The WoodHaven The Real Crow Call Made a Bold First Impression
The WoodHaven The Real Crow Call isn’t just another call; it’s a meticulously crafted instrument designed to mimic the distinct caw of a crow. WoodHaven, known for their dedication to realism and quality in game calls, has seemingly hit the mark with this one. Its hand-turned birch barrel and precisely tuned reed and mouthpiece are designed to create sounds that even the wariest crows will find difficult to resist.
I’d grown tired of cheap, plastic crow calls that produced a weak, unnatural sound. I needed a call that would reliably attract crows for predator hunting, specifically coyote sets where crow vocalizations act as a dinner bell. Upon unboxing, the WoodHaven The Real Crow Call felt substantial and well-made. The smooth birch wood and precise construction gave off an immediate impression of quality, a welcome change from the flimsy plastic alternatives I’d used before.
Compared to a Primos Power Crow and a Flextone Funky Crow, the WoodHaven felt more refined. The Primos was louder, but lacked the subtle nuances. The Flextone, while compact, felt cheap and produced a somewhat artificial sound. The WoodHaven The Real Crow Call promised a more natural and controllable sound.
My initial impression was excitement tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could this call truly live up to the hype and produce a convincing crow vocalization that would fool even the most discerning birds? Only time and field testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting WoodHaven The Real Crow Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the WoodHaven The Real Crow Call was on a crisp morning in late fall, nestled in a secluded corner of a sprawling wheat field. I was targeting coyotes, using the crow call as a distress signal to pique their curiosity. I tested the call in relatively calm conditions, with only a light breeze.
The WoodHaven proved surprisingly easy to use, even for someone accustomed to diaphragm calls for turkeys and elk. The sound was crisp and clear, requiring only minimal breath control to produce realistic caws. After only a few minutes of calling, I noticed a pair of crows circling overhead, confirming the call’s effectiveness. There were no initial hiccups or surprises.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use in diverse weather conditions, including light rain and freezing temperatures, the WoodHaven The Real Crow Call has proven its durability. There are no signs of cracking or warping in the birch barrel, and the reed remains responsive. It’s holding up remarkably well.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each use is sufficient. I’ve noticed no significant changes in tone or performance over time, a testament to its quality construction. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper plastic calls, the WoodHaven offers a significantly improved and more reliable performance. I’ve found myself reaching for it consistently, confident in its ability to produce convincing crow sounds.
Breaking Down the Features of WoodHaven The Real Crow Call
Specifications
The WoodHaven The Real Crow Call features a hand-turned birch barrel. This gives it a warm, natural tone. It is carefully tuned with proper reed and mouth pieces. This ensures realistic crow sounds.
- Hand-Turned Birch Barrel: This isn’t mass-produced plastic. This gives the call a distinct acoustic advantage.
- Tuned Reed and Mouthpiece: Precise tuning ensures consistent and realistic sound production. This feature separates it from generic calls.
These specifications matter because they contribute directly to the call’s ability to mimic the authentic vocalizations of a crow. The birch barrel’s density and resonant properties create a richer, more natural tone. The tuned reed and mouthpiece work in harmony to produce a wide range of crow calls, from the common caw to alarm cries.
Performance & Functionality
The WoodHaven The Real Crow Call excels at producing a wide range of realistic crow sounds. This includes the common caw, alarm cries, and even juvenile crow vocalizations. Its ability to mimic these nuanced sounds is critical for attracting crows and fooling predators.
The call’s primary strength lies in its realism and ease of use. However, it might be considered slightly quieter than some of the louder, plastic-bodied calls on the market. It undeniably meets and, in many cases, exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The WoodHaven The Real Crow Call boasts exceptional build quality, evident in the smooth finish and solid feel of the birch wood. Its weight is balanced and comfortable in the hand. This makes it easy to use for extended periods without fatigue.
The design is user-friendly. There is no complex setup or adjustment required. The learning curve is minimal, even for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The WoodHaven The Real Crow Call’s solid birch wood construction suggests that it will withstand years of use with proper care. The call is easy to maintain. A quick wipe-down after each use is generally sufficient.
Occasional cleaning of the reed with a soft brush may be necessary to remove any debris. Its durable design and simple maintenance ensure long-term reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WoodHaven The Real Crow Call does not come with any specific accessories, as it’s a self-contained unit. There are no customization options available. The focus is solely on its ability to produce realistic crow sounds.
While it doesn’t support accessories, its standalone performance is impressive.
Pros and Cons of WoodHaven The Real Crow Call
Pros
- Realistic Crow Sound: Accurately mimics various crow vocalizations, crucial for effective calling.
- Hand-Turned Birch Barrel: High-quality materials contribute to the call’s tone and durability.
- Easy to Use: Minimal learning curve, suitable for both beginners and experienced callers.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand years of use with proper care.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry and use in the field.
Cons
- Volume: The call might be slightly quieter than some plastic-bodied alternatives.
- No Customization: Lacks adjustable features or customizable options.
Who Should Buy WoodHaven The Real Crow Call?
The WoodHaven The Real Crow Call is perfect for predator hunters, particularly coyote hunters who utilize crow vocalizations as a dinner bell to attract curious canines. It is also suitable for birdwatchers looking to mimic crow calls for observation purposes and wildlife photographers who want to attract crows for a better shot.
Those seeking maximum volume above all else might prefer a louder, plastic-bodied call, even if it sacrifices some realism. Those looking for customizable features or adjustable tones might also want to explore other options.
There are no must-have accessories or modifications necessary for the WoodHaven The Real Crow Call. Its standalone performance is more than adequate.
Conclusion on WoodHaven The Real Crow Call
The WoodHaven The Real Crow Call is a well-crafted instrument that delivers exceptional realism and ease of use. Its hand-turned birch barrel and precisely tuned reed produce authentic crow sounds. This makes it a valuable tool for predator hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
At $44.99, the price is justified given the call’s quality, durability, and performance. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a reliable and realistic crow call for hunting or other outdoor activities. If you’re serious about attracting crows, the WoodHaven The Real Crow Call is an investment that will pay off in the field. Don’t settle for imitations; experience the difference a truly authentic crow call can make.