Fanning
New Audiobook- Reapercide- Fatalism Defined by Mike Joyner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2022
New Audiobook- Reapercide- Fatalism Defined by Mike Joyner
Joyner Outdoor Media Proudly Announces the Audiobook release of
Reapercide- Fatalism Defined by Mike Joyner
Cortland, NEW YORK – Joyner Outdoor Media announces the audiobook release of Reapercide- Fatalism Defined , by McGraw resident Mike Joyner
A new audiobook version rounds out the offerings of the 2024 release in paperback, hardcover, and kindle book offerings. The author is very pleased to provide the title in the audiobook format which is an ideal format for the the title. The author, Mike Joyner recruited the narrating talent of Tim Carper from Lexington, Kentucky as a great fit for the project.
Publisher’s Summary – It is a grand experience roosting a gobbler, having an ideal setup, calling him in strutting, and outsmarting the bird for one last time. There are folks that promote fanning and reaping to be just as alluring as the old ways.
ReaperCide, Fatalism Defined- focuses on the discussion of common sense hunting safety, covering the shooter’s responsibility, the compromised actions of those who use these methods, and the plausibility of mistaken-for-game incidents. A case is made for not standing in line for a Darwin Award participation trophy.
When it comes to hunting safety, we do not apologize. Hunting methods and ethics may vary among us, but it is reasonable to assert common ground in these matters. We have a legal, and moral obligation to ourselves and our fellow hunters to return home safe from a grand day afield in the turkey woods.
The audiobook is now available on Audible/Amazon
The audiobook is now available on Apple iTunes
Hardcover, paperback books, and Kindle – available now on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTQH91XT
Joyner can be made available for media requests by emailing: info@joynerourdoormedia.com
For more information on the author visit his personal website: www.mikejoyner.com
© 2024 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
PR Book Release: ReaperCide- Fatalism Defined by Mike Joyner
Joyner Outdoor Media Proudly Announces the Book Release of ReaperCide- Fatalism Defined by Mike Joyner
Cortland, NEW YORK – Joyner Outdoor Media announces the Joyner Outdoor Media Proudly Announces the Book Release of ReaperCide- Fatalism Defined by Mike Joyner
The author’s latest book release dives straight in, headlong into the discussion of the controversial subject of reaping, fanning, and stalking wild turkeys. The author makes a sound and well-reasoned case against the methods that are currently banned in eight states during spring and fall wild turkey hunting seasons. It is currently available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle.
Publisher’s Summary – It is a grand experience roosting a gobbler, having an ideal setup, calling him in strutting, and outsmarting the bird for one last time. There are folks that promote fanning and reaping to be just as alluring as the old ways.
ReaperCide, Fatalism Defined- focuses on the discussion of common sense hunting safety, covering the shooter’s responsibility, the compromised actions of those who use these methods, and the plausibility of mistaken-for-game incidents. A case is made for not standing in line for a Darwin Award participation trophy.
When it comes to hunting safety, we do not apologize. Hunting methods and personal ethics may vary among us, but it is reasonable to assert common ground in these matters. We have a legal, and moral obligation to ourselves and our fellow hunters to return home safe from a grand day afield in the turkey woods.
Hardcover, paperback books, and Kindle – available now on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTQH91XT
Joyner can be made available for media requests by emailing: info@joynerourdoormedia.com
For further information on the author: www.mikejoyner.com
-MJ
© 2024 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Fanning & Reaping, Banned In Eight States
If you engage the fanning/reaping technique, here’s an up-to-date change of state regulations for this fall season. You’ll find that I repeat prior musings in part or in whole from past reports on the method.
A new book due out in 2024 will cover safety issues and current bans ReaperCide, Fatalism Defined https://www.joyneroutdoormedia.com/rfd.html
New Hampshire has now adopted a ban against Fanning and Reaping within the state https://nhfishgame.com/2023/08/25/fall-turkey-season-opens-september-15/
Eight states now have an outright ban on the practice. Nearly half of all US states either ban or strongly warn against stalking which encompasses fanning and reaping methods. The states are listed below. The NWTF and hunter safety education curriculums promote hunter safety in their published materials in all states which cautions specifically against the practice of stalking (fanning/reaping.) The list is based on what is officially published. It is a valid criticism of foreseeable risks.
