First Thoughts on the WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call
The WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call enters a crowded market, but its unique design and promise of versatility immediately piqued my interest. As someone who’s spent over a decade chasing gobblers, I’m always on the lookout for calls that can produce realistic sounds and are easy to control. The WoodHaven name carries weight, known for quality and innovation.
My quest for the perfect turkey call is never-ending. Every season presents new challenges, and having a variety of calls allows me to adapt to different scenarios and bird personalities. I was particularly interested in the Yellow Venom’s 3-reed design, hoping it would offer a sweet, yet raspy tone that could fool even the wariest toms.
The Yellow Venom arrived in simple packaging, highlighting the call itself. The reeds were clean and well-aligned. The frame felt sturdy enough for the price point. I was eager to put it to the test against my trusted slate call and a few other diaphragm calls in my arsenal. This includes a trusted Primos call I’ve had for years and a newer Zink call that promised superior rasp. I picked the Yellow Venom hoping for a call that bridged the gap between clear, sweet tones and the aggressive rasp needed to challenge dominant birds.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The call felt comfortable in my mouth. I could feel the potential for producing a wide range of sounds, but it would definitely require practice. Was I excited? Yes, the potential was there. Surprised? Not yet, but I was certainly intrigued to see how it would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call was during a pre-season scouting trip in the oak-hickory forests of central Missouri. The weather was cool and damp, perfect conditions for turkey hunting. I wanted to see how it performed in realistic hunting conditions.
The call initially proved a bit tricky to master. It required more air pressure than my usual calls. I spent about an hour practicing different yelps, clucks, and purrs. I started to get the hang of transitioning between the clear front note and the raspy back end. A few stray hens responded to my calls, indicating that the sound was in the right ballpark.
After a couple hours of use, I was finally becoming comfortable with the call. No mechanical issues arose during the testing session. The call needed to be dried off and stored properly at the end of the day to maintain its sound quality.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, both in practice and during the early part of the spring turkey season, the WoodHaven Yellow Venom has held up remarkably well. The reeds have maintained their shape and tension. The sound quality hasn’t degraded significantly.
I’ve noticed a slight bit of wear on the tape. Other than that, the call is still performing as expected. Cleaning is relatively simple. I just gently wipe the reeds with a clean, dry cloth after each use and store it in a cool, dry place.
Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, the Yellow Venom seems to hold its tune better than some cheaper options but might not be as durable as more premium, hand-built calls. It doesn’t outperform my custom-made calls. However, for its price, it’s proving to be a reliable and versatile tool in my turkey hunting arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call
Specifications
The WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call features a 3-reed design, employing a thin top red reed and two clear bottom reeds. This configuration is intended to create a blend of sweet and raspy tones. The call is designed for ease of use, allowing even beginners to produce realistic turkey sounds.
This unique reed configuration is important because it allows for a wider range of sounds and more realistic vocalizations. The thin top reed contributes to the call’s sweetness. The clear bottom reeds contribute to its raspiness. This combination helps hunters mimic a variety of hen calls, from soft purrs to aggressive yelps.
Performance & Functionality
The WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call performs admirably, allowing for a smooth transition from clear front notes to raspy back-end notes. This is crucial for creating realistic yelps. Its ability to produce both hard cutting sounds and soft clucking makes it a versatile tool for different hunting scenarios.
While the Yellow Venom can produce a good range of turkey sounds, it requires practice to master. Its responsiveness allows for nuanced calls, but the higher air pressure needed can be tiring for some users. Still, it consistently delivers realistic sounds when used correctly.
Design & Ergonomics
The Yellow Venom’s design is simple and functional. The call fits comfortably in the mouth. The reed spacing allows for easy airflow and manipulation.
While the frame is basic, it’s durable enough for normal use. The call isn’t particularly eye-catching, but its ergonomic design contributes to its ease of use. It lacks some of the refined features of higher-end calls. It is, however, well-suited for its intended purpose.
Durability & Maintenance
The WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call is reasonably durable for its price. With proper care, it should last for at least a season or two of regular use. Regular cleaning and storage are essential for maintaining its performance.
Replacing the reeds or tape isn’t particularly difficult, but it may require some experience. Compared to more expensive calls, the Yellow Venom may not be as rugged. Its affordability makes it a decent option for those who are prone to losing or damaging their calls in the field.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It is, however, compatible with standard call keepers and storage cases. There are no specific customization options for this particular model.
Hunters can experiment with different cuts and trimmings of the reeds to alter the sound. This can be done to fine-tune the call to their individual preferences. It’s important to note that any modifications can affect the call’s performance and durability.
Pros and Cons of WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive, making it accessible to beginners and budget-conscious hunters.
- Versatile sound range, capable of producing both sweet and raspy turkey vocalizations.
- Easy to control with some practice, allowing for smooth transitions between different calls.
- Durable enough for regular use with proper care and maintenance.
- Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
Cons
- Requires more air pressure than some other diaphragm calls, which can be tiring.
- Sound quality may not match that of higher-end, custom-made calls.
- No included accessories or customization options.
Who Should Buy WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call?
The WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters. It’s also great for those looking for an affordable and versatile call. Experienced hunters might also appreciate it as a backup call or for specific situations where a blend of sweet and raspy sounds is needed.
Those who demand the absolute highest sound quality or prefer a call that requires minimal air pressure might want to skip this product. It is not the perfect call for everyone. The call requires practice to master.
A must-have accessory would be a call keeper to protect the reeds and maintain the call’s sound quality. Also, a small piece of sandpaper or reed-trimming scissors can be useful for fine-tuning the call’s sound.
Conclusion on WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call
The WoodHaven Yellow Venom Turkey Call offers excellent value for its price. It’s a versatile and reasonably durable call that can produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. While it may not be the absolute best call on the market, it’s a solid performer.
The price is definitely justified, considering its versatility and ease of use (after some practice). For around $13, you get a call that can reliably produce the sounds needed to fool even the wariest toms.
I would personally recommend the WoodHaven Yellow Venom to beginner and intermediate turkey hunters. It is a fantastic call for those on a budget. It’s a great starting point for learning how to master diaphragm calls. Give it a try, practice diligently, and you might just find yourself tagging a tom thanks to the Yellow Venom.