audiobook
BOOK PROJECTS- 2024 UPDATE
Book Project Update-The following two projects have been long-term works in progress and very different efforts than the storybooks that I write one chapter at a time, at random throughout the years. Some just appear to be at random as a eureka moments once enough material is collected, and put aside to publish without any particular schedule. As these two large projects require large swaths of time to keep it all straight, with far too many moving parts, it is a much slower workflow.
D.D. Adams- Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer, a long-awaited title. scheduled to be released this past summer had been pushed back after a snafu in source material permissions. Regrouped on pictures and may have to do one more photo shoot to fill a few gaps. Expect editing and finishing chapters through the winter. Aside from proof reading there will be a period of review for any gaps.
Empire State Limb Hangers– New York Wild Turkey Records, another long-awaited title, is on track for this year. Weekly progress on this. The entire database has been gone through and grown the records two fold. The project expanded dramatically. All data is up to date and locked down as of July 2023. All but a last push on interviews and finalizing each story included in the book. Those that have responded with interest of inclusion will be interviewed.
Books Scheduled For Release:
ReaperCide, Fatalism Defined– tackles a controversial topic and includes musings collected for some time. Will be released 2/13/24. This was a formatting effort as it is a collection of commentary over the past decade. Much like the Random Musings series and a few other titles that will spring up unscheduled, it is mostly consolidating prior musings with a little polish and organizing.
Books in print:
Hills of Truxton: Stories & Travels of a Turkey Hunter 1.2 version, available online at Amazon and other online book store in paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. Hills Of Truxton
Tales from the Turkey Woods: Mornings of My Better Days 1.2 version, available online at Amazon and other online book stores in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. Tales From The Turkey Woods
Grand Days in the Turkey Woods is available online at Amazon and other online book stores in Hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. Grand Days In The Turkey Woods Hardcovers w/dustjacket can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Days-Turkey-Woods-Joyner/dp/1495125475
Ten To Life- Delirium Tales Of A Covid-19 Survivor is available online at Amazon and other online book stores in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B3LP45XD/
A Walk In The Turkey Woods- Wandering Thoughts and Revelations, is available online at Amazon and other online book stores in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle format. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW36MGN9
An audiobook is currently in production with a 2024 release anticipated.
Random Musings- Of The Left Hemisphere, is available online at Amazon and other online book stores in Hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. https://www.amazon.com/Random-Musings-Left-Hemisphere-Joyner-ebook/dp/B0C2WMQNHH
Random² Musings:-A Left Hemisphere Continuum, is available online at Amazon and other online book stores in Hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. https://www.amazon.com/Random%C2%B2-Musings-Left-Hemisphere-Continuum-ebook/dp/B0CK4WH86B
Personal Hunting Journals Collection. nine journals total in the collection, and tailored to your favored seasons. All journals are available for $7.59 on Amazon
For a consolidated set of links to purchase on Amazon, click on: https://www.joyneroutdoorme dia.com/journals_promo.html.
Future Projects:
Tales from The Roost, Roost ‘n Time Tales– Another turkey hunting stories book is likely to come out in the late summer of 2024 and depends on a number of things being completed prior to coming together. I rough draft stories each season, so it is not absolute in the schedule. As a fourth storybook, it may be one of the last of those efforts. The seasons and memories have been so inspirational which continues to drive these titles.
Random3 Musings:-A Left Hemisphere Continuum, last installment of random social media commentary, mostly conservative view points, some humor, and of course hunting themed commentary.
Old Turkey Tree, Stories From The Turkey Woods– will be a collection of my favorites from each storybook title and a full-color edition will be offered in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle. That will come sometime after Roost ‘n Time Tales is published.
A wild turkey cookbook is a slow cooker, a work in progress, a joint project with Lee Joyner and will come out whenever I get to road-testing my hazardous culinary skills. If I survive that experiment, it will happen…
There are more slow-rolling book projects that pique my interest in pursuing, and I add bits and pieces to each project folder as they fit or strike me to capture at the moment. There are a few novel project ideas if I ever get to it.
Websites: A redesign of the Joyner Outdoor Media website is active, integrating all the published book websites, lists current projects and future projects (mostly novels) in planning stages. the home base at turkey-talk.com is up and running, and will solicit advertising to make the indulgence self-sufficient when that final section is done.
-MJ
© 2024 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Joyner Outdoor Media New Website
A revamped and updated website has been rolled out and is now live. With supporting current books in print by author Mike Joyner, the various websites have been integrated to provide a consistent offering for each title. There are two more sections for works in progress and future novels that are in planning phases. Book Trailers and a few odds and ends are still left to complete and will be updated when available.