There are recorded incidents that specifically report fanning/reaping/stalking, and I’m fine with it remaining only a few. The reporting is sparse and critical details are left out as an observed and learned opinion. Hunting incident reports site use of decoys, but not the manner used. No assumption is asserted here as I know of incidents where staked decoys were shot at, decoys shot at while sticking out the back of a turkey vest. Several seasons ago, a hen decoy sticking out of a turkey vest was shot with a crossbow at 8 yards. Trust me, it is a horrific wound. Having interviewed the victim directly, I can tell you the medical team miraculously reassembled his forearm, and he regained use of it. It is a credit to the advancements in modern surgical techniques and the capable hands of well trained surgeons.
Our hunting communities are polarized in keeping with national politics, with that in mind, this topic is a hot button for more than a few hunters. I’ll not apologize for opposing the method, nor more than I would for common sense, nor put respect and courtesy on the back burner in order to kill a gobbler that is giving me fits. Turkey hunting is life to a point… Unacceptable safety concerns associated with this method is the objection, no more, no less.
As a fraternity of turkey hunters, we abide by the ideal that all turkey hunting incidents are 100% preventable, and that one is far too many. 2023 was not a spotless record. To my knowledge, none that have been reported directly involve this method this past season. There are two, that remain unclear, no further details given, I’ll repeat, I am more than fine with that idea. Zero incidents are the acceptable number in any season.
List of States, Provinces
In a review on the various DNR’s, DEC’s, DWR’s etc, the following States enacted a ban on the practice of stalking, fanning, reaping, and specifically stated in their turkey hunting regulations:
Alabama, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
South Carolina (WMA’s only), Rhode Island, Tennessee (WMA’s only)
The following States, and one Canadian Province issue a statement of caution specifically in their hunting regs and or species-specific guides against the practice of stalking as a matter of safety:
Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Idahong
Kentucky (specifically fanning/reaping), Maine, Maryland, Missouri.
New York, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon.
Ontario, Canada. Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin
There may be more that publish separately as safe hunting tips, and hunting education courses. For my research, I used the published hunting regulations for each state or province. I will edit the list as others become known.
-MJ
© 2023
Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Fanning & Reaping, Banned In Seven States
If you engage the fanning/reaping technique, you want to check up-to-date state regulations where you’ll be hunting next season. You’ll find that I repeat prior musings in part or in whole that are worthy of repeating from past reports on the method. Tennessee has now adopted a ban against Fanning on WMA’s https://www.tn.gov/twra/news/2022/6/3/fish-and-wildlife-commission-sets-hunting-and-fishing-seasons.html
Seven states have an outright ban on the practice. Nearly half of all US states either ban or strongly warn against stalking which encompasses fanning and reaping methods. The states are listed at the end of this. The NWTF and hunter safety education curriculums promote hunter safety in their published materials in all states which cautions specifically against the practice of stalking (fanning/reaping.) The list is based on the premise of what is officially published. For calling it out, it is a valid criticism of foreseeable risks.
It is understandable that proponents see it as exciting and just the thing to try for gobblers that won’t leave a field, and won’t budge off of a ridge. I won’t deny how much adrenaline is experienced, it has to be a thrilling experience as reported.
On the flip side, it is perfectly ok for the gobbler to win the skirmish.
Most of the paces I often hunt would present a risk without justification for using this method. Having said that, this does not apply in other locales where turkeys are hunted in different parts of the country. This is not a safety concern in open prairies, wide-open mature forests, and large tracts of plowed farm fields. Exceptions of wide-open terrain without rifles of course are noted.
There are recorded incidents that specifically report fanning/reaping/stalking, and it is my hope that it remains only a few. It is a grey area as the reporting is sparse and critical details are left out far too often. Many of the hunting incident reports site use of decoys, but not the manner used. I’ll make no assumption as I know of incidents where staked decoys were shot at, decoys shot at while sticking out the back of a turkey vest. Several seasons ago, a hen decoy sticking out of a turkey vest was shot with a crossbow at 8 yards. Lucky in that the errant hunter missed but struck the victim in the forearm. Trust me, it is a horrific wound.
Our hunting communities have gotten as polarized as national politics, it is disappointing, but not unexpected. I’ll not apologize for common sense, nor put respect and courtesy on the back burner in order to kill a gobbler that is giving me fits. Turkey hunting is life to a point…
As a fraternity of turkey hunters, we abide by the ideal that any and all turkey hunting incidents are 100% preventable and that one is far too many. 2022 was not a spotless record. To my knowledge, none that have been reported involve this method this season. I can assure you that I am more than fine with that idea. Zero incidents are the acceptable number in any season.
