3 Pennsylvania Hunters shot in separate incidents

[joey46]

Without a specific definition of stalking I'd be afraid to get out of the truck and walking into the woods on public land without first making a call or two.  How is this possibly enforced?  Obviously one that sneaks in and shoots someone's decoy or someone's person is stalking but is trying to slip into a close setup position on a gobbling bird before calling or just sitting in wait for this bird stalking?  Never should be this much conjecture on a basic regulation.

I can remember many times, in hilly terrain, hearing a bird gobbling over a rise, been below him, then slipping uphill a ways so he'll be in range if he comes to the crest.  I then would just sit down and wait for him to strut over the crest and getting a shot.  Might never have needed to call or wanted to. If he's on the way in anyway I don't call.  Probably took as many birds in LBL Kentucky and southern Ohio this way as any other. IMO Calling in this scenario can hang one up as easily as bring one in.  He's maybe thinking she coming to me I'll just stand around and strut and strut and strut never coming any further until he gets bored and walks off.   
   

[Number17]

Like I said, it's been clarified by the PGC that you do not have to call in order to be legal, so that part has been taken care of.
As for what is stalking and what is not.....that will always be discretionary to an outside observer watching you and whatever bias they might have.
I agree with you. There have been many times I've made an effort to make a huge loop to get around where I figured birds were headed. Sometimes I barely beat them there and they simply walk into you silently moments after you find a good tree. If they are coming, shut up. That's turkey hunting 101.
100% legal to kill a bird like that in the State of Pa.

[Neill_Prater]

It's called complacency.  If you aren't comfortable with what you are doing, you pay attention. When you get to the point where you are operating on auto pilot much of the time, it's easier than one thinks to goof up. That's why most,  for example, treestand accident victims are experienced hunters rather than newbies. The "can't happen to me" syndrome.

Sent from my motorola edge 5G UW (2021) using Tapatalk

[Yoder409]

Like I said, it's been clarified by the PGC that you do not have to call in order to be legal, so that part has been taken care of.

Could you please post the source of the clarification ??

It would seem....to look at the rules digest that comes with your license and to look at the state code.... the PGC hasn't gottem that memo yet.

Very interested to read the official, published clarification.

[joey46]

I'll let you two fight it out.  Attempted to bring up the PA Game News May 2025.  Apparently one of those sites you can't read unless a subscriber. Interested but not that interested.
Might be a good time to carry one of those silent calls the Drury's (I think) were "famous " for a few years ago. Lol

[Number17]

pg 62 Pennsylvania Game News May 2025.

Side bar. Clarification by Jason Raup, PAGC on "By calling only"

I could post a picture but I always struggle to get a picture on this website.

[Number17]

I'll let you two fight it out.  Attempted to bring up the PA Game News May 2025.  Apparently one of those sites you can't read unless a subscriber. Interesting but not that interesting.

Text me: 5 seven zero for fore won four sicks 5 five.
I'll send you some pics.

[joey46]

I'll let you two fight it out.  Attempted to bring up the PA Game News May 2025.  Apparently one of those sites you can't read unless a subscriber. Interesting but not that interesting.

Text me: 5 seven zero for fore won four sicks 5 five.
I'll send you some pics.

Sent you a PM.  Most have picture problems on this forum. Secret is to reduce it until it's the size of a pin head.

[Number17]

FROM THE ARTICLE:

"Each gobbler is different and what works to draw one into gun range might not work with the next. But in general, experienced turkey hunters, many of whom are also exceptional callers, might offer this advice - don't call too much. In fact, that's often the first thing they'll point out in trying to lead a novice hunter to success.
So what can and can't you do as a turkey hunter? After all, hunting in the spring season long has been described as "by calling only." But what's that mean? First, it doesn't mean that you must make calls.
Jason Raup, Game Commission Assistant Counsel for the Bureau of Wildlife Protection, said the agency doesn t recognize the absence of calling as an unlawful method. In other words, it's perfectly OK to set up and sit there without calling, which could be to your advantage on wet mornings when turkeys might be slow to leave the roost and calls from the ground might seem suspicious.
Setting up is the important part, and likely the reason the "by calling only" language was developed. It's unlawful to stalk turkeys or turkey calls, both of which present safety concerns in a season in which camouflaged hunters are in the woods making turkey sounds.
That said, it's not unusual for turkey hunters to try to get closer to a responding gobbler, or otherwise make a move before setting up again
- especially if the bird hangs up in the distance.
All of that is legal; a hunter in such a situation is just working into a new setup. From a hunter-suc-cess standpoint, though, moving your setup always runs the risk of the turkey busting you.
In hunting seasons when fluorescent orange is not required, the use of orange is strongly recommended, especially while moving.
It's never a bad idea to keep an orange hat in your pack or vest, using it to get the attention of other hunters you might encounter."

[joey46]

Clears it up for me.  Thank you for posting.

[Yoder409]

Well, I'll  be dipped.

Seems Mr. Raup should probably have had the game code re-worded to reflect his opinion.

Or vice-versa.

[NCL]

Mr. Raup actually contradicts himself in this article in the first paragraph he states the following "It's unlawful to stalk turkeys or turkey calls, both of which present safety concerns in a season in which camouflaged hunters are in the woods making turkey sounds." Then in the second paragraph he states" That said, it's not unusual for turkey hunters to try to get closer to a responding gobbler, or otherwise make a move before setting up again- especially if the bird hangs up in the distance. All of that is legal; a hunter in such a situation is just working into a new setup." I guess the question would be what is a "responding gobbler"? So if you hear a gobbler and have not made a call and move on him then it would seem by the definition this is stalking. Whereas, if you have made a call and hear a bird you are permitted to move to a new location and it would not be stalking. Still seems to be confusing.

[joey46]

Just a IMO but most have already decided how to handle these type situations. Reasonable and proper usually wins out.  Good luck PA you still have a few days left.  Enjoy them.

[ruination]

This whole stalking thing is simple when considering the spirit of the law.

The goal is to stop you from shooting a decoy or bird with another hunter behind it.

Thus, if you sneak up and shoot a bird  - Stalking.

If you sneak up to 70 and call the bird the last 30 - Not stalking.

It's obviously not fool proof, but should keep hunters at least out of lethal range of each other and shooting away from each other.

Also, just avoid Blue white and yellow license plates.  Well PA, because they wont avoid you. 

[joey46]

Other than calling the last 30 completely agree.  If I get him to within 70 and he's headed my direction I'm going mute. Might have a mouth call in to do a heads up cluck while squeezing the trigger. Might not and will no longer worry about it.