The new website uses the same domain name @ www.joyneroutdoormedia.com
Books In Print Update
This is just an update on what’s available for current titles and small updates. As the printer now offers case laminate hardcovers, I have added this to current titles and will also do for future releases.
Hills of Truxton: Stories & Travels of a Turkey Hunter is currently available online at Amazon and other online bookstores in paperback, laminated hardcover, and kindle format.
A 1.2 version is the current print-on-demand book with a new cover, and the typical text corrections and small edits in an effort to follow in some semblance of the Queen’s English. The laminated hardcover 1.2 edition is now available.
An audiobook is underway for production to coincide with the 1.2 updates. a March is expected. Audiobook will be narrated by Tim Carper
A Hardcover Linen Wrap (Dust Jacket) offering is not scheduled at this time. Should there be demand for it, I may do a run of them. Updated 2/3/23
Paperback—–Hardcover—–Kindle—–Audiobook (coming soon)
Tales from the Turkey Woods: Mornings of My Better Days is currently available online at Amazon and other online bookstores in paperback, laminated hardcover, and kindle format.
A 1.2 version is the current print-on-demand book with a new cover, and the typical text corrections and small edits in an effort to follow in some semblance of the Queen’s English.
Although the original release featured a Hardcover Linen Wrap (Dust Jacket), the printer discontinued the service. A Hardcover Linen Wrap (Dust Jacket) offering is not scheduled at this time. Should there be demand for it, I may do a run of them.
Paperback—–Hardcover—– Kindle—–Audiobook Updated 2/23/23
Grand Days in the Turkey Woods is currently available online at Amazon and other online bookstores in paperback, laminated hardcover, kindle format, and Hardcover Linen Wrap (Dust Jacket). An audiobook is currently available. The audiobook is narrated by Tim Carper.
Paperback—–Hardcover—–Kindle—–Audiobook—–Hardcover w/dustjacket
Ten To Life- Delirium Tales Of A Covid-19 Survivor is currently available online at Amazon and other online bookstores in hardcover, paperback, and kindle format. An audiobook is currently available. The audiobook is narrated by Tim Carper.
A Hardcover Linen Wrap (Dust Jacket) offering is not scheduled at this time. Should there be demand for it, I may do a run of them.
Paperback—–Hardcover—–Kindle —–Audiobook
-MJ
© 2022 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Book Projects- Heading Into 2023 Update
Things at Joyner Outdoor Media remain busy these days, Still recovering from a near-fatal Covid experience in August/September 2021, and an emergency open surgery four weeks ago, things have changed yet again. Several long-term projects will finally be completed by this year and next spring, and a few unusual and different ones to be released in the future that will surprise you as well.
D.D. Adams- Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer, a long-awaited title. scheduled to be released this past summer has been pushed back. Lots of pictures in a large format book, and currently going thru thirty hours of interviews that have been transcribed. Plans are to release on Amazon and other online book stores in hard cover, paperback, kindle and something special for collectors while keeping it manageable on the wallet.
Empire State Limb Hangers– New York Wild Turkey Records, another long-awaited title, is pushed back. Still seeking those eligible to interview for the project, but a cutoff will occur once I nail down a release date. Plans are to release on Amazon and other online book stores in hardcover, and paperback formats.
Books in print:
Hills of Truxton: Stories & Travels of a Turkey Hunter is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, and kindle format. Hills Of Truxton
A 1.2 version is coming later this Fall in 2022 with a new cover, a few updated pictures, and the typical text corrections and small edits in the effort to follow in some semblance of the Queen’s English. A hardcover w/ dust cover will also follow in the 2.0 version, The laminated hardcover 1.0 edition is no longer available. An audiobook is being considered a 2023 release to coincide with the 2.0 update.
Tales from the Turkey Woods: Mornings of My Better Days is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, and kindle format. Tales From The Turkey Woods
A 1.2 version is coming later this Fall in 2022 with a new cover, a few updated pictures, and the typical text corrections and small edits as with my first title. A hardcover w/ dust cover will also follow in the 2.0 version Release of 2.0 will be announced later this fall. An audiobook is being considered a 2023 release to coincide with the 2.0 update.
Grand Days in the Turkey Woods is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, and kindle format. Grand Days In The Turkey Woods Hardcovers can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Days-Turkey-Woods-Joyner/dp/1495125475 An audiobook is being considered for a 2023 release.
