Fishing
The Ultimate Spring Hat Trick Destination-Chautauqua County
A bold claim for a resource-laden state such as New York. To be clear, New York boasts many vibrant outdoor adventure meccas, but you’ll want to plan your next turkey hunting and spring fishing getaway to the outdoor paradise in Chautauqua County. Hunting and fishing interests are easy to satisfy and that’s the honest goal for every sportsman.
My recent hat-trick getaway to Chautauqua was memorable and was just what the doctor ordered to decompress and rejuvenate my busy business life. The excursion found me spring turkey hunting in the mornings with Jake Ensign, followed by an afternoon of fishing with Captain Frank Shoenacker of Infinity Charters. In the evenings, after the outings, I could choose from a smorgasbord of places to visit and explore. My base of operations would be at the Comfort Inn Hotel in Jamestown – it was close to Chautauqua Lake and the turkey woods. Perfect for the extra minutes of sleep needed when chasing gobblers. .
I met up with Jake Ensign, a supreme hunting friend that lives nearby.
Jake provided an eye-opening personal tour of his game room, as he is one of only a few dozen archery hunters to successfully hunt all of the North American Big Game Species. It was evident to me, Jake had spent many years of dedicated preparation to be so successful. Jake goes the extra mile, the extra 10 miles, in making each hunt an exercise in due diligence. It is impressive even to a veteran turkey hunter like myself.
My introduction to the Chautauqua County turkey woods came early the next morning and did not disappoint. We started out just above a vineyard on a ridge top with plenty of roost trees. Plenty of sign was present. Feathers, tracks, scat and dusting bowls were scattered about during our walk in and out. With the exception of two clucks further up the ridge behind us, we were greeted with a whisper quiet, yet beautiful morning. You could hear every sound and if a turkey gobbled, we could easily locate the bird and make an approach.
As the sunrise greeted us, a chorus of trains blasted their air horns providing shock gobble inspiration from nearby highway crossings far below us. The gobblers, however, opted to be of the strong and silent types. We gave it some time to let the place reveal itself and after several setups, we backed out to not disturb the location. Running and gunning was not the game plan that so many engage in when the action is at a lull. Jake had mentioned they have had many successful hunts in that spot. Assessing the area with such ample sign, I would agree. Of course, when you have plenty of Intel on an area, courtesy of Jake, you conduct each hunt more patiently.
After checking a number of properties in the southern region of the county we came upon a parcel not far from Route 86 and got an eager gobble in response to our pleas. With a flat ridge top that lay between us, we settled in to see if we could persuade him across. The wind had come up and it was a solid “maybe” as to whether or not the bird answered us after that. Thirty minutes later a report of something lesser than a 12ga shotgun rang out ahead of us, but much lower on the ridge on another property. We decided to back out. Consistent with other properties we checked, we would come across plenty of turkey sign including sets of gobbler tracks. We were in the middle of great turkey country.
The first morning concluded with sightings of a few hens out bugging in the fields, as we searched for more gobblers to keep track of for the next hunt tomorrow.
Having hunted gobblers in nearly half of New York’s 62 counties, I would point out that the turkey woods of Chautauqua County are among the nicest woods I’ve ever set foot in. A quick review of the past 10 years of harvest data reveals Chautauqua as #1 in New York for turkey hunting harvest. In any given season, Chautauqua is always in the top echelon. With over 20,000 acres of public forests and a mix of land types and food sources, it would be a sound recommendation to add Chautauqua County to your annual spring and fall gobbler chasing vacations.
Before heading out for an afternoon of fishing with Captain Frank Shoenacker on Chautauqua Lake, Jake suggested that we have the best sandwich to be had anywhere (i.e. North America) for lunch. I naturally agreed. My sampling verified his suggestion. A trip to the Ashville General Store is must do stop during your time in the area. The “Jester” spicy turkey sub served hot is a turkey hunter-approved menu item –https://ashvillegeneral.com
After that great lunch, I met up with Frank at the Bemus Point boat launch. The launch was easy to find and not far from the exit off Route 86 for Bemus Point. With eight boat launch sites available on Chautauqua Lake, there is ample access for all boaters – https://www.dec.ny.gov... The Lund Tournament Pro-V was perfect on this beautiful, sunny afternoon. The Lund had a heavier hull and was stable, even in the slight chop we had.
On this outing, Frank and I would both fish and that set the table for a relaxing time on the water. We fished simple, drifting live worms along weed beds and enjoyed lots of fun conversation. As Frank spends more time guiding than fishing, I invited him to fish too and our trip became perfect fun. We were using a killer rig, a homemade double-hook worm harness with a butterfly spinner made by Frank. It’s sort of a secret rig.
We were one of just a handful of boats on the water as you might expect at mid-week of the early season. We caught walleye, perch and a surprisingly large bullhead. A perfect afternoon.
In his larger boat, Frank also guides on Lake Erie: Infinity Charters – https://www.infinitycharters.com/. It is a fantastic way to plan an essential part of your Chautauqua Hat Trick.
Having fished Lake Erie in the past, it is also on my ‘A’ list to frequently visit. I plan to return with my bride of nearly nineteen years to modify the hat trick concept, this time, to be a fishing and lazy-tourist combo. Lee, my wife, loves to fish, and I have promised her to revisit the region.
For the evening, I visited the Southern Tier Brewing Company for a craft beer tasting and a pulled pork sandwich. Accompanied by their “Nitro Stout,” a great beer product, they earned my attention for another “must-do” stop while in the region. Their friendly staff and personal service were 5-star.
I caught up with Jake after dinner to plan the morning hunt and received good news. As Jake scouts at sunset periods, he has endless energy, he found two different turkeys roosted. This is the best kind of news to get when chasing gobblers. Again, another short night, but I would wake up 10 minutes before the alarm clock sounded. Excited? A little bit.
This last morning of my hunt, I would come to appreciate the dedicated strategies that Jakes executes. Our walk to the first roosted bird was in total silence, not a twig nor a dried leaf to reveal our progress. Jake routinely rakes and grooms his paths for stealthy approaches to known roosting areas. It is this extra effort that ups the odds for a successful hunt.