List of States, Provinces
In a review on the various DNR’s, DEC’s, DWR’s etc, the following States enacted a ban on the practice of stalking, fanning, reaping, and specifically stated in their turkey hunting regulations:
Alabama, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
South Carolina (WMA’s only), Rhode Island, Tennesse (WMA’s only)
The following States, and one Canadian Province issue a statement of caution specifically in their hunting regs and or species-specific guides against the practice of stalking as a matter of safety:
Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Idaho
Kentucky (specifically fanning/reaping), Maine, Maryland, Missouri.
New York, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon.
Ontario, Canada. Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin
There may be more that publish separately as safe hunting tips, and hunting education courses. For my research, I used the published hunting regulations for each state or province. I will edit the list as others become known.
-MJ
© 2022
Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Fanning Reaper Bullies
Had a few comments made to me today and like clockwork repeated each time I visit this topic of Fanning, Reaping, and Stalking. I have revised a Facebook post from some years ago-
In as much accusatory tone as one might muster, apparently, I’m elitist, that I believe I am better than other hunters, and I blast those that don’t hunt as I do or see it my way. I have been told these things directly and accused of actually being an Anti-Hunter…
Sacrilegious… Fighting words… Cash Me Outside …
Seriously, please indulge me for a few moments while I shed a tear in this profound tragedy.
Delete and block are the modern tools in social media that have replaced a black eye and a sore jaw that one got for uncivil dialog back in my youth. Back then, you got real physical feedback for engaging your mouth before putting your grey matter in first gear. I digress…
To be crystal clear, we are talking about the practice of reaping, fanning, and stalking in the rolling, high grass, heavily wooded hunting grounds. This is not a point of concern in open prairies, wide-open mature forests, and large tracts of plowed farm fields in states where rifles are not legal in turkey seasons. I state this for the peanut gallery as otherwise, the village idiot could figure this out. I have friends who do this in very open areas, where the risks of incidents are not a factor. My criticism is directed at circumstances that present undue risk and defy common sense.
I am of critical opinion of those that choose to engage in risky methods in inappropriate settings in the turkey woods, potentially at others’ expense. No apologies, none forthcoming. We are expected to speak up when one displays unsafe gun handling, and engages in methods of undue risk. Is common sense no longer common? The common-sense principles used to promote defensive driving similarly apply very well to hunting. Ask any hunting safety instructor.
Turkey hunting has its inherent risks as in any form of hunting (arguably, factually low,) but why add undue risk? I do not wear antlers on my head or a deer suit during deer season. I am confident my life insurance company would cancel my policy if they were to find out I was rolling the dice on opening day with a nice set of booners on my head. Would a judge dismiss the case should I be shot for wearing a deer costume out in the woods for the opener? I guess yes. I’ll also guess the same when you crawl across a rolling meadow with a real fan and full-color neck and head decoy mounted to your gun barrel. Is the shooter to blame, you bet, are you the reaper to blame, you bet. The most incompetent lawyer across the land would get that thrown out of court. BTW not getting shot is the point.
My take? I hit a nerve and upset my counter-opinioned hunter to the point of a triggered, uncivil response. This is all over the continual debate over Fanning, Reaping, and Stalking wild turkeys. I do not stand alone in my view, nearly half of the state DNRs, DECs have explicit language, and safety information not recommending stalking wild turkeys in any manner. Alabama, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina (WMA’s only), and Rhode Island have outright deemed it illegal to use Fanning/Reaping Methods or engage in stalking turkeys.
The following States, and one Canadian Province issue a statement of caution specifically in their hunting regs and or species-specific guides against the practice of stalking as a matter of safety: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Kentucky (specifically fanning/reaping), Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New York, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Ontario-Canada. Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Despite the unfortunate shootings of two hunters while fanning in 2017, on private land together with a third, or that in 2013, a fellow turkey hunter suffered fatal injuries from these practices, we have the kill gobblers at all cost crowd claiming folks like me and others are full of it, have no proof, safer than driving, Indians did it, elitists telling us how to hunt and the foolishness goes on and on. There are other incidents that cannot be included at this time as the reporting is vague and one cannot separate decoy use from the topic at hand. Truthfully If I never again found cause to report a hunting incident it would be a great thing.