Ten To Life- Delirium Tales Of A Covid-19 Survivor is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in hardcover, paperback, and kindle format. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B3LP45XD/ An audiobook is currently being narrated by Tim Carper and will come out later this fall.
A Walk In The Turkey Woods- Wandering Thoughts and Revelations, the brand new release on 2/27/23 is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle. An audiobook is currently in production with a spring 2023 release anticipated. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW36MGN9
Future Projects:
Roost ‘n Time Tales– Another turkey hunting stories book is likely to come out in 2023 or 2024 and that depends on a number of things coming together. I rough draft stories each season, so it is not absolute in the schedule. As a fourth storybook, it may be one of the last of those efforts. The seasons and memories have been so inspirational which continues to drive these titles.
Old Turkey Tree– will be a collection of my favorites from each storybook title and will be offered in a hardcover, full-color edition. That will come sometime after Roost ‘n Time Tales is published.
A wild turkey cookbook is a slow cooker, a work in progress, and will come out whenever I get to road-testing my hazardous culinary skills. If I survive that experiment, it will happen…
There are more slow-rolling book projects that pique my interest in pursuing, and I add bits and pieces to each project as they fit or strike me to capture at the moment. There are a few novel project ideas if I ever get to it.
Websites: On top of all that, a redesign of the Joyner Outdoor Media website is planned, It will integrate all the existing published books and will introduce each new book as it is released or slated for a release date. the home base at turkey-talk.com will also be completed and will solicit advertising to make the indulgence self-sufficient.
-MJ
© 2022 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Book Projects- State of The Union
Things at Joyner Outdoor Media have been rather chaotic and very busy these days. After recovering from a terribly Covid experience going into last winter, many things have changed, mostly for the better. Several projects have dragged on for years while I forged a living with my tech company. Several long-term projects will be completed, and a few unusual and different ones will surprise you as well. On top of all that, a redesign of the Joyner Outdoor Media website will integrate all the existing published books and will introduce each new book as it is released or slated for a release date. the home base at turkey-talk.com will also be completed and will solicit advertising to make the indulgence self-sufficient.
D.D. Adams- Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer, a long-awaited title. is scheduled to be released in June of this year.
Ten To Life- Delirium Tales Of A Covid-19 Survivor is also scheduled to be released in June of this year. This is obviously a different project from what my audience would expect. It is a raw and wild recollection of too many days in hospitals and 18 days in an induced coma.
A Walk In The Turkey Woods- Wandering Thoughts and Revelations is scheduled to be released in August of this year. This collection of thoughts and introspection is an exercise of our mind, and spirit while immersed in the turkey woods. This is a deviation from my prior hunting story books and takes a look at life while spending time in our favored setting.
Empire State Limb Hangers– New York Wild Turkey Records, another long-awaited title, is scheduled for a February 3rd, 2023 release.
There will be a few small book signing tours starting this summer and I will post those when details become available,
Future Projects:
Roost ‘n Time Tales– Another turkey hunting stories book is likely to come out in 2023 or 2024 and that depends on a number of things coming together. I rough draft stories each season, so it is not absolute in the schedule. As a fourth storybook that may be the last of those efforts,
Old Turkey Tree is a collection of my favorites from each title and will be offered in a hardcover, full-color edition. That will come sometime after Roost ‘n Time Tales is published.
A wild turkey cookbook is a slow cooker work in progress and will come out whenever I get to road-testing my hazardous culinary skills. If I survive that experiment, it will happen…
There are five more slow-rolling book projects that pique my interest in pursuing, and a few novels if I ever get to it, two ideas are turkey hunting themed, and the third is in the sci-fi, horror genre. I might have to be well into retirement at that point.
Books in print:
Hills of Truxton: Stories & Travels of a Turkey Hunter is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, and kindle format. Hills Of Truxton
A 2.0 version is coming later in 2022 with a new cover, a few updated pictures, and the typical text corrections and small edits in the effort to follow in some semblance of the Queen’s English. A hardcover w/ dust cover will also follow in the 2.0 version, The laminated hardcover 1.0 edition is no longer available.
Tales from the Turkey Woods: Mornings of My Better Days is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, and kindle format. Tales From The Turkey Woods
A 2.0 version is coming later in 2022 with a new cover, a few updated pictures, and the typical text corrections and small edits as with my first title. A hardcover w/ dust cover will also follow in the 2.0 version Release of 2.0 will be announced later this fall.