As daylight approached, a hen began to yelp on the limb, not sixty yards from where I sat. Jake mimicked her and I would also respond with muted tree yelps. No gobbling nearby, but one volley of gobbles came from the second location that Jake had marked the night before. It was a little over 250 yards from us. Once the hen flew down, she walked right past Jakes’ location as he sat motionless. She fed away. Once she left, we moved up about 100 yards toward a low swampy area where we had heard the gobbling
We got a quick response from four different gobblers once we sat down and began calling from our new position. They had closed the distance, spotting them moving to my left around the swamp at 80 yards. They were circling and closing fast. As seconds seemed far too long, the most aggressive and vocal of the birds marched in and would stop within range to survey for the hen. The brilliant red, white and blue heads of the gang of four was impressive. The boom that followed sent the other three back as quickly as they came. Maybe a little faster, as I think of it.
The turkey woods were picturesque with a lush green canopy newly emerged. It was a great hunt in a beautiful set of hardwoods. It also reaffirmed the wisdom in scouting, roosting, letting the hunt play out, and having patience which is a hallmark of Jakes’ approach and one I also favor.
We concluded the hunt with a hearty breakfast which always tastes a little better after a successful hunt! We’ll catch up again in the near future as we hunt common areas not far from my home and I’ll be sure to return!
There are so many places to visit here. Great eateries, wineries, breweries, entertainment venues – something for everyone.
I have planned a returned visit for next year, stay tuned!
-MJ
© 2019 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#chautauqua, #Collin Voss, #Frank Shoenacker, #Jake Ensign, #Jamestown, #North American Big Game, #Southern-Tier Brewing, #turkey, Mike Joyner
Traveling To SHOT Show Fail
To all my social media followers, hunters, shooting sports enthusiasts, and travelers in general, I am obligated to share a change/circumstances in the travel industry and how a travel, company hotel, and airlines have failed their mission statements and essentially charging customers without providing a service for a paid fee.
This is not a reflection of the unfortunate reality of what a major storm does to schedules and the short bit of chaos typically associated with it. In general no one wins in making a destination on time or a company making a profit. My short story is not in regards to that, but in regards to how companies handle untangling a problem and getting us on our way.
My frustration and subsequent criticisms are directed at Travelocity, American Airlines and the Stratosphere Hotel. I was booked thru Travelocity to fly out of Syracuse this evening (Sunday) to be on location to attend Press Day at the range at the Shot show and conduct business the following two days. It is a favorite activity each year. Prior to this morning, I received a cancelation of my flight out of Syracuse shortly aver dinner time.
This would not be the first time of having things happen, get rerouted, spend long hours at a airport terminal but would arrive later than expected or maybe the next day. After four hours of attempting to contact Travelocity by phone or thru facebook messenger I gave up for the evening, leaving messenger open just in case. This morning was still no response on Facebook messenger which Travelocity steers you to for the more efficient responses and problem solving. Fail #1. Only until I left a complaint in their community section did I get a response. After two hours I am left with American Airlines cannot fly you there until 1/23 or they can cancel (today is 1/20, I was to fly back 1/24). If I cancel I will be refunded except for one night stay for a hotel they never got me to, and for a cancelation by the airline. Fail #2, #3
In my many years of traveling at any time that an airline could not get you there in a timely manner on their own flights they would put you on another airline in order to get you there and complete the service we pay for. Three day delay is not acceptable or reasonable to any traveler unless a massive emergency or disaster. 8”-12” of snow might be a half day delay even a day under more severe conditions, not as it is presented here.
After several back and forth repetitions of common sense with the representative trying to convey that getting me there on the 23rd after the show closes for the day does not work with me flying out to return home 6AM the following morning. Should not be that hard to comprehend on the customer service side of things.
I am informed that they will not refund my entire hotel bill even though it is a packaged deal and canceled by their partnered airline. American Airlines via observation of their policy of not putting me on another airline and offering another solution to get me there in a reasonable manner will lose me as a customer. Travelocity will also lose my business after two decades as a customer. The Stratosphere Hotel will no longer be a hotel of choice for participating in packaged travel bundles that engages in a poor practice of fleecing customers when airlines fail to get them there. Had I decided to change my plans I would fully expect a cancelation fee within a short notice of the stay. As this customer fail not only takes a portion of my money for services not rendered, it cost me far much more in lost business opportunities conducted at the show, and the loss of a great time of seeing old friends that I meet up with year after year.
To make matters worse, I have not been refunded a dime, money is in limbo and they now advise that I have to cover the cost in rebooking the trip. I find this hostile and more than inappropriate. Insult to injury and Fail #4
It is a heads up as to policies by Travelocity, American Airlines, and the Stratosphere Hotel and travel packages they promote that may not be in your best interests while traveling to the Shot show, hunting trips or favored destinations. Should not be this hard folks. Until we meet up again I wish you a much better and hassle free experience than I have had today in efforts of traveling to one of the best shows in the industry
Update… eventually I got a full refund on the entire package. American Airlines made no further effort to get me there in time to meet with customers despite that getting me there another day or two would have salvaged important business meetings. After engaging the NY Attorney General and disputing credit card charges, Stratosphere Hotel refunded upon disputed charges, whereas Travelocity, American Airlines eventually refunded in full and made no further efforts, and have lost any future business for any of my travel needs.
-MJ
© 2019 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#travelocity #travelocityfail #travelocitysucks #americanairlines #americanairlinesfail #americanairlinesucks #stratospherehotel #customerservicefail #shotshow
Big Fish and Big Smiles On Lake Erie
By: Mike Joyner
Smiles were easy to be found from a great day on Lake Erie at the 2018 Lake Erie Experience V.I.P. Fishing Day in Dunkirk! The tenth annual event brought together so many good folks from Chautauqua and Erie County Fishery Advisory Boards, Water Authorities, and their Tourism Bureaus, Elected officials and their staff, Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association and the NYSDEC.
