Deer
For The Love Of The Hunt
As an exercise of thinking out loud, to convey a collection of thoughts, please take my observations as a very personal perspective of my passions that I care so deeply about and in some ways define us and our roles in the natural world. It is not all inclusive nor singularly about me, as from many of your expressed views, you and I share a deep bond in our love of our great forests, and the game we pursue, even those we do not.
Like our political division we are in one way or another sucked into the “mean season.” In my humble opinion it has splashed over into other aspects of our lives. In particular the fraternity of hunting is of my concern. The social media hunting pages show this continuance of mean season in startlingly bold ways. Whether it be a trophy buck, a small buck or doe to fill the freezer, young turkey, old boss gobbler, how it was taken, where, by a woman, first time hunter, or a young hunter, the comments made fall very short of congratulations, or any sense of civility. Very divisive, disparaging remarks by hordes of “master hunters” or more correctly, keyboard warriors in full internet bully mode. Post after post of trashing successful hunters, trespassing, stolen stands/equipment, hunter harassment, lack of courtesy, embolden displays of disregard for the quarry, game laws, and land owners. Are we as part of the hunting fraternity willing to idly watch our ranks stoop to such depths or poor behavior, especially towards each other?
Personally I think we could do much better than what I currently observe in the public purview. I’ll stick my neck out in that it is doubtful this is the impression we wish to convey to non-hunters as to our love of our favored passion. How are we to be taken seriously when we berate each other in such fashion?
Like each of you, I have methods, choice of implements, and preferred strategies that I employ while chasing deer or turkey, other quarry. There are just as many other choices I may not be so keen on. Where it be illegal or unethical, I may speak out. Otherwise, why not enjoy the success of other hunters? Do our ego’s require that only ourselves have our hands around the biggest set of antlers or spurs? Like many of you, I have experienced, and admired the lengthy pursuit of an exceptional quarry spanning an entire season or in some cases many seasons. Not all of these epic adventures end with a happy hunter posing for a hero photo. The memories I’ll submit are for the love of the hunt. Yet after stating this, do we not also enjoy the brief alignment of the stars and fate for a chance encounter that comes and goes in a brief instant? Even as a professed admirer of “preparedness meets circumstance,” you can talk me into buying a 100lb bag of dumb luck all day long. Does it make it a lesser experience, or any less of a hunter for experiencing the hunt in this way? Of course not. Each of us experience the hunt in just as many different ways, and even more over time.
Admittedly I have some advantage of perspective with 32 seasons worth of memories to reflect on, to learn from. Fair to say I am in the phase of being a hunter that savors the hunt every bit or more than that actual taking of game, and find every bit of enjoyment and satisfaction in learning the experiences and successes of other fellow hunters. This is the lens I see through.
It would be a shortcoming to make these points or the case without some resolve to improve upon it, to make it a perceivable amount better. I’ll continue to admire, like and make positive comment of the successful hunts of my hunting brothers and sisters. I’ll continue to be fond of first time hunter success and especially young hunters. I can assure each of you, should we meet on a ridge, in the middle of a deer drive, I’ll not ask for your voter ID card, but I’ll ask how your season is going and offer congrats or encouragement. At the butcher shop or the taxidermist I’ll be quick to congratulate and admire a good day afield. Lastly in the public forums, I’ll be just as quick to enjoy your successes as my love of the hunt extends to the hope that you enjoy and love the hunt as I do.
-MJ
© 2016 Joyner Outdoor Media
NWTF Message Board: Where did it go? A Open Letter to Edgefield
To George Thornton, Board of Directors:
Nearly ten months ago, the NWTF message board disappeared abruptly, and with little notice. Coincidental with the incoming redesign and launch of the current website representing the National Wild Turkey Federation. If I recall correctly the message board was launched in 2001, and was taken down in 2015. Up until it’s removal I was one of the longest standing members of the message board, but certainly not the most prolific poster/participant. I’ll claim early adopter… My opinion here is obviously biased but not without a constructive, pragmatic and realist perspective. I did have a fondness for what the message board provided for the members and especially the grass root supporters, the feet on the ground if you will. At the time of it’s removal there were 8584 registered users of the forums. I am confident that the NWTF would not benefit should even half of those users said goodbye to more than the message board. Just shy of double of all current members in my home state of NY. A little data mining would provide an very accurate assessment. I would throw out there that many of the forum users are a most likely bunch to promote the NWTF in many other places both online and in their personal lives. Not exactly what I would call an fine example of embracing the online experience from a outdoor conservation org.
