Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call Review

From Curiosity to Confidence: My Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call Review

The world of turkey calls can be a bewildering place, even for a seasoned outdoorsman. My trusty old box call, a relic from my early hunting days, had finally seen better days. Its calls had grown muffled, its wood weathered to a point of diminishing returns. This led me on a quest for a replacement, one that could offer both the nuanced realism for a wary gobbler and the assertive volume needed to cut through a noisy spring morning. After sifting through countless options, the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call caught my eye, promising a blend of artisanal craftsmanship and serious performance. I had seen other box calls, some beautiful but lacking soul, others functional but utterly uninspiring. This model, with its striking Brazilian cherry and figured acrylic, immediately felt different. My first impression was one of robust elegance; it looked as though it belonged on a display shelf, yet felt ready for the rigors of the field. The intricate wood grain and the unique angled base hinted at a level of care that most mass-produced calls simply can’t match. It was a purchase born from a need for reliable performance and a desire for a tool that felt as much a pleasure to hold as it was to use.

Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test for this particular box call was conducted during a late-season turkey hunt in a dense, oak-heavy forest where sound doesn’t travel far. The goal was to replicate soft, close-range hen sounds to coax a shy bird within range. I found the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call surprisingly intuitive, despite its complex look. Simply placing my fingers on the ridge and tapping the end towards the sound hole produced a remarkably clear hen cluck. The shallow V on the end of the call proved invaluable for executing those short, sharp, rapid-fire clucks that can drive a gobbler wild. The initial feel was solid, with a satisfying weight and no obvious rattling or looseness.

Even after several hours of use on that first day, exposed to a light morning dew and the occasional brush against thick undergrowth, the call performed consistently. There was no degradation in sound quality, and the wood maintained its grip without becoming slippery. The call’s volume potential was immediately apparent when a distant gobbler finally responded; a few more aggressive strokes produced a yelp with surprising resonance that carried further than I expected. This initial encounter set a high bar for extended performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the subsequent weeks, this cherry box call became my go-to instrument in various hunting scenarios. I’ve used it from the early morning stillness of a Pennsylvania woodlot to the windy plains of Kansas, and its reliability has been exceptional. The Brazilian cherry wood, while beautiful, has proven to be quite resilient; despite a few accidental bumps against trees and the rough handling inherent in setting up in thick cover, it shows only minor cosmetic scuffs, a testament to its robust construction. I’ve learned that a quick wipe with a dry cloth after each outing is sufficient for maintenance, and the included box call clip has proven surprisingly useful for keeping it accessible without fumbling in my vest.

Compared to other box calls I’ve used, from budget-friendly options to more premium walnut models, the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call strikes a fantastic balance. It offers the nuanced, realistic tones of a high-end call, yet also possesses the sheer volume and rasp that can be elusive in some delicate designs. There have been no signs of the wood cracking or the lid becoming warped, even after being left in the truck overnight in fluctuating temperatures. Its consistent performance, coupled with its ease of care, solidifies its place as a reliable piece of hunting gear.

Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call

Specifications

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call is an elegantly designed mechanical turkey call. Its primary construction utilizes Brazilian Cherry for the box itself, a dense hardwood known for its rich color and resonant tonal properties. The exterior features a figured acrylic that resembles bone, lending a luxurious yet rugged aesthetic. This call measures approximately 2.70 inches in height, 5.20 inches in width, and 12.35 inches in length. This size provides a comfortable grip and ample surface area for producing a full range of sounds.

The choice of Brazilian Cherry is significant; this exotic hardwood offers superior acoustic qualities compared to more common woods like poplar or cypress. Its density allows for excellent sound projection and a crisp, clear tone. The acrylic exterior, beyond its visual appeal, likely contributes to the call’s durability and resistance to moisture, which is crucial in field conditions. The combination of these materials ensures both aesthetic appeal and functional longevity.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of pure performance, the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call delivers exceptionally well. Its core function is to mimic the vocalizations of a hen turkey, and it excels at this. The call produces a very clear hen voice, allowing for subtle clucks, soft yelps, and realistic purrs that can intrigue even the most cautious gobbler. What truly sets this model apart, however, is its remarkable volume capability. With sufficient air and practice, it can produce a raspy, almost distressed yelp that mimics an injured hen, a sound that mature gobblers often find irresistible.