The event was planned around a morning of fishing for walleyes and lake trout. With such a great day on the water for all, in a greater purpose it is a recognition and celebration of the culmination of efforts and cooperation from so many partners to build and improve a world-class fishery on Lake Erie. A major focus on the improving the water resources by applying sound scientific practices. Many efforts in managing for the natural resource, the fisheries, identifying and reducing pollution from uncontrolled runoffs and inadvertent discharges. Occurrences affect the ecological balance of the entire lake which continues on through Niagara Falls and onto Lake Ontario.
It was a gathering of stakeholders and the very people that work tirelessly to improve the fisheries, the water quality of Lake Erie, smaller lakes and streams that flow into it, and those who do a phenomenal job in promoting tourism of a vibrant and viable fishery, world-class wineries, distillers, craft beer artisans, fantastic restaurants and eateries, local attractions and a hospitality second to none that is fitting for the great natural resources of the Empire State.
As on my first day during the 2018 summer fish camp, I would be aboard the Dream Catcher with Captain Jim Steel and first mate Rich Fliss. Having an over the top phenomenal day with Jim and Rich the day prior I was more than eager to enjoy the second day on the lake with them. Jim and Rich run a methodical and precision approach to fishing the lake and it is impressive to see calm cool resolve in action. As the day before, it is also impressive in the sharing of information, the how and why of using what lures, what depths, what triggers consistent strikes even in the most gnarly weather conditions.
An impromptu class held on the water and made to look easy from many years of experience. My only regret is that my wife was not there to enjoy it as I did. Big hint guys, the ladies can out fish the best of us, and you’ll get to go far more often as a couple. A fantastic fishing charter in all respects and as professional and personable time on the water you’ll ever come across. https://dreamcatchersportfishing.com
We would head out into much calmer waters than the three to five-foot waves we had the day before. The downpours would come and go and did little to deter our efforts. The cabin was spacious and provided excellent cover when needed. I joined the staff from Environment and Planning and Erie County Parks and recreation for our morning excursion. As we took turns reeling in walleye and lake trout! I would learn that both organizations work well together with their respective staffs and they play well together while doing great work for their constituents, the public, and for the making of a great fishery. Their work and in cooperation of all the stakeholders makes for a much healthier Lake Erie, and surrounding waterways which we all enjoy.
As you notice in the pictures, those smiles were many and consistent throughout our trip that morning. Working for Daniel Rizzo, Erie County Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Forestry. or Tom Hersey, Commissioner of Environment and Planning in Erie County, might be a good gig judging by those that work for them. Good time had by all, and while enjoying the results of their work. The cooperation among so many entities and stakeholders is a model to repeated in the great Empire State.
A quote that you can take to the bank- “Smiles were easy to be found from a great day on Lake Erie at the 2018 Lake Erie Experience V.I.P. Fishing Day in Dunkirk! The results of grand cooperation from so many dedicated sportsmen, Chautauqua and Erie County Fishery Advisory Boards and their Tourism Bureaus, Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, NYSDEC, and the tireless efforts of public staff and professionals have created a world-class fishery that is a must do on your bucket list. Best Walleye fishing to be had bar none ”
As my review of the event comes about on the heels of many other fellow outdoor writers musings, you’ll notice that we viewed the day from very similar prisms. In short, we having a shining gem along the shores of Lake Erie as a world-class fishery and a tourism destination. Something for everyone to enjoy. As we are fishing the fall months, it is in my view a strong recommendation and most encouraging advice to partake in the remaining days of a fantastic fishery and plan more than a few days on the big lake for 2019, and many seasons to come! Bring your spouse, bring your friends, as the area provides so much in recreational opportunities, dining, and a thriving attraction of wineries, distilleries, and craft beer brewers well worth the trip.
By the way, if you have some beat up old lures, be sure to take one eye out, and scratch off some paint here and there. Makes for a killer presentation of a buggered up bait fish…
-MJ
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#fishing #Dunkirk #NYSOWA #lakeerie
I have not forgotten 9/11, The Meaning Of Sacrifice
As the anniversary of 9/11 arrives. 17 years have passed…
2,977 were murdered for simply being at work, six thousand+ injured. seventy five thousand firefighters, police officers, paramedics and rescuers risked their own lives to save others. Heroes showed up for work in uniform, some not in uniform on their day off for a noble purpose, also perished.
Everyday heroes, two thousand+ first responders, skilled trades, volunteers to aid rescue and recovery have died from illnesses caused by toxic cocktails of retched air. Thousands more currently battle related post event cancers and other life threatening maladies. The current estimate is predicted that sometime before the 18th anniversary, the related death toll from those aiding post event will surpass those murdered or perished in the acts of saving others on that day. Ground zero still claims lives involved with the rescue effort so long ago.
We are reminded on this solemn remembrance of what sacrifice truly is. Sacrifice comes in service to our country, to our family, to our friends and to our fellow citizens. Sacrifice is selfless for noble causes. Many times selfless sacrifice is all, the ultimate sacrifice of the life of one who gives it for the lives and freedoms of others. If we are to remember we are to honor these very people.
Sacrifice is not an agenda, or magnifying a problem of bad acts over the daily, weekly stacking of murdered victims bodies in the streets in many of our major cities. Sacrifice is not represented by a self entitled millionaire athlete having to switch making millions on the field to a corporate board room. It is a bastation of the meaning of sacrifice to tap into discourse, to push agendas only to sell more, gain more market share of those too young to directly recall what real sacrifices were made a generation ago, and ignore those made in present day. The shifting of revenue streams of grandstanding social warriors fails to meet the meaning of sacrifice. Sacrifice has a far different meaning to those on the battlefield, serving us in uniform, those in service to others, and to single parents working three jobs just to make it to the end of each month. They would describe sacrifice in a more meaningful way.