Grand Days in the Turkey Woods is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, and kindle format. Grand Days In The Turkey Woods Hardcovers can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Days-Turkey-Woods-Joyner/dp/1495125475
-MJ
© 2022 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
How To Improve Every Turkey Hunt You’ll Ever Have
You can vastly improve every turkey hunt you have ever been on or will ever have…
Once you get out on your first turkey hunt and unless you absolutely cannot deal with getting up very early, you’ll be hooked and addicted. A life sentence for most of us. It is a given that it is just a short period of time before those that pursue wild turkeys become lifelong members of the Tenth Legion. If your fate has brought you to this place then my musings may ring true for you.
As a self-professed grumpy old turkey hunter, it has become evident in the seasons that have marched on and the many pairs of boots worn out, that unless you possess the rare skill of an ironclad memory you will at some point fail to remember the lesser details of times afield in the turkey woods. Remembering the highlights of many great hunts is something even us old turkey hunters do well enough. The exact places and times, weather, important events of the times, thoughts, things you notice while afield become harder to recollect as time marches on.
Turkey hunters, in general, can tell great stories as there is so much to recall and so many interactions to add to the depth of each story. Fishermen are well known for storytelling abilities, especially some whoppers of questionable origin. They have nothing on turkey hunters as we can spin tales for days on end. Never underestimate the value of time spent at the tailgate of a pickup truck, or at the local diner. The conversations, the stories are priceless in my opinion.
As an author and what I wish to share with each of you: I cannot recommend it strongly enough the value of capturing your days afield in any of the mediums available within a short period of time after the hunt or during your time at camp. Whether you have inklings of publishing your stories someday, posting to your friends on social media, or as a keepsake for yourself and your family, you can take it on good advice you will not regret capturing your experiences. If you are a poacher, maybe not so much. That aside, as the decades roll by, the value of this effort grows with each passing season. If you are at all like me, each season adds many days of grand experiences worthy of remembering, worthy of being captured as a keepsake.
You can improve every hunt you have had or ever will embark on with the use of a daily journal, a blog, a camera, even your smartphone. It has never been easier in my lifetime to capture the essentials of a great experience in the turkey woods. It is not a requirement to be a schooled writer, a professional photographer, recording engineer, or a movie director. A handwritten journal is something your family will cherish for generations. Although a handwritten journal is something more common from my generation, modern day office programs do the job well. The apps on your smartphone can also do much of that for you.
Along with capturing the moment, anyone who uses a daily journal will be quick to tell you how useful the daily capture of data, tidbits, observations that can be gone over later that reveal trends, little secrets which you can use to your full advantage in future seasons.
By utilizing easily accessible tools you can capture the little details that jog your memory, paint a picture as you saw it, as you experienced it. A smartphone is a tool that tends to be with you most of the time, and the one you can use at a given moment is a most useful tool. Some models take decent pictures, record video, and audio, and allows for note taking, even word processing. I do carry a professional camera for essential shots, even then the smartphone is a go to as it is easily accessed. I have in the past written entire stories, blog posts, even a movie trailer on my smartphone while on a plane or passenger in a truck on a road trip. I find it handy when my thoughts come together and capture them in the moment. Unlike my daughter, I do not possess the skill or have small enough fingers to be masterful of the smartphone interface for typing. If I could only master that tiny screen keyboard…
Take the time to take lots of pictures. Learn the basics of how to frame a good photo, set up proper exposure and focus points. Take notes as you go. Save them off on your home desktop or laptop, and back up the files. These captures are your digital keepsakes. Just as in shorthand, worry about making it perfect or the way you want later, Get it captured first and foremost.
Just as you direct your attention to display tail fans, beards, and spurs, you can go back and edit, and print your pictures, clean up your notes or fully write out your stories. If inclined as some might be, organize and edit your audio and video files. The ever growing use of social media promotes this to a large degree and the skills used in posting events are directly applicable in capturing your days afield.
The best hunts are those that you can remember well and as you add to those each and every season I am confident you’ll be glad that you took the time to write it down, type it out, photograph it, and or record it. Today is the day if you haven’t done so to write down any and all details from hunts of the past, gather photographs, and organize each of them. Your memory tomorrow may not be as sharp as it is today.
To the many memories made in the great turkey woods and to the many more great memories to be made in the seasons to come.
