For any avid turkey hunter, the pursuit of these wary birds is a deeply rewarding challenge, blending skill, patience, and a profound understanding of the wild. Central to this pursuit is the ability to communicate with turkeys, drawing them into range with authentic vocalizations. This is where a high-quality turkey call becomes an indispensable tool. If you've ever asked yourself, "What's the best way to consistently attract wild turkeys?" or "How can I improve my turkey calling skills to sound more realistic?" then understanding the nuances of friction calls and, specifically, the role of a superior striker, is paramount.

The Woodhaven WH037 Purple Heart Striker Call, identified by its UPC 854627000376, stands as a prime example of a premium accessory designed to elevate a hunter's success rate. It's not just a piece of wood; it's a meticulously crafted instrument engineered to unlock the full potential of your friction calls, delivering the precise, lifelike sounds that can make all the difference in the field.

Unlocking Turkey Vocalizations: The Power of a Quality Striker

What exactly is a turkey call striker, and why is its material and craftsmanship so vital? A striker, also known as a peg, is the critical component that, when drawn across the surface of a pot call (which often features slate, glass, or aluminum surfaces), creates the varied and authentic vocalizations of a turkey. The quality of the striker directly influences the tone, pitch, volume, and realism of the sounds you produce.

Many hunters often focus solely on the pot call itself, overlooking the profound impact a striker has. Think of it like a violin and its bow; both are essential, and a superior bow can draw incredible music from an otherwise good instrument. Similarly, the Woodhaven WH037 Purple Heart Striker Call acts as the "bow" for your turkey pot calls, enabling you to produce everything from soft, subtle purrs to sharp, aggressive cuts and everything in between.

Why Choose the Woodhaven WH037 Purple Heart Striker?

The choice of purple heart wood for the WH037 is not arbitrary; it's a deliberate decision based on the wood's inherent acoustic properties and durability. Purple heart is a dense, exceptionally hard wood, known for its vibrant purple hue (which darkens with age and exposure to UV light) and its resonant qualities.

Here's why the Woodhaven WH037 is a top-tier choice for serious turkey hunters:

• Exceptional Sound Fidelity: Purple heart wood produces a very distinct sound profile when paired with various pot call surfaces. It excels at creating sharp, crisp notes ideal for cutting and cackling, but also allows for smooth, drawn-out yelps and soft, realistic clucks and purrs. This versatility is crucial for mimicking the full range of a hen's vocabulary. Hunters who struggle to achieve clear, consistent notes with other strikers often find the WH037 provides the control they need.
• Enhanced Control and Grip: The design and weight distribution of the Woodhaven WH037 are optimized for a comfortable and secure grip. This allows for precise manipulation, which is essential for transitioning between different calls and controlling the volume and pitch of your turkey vocalizations. Achieving that perfect, subtle purr or the aggressive, rapid-fire cutting sequence becomes much more intuitive.
• Durability for Demanding Conditions: Turkey hunting often involves rugged terrain and variable weather. Purple heart wood's natural density and hardness make the WH037 incredibly resilient against wear and tear. It resists warping and retains its shape and acoustic properties even after extensive use in damp or cold conditions, ensuring consistent performance throughout the season.
• Craftsmanship and Consistency: Woodhaven is renowned among turkey hunters for its commitment to quality and attention to detail. The WH037 striker is a testament to this, embodying the precision and consistency that hunters expect from their gear. Each striker is carefully finished to ensure optimal contact with the call surface, contributing directly to its superior sound production.

Mastering Your Call: Techniques with the WH037 Striker

To truly maximize the potential of your Woodhaven WH037 Purple Heart Striker, understanding fundamental calling techniques is essential. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting out, refining your approach can significantly increase your success in the field.

Holding the Striker:

Proper grip is foundational. Hold the striker like a pencil, with your thumb and first two fingers. Your index finger should extend down the shaft of the striker, providing stability and control. The tip of the striker should be angled slightly inward, making contact with the edge of the pot call surface.