To those of us that understand what the flag stands for, what it was truly intended to represent. The blood of hero’s in battle, hero’s we hear of or witness first hand in our daily lives we give thanks and our adoration in tribute to them. The hyped up disrespect is more than disingenuous, and yet hero’s will continue to give all for the right to be so offensive, and counter to those of us, that value all that the flag represents. 9/11 represents all the evil that we could imagine in a single day and yet brought out the good in so many more. So many of us saw that good in us, of each other in the days following that horrible day. We can only pray that there will be a time that those who hate and disrespect the flag see it as we do.
I have not forgotten:
The memories, the feelings from that day have not faded, nor diminished. It was to be a perfect blue bird day in September.
The near perfect September day morphed, shattered for thousands of victims in mere seconds for many, some in agonizing, terror filled minutes, hours yet for others.
In the ripples of life, our greatest loss is to never know or benefit from what great deeds and accomplishments from all those lost.
That we came together as Americans.We were united as Americans. We still are Americans. Many have forgotten this very fact in recent times.
Those that perished on this fateful day of September 11th, 2001.
Those that gave all in order to save lives. Heroes that walk among us to this day.
Those who survived only to succumb to it days, months, and years later.
That we are all equal by way of our maker
This is republish each year as I find it so important to include:
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts return to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm
As you toe up on the start line of your favorite road race or triathlon or enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for our country.
Along with counting your blessings, say a prayer for all innocent victims, and that you do something on your part to make the world just a little bit better for those around you. We can all benefit from a little emphasis on acts of kindness.
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Hook, Line and Gobble Safari In Oswego County, New York
Sixteen outdoor writers from the New York Outdoor Writers Association trekked to Selkirk Shores State Park in Oswego County to attend the 2018 Spring Safari May 17th-20th. The area is well known for the annual salmon run each fall which brings tens of thousands of anglers to the area. If you are at all familiar with Oswego County, spent time there as we all did during the safari we would agree that the area offers so much more in outdoor pursuits, attractions, eateries and is a ‘must do’ destination for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
Our accommodations were modern cabins within the state park which served us well and doubled as a base of operations. Thursday night was a meet and greet hosted by the Oswego County Tourism Office where we all got to meet up and connect personally with all those we converse with on a frequent basis . After enjoying a great spread of appetizers, and getting to finally meet everyone, we do as we always do and draw up the battle plans for the first full day of fishing, turkey hunting, and hiking. Our get-togethers are always fun as being writers we all can tell some great stories as expected.
Friday morning we paired up to embark on an assault on Deer Creek game lands and see what gobblers we could get on to. There were guides to be on hand for Saturday’s hunt for some of the writers. We would be hunting on our own. NYSOWA members Ed Noonan and Steve Zahurak would pair up and go after birds they had heard gobble back at them while roosting Thursday night. Fellow member Dan Ladd and I would start out on the other side of the game lands about a mile north of Ed and Steve. We were greeted with a beautiful sunny morning with calm winds and with a well-animated conversation with two owls. Nothing gobbled or hen talked on the roost, even after fly down time and the crows raising a ruckus, no wild turkeys would reveal their presence to us. We were too far away to hear Ed or Steve call despite it being very calm. The foliage was fully out by then. We were confident we could hear either of them shoot, and fully expected they would as Ed is known to make quick work of it and if he had his way, so would Steve. The first hour passed and a shot never rang out although we expected otherwise. We would learn later that a pair of jakes did come in, and they passed them up as they were looking for adult gobblers.
Dan who is an ardent and accomplished Adirondack deer hunter is slowly being challenged at my bidding to become a solely devoted turkey hunter, at least to a measurable degree. Dan’s instincts apply well to the spring season and rather than march back to the truck and run off to the next spot, we took our time to walk more of it and survey the place on foot rather than relying on what we had looked at with google earth. It is a fantastic tool for previewing a new territory to hunt. We sat down in the woods off from the fields at a spot that screamed out to the both of us as being a perfect place set tree stands for the fall archery season. We sat down on a log and got to talking for a bit. We had made a few calls as we trolled to the spot we were at and it paid off as our conversation was abruptly cut off by a raucous gobble not more than a hundred and fifty to two hundred yards away.
With a quick scramble Dan sat up just a bit from where we sat facing where the gobbler was coming from, and I dropped back twenty-five yards in the hope of drawing him in. While the gobbler might hang up on my calling as they instinctively do, it would be well within range for Dan. A few soft calls indicated the bird would be headed to an open area in front of Dan and his gobble was loud and impressive. I thought Dan would have him in his lap until I saw a bright flash along the edge of the field to my right. The gobbler decided to sneak around and flank us. Once I saw the flash of the top of the gobbler’s head, I positioned my barrel as he went behind some brush while heading to the next opening. Once he cleared that he would have a full view of us, and making a move would be an alarm put and exit stage right. Didn’t go as planned but the report of my 12 gauge stopped him from a hasty exit. A dandy three-year gobbler and tipped the scales just shy of twenty-two pounds.
Once we got some nice pictures taken we headed out to two other state game lands towards Pulaski. At our third setup another gobbler came in by me, but a full sixty yards behind Dan. Never gobbled, but strutted and drummed. Well within my range but my turkey gun was packed snuggly in its case. The bird taken early that morning was the second tag for me which had both of my gobblers taken on state game lands this season, with the first tagged on the 13th. New York allows only one per day. The mission at hand was to get Dan onto a willing gobbler. Close but no cigar as the gobbler walked off without incident and the clock ran out.
We were then treated to a luncheon at Douglaston Salmon Run and a presentation on the history and current programs implemented there. The afternoon had multiple offerings of a guided mushroom foraging/edible plant outdoor class, canoeing, hiking to the scenic Salmon River Falls, fishing at Douglaston Salmon Run with a guide, and a tour of the DEC’s fish hatchery / Salmon River Fishing Museum in Altmar. Something for everyone in our group.
Our evening function was held at Tailwater Lodge in Altmar. A world-class facility and perfect accommodations for those visiting the region not only for the internationally known fisheries and fishing opportunities but also for weddings and corporate events. Along with a great meal that we enjoyed there, they also feature a tasting room with a wide selection of microbrewery offerings as well as New York wines which my wife and I both are great fans of. A great destination for anniversaries and other special family events as well.