-MJ
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#turkeyhunting #oldturkeyhunter #wildturkey #turkeywoods #respect
Joyner Outdoor Media, State of the Union, Book Projects
Many projects on the back burner since the winter of 2012-2013 At the tender young age of 52, I found myself out on the street the 18th of December, making a worrisome Christmas. The company I was a founding partner in, later acquired and later sold to our VP of Sales. After a fourteen year stint, given the politics with the new owner, It was an impossibility to work together. Fate, Karma is a cruel master at times and there is a tragic story that follows. I’ll not divulge further. Only days after being put out to pasture I formed Town Line Technologies, LLC on what was a very quiet Sunday morning looking at office spaces. I had an offer for contract work for the US Navy through the old company, cashed in my 401K, no safety net, no benefits. Five years of working hard and still going. It is the primary reason why projects slowed, put on hold and accelerated my aging.
With some things freeing up, I am bringing to the fore front the existing on-going projects that I am all too happy to get back to. ‘Grand Days in the Turkey Woods’ was a bit of an unexpected event in my timeline as an author. As it is common for me to write up or at least outline memorable stories as they occur each season, I found back in 2014 that I have more than enough memories/stories stored off in a future projects file that I was able to quickly publish as a story book which is in keeping with ‘Hills of Truxton: Stories & Travels of a Turkey Hunter’, and ‘Tales from the Turkey Woods: Mornings of My Better Days’
I will update in order- books currently available, current projects, and intentions of future works which will not march full steam ahead until my current projects are out in print.
Books in print:
Hills of Truxton: Stories & Travels of a Turkey Hunter Currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, hardcover, and kindle format. Hills Of Truxton Paperbacks and hardcovers are also available from me, signed with bookmarks and post cards tipped in. Author’s Online Store
A 2.0 version is coming with a new cover, a few updated pictures and the typical text corrections and small edits in the effort to follow in some semblance of the Queen’s English. A hardcover w/ dust cover will also follow in the 2.0 version and will mark the end of the laminated hardcover edition. Release of 2.0 will be announced later this summer
Tales from the Turkey Woods: Mornings of My Better Days Currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, hardcover, and kindle format. Tales From The Turkey Woods Paperbacks and hardcovers are also available from me, signed with bookmarks and post cards tipped in. Author’s Online Store
A 2.0 version is also coming with a new cover, a few updated pictures and the typical text corrections and small edits as with my first title. A hardcover w/ dust cover will also follow in the 2.0 version Release of 2.0 will be announced later this fall.
Grand Days in the Turkey Woods: Currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, hardcover, and kindle format. Grand Days In The Turkey Woods Paperbacks and hardcovers are also available from me, signed with bookmarks and post cards tipped in. Author’s Online Store
Current Book Projects:
D.D. Adams, Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer: For those that I have contacted or attempted to contact at the beginning of the project: I will complete interviews this summer. I have just a few very key interviews to complete so time is short as I need to commit to a writing schedule.
If you knew DD personally and have insights or a great story to share I would love to interview you for the project. I have a lot of pictures, more than enough to show a comprehensive view of his call creations.
Empire State Limb Hangers- New York Wild Turkey Records: For those that I have contacted or attempted to contact at the beginning of the project: Your stories will be available to review as I complete them.
If you haven’t been interviewed and would like to be included, please contact me, I would love to include as many as possible that met the original score criteria. The placings have shifted some, however I am still going by my original list as what was unique and noteworthy then still is of course. There will be future editions as records are broken and those I attempted to include, catch up with the project. The more hunters that come on board that I originally sought to interview, the better.
Any record book gobblers bagged in NY during the 2016-2017 spring/fall seasons? or years prior? If your bird meets the following scoring criteria, I would love to talk to you about being included in the book!
Typical score > 75.0000 (weight x1 + beard x 2 + spur(s) x 10)
Non-Typical score > 105.0000 (weight x1 + beard(s) x 2 + spur(s) x 10)
Weight > 26.5000 lbs. (verified certified weight)
Beard > 12.0000″ (verified length)
Spurs> 1.6250″ (verified length)
Future Projects: Other than some very preliminary housekeeping, outlines etc, future projects are on low priority until completion of the current Que. In all fairness to the hunters I interviewed some time ago, my efforts are focused on completing these anticipated works. There are several ideas for a scifi novel and a hunting themed novel. Very far out there, but possibility’s for a time not as hectic at the moment.
Roost ‘n Time Tales: Will be a continuation of stories as told around camp, the local diners and the back of pickup trucks parked at the gate. It is expected to take any number of years, dependent on travel plans, funds, and a 55 gallon drum of good-luck and fortune to capture another memorable collection of experiences in the great turkey woods.
