Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat Review

The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat Made a Bold First Impression

The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat enters a crowded market of deer calls promising a compact design and the ability to mimic both distress bleats and estrous bleats. Woodhaven, a name synonymous with quality in the hunting world, stakes its reputation on this small but potentially powerful tool. My first impression hinges on whether this call can truly deliver the realistic sounds it claims and stand up to the rigors of the hunt, all at a price point that makes it accessible to both seasoned professionals and novice hunters alike.

As a seasoned hunter, I’ve been perpetually searching for that one call that covers all my bases and truly closes the distance on wary deer. The promise of maternal and estrous calls from a single, compact device immediately piqued my interest.

Upon unboxing, the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat is noticeably small and lightweight. The plastic casing feels robust enough to withstand being jostled around in a pack or pocket. It’s simple; no frills, which is exactly what you want in a call that needs to be deployed quickly and efficiently.

I’ve used Primos and Flextone bleat calls in the past, both solid performers in their own right. However, the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat differentiates itself with its dual-purpose design, aiming to cover a wider range of calling situations. The Woodhaven seemed to promise more versatility in a smaller package.

Initially, I’m cautiously optimistic. The call feels good in my hand, and the dual-purpose description is compelling. Whether it will live up to the hype in the field remains to be seen.

Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat to the Test

First Use Experience

I field-tested the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat during the early archery season in the dense forests of upstate New York. Conditions were damp with a persistent drizzle, creating an environment where sound really travels. I tested it near known bedding areas and along established deer trails.

The call performed surprisingly well in the wet conditions. Moisture didn’t seem to affect the tone or ease of use. The learning curve was minimal; the call is intuitive to operate, and I quickly mastered producing both the distress and estrous bleats with a little practice.

The biggest initial surprise was the volume. Even with a soft blow, the call projects sound effectively. It initially seemed almost too loud for close-range calling, but I quickly adjusted my technique.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. It’s endured being dropped, stepped on (accidentally, of course), and exposed to a wide range of weather conditions without any noticeable degradation in sound quality.

The plastic casing has held up well. There are no cracks or signs of wear beyond superficial scratches. Maintenance is virtually nonexistent; I’ve simply wiped it down with a damp cloth after particularly muddy hunts.

Compared to previous bleat calls I’ve used, the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat stands out for its versatility and ease of use. Its ability to project both soft and loud calls and mimic distress and estrous bleats gives it an edge in different hunting scenarios.

Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat

Specifications

• The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat is designed to mimic the distress bleats and bawls of young deer, along with doe estrous bleats. This versatility makes it useful throughout the hunting season.
• The call’s compact size allows for easy, one-handed operation while hunting. This ensures quick access and seamless integration into your hunting routine.
• It’s designed to produce both extremely soft and very loud sounds. This allows for calling deer in from both close and far distances, adjusting to the situation on the ground.
• The call is crafted to trigger the maternal instincts of does during the early season. It also attracts mature bucks during the rut by imitating the sound of a doe in estrous.
• The product information doesn’t specify the exact dimensions or materials used. However, the call is constructed of durable plastic, emphasizing its weather resistance.

These specifications matter because they directly translate to effectiveness and convenience in the field. A versatile, easy-to-use call that performs reliably in various conditions is a valuable asset to any hunter.

Performance & Functionality

The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat performs admirably, fulfilling its core function of mimicking realistic deer sounds. It is notably effective in both attracting does with maternal instincts and enticing bucks during the rut.

The call’s biggest strength lies in its ease of use and versatility. Its main weakness is that mastering the different sounds takes some practice to achieve a convincingly realistic tone.

It meets and, in some aspects, exceeds expectations. Its dual-purpose functionality and compact size make it a valuable addition to my hunting pack.

Design & Ergonomics

The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat boasts a simple yet functional design. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it comfortable to hold and operate for extended periods.

The call’s user-friendly design requires minimal learning. Most hunters should be able to produce convincing bleats and bawls after only a few minutes of practice.

Durability & Maintenance

Constructed from durable plastic, the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat is built to withstand the rigors of the hunt. While I anticipate it lasting for several seasons with proper care, it may not be as indestructible as some higher-end, metal-constructed calls.

Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use is usually sufficient to keep it in good working order.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat does not come with any additional accessories. As a standalone calling device, it isn’t designed for extensive customization.

While there are no direct customization options, its compatibility with lanyards allows for convenient carrying and quick access. This enhances its overall usability.

Pros and Cons of Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat

Who Should Buy Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat?

The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat is perfect for deer hunters of all skill levels who are seeking a versatile and affordable calling device. Its ease of use and dual-purpose functionality make it particularly appealing to novice hunters.

Those who prefer a more specialized call or require extensive customization options might want to explore other alternatives. Hunters in extremely harsh environments might also prefer a call constructed from more durable materials like metal.

A lanyard is a must-have accessory for the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat, allowing for easy carrying and quick access while keeping your hands free. A call silencer could be useful in controlling volume in close encounters.

Conclusion on Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat

The Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat delivers on its promises of versatility and ease of use. It is a reliable and effective tool for attracting deer during both the early season and the rut.

At a price of $13.49, the call offers exceptional value. Its dual-purpose functionality and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for any deer hunter.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Woodhaven The Closer Deer Call Doe Bleat to anyone looking for an affordable, versatile, and easy-to-use deer call. Grab one today and see how it can help you close the distance on your next hunt!