No electronic Turkey calling in IL?

Prof Young · April 12, 2019, 08:35 AM

So I have an ihunt electronic game call that has everything on it from alligator calls to wombats. I thought I'd use it for turkey hunting this year, but checked regs first and no, in Illinois you can't use an electronic call for turkey hunting. Bagged a bird without it, but am wondering why the ban on electronic calls.

Does your state allow electronic calls for turkey hunting?

Life is good.
Prof Young

NoSecondBest · April 12, 2019, 08:44 AM

Most don't allow it. It's all about learning to hunt and call, and ethics. I've played around with electronic calls (not hunting at the time) and it's much easier to turn the call on, get perfect sounds, and have both hands available for what ever else is needed....like using a shotgun while the call continues to make noise. Hunting isn't about going out and killing something every time, it's about developing skill sets and giving the quarry a bit of a chance to elude you.....usually most of the time. Turkey hunting/calling is an art form. Look at all the competitions that they have just about calling.

Pahoo · April 12, 2019, 10:32 AM

By my measure, the only advantage you get with using electronic calls for turkeys, is placement. I've had turkeys respond to the darnest calls/noises. Then again, nothing. On one hand, they seem smart and then can do some dumb things. I once tried to calling without a call and they came in. …

I read where a Deer sees all hunters as trees and Turkeys see all trees as hunters.

Be Safe !!!

turkeestalker · April 14, 2019, 07:25 PM

Quote:

I read where a Deer sees all hunters as trees and Turkeys see all trees as hunters.

I like that! Seemingly SO true!

I've always gone with the thinking that they're not truly that smart, but have 10X binoculars for eyes and are afraid of everything!

Truth be told is that if they're not that smart, I should be ashamed of having been outdone by more than one through the years.

Electronic calls are not allowed for turkeys in Missouri.

jmr40 · April 14, 2019, 08:54 PM

I guess it depends on the state, but all of them that I'm aware of or have hunted in only allow electronic calls for predators on non-game animals.

Blindstitch · April 16, 2019, 04:56 AM

Predators and crows in Wisconsin.

std7mag · April 16, 2019, 10:08 AM

Predators only in PA.
Otherwise no electronic calls.

T. O'Heir · April 16, 2019, 12:51 PM

"...why the ban on electronic calls..." The theory is that they make it too easy.
All hunting regs are about where you are.

buck460XVR · April 17, 2019, 06:51 PM

Most states nowadays place a high priority on the quality of the experience from the hunt. One reason Wisconsin still uses a lottery system for their Spring Turkey tags. To control the amount of hunters in the field at any one time to keep the experience positive and not frustrating. While it is also about controlling the numbers, unlike predators or nuisance animals, the harvest goals are now met easily enough without the use of electronic calls. If harvest numbers are not being met, I'd guess regulations would change. Used to be here you couldn't hunt turkeys after 12:00 noon. Then it became 5:00 p.m. Now it's all day. Comes down to harvest goals and success rates. Similar to the use of dogs here for fall turkeys. At one time it was a no-no. Now its a go. Used to be a lottery for fall tags too. Now it's as many as you want over the counter.

I do wonder tho........how many folks still use a electronic caller, even tho it's illegal.

April 12, 2019, 08:35 AM	#1
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,404	No electronic Turkey calling in IL? So I have an ihunt electronic game call that has everything on it from alligator calls to wombats. I thought I'd use it for turkey hunting this year, but checked regs first and no, in Illinois you can't use an electronic call for turkey hunting. Bagged a bird without it, but am wondering why the ban on electronic calls. Does your state allow electronic calls for turkey hunting? Life is good. Prof Young

April 12, 2019, 10:32 AM	#3
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	I don't see a great advantage By my measure, the only advantage you get with using electronic calls for turkeys, is placement. I've had turkeys respond to the darnest calls/noises. Then again, nothing. On one hand, they seem smart and then can do some dumb things. I once tried to calling without a call and they came in. … I read where a Deer sees all hunters as trees and Turkeys see all trees as hunters. Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

April 14, 2019, 08:54 PM	#5
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	I guess it depends on the state, but all of them that I'm aware of or have hunted in only allow electronic calls for predators on non-game animals. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

April 16, 2019, 04:56 AM	#6
Blindstitch Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2013 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 2,693	Predators and crows in Wisconsin. __________________ NRA Lifetime Member

April 16, 2019, 10:08 AM	#7
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Predators only in PA. Otherwise no electronic calls. __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

April 12, 2019, 08:44 AM	#2
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	Most don't allow it. It's all about learning to hunt and call, and ethics. I've played around with electronic calls (not hunting at the time) and it's much easier to turn the call on, get perfect sounds, and have both hands available for what ever else is needed....like using a shotgun while the call continues to make noise. Hunting isn't about going out and killing something every time, it's about developing skill sets and giving the quarry a bit of a chance to elude you.....usually most of the time. Turkey hunting/calling is an art form. Look at all the competitions that they have just about calling.

April 16, 2019, 12:51 PM	#8
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...why the ban on electronic calls..." The theory is that they make it too easy. All hunting regs are about where you are. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

April 17, 2019, 06:51 PM	#9
buck460XVR Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Posts: 4,342	Most states nowadays place a high priority on the quality of the experience from the hunt. One reason Wisconsin still uses a lottery system for their Spring Turkey tags. To control the amount of hunters in the field at any one time to keep the experience positive and not frustrating. While it is also about controlling the numbers, unlike predators or nuisance animals, the harvest goals are now met easily enough without the use of electronic calls. If harvest numbers are not being met, I'd guess regulations would change. Used to be here you couldn't hunt turkeys after 12:00 noon. Then it became 5:00 p.m. Now it's all day. Comes down to harvest goals and success rates. Similar to the use of dogs here for fall turkeys. At one time it was a no-no. Now its a go. Used to be a lottery for fall tags too. Now it's as many as you want over the counter. I do wonder tho........how many folks still use a electronic caller, even tho it's illegal.