Old Turkey Tree: A collection of my favorite stories from current titles and future ones. Expect additional perspectives, additional photo’s and other surprises to those following my previous works. May include other unpublished stories worthy of inclusion with such grand memories.
Forever Roost: An introspective view of why I hunt, deeper meanings and how it is much more significant in modern times as well as my later years if a full and meaningful life.
I would be remiss if I neglected to appeal to those contemplating your own works as self published or assisted publishing. If interested in engaging Joyner Outdoor Media to help your project get off the ground or hire us to work up graphics, covers for your book give me a shout at: mjoyner@joyneroutdoormedia.com
I would also encourage you to check out the New York Outdoor Writer Association or on facebook as a writing professional or inspired up and coming author.
-MJ
© 2017 Joyner Outdoor Media
Fat Lady Sings…. Hard Spring Turkey Season In New York
Down to the last day, I woke up early to find it raining again and went back to bed. Without any birds roosted (which had been the story of the season,) I woke up in time for breakfast, then headed out to hunt the few remaining hours left in the season. It was bright and sunny out when I headed out the door. Not my usual “O-Dark Thirty” start on a spring turkey hunt
On such days that I enjoy an extended time afield, it has to be balanced with customer concerns, and results with me in the office until 9PM-10PM at night or working at home on the laptop. My wife and our two Weimaraner’s have their preferences of quality time together as well. On the days that I did manage to get out, it was something more akin to “Time Displacement” rather than time off. It is typical for those that own a business.
Back to the last day… I “ear and eye checked” a number of spots before heading to a secret, favorite state game land spot I’ll not disclose other than being located in Cortland County. With an hour and a half left in the season, I settled in. At 11AM sharp came three distinct “where are you clucks” somewhere very close in the pine woods. The turkey (unsure which variety) never appeared within my line of sight despite my prompt responses. Being very calm, and the bird very close made the clucks seem all the louder. Good fun as at least I was talking to a turkey. Twenty minutes later a series of yelps produced a gobble from across an old hay field. The bird gobbled one time, one time only. To my extreme pleasure, I saw the top of a fan pop up a hundred and fifty yards out. The gobbler wasted little time coming as once I saw the fan, he made steady progress towards my position. Without issuing another call, he came across and off the field into the pinewoods where I would finalize our chance encounter. 11:28AM I was done with a half hour to spare.
As with last spring season in New York where I had a much more bizarre circumstance with a last day, last hour gobbler, both gobblers had sustained serious injuries. Last day gobbler of Spring 2016 had been body shot, had many spur punctures to both breast areas leaving unhealed wounds, the bird was in advanced stages of gangrene, leaving the meat unfit to eat. It was surmised that the bird was ganged up on after the errant shooting and my deed put an end to the story at 11:02AM. Fast forward to yesterday, my late hour gobbler had broken tail feathers, a broken spur with one 1-1/4″ good spur remaining, and a beard that looked to have been subjected to a power tool. several strands remained attached stretching to 11″ Although not in the advanced stages of infection as the prior spring bird, this tough fellow had five spur puncture wounds to the breasts that appeared to be from recent encounters with a significant foe. I’d like to meet up with that gobbler. As before the meat had a foul smell and would defeat in part my plans for venison backstraps and wild turkey speedies/kabobs for the summer. It is not likely the gobbler would survive his injuries. A bittersweet end to the season.
June 1st, the fat lady has sung… Whatever grand schemes you may have had, master plans to win the game will have to wait until the fall season if you are like me, or if not, you have a longer wait until the next spring season.
My observations are that of Cortland and Madison Counties with a brief excursion to Cooperstown. Over the past twenty-five seasons like many of the enthusiastic turkey hunters out there, I have a bunch of hot spots and backup spots for finding gobblers to chase. It changes year to year sometimes. I have lost some prime spots due to changes in land owners, sales of farms, hunting partners, lease members dropping out, and so on. With a nearly even mix of private land vs state game lands, there are literally too many places to cover in a given season.
I’ll prefix my experiences this spring by saying that it comes down to location and timing. Right place, right time. My good friend Randy Russell Of Auburn NY was tagged out on day two. He had a hot gobbler the first day, a silent bird the second. I know of a few others that tagged out early. On a blue moon with a rare alignment of the stars, I have tagged out early in past seasons. Reports of hot gobbling birds were scattered, and the difficulty I experienced was shared by many.