Me an Anti? Not in this lifetime. I personally don’t care if you choose other ways, or strategies other than what I might choose. Hunters make different approaches work however best it suits them. When it comes to doing things that presents a plausible incident scenario, I will speak out. Having regard for others, and some sense of logical reasoning, my viewpoint is not arrived at lightly or just to see what I might stir up.
The efficiency of the method is not in dispute, nor is the thrill of the experience. It is called reaping for a reason. It can get the job done. Snap shooting while the gobbler is trying to achieve Mach 2 in any direction but yours makes for very hurried, haphazard shots. Some of the youtube videos show this in cringe-worthy gun-handling footage. Throw into this entire mix, you have rifles legal in some states, shotguns pushing up to the 100-yard mark, actually taxidermy or dried fans for more “realism”, and my less than favorite, “I only do it on private land” as we all know those $50-$100 fines all but ensures peace, tranquility, and the ultimate of privacy on our own lands or private lands of others. The arguments for fanning and reaping are that foolhardy.
To round out my observation and comments on a revisit to this foray, do I think I am better than other hunters? I have my doubts as I remain a hopeless member of the tenth legion and I have plenty of lumps and scars from living through difficult periods, events of great loss, and “it’s reality time” moments in my past six decades. In short, hell no. Before I hoist that gobbler over my shoulder, it is pure adrenaline, heart in my throat moment up until he shows up. 30 years later it is every bit as good as my very first turkey hunt. I assume that most of you as fellow hunters have a similar experience. I sincerely hope that you do. I do enjoy other successful hunter’s postings. It pleases me as I know I will get out there as well. So no, I feel akin to my fellow hunters and enjoy as they do, not from a lofty better than thou view. I’ll be just as happy to see your hero pics. Your stories I like even better.
As long as we stay silent, afraid to “ruffle feathers” or hurt our collective reaper/fanning feelings (for some) We allow this promotion (or lack of opinion in fear of) to give a black eye to our great pastime.
Truly yours-
Not Afraid
-MJ
© 2022 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Spring 2021- Three Turkey Hunting Incidents, Two Fatalities.
Half way thru the spring season in our nation, millions of turkey hunters have already worn out some serious boot leather across the southern zones of the USA. It is expected that we return home from a full day hunt or mid day to the local diner just in time for the firehouse siren at twelve sharp. This season, two hunters will not return and a third escorted to the local hospital. The very low statistics does little to comfort, or to avoid the lump in our throats when we think of it. A fourth victim is being tracked for more info, and is lacking crucial details.
Hopkinsville, Kentucky- One of those fatally shot was very young, 11 years old, reported as an accident, self inflicted.
Official: Boy fatally shot in apparent hunting accident
Shasta County, California- One adult hunter shot another, reported as a “sound shot.” Very few details as to how it came together. It is also reported alcohol is suspected to be involved and an investigation is on going. The wounded hunter was airlifted to Mercy Medical Center and is reported in critical condition.
Hunter Shot After Being Mistaken For Turkey
https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2014/04/14/hunter-shot-after-being-mistaken-for-turkey/
Pierre, South Dakota- A father and son team bow hunting for turkeys has turned tragic, the father was struck by an arrow from his adult son’s bow, and further details have not been released. The father succumbed to his injuries and an investigation is on going.
South Dakota man fatally shot by son’s arrow in apparent hunting accident
Two and half million turkey hunters that engage in the outdoors each season. The incident rate is reported at 0.003% in an average year that an errant shooting occurs while afield. That is all well and good in the realm of actuaries and statisticians. The families and friends of these three hunters will find no comfort in it. We can do better.
Please indulge me for repeating in my posts:
The following tips, good practices are well advised for your safety and that of others:
- Avoid wearing the bright colors of a gobbler’s head, red, white, or blue. Large areas of black may resemble the body of a turkey. These are turkey colors, and another hunter may mistake you for a bird.
- Be 100% sure of your target. Check your foreground and your background. Those extra seconds of making sure can save a life!
- Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Don’t rely on your gun’s safety. Treat every gun as loaded.
- If you see another hunter, don’t move- any motion can be mistaken for a turkey. Instead, call out to alert the other hunter that you are there. Do not wave or attempt to get up, or use a turkey call to alert the incoming hunter.
- Do not stalk turkey sounds; it could be another hunter. Find a good setup with your back to a tree, rock, or other large natural barriers wider than your shoulders. Then go about working to call the birds to you. Stalking is illegal in many states.