Basic Turkey Vocalizations and How to Produce Them:

1. The Yelp: The quintessential turkey sound.
   • How to: Place the striker tip on the edge of the call surface. Apply light, consistent pressure and draw the striker in a small, tight oval or J-shape. Vary the speed and pressure to create different yelps (tree yelps, assembly yelps, fighting yelps). The Woodhaven WH037's responsiveness allows for clear two-note yelps, crucial for realism.
2. The Cluck: A short, sharp note indicating presence or curiosity.
   • How to: Place the striker tip down on the call surface and make a short, sharp, downward stroke, lifting the striker immediately. Think of it as a quick "dot" on the call surface. The purple heart's density helps produce a crisp, distinct cluck.
3. The Purr: A soft, rolling sound, often indicating contentment or close proximity.
   • How to: Apply very light pressure with the striker, making small, almost vibrating circles on the call surface. The key is minimal pressure and a smooth, continuous motion. This is where the WH037's fine tip and material really shine, allowing for subtle, lifelike purrs.
4. The Cutt: Aggressive, rapid-fire clucks, indicating excitement or challenge.
   • How to: Combine multiple sharp, fast clucks in a rapid sequence. This requires quick hand-eye coordination and consistent pressure. The purple heart striker's ability to create sharp, distinct notes makes this vocalization particularly effective.
5. The Gobble: While primarily a male turkey sound, an excited hen can sometimes make a modified gobble or "cackle."
   • How to (using a pot call): This is more advanced and requires a specific technique, often involving a precise circular motion and varying pressure rapidly. The WH037, with its versatility, can contribute to creating these more complex sounds when mastered.

Practice Tips for Success:

• Consistency is Key: Practice regularly, not just before hunting season. Consistent practice builds muscle memory and refines your ear for authentic turkey sounds.
• Listen to Real Turkeys: Immerse yourself in the sounds of wild turkeys. Listen to recordings, watch videos, and pay attention to how they vocalize in different situations.
• Vary Your Calls: Turkeys don't always respond to the same call. Learn to adjust your calling sequence based on their response (or lack thereof). The WH037's versatility supports this adaptability.
• Experiment with Surfaces: While the WH037 is a purple heart striker, try it on various pot call surfaces (slate, glass, aluminum) to understand how it performs and which combinations yield your preferred sounds.

Integrating the WH037 Striker into Your Turkey Hunting Strategy

The Woodhaven WH037 Purple Heart Striker Call isn't just about making sounds; it's about crafting a narrative that draws turkeys in. Here's how to incorporate it effectively into your hunting strategy:

• The Opener: Start with subtle calls like soft tree yelps or fly-down cackles at first light to establish your presence. The WH037 can produce these with precision.
• Mid-Morning Locating: As the morning progresses, use louder, more aggressive yelps or cuts to locate birds. The purple heart striker's ability to cut through the silence is invaluable here.
• The Patient Wait: Once you've located a bird, scale back your calling. Use soft clucks and purrs to reassure them as they approach. Over-calling can spook wary gobblers.
• Reading the Bird: Pay attention to how turkeys respond to your calls. Are they gobbling back enthusiastically? Are they silent but heading your way? Adjust your calling strategy accordingly. If a tom is "hung up" (won't come closer), try a new series of calls, perhaps some aggressive cutting to challenge him, or a series of soft purrs to tempt him.
• Decoy Synergy: Pair your calling with realistic turkey decoys. A well-placed hen or jake decoy can provide a visual confirmation that complements the authentic sounds you're making with your Woodhaven WH037.
• Understanding the Landscape: Consider the terrain and vegetation. Sound travels differently through dense woods versus open fields. Adjust your volume and call type based on your surroundings.

Caring for Your Woodhaven WH037 Striker

To ensure your Woodhaven WH037 Purple Heart Striker Call performs optimally season after season, proper care is essential.

• Keep it Dry: While purple heart is durable, prolonged exposure to moisture can still affect any wood product. After use, especially in damp conditions, wipe your striker clean and allow it to air dry thoroughly before storing.
• Clean the Tip: The tip of the striker can accumulate oils and dirt from your hands or the call surface. Periodically clean the tip with a fine-grit sandpaper (like 320-400 grit) or an abrasive pad specifically designed for call maintenance. This roughens the surface just enough to ensure optimal friction and sound production.
• Protect from Damage: Store your striker in a protective sleeve or a dedicated call pouch to prevent it from rattling around with other gear, which could chip or scratch the tip.
• Avoid Contaminants: Keep the striker away from oils, insect repellents, or any foreign substances that could alter its surface and affect its sound-making capabilities.