Saturday’s morning excursion had me joining fellow outdoor writer David Barus and local reporter Matthew Reitz from the Palladium Times. We would head out and fish from the Harbor in Oswego with Capt. Chad Gehrig, Son of a Gun charter service. We would be fishing for Brown Trout on Lake Ontario. A fantastic morning of fishing! With the rains creeping in, the fishing only got more intense and we would limit out on Brown’s by 7:45 AM. At times we had three fish on at once! We were landing Brown’s in the three to five pound range. Excellent table fare as my wife will attest to.
Our experience is very much the same as other writers had on Friday. I do plan to enjoy more fishing with Chad this summer. It is a unanimous opinion amongst our group that all the guides we had over the course of the event were outstanding and made for a very memorable safari. I have each of them listed at the bottom and wouldn’t hesitate to book a trip with any of them.
Several gobblers were tagged on Saturday, and despite the inclement weather they all had turkeys in view making for a great morning the turkey woods. Saturday afternoon also had multiple offerings of canoeing, kayaking. fishing at Douglaston Salmon Run, and a tour of the DEC’s fish hatchery / Salmon River Fishing Museum in Altmar. Plenty of fun activities. The evening event was held back at our base of operations and included a great BBQ meal to top off a great two days of hunting and fishing. Sunday was open for those that wanted to turkey hunt or fish on their own. I headed out early for a long car trip to Maine for a three day turkey hunt.
The Safari was organized by Dave Figrura, our Safari Chairman, in conjunction with the Oswego County Tourism Office. With a lot of activities planned over the course of several days, it was made to look flawless and easy despite so many moving parts to keep track of. A big thank you goes out to Dave, and to Janet Clerkin, Tourism & Public Information Coordinator; Dave Turner, Director, and the rest of the staff at the Oswego County Tourism Office for a great effort in putting it all together.
A big round of thank you’s is in order for so many that went above and beyond to make for a great event and a memorable weekend in a destination spot that confirms my opinion of New York being one of the best states in the union for hunting, fishing and a wide range of outdoor recreation. I personally recommend visiting or booking an event or outing with all of these folks as they are top notch at what they do, and you’ll be glad you did. My wife and I will be returning in the near future for just that reason.
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Sponsors:
* Oswego County Federation of Sportsman Clubs, http://www.oswegocountysportsmen.com
* Oswego County Department of Community Development & Tourism, http://www.visitoswegocounty.com (315) 349-8322
* Douglaston Salmon Run, http://www.douglastonsalmonrun.com (315) 298-6672
* Liberty Vinyards & Winery, http://libertywinery.com/ (716) 672-4520
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Hosts:
*Selkirk Shores State Park, https://parks.ny.gov/parks/84/details.aspx (315) 298-5737
*Tailwater Lodge, https://tailwaterlodge.com (315) 298-3434
*Salmon River International Sportfishing Museum, http://www.pulaskifishingmuseum.org/
*NYS DEC Salmon River Fish Hatchery, http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/21663.html (315) 298-5051
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Turkey Hunting Guides:
*Stanley Ouellette, Deer Creek Outfitters, http://www.deercreekny.com/fishing-and-hunting-guides/ (315) 298-3730
*Ryan Gilbert, Deer Creek Outfitters, http://www.deercreekny.com/fishing-and-hunting-guides/ (315) 298-3730
*Bill Wilbur, president, Salmon River chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation, http://www.nynwtf.org/salmon-river (315) 963-3368
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Fishing Charters:
*Capt. Dave Silver, Reel Silver Charters: http://www.reelsilvercharters.com/; reelsilver@twcny.rr.com; (315) 271-8773
*Capt. Troy Creasy, High Adventure Charters: https://www.highadventurefishing.com/ (315) 243-2389
*Capt. Zack Rayno, Cold Steel Sportfishing: http://coldsteelsportfishing.com/ (315) 243-2389
*Capt. Chad Gehrig, Son of a Gun charter: https://www.kgsportfishing.com/ (315) 343-8171
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Hiking, Foraging Guide:
*Roy Reehil, author, forager 315-675-3625; roy@reehil.com
-MJ
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#turkeyhunting #fishing #Oswego #NYSOWA #lakeontario
Maytom Wood Works Spur Display
At the conclusion of any successful turkey hunt there are many ways to memorialize a grand day in the turkey woods and create a fitting tribute in honor and respect of the monarchs we match wits with. If you happen to regard wild turkey spurs as I do and as one might as a deer hunter in awe of a massive rack of a trophy buck, then I have a product in front of me that you might be keenly interested in. As the fat lady has sung across the country for the 2018 spring turkey season, the current offerings of Maytom Woodworks display products for your trophy gobbler are a perfect solution for your man cave, office, or trophy room
A new updated version of the “Turkey Spur Display Board” is now being offered by Maytom Woodworks of Lake View, NY. The latest version features Red Oak with nicely figured grain, brass rods and colored beads as holders/separators between spurs. Also featured is a custom silk screen brass plate, a brass hanger embedded on the back side, and a shell brass with real turkey breast feathers adornment. There are many ways you can display this coveted trophy part of our favoured game bird, and this spur board is a fantastic way to display many successful hunts in the turkey woods.
Once you have your spurs prepared (typically with borax or other suitable substitute), cleaned, polished or clear coated, you can mount four pairs in each row easily assuming you trim the leg bone somewhat close to each spur. You have some leeway there not to fret about being exact as you can see in the original version spur board I have shown below. With four rows you can mount 16 pairs of spurs which should cover many of you for a season or two that hunt multiple states each spring.
Loading up the spur display board is super easy, you simply need to place your display board on a soft non scratching surface, and remove two screws holding one of the side pieces that the brass rods insert to. Place your first bead then each spur with another bead until you place the last spur followed with an end bead. Repeat for each row or until you have loaded all the ones you have. You can easily come back later each season to add more. You can substitute these beads with your own, those made of bone or exoctic woods for example. The ones included in the kit work nicely and look great.
