Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Black Hornet M Call Review

One Week with the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Black Hornet M Call

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across a wide array of environments – from rugged outdoor expeditions to the sterile precision of laboratory settings, and from busy workshops to remote field deployments – I approach new gear with a critical, yet open, mind. My quest for reliable, effective tools is constant, and this often leads me down paths less traveled, exploring niche products that promise exceptional performance. It was this pursuit that led me to the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Black Hornet M Call, a mouth call designed for game calling. Specifically, a persistent challenge in my recent afield experiences involved trying to emulate specific animal vocalizations for research and observation purposes. The existing calls in my kit, while serviceable for general scouting, lacked the nuanced tonal range and volume required for more detailed imitation. This led me to seek a specialized call that could offer that elusive sound.

Upon receiving the Black Hornet, my initial impression was one of careful craftsmanship. The tactile feel of the materials – described as soft black tape/latex with layers of yellow latex & added a third layer of black latex – immediately suggested a quality construction. The call felt substantial without being bulky, a crucial balance for a mouth call that needs to be manipulated precisely within the mouth. I had briefly considered a more generic, mass-produced mouth call and a higher-end, single-purpose diaphragm call from another manufacturer, but the unique layered construction of the Black Hornet piqued my curiosity more significantly. My first reaction was a pragmatic sense of optimism; the potential for a truly distinctive sound seemed palpable.

Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Black Hornet M Call to the Test

My initial testing began right in my workshop, a controlled environment where I could get a feel for the basic operation without external distractions. I focused on understanding the airflow dynamics and the subtle manipulations needed to produce different sounds. The call felt intuitive to position in my mouth, and the soft black tape/latex construction proved comfortable even during extended practice sessions. I then took it out to a local nature preserve, a much more realistic scenario for testing animal calls, simulating a scouting expedition. Here, I tested its performance in various simulated calling situations, including attempting to locate potential wildlife through different yelps and clucks.

Over several days, I subjected the Black Hornet to varied conditions. While I avoided intentionally exposing it to extreme moisture or dirt, it endured periods of damp morning air and the occasional brush against foliage without any apparent degradation in performance. The ease of use was a pleasant surprise; while some mouth calls require a significant learning curve, this model felt remarkably responsive from the outset. I experienced no immediate issues, though I did notice that achieving the absolute highest pitches required a slightly firmer air pressure than I initially anticipated, a minor quirk rather than a significant flaw.

During my extended use, which involved multiple outings over a two-week period, the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Black Hornet M Call consistently held its own. Its ability to produce both loud, sharp yelps and softer, more nuanced clucks proved invaluable for various simulated scenarios. In terms of durability, I observed no signs of wear and tear on the latex reeds or the tape. There were no cracks, no noticeable stiffness developing in the material, and crucially, no discernible drop in performance even after repeated use. Maintenance was refreshingly simple; a quick rinse with water and gentle drying was all that was needed. Storing it in its protective packaging between uses ensured it remained in optimal condition. Compared to some budget options I’ve used in the past, which often degrade quickly or become difficult to tune, this call felt substantially more robust and reliable.

Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Black Hornet M Call

Let’s delve into the specifics of what makes the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Black Hornet M Call tick. The product description highlights its construction as soft black tape/latex with the addition of yellow latex & added a third layer of black latex. This multi-layered approach is key to its sound production. The dimensions, listed as 1.05 x 2.80 x 3.90 inches, indicate a standard mouth call size, designed to fit comfortably within the mouth for manipulation. The Type: M specification denotes it as a Mouth call, the most common and versatile type.

The real magic of this call lies in its sound characteristics. The description mentions it “screams out high, hollow yelps,” which are ideal for locating. It’s also noted as being “great for locating bucks and locating groups of hens,” underscoring its versatility in different hunting or observation scenarios. The comparison to the Prairie Blaster, stating the Black Hornet’s tone is “more crisp and defined,” suggests a distinct auditory signature. The added note that “this is the hornet on steriods, loud & soft for great clucks” implies a broad dynamic range. The claim of being “Set by hand, pressed and cut to shape and then kept cool until ready for shipping” speaks to the meticulous, custom nature of its production, aiming for premium reed materials and the best latex for great performance.

In terms of performance, the Black Hornet truly lives up to its promise of versatility. It excels at producing those high, sharp yelps that are excellent for long-distance calling and attempting to locate distant game. When I focused on softer, more subtle sounds, it delivered equally impressive results, providing a range of clucks that are crucial for closer encounters or for simulating distress calls. Its strength lies in its ability to transition smoothly between loud and soft volumes, a feature that many calls struggle to achieve. One area where it truly shines is its distinct tonal quality; it possesses a clarity and crispness that allows sounds to cut through ambient noise effectively, much like the described “hornet on steriods.”

The design and ergonomics of this mouth call are thoughtfully executed. The use of soft black tape/latex makes it comfortable against the palate and tongue, allowing for extended periods of use without discomfort. The multi-layered reed system, while intricate, contributes to a robust build quality that feels durable and well-assembled. Its dimensions are well-proportioned for a mouth call, making it easy to manipulate with precise tongue movements. The textured surface of the tape provides a good grip against the roof of the mouth, preventing slippage during active calling.

Durability is a strong suit for this model, owing to its construction. The premium reed materials and best latex suggest a long lifespan under typical usage for its category. It is a reusable call, and its resistance to wear and tear means it should perform consistently for seasons to come. Maintenance is straightforward: a simple rinse and air dry are usually sufficient. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points in my testing, though with any mouth call, maintaining proper hygiene is crucial for longevity and preventing material degradation. There are no specific accessories included with this particular model, as it is a standalone call, and customization options are inherent in the reed design itself rather than external components.

Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Black Hornet M Call

Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Black Hornet M Call?

This call is an excellent choice for experienced hunters and wildlife enthusiasts who require a high-performance, versatile mouth call. It is particularly well-suited for those who need to replicate specific vocalizations for locating game, such as deer or turkey, or for use in situations requiring both loud locator calls and softer contact sounds. Individuals looking for a call that offers a crisp, defined tone and can transition between volumes will find this model particularly beneficial.

Conversely, absolute beginners in game calling might find the need for firm air pressure for the highest pitches to be a minor hurdle initially. Those seeking a general-purpose call for a wide variety of game might also consider other options, as the Black Hornet is somewhat specialized. I would highly recommend pairing this call with a durable protective case or a calling lanyard to ensure it remains in optimal condition between uses, as it doesn’t come with one.

Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Black Hornet M Call

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Black Hornet M Call is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design in the realm of game calls. It delivers on its promise of high, hollow yelps and versatile clucks with a clarity and crispness that truly stands out. Its comfortable construction and durable materials make it a reliable tool for serious outdoor enthusiasts. While it requires a bit of practice for those new to mouth calls, its performance justifies the investment for anyone seeking nuanced and effective game vocalizations.

For its price point of $23.49, the value proposition is strong, offering a level of performance and build quality often found in much more expensive, custom-made calls. I would readily recommend this model to seasoned hunters and wildlife observers who appreciate precision and a wide dynamic range in their calling equipment. If you’re looking to elevate your game calling capabilities with a call that’s both effective and comfortable to use, the Black Hornet is a solid choice that won’t disappoint.