Besides nearly instantaneous relaying of information, happenings and opinions, this particular vehicle/feature provided a very positive online experience, camaraderie, and family like bonding among the users of the message board. Sure as what happens in nearly all forums that I am aware of, there is always a few that would muddy the waters just to stir things up. For the most part, the moderators were quick to remove such postings and oust repeating offenders. About all you could ask for as a forum participant. The forum also gave the regular member as well as upper levels of membership opportunity to publish questions, opinions, praises, and complaints of the NWTF on an equal footing. The NWTF even included magazine articles on the “Travel Calls” which were a big hit among the forum users, and at no expense to the org.
The taking down of the message board in many ways raises reasonable questions of the leadership views and perspectives of it’s grass roots membership. The official reported reason as to why it was removed was that it was too expensive to implement/relaunch and maintain. It is in short laughable, and rings of “We don’t answer to you” response indictative of decision making that has lost sight of who supports them. If that is not the “official response” or if it has been revised, I’ll be glad to post that every bit as much as my criticism I lay out here. Sadly that is a reflection of current sentiments branding about on facebook and other social media. In my opinion that is not helpful to the mission nor the growth of the organization. In my blog, it plays both ways, as it is my policy to be fair.
As a person who publishes websites, and has managed a few message boards either as a creator/owner or as a moderator, the given reason is lacking of the truth. As a past local and state chapter president I am fully aware where the dollars are spent and the excuse simply does not hold water. Minute fractions of a penny on the dollar per member reached, a far cry from mailing expenses for membership requests or other marketing expenses routinely utilized. Even with a new overhaul of a website, it is a few man days of coding, and maybe a few more to review polices, and or implement enhancements. There are dozens of precanned forum templates in PHP, wordpress, and many other formats that make it far less than rocket science. Sorry but that dog won’t hunt here.
To remove this, raises the question of why would one remove a great social media tool that requires very little resources yet provides great enjoyment. involvement and camaraderie among thousands of members? It is unfortunate that it is not the first time leadership has turned a deaf ear to the very grassroots members that help them build the NWTF up to where it is today. The decline of members over recent years compared to the hey days of the late 90’s and first decade of this century may be caused by more than a few factors. I am not implying that this situation has impacted overall membership numbers but I would suggest it is not in your best interest either. Ignoring low hanging fruit in terms of pleasing it’s members is foolhardy in my opinion.
My observations here does not reflect negatively on the mission as it is something I have always been a big supporter of. I am close to reaching diamond life membership level, so yes I put my money, my efforts (many years of volunteer service) where my mouth is, and yes I care deeply about the mission/objectives currently in play.
I do submit that a re-look at this is in order and that you (NWTF) can remedy this misstep with very little effort.
Your response is invited, and I’ll gladly share.
© 2016 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
2015 Fall Seasons, Looking Ahead To 2016
2015 Fall Seasons, Looking Ahead To 2016
It will be interesting to see how things shake out for the 2016 deer seasons, and especially the fall turkey season. A lot of fellow hunters I talk to have serious concerns, questions as to the NYSDEC’s ability to give any weight to hunter inputs. There are some including myself that wonder if public input on pending wildlife issues has any impact at all on the decision making process. In central NY which I am most familiar with, deer/fall turkey seasons was in general very disappointing. One cannot place blame on the decision makers for the weather, hunter practices, but may certainly question changes in rules that contribute to situation we now have. The fall harvest I am told reflects just as much in the numbers gleamed in successful hunter reporting.
