Electronic Game/Deer Calls

[murff]

Purchased a deer decoy. It came with an electronic deer caller (grunt, doe in heat, etc.). Before I got it I called the DNR to see if I could use the caller. I was told "yes". Now I am not sure and the DNR has not responded to my email. Anyone help? Murff.

[jlm]

In MN, electronic devices of any kind may not be used to take or aid in taking big game. Unless the law has changed for 2007! However, I have not heard that it has so I would be safe and find out directly from the DNR in writing before risking it. Good luck!

[murff]

Thanks. That must be why the DNR has not responded to my email.

[harvey lee]

That e-mail to the DNR will take some time usually as they get bombarded with questions and only a few to research and reply. Sometimes a faster way to get an answer to your questions is to just call. I have always called and got my answers in 5 minutes or less.

[lcornice]

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Purchased a deer decoy. It came with an electronic deer caller (grunt, doe in heat, etc.). Before I got it I called the DNR to see if I could use the caller. I was told "yes". Now I am not sure and the DNR has not responded to my email. Anyone help? Murff.

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With 500,000 deer hunters there's more than just a few calls/emails coming in right now. Electronic calls would be legal so long as they are not controlled by remote control. Minnesota Statute 97b.085 says:

97B.085 USE OF RADIOS TO TAKE ANIMALS.

Subdivision 1. Radio use in taking game prohibited. A person may not use radio equipment to take big game or small game.

What that means is if your electronic device is handheld, hooked up to a wire, or stuck on the deer and it bleats every X minutes, it's legal. If it bleats, snorts, grunts, or wags it tail after you push a button, it's not legal.

[chucker34]

So, could you have a tape recorder with buck grunts on it down on the ground and when you saw a big buck coming, climb down out of your treestand, turn it on and then climb back up and arrow him? lol, JK. I think its funny.

[harvey lee]

I would really like to thank lcornice for all the help with the DNR info. This is a great help for many.

[RoosterRedneck]

Say you had one of those johnny stewart tape players. The tapes are only about a half hour long on each side so you would have to dub it on say a 90 minute tape. The tape player turns on with the push of a button. But what if I left the speaker and the tape player down by the decoy and turned it on. Then went up to the stand. Would that be legal?

[chucker34]

harvey lee, I concur. It is indeed a service. It might be interesting for fishingminnesota to do a DNR FAQ column with lcornice on the most widely asked or interesting DNR inquiries, etc., especially during hunting seasons, if he had the time and and approval from the DNR to do so. I learn a lot of interesting things from the posts. But doing this in a more organized approach might reach a wider audience.

[Scott K]

I think this would be a great idea, but I could see how it could get ugly fast, and I wouldnt want to be the one being drilled non stop.

[chucker34]

True, but I was thinking of only picking one or two intriguing inquiries a week and answering in a paragraph or two. Things people might not think of. Such as the electronic calling technicalities, etc.

[jlm]

Wow, thanks for clearing that one up, you learn something everyday I guess. Kind of opens up many new ideas when approaching deer hunting tactics! Thanks for the infoo!

[UMDSportsman]

I like how stores in minnesota like to sell stuff that you cannot use. Last night i stopped at a very big name store and in their sidewalk sale they had a bunch of the wireless deer calls. there is a remote in there that turns it on/off. i wish that stores in minnesota would choose not to keep things that are illegal off their shelves. i know there is the i want to buy my equipment for a trip reason and such, but still, what about the people that never crack open the regulations (i think most people don't) and see it, buy it, use it, and not know it is illegal.

[chucker34]

I know but it's a free country and just because they sell it, doesn't mean you have to use it. That's the theory I guess. Still, doesn't make a lot of sense I agree.

Hey lcornice, I cannot believe I didn't realize who you are until now! It struck me when I was making my regular visit to the DNR web site. I mean, I always knew you knew what you were talking about when it comes to deer hunting, but know I really do. Keep up the great work. I 've only been hunting for three years now but I really enjoy the fact that there are so many deer in the state thanks to the DNR's managment tactics. Even if I can only take one deer in my lottery area this year. I know that will help it so I can take more in the future.

[murff]

Thanks. Now I understand.

[lcornice]

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I know but it's a free country and just because they sell it, doesn't mean you have to use it. That's the theory I guess. Still, doesn't make a lot of sense I agree.

Hey lcornice, I cannot believe I didn't realize who you are until now! It struck me when I was making my regular visit to the DNR web site. I mean, I always knew you knew what you were talking about when it comes to deer hunting, but know I really do. Keep up the great work. I 've only been hunting for three years now but I really enjoy the fact that there are so many deer in the state thanks to the DNR's managment tactics. Even if I can only take one deer in my lottery area this year. I know that will help it so I can take more in the future.

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No problem. I was asked a couple of years ago by a moderator if I'd answer the occassional question here and there. I said I'd do it if I didn't lead with my work title. To be honest, I don't mind at all. This board is extremely respectful as compared to others that are out there. You guys have a genuine interest in the information and helping each other. Too many forums today are dominated by people who feel some need to beat up on others. I've said 'no' to more than one request to post on other forums.