The final verdict of this review is a two thumbs up and a must for every turkey hunters home. With father’s day just a few weeks away, it would make a perfect gift for your turkey hunting patriarch of the family. In full disclosure I’ve known Paul Klima, the owner of Maytom Wood Works far back to the mid 1990’s when he first started making these fine products. To know Paul is to like him and he applies a fine hand craftsmanship to everything he makes as you would expect from any well regarded call maker. I would encourage you to contact him and you’ll find my remarks to be spot on. Below, I have a slideshow of other products he also offers. The Turkey Spur display board sells for $85.00 plus S&H & NYS Tax.
Maytom Woodworks- Contact Info
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#turkeyhunting #maytomwoodworks #wildturkey #spurs #beards
Jerry Antley- Legendary Call Maker Inducted In The Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame
Some time ago, in fact, a little over a year I was contacted by Peyton Mckinnie hailing from Marion, Louisiana about possibly doing a story on a gentleman from his home state known by many turkey hunters as Jerry Antley. As I lay out a few known facts attributed to Jerry you will come to a similar conclusion as I, that he is a family man, man of faith, an outdoorsman with a firm dedication to his passions and his craft. Steadfast is a term that came to me while reviewing and researching materials to write this story worthy of a man of his stature.
As I briefly review a partial list of Jerry’s history and noteworthy accomplishments, he will be newly inducted into The Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame, class of 2017.
A lifelong resident of Downsville, Louisiana Jerry continues to make calls at Cedar Hill Game Calls (which he founded) to this day. Although he does not publicly list his age, it is known he was married to Vicki Allen for nearly fifty four years until her passing in 2013. With four children now grown, along with nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren it is a wonder when he has the time to make all these calls.
It is stated that he began hunting in 1963 for whitetails, and added turkey hunting to his pursuits in 1972. Nearing a hundred wild turkeys carried back home over his shoulder it is reported that the local bachelor groups of longbeards are plotting/planning for his early retirement from the sport. As you begin to notice, a pattern emerges as to his dedication to matters at hand. Jerry extended his passions for the forests of his home state, the pursuit of whitetails, wild turkeys and turned it to vibrant and healthy game call business. This would be the beginning of Cedar Hill Game Calls, LLC which he founded in 1981, He would later expand his company with the acquisition of CamoCord, LLC in 2003.
The most well known call that Jerry produces was also the first entry into the market. The Legendary “Little Scratch Box!”. They have sold over 50,000 all of which are hand-made here in the U.S.A.. Being constructed of cedar which is well known among turkey hunters and call makers alike to produce clucks, purrs, and yelps that not only please our calling sensibilities but more importantly fools a gobbler to take one step too many in your direction. With a little bit of instruction even I could have you clucking and purring before you left the room, yelping with a little bit of practice. The clucks are done the best on this cedar scratch box, more convincing than by use of other styles of calls in my opinion. You could close your eyes and swear you could hear the hen’s beak snapping shut as she clucked. Yes, it is that good in the turkey woods. The company also offers deer calls, duck calls, elk calls, predator calls. a variety of other turkey calls, and a host of hunter accessories that would be ‘must have’ for your trips afield.
Joining the NWTF in 1977, Jerry would become a charter member and served as president of the North Central Louisiana NWTF Chapter. He would later become a charter member of his local chapter , the Union Long Spurs, served as President for the first three years. Currently serving on the Board of Directors. His volunteer service has spanned so far an impressive thirty seven consecutive years. In that time Jerry would also serve as Louisiana State Chapter President, and VP, serving Louisiana State NWTF Board of Directors. for twelve years. Jerry was elected to the National Board of Directors for the NWTF in 1984 serving for six years,
Other notable history with the NWTF:
• Silver Life Member of NWTF •Runner-Up 1983 Louisiana State Turkey Calling Championship. •“Grand Champion” 1984 Louisiana State Turkey Calling Championship.
• Grand National Calling Contest Judge for NWTF the past 20 years.
Along with his call making business, and what has to be a busy time with family, Jerry is a Southern Baptist by faith, serving as a Deacon at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Downsville, La. Since 1978. In addition to his role as Deacon, he has also served as Chairman of the Deacon Board for the past twenty years.
We congratulate Jerry on a stellar career, dedicated volunteer service, and a well deserved award of recognitions for all that you have done and contributed for our natural resources and to our greater benefit.
http://www.cedarhillgamecalls.com
-MJ
© 2017 Joyner Outdoor Media
Trespass In NY- Turkey Hunter? Deer Hunter? Fisherman?
For those of you that are not familiar with the great Empire State, it is a very short drive from one of the largest cities in the world, even shorter drive from the lesser known cities to find yourself amongst the great farmlands, forests, mountains and fisheries of New York where I call home. Despite bizarre politics, stifling regulations, punitive taxation (#1, highest in the Nation) that has driven out industry and the prosperity that goes with it, it is one of the most resource diverse states when you come to appreciate the four million-plus acres of public lands, nearly another million more acres under conservation easements, the raw natural beauty, and recreational opportunities we have here. I reside with my bride in one of the seven valleys of Cortland County which I am more than fond of. The topic at hand actually applies across our great nation and not solely unique to New York. As I truly love what I have here as my little piece of paradise, I’ll refer to my beloved state as my frame of reference.
With such highly coveted resources, much of which is available to everyone as public lands and public waterways, the subject of trespass, destruction of property, theft and other criminal behavior appears to be more common even in the off seasons, despite numerous large tracts of state and federal lands for all to share. My comments are aimed specifically towards sportsmen and sportswomen. Criminals, common thieves, polluters are not likely to be moved or swayed by any opinions you, or I may have or convey. As a landowner and as a member on a hunting lease from time to time I have that set of perspectives. I also hunt and fish on a mix of state game lands, waterways, and a fair amount of private holdings that have granted me the right to spend time on and enjoy. I’ll break down my thoughts in lists for each viewpoint.