With the exception of a very enthusiastic Jake running from place to place with sneakers on opening day, it was the only hot gobbling interlude of the season. To be fair my days afield were limited due to our family cancer scares, and work obligations. I got out a dozen mornings, most were until 7AM-9AM and off to the office or doctor visits.
A few of my fellow outdoor writers, Dan Ladd, Leo Maloney, Ed Noonan, my wife (Lee) and I got together at Leather Stocking Guide Service in Milford, NY for a weekend of turkey chasing, camaraderie and to attend to some business matters and meetings for the NYSOWA (New York State Outdoor Writers Assoc.). Leon Archer joined us for meetings on Friday after we came in from hunting. Bob Partridge and his crew made for a great weekend and set us out to our own devices on some of the nicest properties I have ever hunted in. We were in great turkey hunting territory, as good or arguably better than back home. With a possible future Spring Safari in Cooperstown, I’ll look forward to spending time there again. If you are a baseball fan it is a great destination stop. As you would expect it is easy to eat well there, and if you are a fan of craft beer, NY wines, or NY distilled spirits, there are several great stops to make all within short drives of each other. The gobbling activity was like we had going on back home, and despite the great weather, despite calling in one hen after another, no gobblers took the truck express back to camp.
Our season here in CNY started out with an early lull, followed by a mid-season lull, and cashed out with a late-season lull. Serious… Again, I know some hunters were right on top of gobbling birds. I was not one of them. The season started out cool and wet and it is thought the first nesting may have been affected. I personally found five different nests that were destroyed. Yet, my wife saw a hen with six poults in tow crossing the road onto our property last evening which is a welcomed sighting. More sightings will be even better.
Every season is a bit different in one way or another, for me it was nearly nonexistent for the traditional: “Bird gobbles, and you work him to the gun, gobbling on the way in.” I’ll gladly take what luck I did have with eventually filling both tags, and will enjoy the great memories of most excellent mornings in the Turkey Woods. The time to take in all that the turkey woods offers, to relax and collect one’s thoughts are all good times afield. Toting out a big gobbler after an epic battle is a grand time we all seek.
-MJ
© 2017 Joyner Outdoor Media
Mike Joyner’s “Heads Will Roll™” 2015 Book Signing Tour
Mike Joyner’s “Heads Will Roll™” 2015 Book Signing Tour
Joyner Outdoor Media Announces Book Signing Events and Show Appearances
Cortland, NEW YORK – Joyner Outdoor Media Announces Book Signing Events and Show Appearances
Cortland author, Mike Joyner will kick off his “Heads Will Roll™” 2015 book signing tour on January 16 through 18 at the New York Sportsman’s Show @ The Oncenter, Syracuse, NY. Mike will be conducting seminars: “Turkey Hunting Novice: Advancing Your Hunting Experience” Saturday @ 2PM @ 5PM, Sunday @4 PM
http://www.newyorksportsmenshow.com
New York Sportsman’s Expo @ NYS Fair Grounds January 23- 25, 2015, The author will be appearing at the New York Outdoor Writers Association (NYSOWA) Booth.
http://www.newyorksportsmansexpo.com/
National Capital Sportsman Show @ Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, Fredericksburg, Virginia January 30- February 1, 2015. Booth #848. Mike will be conducting seminars: Saturday @ TBA, Sunday @ TBA
WNY Sport and Travel Expo @ Fairgrounds Event Center, Hamburg NY March 5-8, 2015, Booth TBA
http://www.eriepromotions.com/Sport/Wny/default.aspx
At each of the shows, the author will have paperback and hardcover editions of the new book “Grand Days in the Turkey Woods,” matching call sets, as well as copies of his first two books “Hills of Truxton” and “Tales from the Turkey Woods” on hand. The author will be personally signing his books at each of the events. The author also encourages those that purchased editions online and would like to have them signed, to stop by the booth.
More events and appearances are anticipated this spring and through the summer. The anticipated release of the upcoming biography of the late call make D.D. Adams will be supported with a continuance of book signing events as the tour is expected to continue in to 2016, possibly 2017 dependent on two additional titles being released by the author. Tour events and updates and will be listed on the website as well as on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Joyner-Joyner-Outdoor-Media/141325565878890?ref=bookmarks
About the Author:
An avid turkey hunter for nearly a quarter century, Mike Joyner has been roaming the hills and woodlands of America stalking the elusive prey -wild turkey. Joyner is a former president of the New York State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, serving from 1996 to 2005
A new book: D.D. Adams, Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer, is set to be released later this year. Mike is currently working on a 5th book entitled: Empire State Limb Hangers, New York Wild Turkey Records.
