Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call Review

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call Made a Bold First Impression

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call isn’t just another turkey call; it’s a collaboration built for serious hunters. This call, crafted by Woodhaven in partnership with The Hunting Public (THP), combines premium materials with a design focused on producing incredibly realistic turkey sounds. The walnut vision pot, maple soundboard, and matched strikers immediately signal quality and a commitment to authentic sound replication.

For years, I’ve struggled to find a pot call that could consistently produce both the delicate purrs needed for close-in work and the sharp cutts and cackles to reach out on windy days. I’ve tried countless calls, but many lacked the versatility to handle varying hunting scenarios. The promise of two distinct hen sounds from the included strikers is what truly piqued my interest.

My initial impression upon unboxing was excellent. The walnut pot felt solid and well-constructed, and the maple soundboard had a beautiful grain. Compared to my older slate call with a plastic pot, the Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call exuded a level of craftsmanship that instilled confidence. It felt more refined than a mass-produced diaphragm call I’d been using as a backup, promising greater realism.

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call arrived with a conditioning kit, a surface saver lid, and two strikers. This complete package showcases Woodhaven’s attention to detail and support for hunters from the start. I was immediately eager to get out in the field and test its potential.

Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call during the early spring turkey season in the oak and hickory forests of Missouri. The weather was typical for the region: cool mornings with occasional light rain. I primarily hunted ridges and open hardwoods, calling to distant gobblers and coaxing hesitant birds into range.

The call performed exceptionally well in the varying conditions. Even with damp strikers, the crystal surface produced clear and consistent sounds. It took a little practice to master the nuances of each striker, but soon I was confidently executing a range of calls, from soft clucks to aggressive cutts.

The first time I used the Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call in a real hunting situation, I was amazed by the response. A gobbler responded aggressively to my yelps, closing the distance quickly. The call’s realistic tone sealed the deal, and the hunt ended successfully.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call continues to impress. The crystal surface shows no signs of wear, and the walnut pot retains its original finish. I clean the surface regularly with the included conditioning kit to maintain optimal sound quality.

The call has proven to be exceptionally durable. It has been subjected to bouncing around in my vest, exposure to moisture, and even a few accidental drops without any degradation in performance. Compared to some of the cheaper calls I’ve owned in the past, the Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call is a clear step up in quality and longevity.

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call has quickly become my go-to call. It outperforms my old slate call in terms of both volume and clarity, and it’s easier to control than many diaphragm calls, offering a wider range of realistic turkey vocalizations.

Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call

Specifications

• Walnut Vision Pot: Offers a comfortable grip and enhances sound projection. The walnut is beautifully finished and provides a warm, resonant tone.
• Maple Soundboard: The hard maple soundboard delivers crisp, clear turkey vocalizations. Maple is known for its excellent sound quality and durability.
• Crystal Striking Surface: Provides loud, true-to-life turkey sounds. Crystal is a popular choice for pot calls due to its ability to produce a wide range of tones.
• Two Matched Strikers: Each striker is hand-matched to the crystal surface for optimal sound production. The different strikers allow the user to create two distinct hen sounds, adding realism to calling sequences.
• Complete Kit: Includes a surface saver lid and conditioning kit for call maintenance. The inclusion of these accessories demonstrates Woodhaven’s commitment to providing a complete and user-friendly product.

These specifications contribute significantly to the call’s performance and overall user experience. The combination of premium materials and thoughtful design results in a call that is both effective and enjoyable to use.

Performance & Functionality

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call excels at producing a wide range of turkey sounds. It can create soft purrs and clucks for close-range calling, as well as loud yelps, cutts, and cackles for reaching distant gobblers. The ability to create two distinct hen sounds with the included strikers is a major advantage.

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call is incredibly versatile and reliable. It handles various calling scenarios with ease. Its only weakness is user error.

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call exceeds expectations in terms of sound quality, ease of use, and versatility. It has quickly become my go-to call for all turkey hunting situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. The walnut pot is comfortable to hold, and the maple soundboard is visually appealing. The call is lightweight and easy to carry.

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call is user-friendly, with a moderate learning curve. While mastering the nuances of each striker takes practice, the call is relatively easy to learn and use effectively, even for beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call is built to last. The premium materials and solid construction ensure that it can withstand the rigors of hunting. With proper care and maintenance, this call should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call is simple. Regularly cleaning the crystal surface with the included conditioning kit will ensure optimal sound quality. Storing the call in a safe place when not in use will prevent damage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call comes with everything you need to get started. The included surface saver lid protects the crystal surface from damage, and the conditioning kit helps maintain optimal sound quality. While there are no readily apparent “customization” options, the selection of different strikers readily available from Woodhaven, or those crafted by other artisans, can tailor the sounds to one’s own preferences.

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call is compatible with standard striker designs. This allows users to experiment with different materials and shapes to further customize the sound of the call.

Pros and Cons of Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call

Who Should Buy Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call?

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand realistic sound quality and versatility. It’s also ideal for experienced callers looking to add a premium pot call to their arsenal. Hunters seeking to up their game by creating different hen sounds will greatly benefit from this call.

This product might be less appealing to beginner hunters who are just starting to learn the basics of turkey calling. The nuances of the call might be lost on a complete novice. Those on a very tight budget may also find the price prohibitive.

A good vest or pouch to protect the call and strikers while in the field is a must-have accessory. Experimenting with different striker materials (e.g., carbon, wood, acrylic) could further enhance the call’s sound.

Conclusion on Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call is a premium turkey call that delivers exceptional performance. The combination of high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and realistic sound reproduction makes it a top choice for serious turkey hunters. While the price is higher than some other options, the quality and versatility of this call justify the investment.

The Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call offers excellent value. It’s a durable and versatile tool that will help you consistently call in gobblers.

I would highly recommend the Woodhaven The Hunting Public Crystal Call to any serious turkey hunter looking to improve their calling game. Its realistic sound, durable construction, and versatile performance make it a worthwhile investment. Pick one up today and experience the difference for yourself!