Turkey calling professionals might scoff at the idea of using electronic calls for turkeys, but for the rest of us, these electronic devices might be just the ticket.
Flashing back two decades, a turkey tag was a scarce commodity in my area. In fact, a decade prior to that, most of us had never seen a wild turkey, let alone hunted one. Permits were distributed by a lottery system and, even after finally drawing one during 2002, I was ill-equipped to fill the precious tag. After flubbing around for a week, a good friend offered up his services as a guide for a hunt with his teenage son, Mike, who also scored a permit.
On a chilly spring morning before dawn, dressed in camo from head to foot, Mike and I plopped down at the upper edge of a pasture with our backs to large trees. Bob was to our rear, equipped with a collection of calls. He also had expertise, garnered through several out-of-state turkey hunts.
By sunrise Bob had managed to coax a crew of vocal birds off a distant hardwood ridge and up into the pasture toward us. Only “bearded” turkeys were legal with a limit of one per hunter. Miraculously, the group of five Jakes (younger males) headed our way all had stubby beards. When, at long last, they nervously reached the two decoys, we followed Bob’s cue and fired.
Almost simultaneously, two Jakes were flopping upside down as the rest scattered in great confusion. Mike and I were equally stunned. We were also done for that year.
Traditional turkey hunting involves the use of calls and decoys, timed for the springtime breeding season. One dominant Tom (adult male) can breed numerous hens, so most states schedule their hunts to begin at the tail end of this activity.
An amorous male can be susceptible to calls from a stray “excited hen” and a decoy or two can help seal the deal. Legal birds are typically limited to those with beards; the trademark of a male (and a rarity for hens).
Most experienced hunters seek trophy “longbeards” with pronounced fighting spurs. Also known as “limb-hangers”, some of these cagy Toms may top 25 pounds. The unique beards that sprout from the top of their breasts can be long enough to drag on the ground. Calling could provoke adrenaline-charged gobbles, although some sneaky old Toms will appear without a sound.
Jakes often behave more like lovestruck teenagers, traveling in small gangs while on the prowl for girls. Their “beards” are closer to stubs and their spurs are often just nubs. Most also weigh 15 pounds or less.
They’ll often respond to a call with lots of noisy gobbling while providing plenty of entertainment. They’re the perfect quarry for beginners and they also make better table fare.
The above turkeys from 2002 were “just Jakes,” but for me the whole experience was exciting and educational. I didn’t draw a tag the following year, however I did gain some experience while calling for others – if we’d care to consider it “calling.” Surprisingly, we even killed a couple turkeys – probably because they were as uneducated as me.
But 2004 began differently. Beyond another spring tag, a new-fangled electronic game call was on hand. Built by FOXPRO, it could be operated by remote control to play any one of 32 programmable sounds. The main market for such devices was and still is predator hunting.
I ordered my FX-3 through Allpredatorcalls.com, picking a customized list of calls from FOXPRO’s much larger sound menu. Most I chose were geared toward coyotes and crows along with a few deer sounds. Almost as an afterthought, I threw in some turkey vocalizations – which turned out to be a lucky decision.
When dawn broke on opening morning of ’04, I was already tucked inside the brushy edge of a field. A pair of decoys was set twenty yards to my front, accompanied by the e-call. In classic turkey form, as the spring morning came to life, a series of distant gobbles resonated from a stand of tall white pines a couple hundred yards away. Activating the call with the remote, I answered with a few excited hen yelps.
I almost jumped through my skin when a thunderous series of gobbles exploded at a much closer distance. After “talking turkey” for several minutes, a gorgeous trophy Tom strutted into view while cautiously eyeballing the decoys. Clueless about my presence, his broadside path presented a perfect 20-yard shot that piled him up beside the decoys. For me it was a valuable learning experience; namely, turkeys will zero in the call!
Actually, my trusty FX-3 can be operated without its remote, although I seldom use that method. The call’s volume-dial turns it on. Once powered up, an LED will show a small dash meaning no call has been selected. This useful feature facilitates a quiet setup.