As a hunter:
- Do we show ourselves as being fortunate and privileged to be granted access to private lands that another pay taxes on, farms, maintain for their business or homestead, manages for wildlife? Do we show respect for them and their property? Do we fundamentally understand that landowner rights take priority over any right or desire we may feel to hunt or fish?
- On lands that are commonly known for open access do we make it a point to learn of the owner’s name as a courtesy to thank them or to learn of any concerns they may have? It helps to avoid future problems. Do we take for granted these lands and treat them as a free for all, our personal playgrounds?
- On state lands do we treat it as if we own it? In a roundabout reasoning we do via the income taxes that are paid. Being respectful, having regard for our resources should not be a conditional thought or action.
- Challenging a landowner or another hunter, in general, is not the smartest idea, nor a step in improving hunter/landowner relations. The exception is the arrogant slob hunter who is not authorized to patrol a property or trespassing themselves and falsely claiming a spot. Too many stories of others trying to throw people off that have permission including landowners off their own property.
- Items we may come across while hunting without regard to who owns the land, do we leave undisturbed, unmolested unless clearly lost (such as a jacket, wallet, personal camera, game call). Stealing or destroying treestands, game cameras, blinds, traps, etc. is a despicable, lowly act to inflict on a fellow hunter. Even when we find such items on our own places that are not supposed to be there, do we attempt to find out whom they belong to first and get the word out? If that fails to produce a result in instances I have come across, I bring it back to the house and attempt to find the owner while notifying the county Sheriff’s/ NYSDEC ECO, and they can retrieve their items after an intimate chat with law enforcement. Charges may apply if egregious, or not your first time trespassing. In principle do we take another’s property while not knowing fully the circumstances.?
- While being respectful of the lands hunted, it is good practice to extend that to fellow hunters. Having someone purposely interfering with your time in the woods is greatly unappreciated. A common occurrence with the mentality of having to get your gobbler or buck before the other hunter does. As sportsmen, sportswomen we are better than that.
- Access to hunting properties has dropped while the behavior of some fellow hunters deters hunter recruitment or makes the hunting experience on state lands or private lands less desirable for the recreational hunter, fisherman. The same foolishness, monkey business that is assumed all too common on public grounds in known to be just as much a problem on private holdings. Private land is not immune to breaches in ethical or sportsmanlike conduct. There is no legitimate excuse for treating fellow hunters and fishermen in a poor manner that occurs. Trespass shows disrespect for the landowners and fellow hunters alike
- Of our sport, the passions we so dearly love. are we humbled and appreciative of the great forests and waterways? Are we humbled and appreciative of our fellow hunters and fishermen that we share these great resources with?
As a landowner or lease/club member:
- Vast amounts of money are involved to purchase, pay county & school taxes, or fees to lease. Land taxes have risen well ahead of inflation to the tune of 2X-3X over other states in the union. It can be viewed as legalized theft in some lines of thought. As a landowner, it is a thought process quickly learned and a reality. Leases have risen due to taxes, and the popularity of outdoor-focused leasing /realty companies. The continual loss of farms and the increase in development further increase the cost and demand for recreational properties. Maintaining a property for wildlife involves plenty of funds and sweat equity.
- Because your past three generations of family hunted there, it does not trump or replace courtesy, respect, or asking permission. Your ignorant boasting of entitlement to hunt wherever you want is a false premise. It is all too common a complaint about local hunters. Your family or those that passed on are not maintaining, nor paying taxes on the property. You can easily change that, be a great neighbor.
- Fishermen do not get a pass on self-granted rights to trespass as access to private honey holes is not an entitled right of way. In New York, navigable waters have a separate set of laws that apply.
- Poor behavior, trespass, destruction of property, theft, infighting between hunting parties, poaching, ignoring specific instructions, or requests are all legitimate reasons why landowners say no or rescind your permissions. As a landowner saying no is their right that may or may not come with an explanation.
- It is a major irritation to expend time and money to thwart, report and or prosecute trespassers only to see them given a slap on the wrist or a minor fine. $50 to$250 fines are not enough to deter the disrespect, the ignorance that exists in the hunting community.
- How many of you visit to help a landowner in the offseason or in season, send thank you’s or visit to thank in person? Do you invite them for a home-cooked meal, or in general conduct yourself as a good neighbor, an ethical hunter that appreciates the privilege?
With the acceptance of game cams as scouting tools, it has become an additional season of installing and checking in the summer months. With the competitive nature of some in our ranks, the quest for boon’r buck or record setting long beard or the best fishing hole in the county causes some to steal memory cards, game cams, or destroy them and any stands or blinds they come across. In the past few years, the frequency of this type of criminal activity is increasing if judged by posts on social media. Whether there is increased trespass or that we now have better tools to capture it is made far worst that it is being done in many occurrences by fellow hunters. Clicking through the various hunting groups on social media it is astounding the number of reports of tree stands stolen or rendered unusable, deer cams broke or stolen, SD memory cards stolen.
In the following list are links to NYS sites that deal specifically with trespass, regulations, posting info, etc. I have included other useful links as well as one to a prior blog on game cam strategies.
- Public Fishing Rights and the Landowner -NYSDEC
- Posting Information for Landowners, Boaters, Fishermen and Hunters -NYSDEC
- Avoiding Conflicts Between Waterfowl Hunters and Waterfront Property Owners -NYSDEC
- ASK -NYSDEC
- Dealing with Trespassers -Cornell Univ
- Recreational access and owner liability -Cornell Univ
- Post Deer Season- Time to Implement a New Game Camera Strategy
As a landowner, I can tell you first hand you will quickly expand your fan base in a less than desirable way by wanting to control your property in any configuration. Some folks feel or even insist they have a right to your place. You and I may have an adverse response to such arrogant entitlement thinking. Trust me it is out there as many are not shy about it, in fact boastful.