- You may consider placing a hunter orange ribbon high on a tree to help other hunters identify your location, or wear on your person entering or leaving. It is a legal requirement by some states, do not assume orange to be an end-all for safety. Always identify your quarry and what may be in front of, behind, or to either side. You have no guarantee that others are wearing orange…
- Reconsider the assumed risks of using “tail-fanning” or “reaping’ techniques (using gobbler decoys, a synthetic fan, or real tail feathers) out immediately in front of you, mounted on your gun barrel or a head/hat mounted product while crawling or stalking. A fan may be large enough to hide you from view from other hunters and you may falsely assume they will properly identify you vs. a real gobbler.
- Always let someone else know where you will be and when expected to be back via text, email, or phone message. In an emergency, precious minutes can make all the difference for someone to direct first responders to your location or for someone to know when you are late returning.
We owe it to ourselves and to each other to act and hunt in a safe manner and promote the best practices to ensure we all get to come back the next season to spend time in the great turkey woods and with all of God’s creations.
I will update as more details are published. We pray for those injured, that have succumbed to their injuries and for their families. May they heal well Godspeed.
-MJ
© 2021 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Turkey Hunter Shot-Stalking? Decoys? Reaping? True Stories?
Out of all the topics I cover as an outdoor writer this topic is perhaps the most gut-wrenching to follow up on.
For those of you that follow my posts, you may recall last spring’s post- Eleven Turkey Hunters Shot…. since then I learned of more incidents from the same season for a total of 16 hunters shot. Other than a few brief paragraphs, no details that we might want to know were disclosed which brings me to the following observations… I can assure you, I conduct repeated searches for updates.
I had full intentions to report follow-ups to each of these unfortunate and preventable events. Several had positive story angles of their hunting partners responding Godspeed with emergency care, and immediate transport to professional medical care facilities. Modern-day heroes if you will indulge me. I do hope that interviews be granted in the future as the value of having a hunting partner can make all the difference in hunting strategies and for the unexpected events we may encounter.
The following story I reported on does have further developments: Father and 11-year-old son shot while turkey hunting, Son succumbed to his injuries. https://mynbc15.com/news/local/mobile-man-charged-in-hunting-accident-that-left-11-year-old-boy-dead Update: the initial charge upgraded to capital murder- https://www.al.com/news/2020/12/veteran-now-charged-with-capital-murder-in-11-year-old-jeffco-boys-hunting-death.html
Other victims, although very open and willing to share their initial experiences, Did not contact afterwards when things settled down. It is not a criticism as full respect for their privacy and my unwillingness to engage in tabloid journalism is the approach here. I have left the door open should they wish to in the future.
For the past two decades, I have tracked stories when they occur. In doing the research other than an initial story, historic search results in one or two paragraphs with little detail at all, in general, reporters see no distinction in how hunting accidents (yes, they call them that) occur nor provide the terms and details we often use to nail down specifics. In each of the events, I have followed the trail of, coverage falls off sharply as one could deduct that hunters shooting hunters ranks rather low in the public interest, and barely a mention in today’s wall-to-wall 24/7 news cycles.
The lack of detailed data can be attributed to HIPAA laws, restricted access in active investigations/court cases, and a tendency for victims to remain private following a shooting encounter. I could ultimately use the FOIL process to gain further details that law enforcement and wildlife agencies are not eager to share. Access to databases used by enforcement, and wildlife agencies would certainly add more to the story. Given the victims’ clear desire for privacy, it is not an intrusive tact I wish to take.
Having covered such topics I am often challenged, demanding proof by naysayers and advocates of stalking/reaping/fanning turkeys that there are no such events, and that reaping and fanning-related shootings do not occur at all. It is the equivalent of burying one’s head in the sand. Vetted studies that suggest otherwise, are a contributing factor in states enacting an outright ban on the practices. Should you care to research this you’ll find as I have that nearly all of the reported news of turkey hunting-related shooting incidents is lacking in substantive details. Having met and known those directly as victims I close this line of thought as too many armchair experts are willfully ignorant in order to support such methods. Non-apologetic for criticism of the absence of common sense and basic safety concerns.
To be fair, to add proper context and perspective, overall with millions of participants engaged in pursuing wild turkeys, we are a rather polite and safe lot despite being sometimes referred to as bloodthirsty killers roaming the woods with bows and shotguns. Statistically, by the numbers, turkey hunting is one of the safest activities we can indulge in. That said, can we agree that zero occurrences are the acceptable incident rate?
