Haydels H81 Goose Call Review

The Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker: Review from Real Use

The Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker isn’t just another call; it’s a legacy. Haydels Game Calls has been crafting calls for generations, and this particular model is renowned for its deep, guttural tones, excellent cluck, and crying comeback call. It’s a simple, yet effective tool that has earned a reputation, especially among guides on Maryland’s eastern shore who value its durability and ease of use. For someone looking for a reliable call that can withstand the elements and produce authentic goose sounds, the Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker is a strong contender.

I was looking for a goose call that could cut through the wind and reach out to distant flocks. My old call, a high-end short reed, was too finicky and required constant tuning, something I didn’t always have time for in the field. I needed something simpler, more robust, and reliable, like the Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker.

The call comes in a simple blister pack, nothing fancy, but that’s not what matters. The molded polycarb body felt solid in my hand. The weight was reassuring, not too heavy, but substantial enough to feel like a quality tool.

Compared to my short reed call and a friend’s acrylic call, the Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker stood out in its simplicity. My short reed required constant adjustments based on weather and moisture, while my friend’s acrylic call needed a softer touch. The Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker promised to be impervious to moisture, and that’s what drew me in.

Honestly, I was skeptical at first. Could a call this simple really deliver the complex sounds of a Canadian goose? I was excited to find out, but also prepared to be disappointed; after all, the price point was quite reasonable.

Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker out to a flooded cornfield on a blustery November morning. The wind was whipping, and a light rain was falling – perfect conditions to test its claim of being impervious to moisture. I nestled into my layout blind, and waited for the geese.

Even with numb fingers, the call was easy to use. I was able to produce convincing clucks and moans. A small flock of geese, previously ignoring my spread, broke formation and headed straight for us.

I was initially surprised by how little air it took to produce a realistic sound. My short reed call required a lot of air pressure, which could lead to fatigue after a long calling session. The Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker was much more forgiving.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker has become my go-to call for nasty weather days. It performs reliably, even when soaking wet or caked in mud. There’s been no degradation in sound quality or performance.

Despite being a polycarb call, it’s held up incredibly well. There are no visible scratches or wear marks. Cleaning is a breeze; I just rinse it off with water and let it air dry.

Compared to my previous experiences with more expensive calls, the Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker has exceeded my expectations. It might not have the same nuanced sound as a high-end acrylic call, but its reliability and ease of use more than make up for it. The Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker is built to last.

Breaking Down the Features of Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Haydels Game Calls. This speaks to a long-standing reputation and a history of quality in the game call industry.

• Type: Reed Call. The simplicity of a reed call makes it less prone to freezing or sticking, making it a reliable option in harsh conditions.

• Species: Geese. Designed specifically to mimic the sounds of Canadian geese.

• Material: Polycarb. The polycarbonate construction ensures durability and resistance to moisture.

• Battery: None. A huge plus, meaning one less thing to worry about in the field.

• Produces deep guttural tones: Allows for a realistic sound.

• Excellent cluck and crying comeback call: Vital for attracting geese from a distance and sealing the deal on those that are close.

• Easy to blow: Important for less experienced callers or during long hunts.

• Impervious to moisture: This is the key selling point, ensuring consistent performance in all weather conditions.

These specifications combine to create a call that’s practical, reliable, and effective in the field. The ruggedness of the polycarb, the simple reed design, and the focus on core goose sounds make the Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker a valuable tool for any goose hunter.

Performance & Functionality

The Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker performs admirably for a call in its price range. It’s able to consistently produce a wide array of goose sounds.

Its strength lies in its ability to produce deep, raspy honks and clucks that mimic the sound of mature Canadian geese. However, it might lack the subtle nuances and high-pitched sounds achievable with more complex calls. Overall, it’s simple and effective at attracting geese.

The Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker meets and even exceeds expectations for a call in its price range. For hunters seeking a simple, durable, and reliable call, this is the one to get.

Design & Ergonomics

The call is molded from a single piece of polycarb, which means the overall construction is simple, solid, and rugged. The molded shape provides a comfortable grip.

There’s no fancy ergonomic design or intricate details. It is utilitarian and functional. Anyone can pick it up and start calling with minimal practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker’s polycarb construction makes it incredibly durable and able to withstand years of use. Polycarb is also resistant to cracking or breaking in cold weather.

Maintenance is minimal; simply rinse it out with water after use to remove any dirt or debris. The call should last for years with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker doesn’t come with any accessories, and customization options are limited due to its simple design. This is a straightforward, no-frills tool, and adding accessories would likely detract from its appeal. The focus is on simplicity and reliability.

It’s not designed to be compatible with aftermarket parts. It is a ready-to-use tool that doesn’t require modifications.

Pros and Cons of Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker

Who Should Buy Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker?

The Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker is perfect for:

• Hunters who need a reliable call in all weather conditions.
• Beginner goose hunters who want an easy-to-use call.
• Hunters who are on a budget but still want a quality call.

Those who should skip this product:

• Experienced callers who demand the most nuanced sounds.
• Hunters who enjoy customizing their calls.

Must-have accessories or modifications:

• Lanyard to keep it handy.
• Practice. Even the best call won’t work if you don’t know how to use it.

Conclusion on Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker

The Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker is a workhorse. It’s not the flashiest or most complex call on the market, but it is incredibly reliable, durable, and effective. For the price, you simply can’t beat its performance.

The price is absolutely justified. You’re getting a durable, reliable call that will last for years.

I would definitely recommend the Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker. It’s a must-have for any goose hunter who values reliability and simplicity.

If you’re looking for a dependable goose call that won’t let you down in the field, give the Haydels H81 Goose Canadian Honker a try. You might be surprised at how effective this simple call can be. Go get ’em!