Hunting Techniques: Calls

Like decoys, calls are now available for almost every game species. Calls can be a very effective way to bring game in close enough for you to get a shot, and the closer the animal is, the better your chances of making a quick, effective kill (and the more exciting it is, too!).

You can spend a whole lifetime experimenting with different calls and calling devices, learning which ones work best in various situations. It can be great fun. You can also find books, audio tapes, and video tapes that explain and demonstrate good calling techniques at most stores that sell hunting supplies. There are a few types of hunting where you can use a tape recording of actual animal calls, but tape players and electronic calls are illegal for most game animals-check your local regulations before you use them.

Always remember that when you are imitating the sounds of game animals, you may call other hunters to your location. Whenever two or more hunters move closer and closer to each other without knowing the others are there, it can be dangerous. It can be especially dangerous if the hunters believe they are very close to a game animal and are ready to shoot.
  If you are using an elk bugle call and you hear something coming toward you through the heavy cover, you must be absolutely certain before you take aim that it is not another hunter that is coming to your calls.
  If you hear a turkey gobbling and you move in close enough to see the outline of a turkey, you must not shoot until you can be certain that it is not just a decoy with another hunter using a gobble call sitting behind it.

HUNTERS HAVE DIED IN THESE SITUATIONS. BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT LIES BEYOND!

more advanced information

back to main section