Both the call and its remote have push-pads for selection of a sound via numerical displays. A list of sounds is affixed to each unit, which makes this process easy. The remote has an extra set of pads to regulate the call’s volume, and a separate “mute” button.
To establish a setup, I unfold the call’s small antenna and dial up the volume by at least 50%. Then, using the remote, I toggle through the numbers to “send” the desired sound (on mine, #22 is “excited hen-yelps”). The call’s LED will synchronize with the remote but will still remain silent. Next, I slowly increase the volume with the remote. As soon as the sound is audible, I hit the “mute” button.
At that point it’s ready to set it out. This procedure ensures a trouble-free setup with only minimal exposure time. With a hide is already established, the last step is to jump back in for any final preparations.
Nowadays, in my area, turkey are everywhere. The lottery is long gone, replaced by two legal spring Toms and five fall birds of either sex. One could debate the ethics of e-calls, but at this point they’ve assumed official nuisance status in some spots. Nevertheless, once hunted, turkeys can smarten up fast.
Thus, I still take care to factor in likely approach routes when establishing an e-call setup. Odds of being busted greatly decrease if a head-on approach can be avoided. Whenever possible, I’ll also elevate the call for better output using a stump or branch, located to avoid collateral damage.
Regarding legal firearms for turkeys, like many states, mine is shotgun-only. The strategy involves head-shots. Some of today’s turkey loads offer phenomenal performance, but a forty yard shot is still a poke. Thus, I try to locate the e-call and decoys inside 25 yards – again, with it already switched on and muted. Once ready, I can un-mute the call with the remote and toggle up its volume as necessary. Use of a lanyard ensures two free hands.
The sounds play as loops, so a nonstop sequence won’t seem natural. Better to call sparingly than go overboard. I’ll often use “cuts” or “purrs” to mix things up, softening the latter as turkeys draw near. The mute button also gets lots of use.
Occasionally, I’ll tag-team with another e-call equipped hunter. Two calls resonating through the woods can generate true chaos. As a group of gobbling turkeys intermingle with the calls and decoys, the ensuing confusion can offer multiple opportunities. However, each call needs to be on a separate frequency. Ours have two-channel switches which are tested before the hunt.
Many of today’s remotes display the actual title of a sound within an illuminated window. Mine doesn’t, so I’ve learned to memorize the numerical selections for use in low light. Range of the remote can vary depending on obstructions, but my system has never imposed real-world limits. Run-time is also great when starting with a fully charged call. Early on, I switched to FOXPRO’s rechargeable kit which uses four AA batteries.
They’ll run the call for hours, even in cold conditions involving lots of loud calling for crows or predators. Once home, I remove the e-call’s battery cover before plugging in the charger. The process can take several hours, and this precaution helps prevents overheating.
Another concern is moisture. I won’t use mine in downpours, but I can shield it against light drizzle by slipping it in a plastic bread bag with its antennae poking through. Although purpose-built carriers are sold, my system is toted in a fanny pack with the strap looped over my neck and a shoulder. The remote is powered by a 9-volt battery. I always bring a spare but, so far, I’ve never needed one afield.
Like other technologies, E-calls have come a long way. Features now include greater capacity, more volume, and external connections for motion-decoys or extra speakers. Some e-calls can even play two simultaneous selections or interact with the sound of a shot. Sound customization is another possibility. Even my older FX-3 has a USB port for access to FOXPRO’s extensive on-line sound library.
The closest current match appears to be FOXPRO’s Hammerjack 2. It comes with two speakers (front and rear), 100 sounds, and a rechargeable AA battery system (requiring 8). By connecting to FOXPRO’s sound library you can boost the call to 400 sounds, picking and choosing as you please.
But less expensive models are available, along with costlier high-performance models. And, of course, other manufacturers offer good e-calls.
Turkey hunting is a beloved pastime for many outdoor enthusiasts. The thrill of calling in a wary old tom is exhilarating. But technology is changing the sport, leaving many hunters wondering – can you use electronic calls for turkey hunting? The answer is complicated and depends on your state’s regulations.
