoned turkey hunters about the WOODHAVEN name, their reputation for quality and realistic sound preceding them.
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts arrived in simple packaging, but the call itself felt substantial. It was a three-reed design, a configuration I’m familiar with, but the cut on the reeds was unique, a modified ghost cut, as WOODHAVEN describes it. This immediately set it apart from the mass-produced calls flooding the market. My initial impression was positive; the build quality felt solid, and the reeds were taut and clean.
I own a Primos diaphragm call and a couple of older calls from smaller custom makers. The WOODHAVEN Talon felt different right away. It seemed easier to control, and the sound was distinctly different from my other calls, a bit more versatile. I was excited to put it to the test.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if it could live up to the hype. The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts seemed promising right out of the package.
Real-World Testing: Putting WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts to the Test
First Use Experience
My first hunt with the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts was in early April, in the humid bottomlands of South Carolina. The air was thick with the smell of pine and damp earth. The temperature was moderate, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Talon performed admirably. I was able to produce a wide range of sounds. It ranged from soft, seductive yelps to aggressive cuts that echoed through the woods. I noticed that the call retained its responsiveness even with a bit of moisture. There was no significant slippage or muffled sound.
There was a bit of a learning curve initially. The modified ghost cut required a slightly different mouth pressure and tongue placement than I was used to. But after about 30 minutes of practice, I felt comfortable and confident.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of consistent use, spanning multiple states and hunting conditions, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts has become a staple in my turkey vest. It has proven to be incredibly reliable. It performs in everything from the dry heat of Texas to the chilly mornings of Pennsylvania.
The call has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The reeds remain taut and responsive. I’ve cleaned it a few times with a bit of mouthwash to remove saliva build-up. It retains its original sound quality with ease.
Compared to some cheaper diaphragm calls I’ve used in the past, the WOODHAVEN Talon is in a different league. Its durability and consistency are outstanding, far exceeding my expectations. It has outperformed many calls at twice the price.
Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts
Specifications
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts features a three-reed construction. The call incorporates a modified Ghost Cut reed design. It is designed for producing yelps, purrs, clucks, and cutts.
The three-reed design allows for a wide range of tones and volumes. The modified Ghost Cut enables easy transition between clear and raspy sounds. This versatility is important. It allows you to tailor your calling to the specific mood and responsiveness of the turkeys you’re hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts excels at producing realistic turkey sounds. It is able to easily create yelps, purrs, clucks, and cutts. The ability to transition between these sounds seamlessly is a major strength.
The call’s greatest strength lies in its versatility and responsiveness. I can make subtle, seductive hen sounds to lure in hesitant toms. I can also create loud, aggressive cutts to challenge dominant birds. Its only weakness might be the initial learning curve for hunters unfamiliar with ghost cut calls, but this is easily overcome with practice.
The Talon has consistently met and exceeded my expectations in the field. I have successfully called in multiple turkeys using this call. This is a testament to its realistic sound and ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts features a standard diaphragm call design. It is comfortable to wear in the mouth for extended periods. The reeds are precisely cut and assembled, resulting in a high-quality feel.
The call is user-friendly, although it requires a bit of practice to master. The modified Ghost Cut design requires a specific mouth pressure and tongue placement to achieve optimal sound. A beginner may struggle with it initially, but experienced callers will appreciate the added control and versatility.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts is built to last. The reeds are made from high-quality materials that resist wear and tear. Proper maintenance, such as cleaning the call after each use and storing it in a dry place, will extend its lifespan.
Maintenance is simple. Rinsing the call with water or mouthwash after each use to remove saliva build-up is sufficient. The design is not easily repaired. If the reeds become damaged, replacement of the entire call is the most likely solution.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts doesn’t come with any specific accessories. The nature of diaphragm calls means that customization options are limited. It fits in any standard diaphragm call case or holder.
The WOODHAVEN Talon is compatible with any lanyard or call holder designed for diaphragm calls. This is a universal standard. You might consider a small, breathable case to store the call when not in use.
Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts
Pros
- Incredibly realistic sound production. The Talon produces a wide range of authentic turkey vocalizations.
- Versatile. It easily transitions between soft yelps and aggressive cuts.
- Durable construction. The reeds are made from high-quality materials. They will withstand repeated use.
- Relatively Easy to Master. The modified Ghost Cut offers great control once you learn the proper tongue and mouth pressure.
- Affordable Price. At $14.99, it provides excellent value for its performance.
Cons
- Requires some practice. The modified Ghost Cut may be challenging for beginners.
- Limited Customization. Diaphragm calls generally offer little room for modification.
Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts?
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts is perfect for experienced turkey hunters seeking a versatile and realistic diaphragm call. It’s also ideal for hunters who want to expand their calling repertoire with a modified Ghost Cut design. Hunters looking for an affordable and reliable call will also appreciate the Talon.
Beginner turkey hunters might find the modified Ghost Cut design challenging initially. They may want to start with a simpler, single-reed call before progressing to the Talon. Hunters who prefer calls that can be easily customized or repaired might also want to consider other options.
A diaphragm call case or holder is a must-have accessory to protect the call when not in use. Some hunters also prefer to use a mouth call conditioner to keep the reeds moist and pliable.
Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts is a fantastic diaphragm call that delivers exceptional performance at an affordable price. Its versatile sound production, durable construction, and comfortable design make it a top choice for experienced turkey hunters. While beginners might require some practice to master the modified Ghost Cut, the effort is well worth it.
The price of $14.99 is more than justified by the Talon’s quality and performance. It delivers value that is comparable to calls costing significantly more. It is an investment that will pay off in the field.
I wholeheartedly recommend the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Talon Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts to any serious turkey hunter looking to improve their calling game. Don’t just take my word for it, though. Get out there, get the Talon, and let it speak the language of the turkey. Your next gobbler might just be one call away.