Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I'm an avid predator caller and have purchased some electronic calling equipment for coyotes. Can I use my equipment to bugle bull elk during the archery rut hunts?" Answer: All calls utilizing electricity are prohibited for hunting game animals, game birds and waterfowl. Mouth blown, hand operated or mechanical calls are lawful. The Fish and Game Commission has made only one exception to this rule; electronic calls may be used to hunt mountain lions in units 41, 42, and that portion of game management unit 12 north of State Highway 12 southwest of Doe Creek Road (US forest Service Road 566)and northeast of Cabin Creek and US Forest Service Road 486. Many companies that produce commercial animal calls also produce cassette tapes, discs and other electronic storage media to assist hunters to become proficient at use of calls. Any replication or use of these recordings to attract game for hunting would be unlawful. Several companies also offer sophisticated calling equipment for furbearers and unprotected species such as coyotes. In Idaho electronic calls and equipment are lawful for hunting furbearers and unprotected species. To retain some aspects of "fair chase" for hunting game in Idaho the Fish and Game Commission still requires you to blow a duck call and an elk bugle with your mouth using lung power. Reference Idaho Commission Rule IDAPA 13.01.08410.05.a If you have any further questions you may call the Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208)324-4350 or e-mail us at the Fish and Game web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.