What Are Electronic Turkey Calls?
Electronic turkey calls, also known as e-calls, use speakers to digitally recreate turkey sounds like gobbles, clucks, purrs and yelps. Many models allow hunters to select from a variety of pre-programmed sounds and adjust the volume as needed. Some even have remote controls for operating from a distance.
E-calls provide very realistic turkey vocals without requiring the skill of traditional handheld or mouth diaphragm calls. They allow hunters to make sounds continuously without fatigue. Some models can imitate multiple turkeys or produce sounds no human can replicate.
Are Electronic Turkey Calls Legal?
Electronic turkey calls are banned for hunting migratory birds nationwide per federal regulations. But wild turkeys are considered resident game birds so states control the regulations.
Currently only 4 states allow e-calls for turkey hunting
- Arizona
- Maine
- Nevada
- Texas
All other states prohibit electronic calls for turkeys. Even where legal, some public lands like wildlife management areas may ban them during certain seasons. Hunters should always check state and local regulations before using an e-call.
Do Electronic Calls Work for Turkey Hunting?
There’s no doubt e-calls can be effective under the right conditions. They allow hunters to make continuous sounds over long periods that can draw in distant birds. Electronic calls can keep a gobbler engaged when he might lose interest with a human’s limited range.
But e-calls have disadvantages too. They lack adaptability, only producing pre-set sounds. Savvy old toms get wary of overly aggressive and consistent calling. An e-call can’t have the nuanced conversation of a hunter using varied calls. And e-calls provide no quality assurance – a gobbler may approach but hang up or leave if the digital hen sounds unnatural.
A human caller can read the turkey’s reactions and adjust. An e-call keeps producing the same programmed sounds regardless. So while they can work, e-calls are no guarantee of filling a tag. Many factors from weather to breeding stage impact success.
Are Electronic Turkey Calls Ethical?
The ethics of using electronic calls for turkeys are hotly debated in the hunting community. Those who support e-calls point to their legality. They say taking advantage of effective technology falls within ethical hunting. Some also argue e-calls can help introduce new hunters without calling skills.
But many hunters consider e-calls unethical and unsporting. They view these devices as gimmicks that make hunting too easy at the expense of fair chase. To some, e-calls violate the spirit of matching wits with a wary game animal. Essentially, e-call critics believe digital calls take the skill, woodsmanship and challenge out of turkey hunting.
Each hunter must decide for themselves whether using an electronic call aligns with their ethical standards. If legal in your state, e-calls don’t automatically make hunting unethical. But many diehard turkey hunters will continue vocally calling in birds the traditional way.
Tips for Using Electronic Turkey Calls
If you choose to use an e-call, here are some tips to be effective:
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Scout First – Know where the birds are and set up within 100 yards of roosted turkeys.
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Use Sparingly – Overcalling with e-calls can make turkeys hang up. Use them judiciously.
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Try Different Sounds – Switch up yelps, purrs and gobbles if you don’t get a response.
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Soft Sounds First – Loud aggressive calling might spook birds. Start with low volume content.
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Have Patience – Give turkeys time to respond. Don’t expect them to come running every time.
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Stay Hidden – Make sure speakers are well concealed from a turkey’s sharp eyes.
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Follow Regulations – Always check state laws before using e-calls on public or private land.
The Future of Electronic Turkey Calls
The number of states allowing electronic turkey calls seems unlikely to grow significantly anytime soon. Their use remains highly controversial among most hunters and wildlife agencies. But as technology advances, e-calls will continue improving in effectiveness and popularity.
For diehard turkey hunters, the satisfaction of coaxing in a tom with old-fashioned calling skills is hard to beat. Yet e-calls offer advantages too in the right circumstances. Regardless of your opinion on electronic calls, the most important thing is following regulations and hunting ethically.
With knowledge and scouting, you can use electronic calls successfully within the rules. But e-calls will never fully replace woodsmanship and reading turkey behavior.electronically or traditionally, matching wits with a gobbler this spring provides an exciting challenge. Only you can decide if using an e-call aligns with your turkey hunting passions.
