Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl Review

Grit & Gear: Testing the Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl

The quest for the perfect turkey call is a journey many hunters undertake, driven by the desire to unlock that elusive gobble. My own pursuit often leads me to experiment with different calls, hoping to find something that truly mimics the wild turkey’s vocalizations. This is where the Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl entered my gear rotation. I’d been having difficulty eliciting a consistent response from local toms, often finding my existing owl calls sounding a bit too artificial. I needed something that offered more realism and versatility, and after reading about Woodhaven Calls’ reputation for quality, this particular model caught my eye.

Upon receiving the Ninja Owl, my initial impression was one of pragmatic simplicity. The call is constructed primarily from plastic, a material I’ve found to be both durable and resistant to the elements, which is crucial for anything used in the field. It feels solid enough in the hand, without being overly weighty, and its understated black finish blends in well with typical hunting apparel. I had considered a few other owl calls, some made from wood and others with more complex designs, but the promise of a consistent, weatherproof performance from this plastic model was appealing. My first reaction was a quiet sense of anticipation, a hope that this simple tube might be the key to a more responsive hunt.

Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl to the Test

My testing grounds for the Ninja Owl were primarily the pre-dawn stillness of early spring turkey season and the shadowy corners of dense woodlands during late afternoon scouting trips. I spent considerable time in the field, often sitting in a blind or perched against a tree, focusing on producing the owl hoot. The call performed admirably in the damp morning air and under the occasional light drizzle, proving its fabric/material: plastic construction was indeed resistant to swelling or shrinking. My primary goal was to replicate an 8-note owl sound, which the call handles with a satisfying resonance.

Extended use over several weeks revealed the call’s reliability and consistent performance. I didn’t notice any significant wear and tear, even after being packed and unpacked repeatedly. The plastic held up well against minor scuffs and bumps, and importantly, the sound quality remained consistent. Maintenance is blessedly straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each outing is all that’s needed, and storage is simple, requiring no special conditions. Compared to some more intricate wooden calls I’ve used in the past, which could warp or crack if not meticulously cared for, this plastic owl call felt remarkably low-maintenance and robust.

First Use Experience

My initial tests with the Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl took place in my backyard, then quickly moved to the local state forest during the early morning hours. I was looking for a call that could consistently produce the standard 8-note owl hoot, a sound that often gets a positive reaction from wary gobblers. The ease of use was immediately apparent; the design is simple, and after a few practice hoots, I was able to produce a clear, consistent sound.

One minor surprise was the slight learning curve in achieving a perfect barred owl laugh. While the 8-note hoot was intuitive, replicating the more complex barred owl call required a bit more finesse and breath control. However, no significant issues or quirks presented themselves after this initial use, setting a positive tone for further field testing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, ranging from dedicated hunting days to casual scouting sessions, the Ninja Owl proved to be a dependable tool. I subjected it to various weather conditions, including high humidity and cool, crisp mornings, and it never faltered in its sound production. The durability of the plastic construction became evident; it shrugged off being jostled in my pack and showed no signs of degradation.

Compared to some of the wooden calls I’ve relied on previously, which can sometimes develop cracks or become waterlogged, this call’s resilience was a significant advantage. Cleaning is as simple as ever – a quick rinse and dry suffices, making it incredibly practical for the demands of hunting. There have been no performance drops, and the call continues to produce the same quality of sound as it did on day one.

Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl

Specifications

The Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl is constructed with a plastic barrel, specifically designed to resist the detrimental effects of moisture. Its color is a practical Black, aiding in concealment within the natural environment. This design choice ensures that the call will not swell or shrink, maintaining its acoustic integrity across a range of hunting conditions.

The primary function of this owl call is to produce realistic sounds, specifically an 8-note owl sound. Additionally, it’s engineered to mimic the distinctive laughs of a barred owl. This dual capability significantly enhances its utility for hunters aiming to provoke a vocal response from turkeys.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl is its ability to produce convincing owl vocalizations. It excels at delivering the classic 8-note hoot, which is a common territorial call turkeys often respond to. The barred owl laugh, while requiring a bit more practice, is also well-replicated, adding another layer of realism to its sound repertoire.

A key strength of this call is its resistance to moisture, a crucial feature for any piece of hunting gear. This ensures reliable performance whether the conditions are damp, humid, or even rainy. The primary weakness, if it can be called that, is the slight learning curve for mastering the barred owl laugh, which might be less intuitive than the basic hoot.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Ninja Owl is straightforward and functional. Its plastic construction provides a durable exterior that feels solid in the hand, yet it remains lightweight for easy carrying during long hunts. The simple tube design means there are no complex parts to malfunction or break.

Ergonomically, the call is easy to grip and operate. The smooth plastic surface allows for comfortable handling, and the tapered end is designed for effective vocalization. There’s no real learning curve for basic operation; the most complex aspect is mastering the nuances of different owl sounds.

Durability & Maintenance

The Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl is built for durability, particularly its plastic construction which is inherently resistant to wear and tear. Under normal hunting conditions, this call is likely to last for many seasons, making it a reliable long-term investment.

Maintenance is exceptionally simple, requiring just a quick wipe-down with a cloth to keep it clean and free of debris. There are no specific maintenance tips to worry about beyond keeping it clean, and no obvious points of failure due to its robust, single-piece design.

Accessories and Customization Options

This model of owl call comes as a standalone unit, with no additional accessories provided. The Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl is not designed for extensive customization in the way some other hunting tools might be. Its strength lies in its inherent design and material properties rather than modular components or interchangeable parts.

However, for those seeking to enhance their owl calling experience, pairing it with other calls or even a diaphragm call could be a useful strategy. This approach allows for a broader range of vocalizations and can be more effective in certain situations.

Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl

Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl?

The Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl is an excellent choice for turkey hunters of all experience levels, particularly those who value reliability and performance in varying weather conditions. It’s ideal for hunters who are looking for a straightforward, effective owl call that won’t break the bank. This call is particularly suited for individuals who need a tool that can withstand the rigors of frequent field use without requiring extensive care.

However, experienced callers who are deeply invested in the nuanced sound profiles of premium wooden calls, or those who prefer a more tactile, natural material, might want to explore other options. For those looking to get the most out of this call, practicing the barred owl laugh consistently and potentially pairing it with other turkey calls would be beneficial.

Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl

The Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl stands out as a highly effective and practical tool for any turkey hunter. Its ability to produce realistic owl sounds, coupled with its robust plastic construction that guarantees performance in damp conditions, makes it a reliable companion in the field. The straightforward design ensures ease of use and maintenance, allowing hunters to focus on their strategy rather than their equipment.

Considering its price point of $32.99, the value proposition is undeniable. It delivers a level of performance and durability that often comes with more expensive calls, making it an excellent investment for both novice and seasoned hunters. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl to anyone seeking a dependable, weather-resistant owl call that can significantly enhance their turkey hunting success.