One can question the wisdom currently coming from Albany. For my personal experience I never laid eyes on a whitetail after November 21st. I did fill a fall turkey tag on a nice sized Jake, but overall I saw very few turkeys in any of my favorite haunts. Lack of hunter participation? Reliance on deer stands over deer drives? A perfect storm of hunter variables, wildlife management directives, and weather to bring harvest opportunities down. Hunter satisfaction is something I question in a big way when it comes to changes in NYSDEC policies. For deer season I’ll chalk it up to a down year. Turkey population is certainly down especially when compared to peak populations of the late 1990’s. Having expressed my opinion on the handling of fall turkey season, I am not yet convinced that they’ll make the right moves to reduce hen take in the fall, and instead cater to the satisfaction of deer hunters during archery seasons. Mind you I am not against deer hunters in any way as I started my hunting days with a bow in hand.
As for what we can do despite political management of our beloved natural resources? Each of us can purposely hold back on harvests, educate our fellow hunters when it comes to helping build back wildlife populations. While management decisions are made post seasons, or after sighting studies are conducted, we as hunters have direct in the field intel. There are always going to be game hogs, those that poach and routinely disregard game laws. The good news is that they are not the majority. Each of us can make a personal choice and contribute as we see it. As a hunter, as a participating steward of our wildlife we can all make personal choices not to over hunt areas of depressed populations or fill a tag just because. We certainly do not require a directive from Albany to hold back in areas that could use a season or two of reduced harvest, etc.
© 2016 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Good Bye 2015…
2015 coming to a close in a mere few hours. In of itself it is just a line in the sand, an infinitely small moment in the time line of the planet. Of course in each of our own timelines they matter however short or long that may be, we could debate it. It is our accepted system to measure events in time, relative to one another. As I arrived at double fives, and AARP hounds me, I find myself taking stock more often, and at our appointed milestones of time.
In my personal journey I’ll be glad to see 2015 gone. Hunting was hard, business has me doubling my efforts and as hard as I could imagine. Loss in recent years of longtime friends and those that I trusted. Difficulties with family members which will remain private. My reaction to all the stress has my weight up, and I spend little to no time enjoying training, triathlons and running. Yes I actually enjoy the physical effort, but spend too much time in front of three 24” computer monitors. The news upsets me more often than I should let it, 365/24/7 campaigning cycles needs to be reigned in to give us mortals a break. The division in our country bothers me greatly as we suffer the manipulation bestowed upon us by our leaders and so called equal rights groups. I long for the day we value the quality of a person, their actions, their contributions, not their color, orientation, faith. Truthfully 2015 has been a most difficult spanse of time with far too many difficult people and disappointments.
This is one perspective I have, at times overwhelming. It is not my only one, and for my intent of writing this, a backdrop to contrast where my heart, my thinking ultimately ends up. If I where to leave this on such a sour note, I would just soon keep it private.
Perspective is everything. I am fortunate to have so many friends/followers on social media, facebook/Instagram. I may complain on the effort to stay afloat, to bring my business to the point it will last, and grow. To get past difficult/dishonest customers (thankfully only a few). I have no delusion that I work any harder than any of you as I know many of you work as hard, even harder just to get by. I may struggle to maintain our dream, our life as we envision it. I do know that I am fortunate in many respects. Keeping a roof over your head, any roof, is a basic need, a more difficult matter. Yet I read on your positive outlooks, whether it be losing your lively hoods, uprooting entirely, family tragedies, divorce, cancer, untimely death of family members, request for prayers, etc. Yet you carry on. You have my admiration and your living by example is an inspiration that has a profound influence in my life.
Hunting was a bit more difficult this year, but as those of you who share my affliction for chasing wild turkeys, we know full well how grounding it is to be at peace in nature’s theater we call the “Turkey Woods” My time to recharge my batteries this year outdoors was mostly during hunting seasons, even so, not nearly as many days afield as I would like. Something I sorely need to correct for 2016. Weight needs to drop, and I need to get my running legs back. My life ultimately does depend on it. Other than cholesterol, I suffer no health issues. A blessing in any perspective, by anyone’s book. As you may gather from my other musings whether it be chasing gobblers or a finish line, I’ll enthusiastically recommend the outdoor lifestyle to anyone willing to listen. My daughter Christina has taken on the challenge of a physically healthy lifestyle, and crossing the finish line with her at the Dallas R’N’R half marathon is a gem from 2015.
