Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call Review

The Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call Made a Bold First Impression

The Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call promises to be a game-changer for turkey hunters, offering a compact and realistic way to elicit shock gobbles. This call, manufactured by Woodhaven, is designed to mimic the distinct sounds of a barred owl, a proven method for locating gobblers in the pre-dawn woods. Its claim of resisting swelling or shrinking in moist conditions immediately caught my attention, a common issue that plagues many locator calls.

I’ve been turkey hunting for over a decade, and consistently finding gobblers before sunrise is half the battle. Many mornings, I’ve struggled to get birds to shock gobble using traditional crow calls or even poorly made owl calls. I was hoping the Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call would cut through the early morning silence with a sound that demands a response, especially in damp, early-season conditions.

Upon unboxing, the Ninja Owl felt solid and well-constructed. The call is compact, fitting comfortably in my palm, and the material seemed durable, promising resistance to the elements. It felt lightweight, an advantage for those long treks into the timber before sunrise.

Compared to cheaper plastic owl calls I’ve used in the past, the Woodhaven Ninja Owl felt like a significant upgrade. The diaphragm calls can be challenging to master, especially when cold or nervous; this appeared to be a simpler, more reliable alternative. I was hoping it would outperform my old standby, a primos power owl, which always seemed to lack the crispness of a real owl.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The weight and feel were right, but the true test would be in the field. I was eager to see if the Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call could live up to its promise of consistent, realistic owl sounds that coax reluctant gobblers into revealing their location.

Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial field test of the Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call took place on a chilly spring morning in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania. The air was damp, the kind of morning where sound doesn’t travel far, and gobblers often hold tight. I nestled against a large oak, just as the first hint of light painted the eastern sky.

I began by emitting a series of 8-note owl hoots, followed by a couple of “laughs,” as the call description suggests. To my surprise, a distant gobble echoed back almost immediately. I was impressed; my typical crow call rarely elicits such a swift response. The call performed exceptionally well under those challenging conditions. It proved easy to control and required minimal effort to produce realistic sounds.

The ease of use was a pleasant surprise. Unlike some diaphragm calls that require a precise mouth position and air pressure, the Ninja Owl was very forgiving. Even when my hands were cold and slightly numb, I was able to produce consistent, clear owl sounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call throughout the spring turkey season, I can attest to its durability and consistent performance. Despite being subjected to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental drop, the call shows no signs of wear and tear.

The material seems highly resistant to moisture, as advertised. Unlike some of my other calls, the Ninja Owl didn’t swell or change its tone after being exposed to wet conditions. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove dirt and debris.

In comparison to my previous locator calls, the Woodhaven Ninja Owl consistently outperforms them in terms of both sound quality and ease of use. Its reliability in various weather conditions makes it an invaluable tool in my turkey hunting arsenal. I no longer worry about the call failing me on a crucial morning.

Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call

Specifications

The Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call boasts a few key specifications:

  • It produces realistic 8-note owl sounds. This allows for a wide range of owl vocalizations that are highly effective in triggering shock gobbles.
  • It can also mimic the “laughs” of a barred owl. This provides hunters with multiple calling options for varied responses from wary turkeys.
  • The materials are designed to resist swelling or shrinking in moist conditions. This is a crucial feature for maintaining consistent sound quality regardless of weather.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s effectiveness in the field. The ability to produce realistic and varied owl sounds increases the likelihood of eliciting a gobble, while the moisture resistance ensures that the call performs reliably in all weather conditions. This adds significant value to the hunter’s pre-dawn setup.

Performance & Functionality

The Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call excels at its primary function: locating turkeys. The realistic owl sounds, combined with the ability to produce owl “laughs,” consistently trigger shock gobbles, even from hesitant birds.

The call’s strengths lie in its ease of use, consistent sound quality, and durability. It requires minimal effort to produce realistic owl sounds, even for novice callers. The only potential weakness is that its relatively quiet volume might be less effective in extremely windy conditions or over long distances.

The Ninja Owl has exceeded my expectations. It’s a reliable, easy-to-use, and consistently effective tool for locating gobblers.

Design & Ergonomics

The Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call features a compact and lightweight design that makes it comfortable to hold and easy to carry in a vest or pocket. The materials used in its construction feel durable and well-made.

The call is incredibly user-friendly, requiring virtually no learning curve. Even someone with no prior experience using locator calls should be able to produce realistic owl sounds with minimal practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call is built to withstand the rigors of the hunting environment. Its moisture-resistant construction ensures that it will perform reliably season after season.

Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that is needed to keep the call clean and functioning properly. This low-maintenance design adds to its overall appeal.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call does not come with any specific accessories, nor are there any readily apparent customization options.

Its simplicity is part of its appeal. The focus is on producing realistic owl sounds, and the call achieves this without the need for additional bells and whistles. While there are no specific accessories or customization options, hunters can pair the Ninja Owl with other calls (like a crow call or a gobble call) for a more comprehensive calling strategy.

Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call

Pros

  • Produces very realistic 8-note owl sounds, effectively triggering shock gobbles.
  • Easy to use, even for beginners, with minimal learning curve.
  • Durable construction that resists swelling or shrinking in moist conditions.
  • Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and use in the field.
  • Offers multiple calling options with both the standard owl hoot and the “laughs” of a barred owl.

Cons

  • The volume might be limited in extremely windy conditions or over long distances.
  • No included accessories or customization options are available.


Who Should Buy Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call?

The Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels who want a reliable and easy-to-use locator call. It is particularly well-suited for hunters who hunt in areas with varying weather conditions or who are new to using locator calls.

Hunters who rely heavily on long-distance calling in open areas might find the volume somewhat limiting. Those seeking highly customizable calls might also prefer other options.

A must-have accessory to pair with the Ninja Owl would be a quality turkey box call for when you get closer to the gobbler.

Conclusion on Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call

The Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call is an excellent investment for any serious turkey hunter. Its realistic owl sounds, ease of use, and durable construction make it a valuable tool in the field.

At a price of $29.99, the Ninja Owl offers exceptional value. It outperforms many more expensive locator calls and provides a consistent, reliable method for locating gobblers.

I would highly recommend the Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call to anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success. It’s a simple, effective, and durable call that will quickly become an indispensable part of your hunting gear. Add this to your vest and experience the thrill of locating gobblers with the realistic sounds of the Woodhaven Ninja Owl Locator Call!


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