I believe Avianfoo is implying that there is no use for it at CL 1, however you can skip CL 1, or make use of it at level 5 with a CL of 2. Another option is to quicken it with a metamagic rod and then make use of it in the same turn.
Also you could howl, end your turn
Enemy tries to stealth past you, you gain perception bonus due to howl.
(howl ends) your turn again.
Rangers don't actually get 1st level spells until 5th level, where their caster level is 2. You only get 1st level spells at 4th level if you have a Wisdom score high enough to grant a bonus spell of 1st level. So not all rangers would even be able to cast it at 4th level with a caster level of 1.
Besides that, the spell is still usable at 4th level. If the creature you cast it on is one of your favored enemies already, the creature is shaken. You don't get the bonus to hit or damage, but the target takes penalties to those.
So, even at a caster level of 1, there is still some benefit. (Also, if cast on a non-favored enemy, you would still get the bonus on any attacks of opportunity that the target provokes.)
Rangers don't actually get 1st level spells until 5th level, where their caster level is 2. You only get 1st level spells at 4th level if you have a Wisdom score high enough to grant a bonus spell of 1st level. So not all rangers would even be able to cast it at 4th level with a caster level of 1.
You're making this group sound far larger than it is.
If a Ranger has Wis of 12+, he gets a spell at 4th level.
If a Ranger has a Wis 10 or less, he can't cast spells at all.
So these rangers who don't get their first spell until 5th level you speak of is made up entirely of "rangers who have exactly wis 11." And possibly also, "Rangers with Wis 10 that get +2 Wis headband at 5th level but not at 4th."
*Most* rangers will either get a spell at 4th level or not get spells at 4th OR 5th level, if ever.
I'm reading the text for full-round-cast spells as ...
Ranger uses his action to cast Howl. His initiative is 18.
Spell goes into effect at Initiative 18.1, a hair's breadth before the Ranger goes.
Init 18 comes up, Ranger's 3rd round begins. This round, he has the How effect on him. He will continue to have it until Initiative 18.1 rolls around again.
I'm reading the text for full-round-cast spells as ...
Ranger uses his action to cast Howl. His initiative is 18.
Spell goes into effect at Initiative 18.1, a hair's breadth before the Ranger goes.
Init 18 comes up, Ranger's 3rd round begins. This round, he has the How effect on him. He will continue to have it until Initiative 18.1 rolls around again.
Hunter's Howl is a standard action. At caster level 1, you cast it on your turn, and it end just before your turn in the next round.
A full-round action casting time doesn't change anything. The spell still end before the ranger can act again. Even if it had a 1-round casting time, your example is still wrong. Assuming a 1 round duration:
1) Start casting on your turn on Round 1.
2) Spell finished casting right before your turn in Round 2, so you have the effects on that round.
3) Spell ends right before your turn on Round 3.
You're making this group sound far larger than it is.
I never said it applied to many rangers. Just that it does affect some rangers.
Still, the spell does have an effect for every ranger who casts it. Even at caster level 1, it effects would still apply to attacks of opportunity (if targeted at a non-favored enemy), or cause the target to be shaken (if targeted on a favored enemy).
Ah, I misread ... i thought the OP said 'full round casting time' spells.
My bad.