The WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call Made a Bold First Impression
The WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call promises a balanced and harmonious blend of rasp and mellowness for turkey hunters, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. WoodHaven is a respected name in turkey hunting, and the unique reed combination of red, clear, and black latex in this call intrigued me, promising versatility in the field. My years of experience as an outdoor and tactical gear specialist have made me a discerning critic, and I approached this review with a blend of anticipation and skepticism.
What spurred my interest in the Red Scorpion was the need for a call that could produce both aggressive, raspy yelps for cutting through wind and distance and softer, more subtle calls for close-range coaxing. Many calls I’ve used in the past lean too heavily in one direction, limiting their effectiveness in varied hunting scenarios. I wanted a chameleon, a call that could adapt to the mood of the birds and the terrain.
Upon unboxing, the WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call felt solid and well-constructed. The reeds were neatly aligned and the frame appeared durable enough to withstand the rigors of the spring turkey woods. It was noticeably compact, fitting comfortably in my hand, which is crucial for quick and responsive calling sequences.
Compared to my tried-and-true slate call and a diaphragm call I’ve struggled to master, the Red Scorpion offered an immediate, user-friendly appeal. I passed on other box calls due to their bulkiness. The Red Scorpion‘s price point of $13.49 also made it an attractive alternative to higher-end custom calls, allowing me to explore its capabilities without a significant investment.
My first impression of the WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call was one of cautious optimism. It looked the part, but the true test would be its performance in the field. The potential for a versatile, easy-to-use call at an affordable price had me genuinely excited to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call came during a scouting trip in early spring, weeks before the season opened. I ventured into a hardwood bottom known for its vocal hens, hoping to elicit a response and gauge the call’s sound quality in a natural setting. The morning was damp, with a light mist hanging in the air.
The Red Scorpion performed admirably, even in the slightly damp conditions. It produced crisp, clear yelps that carried well through the timber. I was impressed by how easily I could transition between different calling styles. The call produced both aggressive cuts and soft clucks with minimal effort. There were no initial problems in the beginning.
My initial surprise was how little back pressure was required to produce realistic sounds. Some box calls require significant effort, leading to fatigue during prolonged calling sequences. The WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call felt almost effortless in comparison.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, both during scouting and the early part of the turkey season, the WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call has proven to be a reliable and versatile tool. It has withstood exposure to rain, mud, and temperature fluctuations without any noticeable degradation in sound quality. The WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call maintained its pitch throughout the season.
Durability-wise, the call shows no signs of wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic scuffs. The reeds remain taut and responsive, and the frame is holding up well. The call’s sound quality has remained consistent.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional wiping with a clean, dry cloth. I’ve also been careful to store it in a protective case when not in use to prevent damage to the reeds. My prior experiences with cheaper box calls often involved constant tuning and reed replacements. So the Red Scorpion has outperformed them considerably.
Breaking Down the Features of WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call
Specifications
The WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call features a unique reed configuration designed to produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations. It’s designed for the turkey hunter in mind.
Three-reed Design: The call employs a three-reed system, with each reed made from a different type and color of latex. This combination of reeds provides a unique sound.
Red Latex Top Reed: The top reed is constructed from red latex, contributing to the call’s rasp and cutting power. This allows the user to grab the turkey’s attention from a distance.
Clear Latex Middle Reed: A clear latex reed is positioned in the middle, adding mellowness and realism to the overall sound. This gives the call balance.
Black Latex Bottom Reed: The bottom reed is black latex, providing a foundation for deeper tones and added realism. It creates a realistic tone.
“Scorpion” Cut: The reed cut, dubbed “Scorpion,” combines elements of a V-cut and a side wing cut. This cut provides the user the best of both worlds.
The specifications of the WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call are important because they directly influence its sound quality, versatility, and ease of use. The unique reed combination and cut work together to create a call that can produce both aggressive and subtle turkey sounds, making it a valuable tool for any hunter.
Performance & Functionality
The WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call excels in its ability to mimic a wide range of turkey vocalizations with remarkable realism. Its accuracy and usability makes this call a great addition for any hunter.
It produces convincing yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs, allowing me to adapt my calling strategy to the specific situation. The call works perfectly.
The Red Scorpion‘s strength lies in its versatility. Its weaknesses are in the box design, because box calls are not ideal in wet conditions, even though the call works pretty well. Overall, it meets and sometimes exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call is built with quality materials. It is lightweight, comfortable to hold, and feels well-balanced in hand.
The design is user-friendly. Even a novice caller can quickly learn to produce realistic sounds with minimal practice. There is hardly any learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call is built to last. It is built well.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and proper storage. These methods keep the call in good shape.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call does not come with any additional accessories. It does not offer any customization options.
It is designed as a standalone unit.
Pros and Cons of WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call
Pros
- Produces a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations.
- Easy to use, even for novice callers.
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance.
- Affordable price point.
- Versatile enough for various hunting scenarios.
Cons
- Box call designs are less effective in wet conditions compared to diaphragm calls.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call?
The WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call is perfect for turkey hunters of all experience levels. It’s great for those seeking a versatile and easy-to-use call.
Hunters who primarily hunt in wet conditions or prefer highly customizable calls might want to skip this product. Those hunters would benefit more from a diaphragm call or a custom box call.
A small carrying case to protect the reeds would be a must-have accessory. This would extend the life of the call.
Conclusion on WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call
The WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call is a valuable tool for any turkey hunter. The value proposition is high.
Its ability to produce a wide range of realistic sounds, ease of use, and durable construction make it an excellent choice, especially considering its affordable price. I would definitely recommend it.
If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable turkey call that won’t break the bank, the WoodHaven Red Scorpion Turkey Call is a great option. Add it to your vest today.