As I write this, a report comes out of Union, South Carolina of a hunter shot this morning, no details other than one taken to the hospital, One can assume while turkey hunting? Maybe? As such, no details as of yet.
Having spoken to some of the victims from the spring 2020 hunting incidents directly (some have declined), I can attest to the occurrences with ill-fated results of stalking, reaping, fanning, and the poor acts of shooting decoys, even hen decoys during a rushed shot, where we as shooters have an obligation to identify our targets, just as we are obligated to not present undue risk in our actions. This is much the same concept as taught in defensive driving courses.
It is one thing to read of these events, it is entirely different to speak to victims over the phone, in written correspondence, yet again in a more profound way to meet in person at NWTF national conventions to be handed a full dossier with full-color photos and to shake their hand directly. I can assure you it leaves a lasting impression as to the aftermath of these ill-fated events.
As half the country is currently in season, the next few weeks will open up for the remaining states. It is my sincere hope to have no incidents to comment on, and that you can keep posting the hero pics and smiling faces of youths out for their very first hunts. I prefer those. I wish each of you a safe and memorable season…
-MJ
© 2021 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Turkey hunters Shot This Spring Season- Commentary
With the count now at 15 shot during 2020 spring season-
Folks are jumping to a lot of conclusions with almost zero data or facts other than two were shot by an off duty wildlife officer this past weekend. We don’t know if risky techniques were in play or if it is all the fault of the shooter, In my view, what I have followed up on over the years it normally is. Just like defensive driving there are choices that perpetuate or negate the possibilities. With the scenarios possible, we have to wait to get a sense of where this all broke down.
Investigations need to conclude, court proceedings need to run their course, and then we may have a complete picture. Unlike national and local politics we still have a presumption of innocence. Is it to our benefit to vilify the shooters or the victims without facts in hand?
It is up to the shooter to determine a safe sight picture for a legit target. Ultimately it is the first and last preventive to a errant shooting, However if someone is using a real fan, or full mount taxidermy it is not so cut and dry. Do we really need to challenge the ability of others to figure it out? I know a few that will actually use a gobbler mount, wear a half mount or fan on their head or mount it on their barrel. It is not my cup of tea. I’m not known to wear a 12 point buck costume on opening day of regular deer season either, but hey I’m a bit weird that way. Sorry, but if you think its OK, stand in line for a Darwin award participation trophy.
It pays to be patient when it comes to dropping a bird if something appears odd, out of place, we verify anyway while looking over foreground and background. We would hope that someone engaged in reaping or fanning would move in such a way that would appear unnatural to us as hunters. Proponents of it exclaim that we should be able to see that it is not a real target. I would prefer that to be true. Anecdotal stories I have been told by long time friends as to their close calls is enough to raise the hair on the back of your neck. When you add in rolling terrain, woodland features, high grass, the presentation becomes partial views. You put my wide butt behind a fan, and you’ll know it’s a poor representation of a turkey. I can’t suggest the same for you narrow butt turkey hunters. Sometimes there’s a blessing in being overweight…
We don’t know what we don’t know yet. Out of the now 15 shot this spring, several have had decoys mentioned in the story without details, one I have interviewed and it was a hen decoy with the head sticking out of the back of his vest while seated, the shooter was at 8 yards with a crossbow. I am not able to comprehend that many wrong decisions in a month much less in a single moment by the shooter. I will be following up on two stories that I have direct information and once I conclude several more interviews.
What I do know, what we should all know- If we take the time to identify a proper target, clear foreground and background and refrain from unreasonable risk taking, the incident rate would hover at zero and that is where it needs to be.
We pray for healing Godspeed and their recoveries and of course for those that have passed and their families.
-MJ
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Reapercide
Reapercide
ˈriːpə-cide
(Noun)
The intentional act of provoking a lethal response from another turkey hunter. Achieved by donning a life-like or real turkey tail fan, whole or in part 3D decoy or taxidermy and carried/worn in front of their position for concealment while stalking, belly crawling, otherwise moving on lands designated for hunting. Other variations include gun barrel or archery mounting apparatus and hat mounted decoys or fans. Mimicking the calls of a wild turkey is often used while “reaping.”