The author is also an owner of a technology company and appears on dozens of US and Worldwide patents for video/image sensor innovations. He spends his quality time in his turkey woods sanctuary known as the “J” Ranch in McGraw, New York, where he lives with his wife Lee. For more information on the author visit his personal website: www.mikejoyner.com
About Joyner Outdoor Media:
Joyner Outdoor Media was established in 2006 by author Mike Joyner. The company publishes outdoor & hunting themed works, outdoor blogs, in addition to marketing campaigns, event scheduling etc. Joyner Outdoor Media also provides author services including cover design, content formatting, publishing, press release service, website design, and marketing materials.
Located in the hills above the seven valleys of Cortland County, NY, Joyner Outdoor Media operates from a wonderful log home situated in prime turkey woods providing much inspiration. For more information visit: www.joyneroutdoormedia.com
http://joyneroutdoormedia.com/Joyner_PR011415.pdf
Joyner Outdoor Media
5239 Town Line Rd.
McGraw, New York 13101
Press Release- Grand Days in the Turkey Woods of Cortland
Grand Days in the Turkey Woods of Cortland
Joyner Outdoor Media Proudly Announces the Publication of Grand Days in the Turkey Woods, By Mike Joyner
Cortland, NEW YORK – Joyner Outdoor Media announces the publication of Grand Days In The Turkey Woods, by Mike Joyner
Book release event and book signing is scheduled for September 10th 2014, at the Cortland Beer Company from 5PM to 8PM. Hard and soft cover books will be available for sale and signing. Copies of his prior works will also be available at the event. There will be a reveal and tastings of ‘Fall Gobbler Ale’ custom brew by Cortland Beer courtesy of Joyner Outdoor Media.
In his third book, Grand Days in the Turkey Woods, acclaimed nature author and outdoorsman Mike Joyner continues on his journey in pursuit of the wild turkey. From preparation to the hunt, Joyner shares a first-hand account of each adventure in the turkey woods. Each chapter weaves personal experiences with tips and strategies for a successful hunt. Grand Days in the Turkey Woods will appeal to both the novice and experienced game hunter. A veteran hunter, Joyner brings the trials, tribulations, challenges, excitement, and thrill of each hunt as he travels America in search of the elusive prey. Each memorable hunt is documented with photographs and vivid descriptions, making this a must-read for those who love to hunt these magnificent birds.
About Joyner Outdoor Media:
Joyner Outdoor Media was established in 2006 by author Mike Joyner. The company publishes outdoor & hunting themed works, outdoor blogs, in addition to marketing campaigns, event scheduling etc. Joyner Outdoor Media also provides author services including cover design, content formatting, publishing, press release service, website design, and marketing materials.
Located in the hills above the seven valleys of Cortland County, NY, Joyner Outdoor Media operates from a wonderful log home situated in prime turkey woods providing much inspiration. For more information visit: www.joyneroutdoormedia.com
About Cortland Beer Company, LLC
Established in 2010, Cortland Beer Company, LLC is a farm based microbrewery located in downtown Cortland, New York. The renowned award winning craft beer brewery offers a wide variety of craft beers. The Cortland Beer Company has an onsite tasting room serving 15 different beers. They also offer seasonal outdoor seating, live music, special beer offerings and apparel in a friendly bright atmosphere. Bottles and growlers of beer available for purchase onsite. Local eateries also offer food delivery to your seat. Located at 16 Court St, Cortland, New York 13045, their location is easily accessible via Routes 81 & 13. For more information visit: www.cortlandbeer.com
About the Author:
An avid turkey hunter for nearly a quarter century, Mike Joyner has been roaming the hills and woodlands of America stalking the elusive prey -wild turkey. Joyner is a former president of the New York State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, serving from 1996 to 2005
A new book: D.D. Adams, Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer, is set to be released later this year. Mike is currently working on a 5th book entitled: Empire State Limb Hangers, New York Wild Turkey Records.
The author is also an owner of a technology company, and appears on dozens of US and Worldwide patents for video/image sensor innovations. He spends his quality time in his turkey woods sanctuary known as the “J” Ranch in McGraw, New York, where he lives with his wife Lee. For more information on the author visit his personal website: www.mikejoyner.com
http://joyneroutdoormedia.com/Joyner_PR081914.pdf
© 2014 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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