Using turkey decoy and calls for coyotes

DVXDUDE

DVXDUDE

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I tried something new today. I brought my turkey decoy and boxcall with me this morning. I set up the decoy about 20 yards away and it was spinning from the wind, started doing some really fast cuts/clucks for about 20 seconds and I see a coyote burst out running full blast towards the decoy. He smelt me when he was 1 yard from running the decoy over. I shot of had the shotgun would of dumped him easy. Instead I had my rifle on 12x and couldnt find him fast enough.


walking back to the house I thought to myself....Could I get charged for this? never even occured to me til after the fact.

I wanted to know if anyone knows if its legal (in Ontario) to use a turkey decoy/call for coyote hunting?
 
I kind of used them during the turkey season.
I don't think there is a law saying what kind of decoy you can use or not use? but I am no lawyer.
My concern would be a game warden thinking you are poaching? I am sure he would understand if you explain?
 
I had a couple of similar experiences during the spring turkey season over the last few years. After the second time (coyote actually hit the decoy at a full run, realized his mistake, swapped ends and took off at Mach 4) I called the MNR and asked the exact question you are asking here. I was promised a call back. That was in April of '07. I can't say that I am still waiting for the call because this is the same response I've gotten from the MNR a half dozen or so times over the last 10 years. I have NEVER received a return phone call as I was promised EVERY TIME. Some calls were questions, others were to report illegal activity...same deal. Nothing.

Looking at it from this bitter perspective, I am pretty sure that a C.O. who finds you hiding at the edge of a field, in camo, armed, with a turkey decoy(s) in front of you, with no turkey season open, is going to charge you. Why take the chance? Better yet, give the MNR a call...unless it's the Peterborough office. If you get a response, PLEASE post the results.
 
I'll call tomorrow and find out. I know if I found some real prick mnr officer they would charge me with poaching, I guess I better not try it anymore until I find out. I'll post what I find out.
 
How can they charge you for turkey hunting out of season, first off you do not use 4, 5, or 6 shot on coyotes and second you had a rifle with you.

How can the MNR charge you with no proof of killing an animal?
 
Your sitting on the fence, They could lay a charge easily IMHO. It all depends on the CO. You are hunting with turkey techniques as taught by OFAH. Sure you can use a rifle, or larger shot, but do you want to risk it ?
 
Winchested said:
How can they charge you for turkey hunting out of season, first off you do not use 4, 5, or 6 shot on coyotes and second you had a rifle with you.

How can the MNR charge you with no proof of killing an animal?
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You would have 3 or more charges. Hunting out of season, hunting with an improper firearm, hunting with improper ammunition.

They won't take your word for it, and they will charge you. You might get away with the decoy, but the box call would seal the deal...

DVXDUDE, if you call and they say its OK, get it in writing and get the officer's ID # and phone # in case a different CO comes by...
 
dutchhunter said:
i dont thi8nk there is any law that says you canot us a turkey decoy to bring in yotes
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No, but you must prove you are not turkey hunting, and they will not take your word for it. Same as if you are target shooting during a big game season, you must prove you were target shooting. Like I said, you may get away with the decoy, but not likely with the box call. Depends on the CO, but why chance ending up in court over a stupid coyote...
 
i've been debating using this same tactic the last couple years now. Stupid part is that i have a CO living right close by. I will give him a call someday soon and let you guys know what he says. I was planning on using a wounded turkey type decoy with real wings and dragging it through the snow, Iwas also planning on using box calls.
 
It's kind of line fishing for pike with bass lures when bass are not in season. The onus is on you to be able to prove that you're not fishing for bass (or hunting Turkey) not on the CO to prove you are.

Dave
 
So, I emailed this question to the MNR and this is the response I received.

Thank you for your question.

Using turkey decoys and/or a box call at this time of year would only constitute turkey hunting if you killed, injured, captured or harassed a turkey as a result. If your activities do not result in any of these, then you would not be turkey hunting.

I would suggest contacting your local MNR office to discuss with them the area where you plan to do this, so that you can ensure your activity does not harass turkeys.


Sincerely,

**** *******

Provincial Enforcement Specialist

Policy, Standards and Training Section

Enforcement Branch

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
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It's up to the local MNR officer who may or MAY NOT believe the story you are telling him..

if he believes you, then all is good, but if he thinks something is up, then they will charge you with poaching (they don't need proof to convict you.. you have to show PROOF you are not). it all depends on the conversation you have with him.
 
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