Conceptually reflects of the hunter’s state of mind, and desire to end their own life, which can be difficult to determine post mortem. A suicide note may not be present or intent verbalized prior to the event. Research indicates an observed phenomenon of an absence of fatalistic thoughts and attributed to a hyper-focused psychosis to harvest wild turkeys with an acutely inhibited basal response of self-preservation. A suppressed cognitive awareness for the safety of others is also observed.
Hunter Safety PSA’s and hunter safety education materials state that hunters must clearly identify their target, and strongly cautions against stalking as an increased foreseeable risk. Reaping compromises commonly known safety practices by direct imitation, mimicking target animal sought after in legal seasons.
Also, see:
Suicide by turkey hunter
ˈsuəˌsaɪd bɪ ˈtɜrki ˈhʌntər
(adjective)
Turkey Fanicide
ˈtɜrki fanni cide
(Noun)
For a representative reenacted example see video below:
Turkey Fanning from Brian Flowers on Vimeo.
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Turkey Fanning & Reaping, Not Legal In All States
The NWTF and most if not all hunter safety education curriculums promote hunter safety in their published materials in all states which cautions specifically against the practice of stalking (fanning/reaping.) It can be claimed in all states but I have not confirmed that. As hunting regulations are governed by each state, the list is based on the premise of what is officially published.
It is popular among some hunters and prominently shown on some TV hunting shows. For calling it out, one can expect the usual pushback, attacks and trash talk. Nonsense, as a valid criticism of a practice laden with foreseeable risk, I’ll not apologize...
I get plenty of flack from those that subscribe to “any means possible.” A few decoy companies catering to the practice will not be sending christmas cards any time soon. I get that some see it as exciting and possibly the only thing that might work for gobblers that won’t leave a field, won’t budge. Outwitting a gobbler on its own terms might be fodder to be accused of elitism by these folks.
From personal experience, outwitting a stubborn gobbler by having the right set up, convincing the gobbler to forgo his natural instincts, and making calls that the bird wants to hear is a satisfaction you long remember.
Hate to break the news, that in the act of fair chase, the gobbler does win out sometimes. It is actually ok when it happens. We all have our nemesis, project birds that cause many hours of scheming and frustration. The reward of reaping or fanning a gobbler to a successful conclusion fails to outweigh the chosen and foreseeable risk.
Many of us find it an unacceptable risk with the exception of wide open fields/spaces where rifles are not allowed. As trespassing is far too common, the private land argument claiming it to be be safe holds no weight. The chaotic gun handling during a reaping, fanning stalk shown in videos is enough to make any hunter safety instructor cringe. It should make us all cringe.
Each year stories appear across the USA of a turkey hunter being shot. Sometimes a fatality, others a painful removal of dozens of leaded or tungsten shot, surgery, scarring, loss of sight or disfigurement. Details in nearly all reporting is sketchy, lacking in details as reporters are not intimate with our sport. Far too often it is called an accident which is a misuse of the term.
I am happy to report that fanning and reaping fatalities are not growing in epidemic numbers… At least by what can be researched online. There have been a few, each tragic and of course 100% avoidable. It is entirely preventable with the golden rules we are to abide by each time we head to the turkey woods. Zero incidents is the acceptable number as it is 100% preventable.
My opinion has not lessened or moderated on the idea of stalking or stalking with a manufactured or taxidermy decoy/fan of a gobbler carried in front, on the barrel, or as a hat decoy. Stalking of any kind plagues our sport and has for many years. The method is identified as one of the leading causes of turkey hunting incidents and fatalities.
List of States, Provinces
In a review on the various DNR’s, DEC’s, DWR’s etc, the following States enacted a ban on the practice of stalking, fanning, reaping, and specifically stated in their turkey hunting regulations:
Michigan New Jersey Pennsylvania South Carolina (WMA’s only) Rhode Island
The following States, and one Canadian Province issue a statement of caution specifically in their hunting regs and or species specific guides against the practice of stalking as a matter of safety:
Alabama Arkansas California Connecticut Idaho
Kentucky (specifically fanning/reaping) Maine Maryland Missouri
New York New Hampshire North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon
Ontario, Canada Vermont Washington Wisconsin
There may be more that publish separately as safe hunting tips, and hunting education courses. For my research I used the published hunting regs for each state or province. I will edit the list as others become known.
I would not expect states with predominantly wide open spaces to adopt such restrictions. Should there be an uptick in reckless events, fatalities, I would expect more states to take a more conservative position on this.
-MJ
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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