Diligence and willingness to press charges does pay off as it eventually reduces trespass once they learn you have a spine and will do what is needed to fully enjoy your place as the owner of the property. I can tell you that sending a certified notice against trespass or having the local sheriff deliver it in person is an effective way to get your point across. Posting, maintaining signs, the expense of cameras, batteries,and other items just to secure your place takes away from time and money otherwise spent enjoying it.
Poor behavior is not a one-way street, as we all know that one special landowner that tries to claim rights to other properties, accosts anyone that comes near their boundary or travels an adjacent road along their place. It makes for hostile or worse interactions. I have been privy to one property owner near me that claimed to own the county road that dissected her place. Unnecessary conflict and bad relations for all involved.
It is my well-learned opinion that we New Yorkers have easy access to thousands upon thousands of the best public hunting grounds to be found in our great nation. Our waterways are world-renowned and something to cherish. As ethical sportsmen and sportswomen, criminal trespass is an abhorrent act towards each other and especially landowners. As hunters, as fishermen, as landowners, there is much room to improve relationships with only a little effort and a large dose of mutual respect. We all deserve this from each other.
-MJ
© 2017 Joyner Outdoor Media
Turkey Hunters- We might just have a better take on things?
It got me to thinking as to the type of folks that seem to end up obsessed with chasing gobblers and why we have so much in common and yet squabble over the little details. We discuss and argue the various things that contribute to the hunt’s success or taking the shotgun for a walk back to the truck. This also includes methods, and the cargo bags of gear and gadgets, of course. Together we all know that we will have our days of being soundly defeated, and our butts handed to us no matter how well prepared or determined we may be. We’ll not let that gem of logic deter us.
It was this line of thinking that brings me to the thought to convey here. We as turkey hunters are active participants, keenly interested in cause and effect, and judge things mostly by what they do or how well they work. We immerse ourselves in the experience of the hunt, and should we win the day, we are elated. We do know that a pea brain sized bird can humiliated us in ways that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. It makes it no less of a great hunt. By nature we are conservative leaning, and that is not an absolute, but similar to the crowd of engineers I align myself as. In my perspective I identify myself as an engineer and a turkey hunter, and as a runner, triathlete as side interests. Of course this is behind the priorities of family, God and country in my view.
It is not to say all turkey hunters are conservative or republicans and I know many that lean just as far to the liberal side. I would not hesitate to share a hunt with them. Yet the things I now mention are the things that we share in common, and we get along fine. In part that we are about tangible things, factual findings, not emotional drivel, not political correctness, or chant of the day. As hunters we understand the cycle of life, our mortality as well as that of our quarry, We are studies of the natural world, and how things and or actions work or do not work. We see the value of conservation efforts that improve our forests, and quality of wildlife. We witness & participate in the comeback from market hunting to vastly improved wildlife populations. All of this in stark contrast to the anti-hunting rhetoric out there. It is these personal qualities that I believe we apply in our everyday lives.
Like many of you I suspect, find it nearly intolerable to watch the news, the racism narrative being vomited on us. The anti-gun this and that, anti-hunting, this or that. If you don’t believe in God, then no one else should either. If you don’t believe in my God, I’ll cleanse you by cutting off your head. Somehow everyone is offended or civil rights violated because of my white privilege, and the nonsense goes on and on. We witness senseless revenge killings of the police, yet disregard the actions of those that basically commit suicide by cop. As if criminal behavior should just be ignored and do as one dam well pleases. My rant stops here.
A facebook post caught my attention as it sums up my response to a lot of the foolishness that is reported in the news and exploited by our political leaders. The precepts here apply well to many things, including hunting. I’ll stick my neck out and claim that for the most part we as hunters are well aware that we own each and all of our decisions we make. In the woods, ill choices send us home empty handed in game and the grand experience anticipated. This precept also is handy when it comes to safety, and being ethical as hunters and as people. I’ll share the post here:
“Everything you do is based on your choices you make. It’s not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument / conflict, or your age that is to blame. You and you alone are responsible for every decision and choice you make. Period.’
My point which may seem a bit jumbled as I find current events beyond unreasonable and frustrating is that maybe the world would be better off if more people thought more like a hunter would. I will go as far as to say a turkey hunter’s perspective. Do any of us turkey hunters care if that great box call was crafted by a black (yellow, purple, green, whatever) man? A woman? A disable person? A (name religion) person? We care how much for the call, and is there any story or history that goes along with the call. Do any of us feel that white privilege (fill in whatever absurd idea applies) when a gobbler teases us for two hours at five yards past our range limit then walks away to one lone hen after you played the game the best you ever have? Would any of us not respect a land owner because of some discriminating factor? Tell me that any of us turkey slayers would not hunt a monster gobbler on a prime spot because the land owners were black, or a gay couple? We’ll give them the respect they deserve… Duh… Moving along… Not saying that we are perfect by any stretch, or that we don’t have racists in our ranks, but in our world, this foolishness has no place in our decision making, or in our treatment of others.
The silver lining in this rash of miserable news and currently sentiment is that for us as hunters it is an opportunity. We can go about our daily lives treating others well, and with the respect we would like for ourselves. The more folks recognize us as a group that treats people well, the better off we’ll be. Be an ambassador for our sport. Apply this generously with landowners that grant you access, and to those that don’t. Those folks will observe your actions and you can change hearts and minds by living well. It will be a better day when those that exploit any and all situations to win an argument, to get out of personal responsibility or not contribute to the common good, or to claim some perceived injustice, and get back to the type of thinking we do as hunters. Doing what it takes and making good choices to make a positive goal realized. It’s optimistic, but just the same a good way to be.
© 2015 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Solidarity & Peaceful Protest With Our 2nd amendment Brothers and Sisters against NY Safe ACT
What should have sounded the same as opening day of deerseason sounded very different today. For certain much more is at stake with the erosion of our constitution, our fundamental rights in the name of public safety and the common good. This is a falsehood that has been wrought upon good people repeatedly throughout history.
Let us hope that shots fired peacefully today are heard by many and that we repeal this illegitimate law and restore our fundamental rights unimpeded and afforded us by the constitution
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