Can You Use Electronic Calls for Turkey Hunting?

Electronic turkey calls have become a controversial topic among turkey hunters. Some states allow them, while others prohibit their use But should you use an electronic call even if it’s legal in your state? Here’s a deep dive into the debate around electronic turkey calls and whether they have a place in ethical turkey hunting

What are Electronic Turkey Calls?

Electronic turkey calls, also known as E-calls use digital technology to simulate the sounds of actual turkeys. Many models allow you to play various hen calls clucks, purrs, yelps, and gobbles at the touch of a button. Some even let you mix and match sounds to create realistic turkey talk.

E-calls run on battery power and amplify the turkey sounds through a speaker. Most feature remote controls so you can operate the calls without excessive movement. Some models also allow you to save and quickly access your favorite sounds.

With an E-call, mimicking turkey vocalizations requires no skill. Just press a button and let the technology do the work. Even novice hunters can sound like a seasoned pro.

Where Are Electronic Turkey Calls Legal?

Electronic calls remain prohibited for turkey hunting in most states. Only 4 states – Arizona, Maine, Nevada, and Texas – allow the use of electronic calls when pursuing wild turkeys.

Even in states where E-calls are legal, their use remains controversial. Many hunters view them as going against the spirit of fair chase and the essence of turkey hunting.

Arguments For Allowing Electronic Turkey Calls

They can bring in wary gobblers

Proponents argue E-calls may entice difficult birds that won’t respond to mouth calls. The variety of sounds at the push of a button may pique a hung-up gobbler’s interest when traditional calling fails.

They’re easier for beginners

For novice hunters still mastering mouth calls, E-calls eliminate the learning curve. With realistic sounds at your fingertips, anyone can talk turkey like a pro.

They’re helpful for hunters with disabilities

Hunters unable to use mouth calls due to disabilities can still enjoy turkey hunting with the help of electronic calls. E-calls level the playing field.

They’re effective for predator control

Much like electronic calling for predators like coyotes, electronic turkey calls could aid with population control efforts in areas with excessive numbers.

Arguments Against Electronic Turkey Calls

They violate fair chase principles

Many argue E-calls contradict the spirit of fair chase and ethical turkey hunting. Using advanced technology to lure in birds violates the essence of matching wits in the spring woods.

They remove the challenge

The ability to mimic turkey talk perfectly without skill goes against what draws many hunters to turkey hunting. Calling a wary tom using your own abilities provides a greater sense of accomplishment.

They’re unnecessary with proper preparation

With scouting and practice calling, hunters can consistently bring in spring gobblers using traditional calls like box calls, slate calls, and mouth calls. E-calls are simply an unnecessary shortcut.

They could lead to overharvest

Some caution E-calls in the wrong hands could make filling tags too easy, potentially leading to localized overharvest of gobblers. Regulating use may prove difficult.

It removes critical decision-making

When using mouth calls, hunters must gauge responses and adjust calling strategies accordingly. E-calls remove this critical real-time decision-making from turkey hunting.

The sounds aren’t natural enough

Even with advances in digital turkey calls, the sounds often lack the vocal nuances of real birds. This may explain why electronic calls don’t work magic on savvy gobblers.

The technology still needs improvement

While E-calls have progressed substantially, many argue the technology still doesn’t mimic live turkeys well enough to replace traditional calls – especially given turkeys’ ultra-keen hearing.

Are Electronic Turkey Calls Ethical?

The question of whether using electronic turkey calls is ethical remains a judgment call. With persuasive points on both sides of the debate, each hunter must decide based on their personal ethics and turkey hunting philosophy.

For hunters prioritizing fair chase principles, electronic calls likely cross the line. But for others focused on effectiveness, E-calls don’t violate any ethical boundaries when legal.

One thing is certain – the debate around electronic turkey calls highlights larger discussions within the hunting community about ethics, technology, and the future of our traditions. The issues raise important questions for an evolving sport.

Best Practices for Using Electronic Turkey Calls

For hunters residing in states where E-calls are legal who decide to incorporate them:

• Use sparingly and only when needed for difficult birds
• Avoid overcalling and sounding unnatural
• Stick to hen calls rather than overusing gobbles
• Mix with mouth calling rather than relying solely on electronics
• Consider a model with a remote control for subtle operation
• Practice so sounds and sequences sound more natural
• Focus on hunting safely from a good vantage point

The Bottom Line

The jury remains out on whether electronic turkey calls have a place in ethical turkey hunting. With persuasive arguments on both sides, the debate is sure to continue as technology progresses.

But for hunters considering using E-calls where legal, maintaining a high standard for fair chase and preparation is advisable. Avoid over-reliance on technology, use electronic calls conservatively, focus on safety and hunting ethics, and let the gobblers dictate whether artificial sounds are warranted.

At the end of the day, connecting with a wary spring tom using woodsmanship and skills you’ve honed delivers the greatest rewards. But for hunters residing where E-calls are legal, keeping an open mind may reveal instances where electronic calls can help put another longbeard on the ground.