Why Woodhaven is a Trusted Name in Turkey Hunting

Woodhaven Custom Calls has earned its reputation as a leader in the turkey hunting community through a steadfast commitment to innovation, quality, and an unwavering passion for the sport. Their calls are not mass-produced; they are meticulously crafted, often by hunters themselves, who understand the subtle nuances that make a call truly effective. When you choose a Woodhaven product like the WH037 Purple Heart Striker, you're investing in:

• Proven Performance: Woodhaven calls have a track record of success in the field, helping hunters across North America fill their tags.
• Superior Materials: They source and utilize only the finest materials, like the dense, resonant purple heart wood, to ensure optimal sound and longevity.
• Expert Craftsmanship: Each call and accessory is a product of skilled hands, precision manufacturing, and a dedication to detail that sets them apart.
• Hunter-Driven Design: Woodhaven understands the needs of turkey hunters because they are turkey hunters. Their designs are field-tested and refined to meet the demanding conditions of the wild.

This level of dedication ensures that every Woodhaven product, including the WH037 Purple Heart Striker Call, provides hunters with a reliable, high-performance tool that enhances their ability to engage with and successfully harvest wild turkeys. These products are readily available for purchase at reputable outdoor equipment retailers such as DEGuns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Striker Calls

Many hunters have common questions when it comes to optimizing their turkey calls. Here are some insights:

Q: What is the best striker material for turkey calls?
A: There isn't a single "best" material, as different woods and materials (like carbon or acrylic) produce unique sounds. Purple heart, like in the Woodhaven WH037, is highly valued for its crisp, clear notes, especially for cutting and yelping, and its excellent volume. Hunters often carry a variety of strikers to achieve different tones on the same pot call.

Q: Can one striker work on all pot call surfaces (slate, glass, aluminum)?
A: Yes, a quality striker like the Woodhaven WH037 Purple Heart can be used effectively on various friction call surfaces. However, the sound profile will change depending on the surface material. Purple heart generally performs exceptionally well on both slate and glass, offering versatility for different calling situations.

Q: How often should I clean or resurface my striker tip?
A: The frequency depends on how often you use it and the conditions. A good rule of thumb is to clean or lightly scuff the tip with fine-grit sandpaper (like 320-400 grit) or an abrasive pad specifically designed for call maintenance. This helps maintain optimal friction.

Q: How do I know if my striker is worn out?
A: A worn-out striker will often produce dull, inconsistent, or "dead" sounds. The tip might appear rounded or polished, reducing its ability to grip the call surface effectively. If cleaning and scuffing don't restore its performance, it might be time for a replacement.

Q: Does the length of the striker matter?
A: Yes, striker length can affect leverage and control. Most strikers are designed with an optimal length for balance and ease of use. The Woodhaven WH037 is engineered to provide excellent control for a wide range of hand sizes and calling styles.

Q: What problem does the Woodhaven WH037 solve for turkey hunters?
A: The WH037 Purple Heart Striker solves the problem of inconsistent or unrealistic turkey vocalizations often encountered with lesser quality strikers. It empowers hunters to produce precise, clear, and authentic turkey sounds, enhancing their ability to locate, attract, and ultimately harvest wary wild turkeys by delivering the sound fidelity that triggers a response from the birds.

By understanding the nuanced role of the striker and embracing a premium tool like the Woodhaven WH037 Purple Heart Striker Call, hunters gain a significant advantage in the field. It's an investment in sound quality, durability, and ultimately, success in the pursuit of the majestic wild turkey.

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Product Specifications & Features

Feature	Description
Product Name	Woodhaven WH037 Purple Heart Striker Call
Material	Premium Purple Heart Wood
Primary Use	Attracts Turkeys
Compatibility	Designed for use with friction (pot) turkey calls (slate, glass, aluminum surfaces)
Benefits	Produces clear, crisp, and realistic turkey vocalizations; enhances control and sound fidelity
Durability	High-density wood offers excellent resistance to wear and tear in outdoor conditions
UPC	854627000376