Electronic Call Hunting Notes
Dual sounds offer interesting possibilities, but two separated calls can still be downright deadly – especially on crows! With a couple dozen decoys spread around an owl on a pole the result can be truly awesome shotgun action. Using a single call, we’ve taken a number of other species including deer (using e-call bleats) and, of course, predators. For me though, most e-call use involves crows and turkeys.
As mentioned previously, for turkeys, calling is a spring thing. I have managed to call in the occasional bird during our fall season by breaking up a flock and playing “lost turkey”. But, for the most part, autumn is spot & stalk hunting.
Which leads to a caution: Stalking turkeys is frowned upon during spring seasons due genuine safety concerns. After all, everyone hunting turkeys is trying to imitate one! Special precautions are essential.
A huntersafety course geared toward turkeys is highly recommended for the welfare of everyone in the woods! Meanwhile, outdoor TV shows or on-line turkey hunting videos can be a source of useful information.
Turkey Hunting Tips: How to use locator calls for hunting turkeys
FAQ
Can you use an electronic call for turkey hunting?
While nothing can match the exhilaration and excitement of calling in your first bird after working hard to perfect your diaphragm or box calls, electronic callers have their time and place in turkey hunting.
What states allow electronic turkey calls?
Electronic calls are legal in AZ, ME, NV and TX. I have hunted 3 of those states and never given a thought to considering using an electronic turkey call. I don’t consider using real turkey sounds to lure a gobbler in, fair chase anymore than hunting over bait.
How good are electronic turkey calls?
- By far the easiest calls to use as they don’t require a ton of finesse. Just a solid understanding of the variety of sounds necessary to call birds.
- Great for beginners.
- Capable of making realistic yelps, purrs and clucks.
- It can be used with one hand which is a feature that makes it a favorite to me.
Can you use your phone as a turkey call?
Download Turkey Calls now and elevate your turkey hunting game to new heights! Experience the thrill, master the calls, and conquer the hunt with Turkey Calls – your trusted hunting companion. Prepare for a season of success, one call at a time.
How should you use an electronic Turkey call?
When using an electronic turkey call, use it sparingly. If you over-call, turkeys become suspicious and may avoid the area altogether. So start with a few short calls and see how the birds respond. If they seem interested, you can make your calls longer and more frequent. Be patient.
Are electronic turkey calls a good way to attract turkeys?
Electronic turkey calls can be an effective way to attract turkeys. However, there are other options. For a small, portable call that’s easy to use, a mouth call might be the best choice. If you’re looking for a realistic sound or if electronic calls are illegal in your state, a slate or box call may be a better choice.
Why do hunters use electronic callers?
Electronic callers are used by hunters to imitate the sounds of a turkey hen and entice male turkeys to come into the open in search of a mate. They come in various shapes and sizes, but all produce realistic sounds that can help hunters bag their next big trophy. Hunters use callers to improve their chances of success in the field.
Can you use a shotgun on a wild turkey?
Shotguns are the only legal firearm that may be used during East Zone spring season for wild turkey. Magazine Capacity (number of shells/cartridges allowed): there are no restrictions on the number of shells or cartridges a legal firearm may hold when hunting game animals or game birds (except migratory game birds, see Legal Shotgun).
What happens if you don’t report deer & turkey in game check?
Failure to report all deer and turkey harvested on your harvest record in Game Check is unlawful. (220-2-.146) Hunt in lawful areas where baiting/feeding has occurred until 10 days after all bait/feed has been removed or consumed. (*Except those in possession of a baiting privilege license hunting white-tailed deer or feral swine. 220-2-.11)
Can you use a decoy to hunt a migratory bird?
use decoys to hunt game animals and game birds. No person may use live decoys when hunting migratory game birds. bait for game animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds, except for wild turkey in the East Zone and migratory game birds. (Baiting is unlawful on most public property. Please check specific regulations for that public property.)