The key to its versatile performance lies in the design elements described in its specifications. The shallow V on the end of the call is perfect for executing quick, soft clucks in rapid succession, ideal for drawing a bird closer with subtle reassurance. Conversely, the deep V on the end facilitates effortless yodeling, a powerful locator call that can carry across considerable distances. This dual functionality, allowing for both delicate nuances and robust calls, makes it adaptable to nearly any hunting situation, from a close-quarters encounter to a long-distance contact.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call is both functional and aesthetically striking. The figured Brazilian cherry wood itself boasts exceptional grain patterns, making each call unique. The exterior is a loud, figured acrylic that looks like bone, providing a smooth, tactile surface that contrasts beautifully with the wood. The base of the call is crafted from a single piece of Brazilian Cherry, sliced at an angle for a distinctive appearance.

Ergonomically, the call is designed for ease of use. The provided instructions suggest placing fingers on the ridge and pressing or tapping the end towards the sound hole. This method is intuitive and allows for precise control over the sound. The extra flare at the end of the calls and the end cap is a deliberate design choice, ensuring that the beauty of the wood is not obscured by the finish. This attention to detail creates a call that feels balanced and comfortable in the hand, making extended use less fatiguing.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call is impressive, given its artisanal construction. The use of dense Brazilian Cherry and a robust acrylic exterior suggests it is built to withstand the rigors of the field. I’ve experienced no degradation in sound quality or structural integrity despite regular use in varied weather conditions. The wood has resisted warping, and the acrylic exterior is resistant to scratches.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring little more than a dry cloth to wipe it down after use. Avoiding excessive moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations will undoubtedly prolong its lifespan. There are no complex parts to disassemble or maintain, making it a low-fuss, high-reward tool. The inclusion of a box call clip and strap further enhances its durability in the field by preventing accidental drops.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call comes with a few key accessories that enhance its usability. The box call clip and strap are particularly noteworthy, allowing for secure and convenient attachment to hunting gear. This ensures the call is readily accessible when needed and protected from damage when not in use.

While this is a handcrafted, custom call, it is designed to produce a specific range of sounds. The hand-crafted nature ensures the real hen is matched to the lid to ensure real hen sounds. This implies a high degree of precision in its creation, meaning external customization is generally unnecessary. The beauty and tonal quality are inherent in its design and construction, rather than being dependent on aftermarket modifications.

Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call

Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call?

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call is an ideal choice for the experienced turkey hunter who values realism, volume, and a touch of craftsmanship in their gear. It’s perfect for those who understand the nuances of turkey vocalizations and want a call that can replicate them with precision. This call is also well-suited for hunters who appreciate fine woodworking and desire a tool that is as beautiful as it is functional.

Conversely, this call might be overkill for absolute beginners who are still learning the basics of turkey calling or those on a very tight budget. Someone looking for a simple, no-frills call might find its sophisticated design and price point unnecessary. For those who demand absolute sterility or are working in environments where such a beautiful object could be easily damaged beyond repair, a more utilitarian option might be preferable. To maximize its potential, pairing it with a good pair of binoculars and a quality shotgun would be essential.

Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls The Real Hen Cherry Box Call is, without question, a premium turkey call that lives up to its promises. Its combination of superior sound production, impressive volume, and striking aesthetic makes it a standout piece of hunting equipment. While it carries a higher price tag, the artisanal craftsmanship, the quality of materials, and the proven performance in the field justify the investment for any serious turkey hunter. I would wholeheartedly recommend this call to anyone looking to elevate their calling game and invest in a tool that is both a joy to use and a reliable partner in the pursuit of gobblers. If you’re ready to move beyond basic calls and appreciate the difference true craftsmanship makes, this cherry box call is an excellent choice.