My other perspective has me appreciating what gifts, what good things I have in this life. Blessed with good health, grandchildren to spoil, starting on my 4th year in business, with the addition of new customers and projects to work on. Lee and I look forward to a 16 year wedding anniversary in 2016. Closing in on 20 years together. Most all of our families are great although we do have a few upsetting disappointments. The “other” real truth is my good, great in 2015 was not absent during what part of me perceives as a very hard year, and carries well over into 2016.
At the end of the evening I look forward to shaking off the difficulties of 2015, and focusing on the opportunities of 2016. Like New Years, and other holidays we celebrate, there will be hunting seasons I’ll anxiously await, birthdays to remember, anniversaries to cherish, and to build a year of memories to recollect come this time again rolling into 2017
Tomorrow morning should I awake (essential part of my plan) the rest of the year is up to me, no dress rehearsal.
Best wishes to all of you for the next 365 days and automatic renewal til further notice.
Spend your days well, live well, live large, have faith, love much, smile often, no regrets…
© 2015 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
NYSDEC Flips The Bird To The Traditional Fall Turkey Hunter
To those that follow all things related to wild turkeys in New York, you may well know that fall season is a very different one here in the great state of New York. To those not entirely up to speed on what has changed, the generously long season in recent times use to run from October 1st up until the Friday before southern tier gun season for deer. Roughly 6-1/2 weeks in the central part of the state. Northern NY just two weeks, and the western part of the state would not start until mid-October. Long Island has had a season for only a few years now and runs into December.
That has all changed now with Northern NY having changed the least. The NYSDEC has come up with a staggered two week season that varies across the state. A one bird limit has also been implemented. How it has been implemented, and combined with changes in recent years forms my opinion that the NYSDEC has as much as given the middle finger to the traditional fall turkey hunter, turkey dogger (those of us that use turkey dogs to bust them up in the fall.)
Before I go further I do agree that changes needed to be made. It is reasonable to conclude in my point of view that the wild turkey numbers are down. Compared to population peaks in the mid to late 90’s they are drastically down. Historically, going back to 70’s, and 80’s and even further back one can make several arguments. Sightings now vary greatly across the state from those that I hear from, and in my travels. There are many questions about the natural holding capacity of suitable habitat. Many hunters are blaming fishers and coyotes, and yes, they are efficient predators, but not taking out entire flocks. It is hard to compete with Mother Nature, especially with the string of wet, cold springs we have over the past 5-6 years. Last two springs have not been as bad. Nesting success has been spotty at best, and likely the culprit or the lion’s share of the decline. I have been told over the years that for every legally tagged turkey there is likely two more that are not. Not exactly a great way to keep track of what’s what when managing seasons. I blame poachers for this, not dedicated and ethical turkey hunters. Exceptions noted… While my further comments are very critical in what the NYSDEC has done, it is proper to acknowledge that it is not such an easy thing to manage nor black and white in the decisions to be made.
In the CNY region up until several years ago, the traditional fall turkey hunter could pursue their favored pastime for two weeks without risking disturbing bow hunters looking to arrow a whitetail. Perfect time to bust flocks with a turkey dog. Those two weeks are compromised giving the bow hunters another two weeks of early season. Many land owners and bow hunters are ok with fall turkey season until bow season opens up. Thumbs down against the NYSDEC for doing this. The one bird limit makes sense, and is an expected variable when tasked to manage the flocks. It is obvious to those of us immersed into fall turkey hunting that much of our inputs fell on the ears of those that had already made up their minds. Basically going through the motions and the final decisions were based more on other groups interests or other’s perception of hunter satisfaction. Fall turkey hunters seem to have fallen off of that list. It is thought that a significant percentage of the fall take occurs from incidental opportunities from bow hunters while on a deer watch. One could see how that might be kept as a hunter satisfaction perspective, namely that of a bow hunter. I started out bow hunting for deer, and can understand the idea. However in the quest to tightly reducing and controlling the fall take, prohibiting the taking of fall turkeys from a tree stand would certainly impact the harvest numbers. I highly doubt archery organizations would allow that to go unanswered without a lot of backlash. One can argue the virtues of incidental hunting vs those that put on a turkey vest and go afield to participate in the age old tradition of fall turkey hunting. Instead of reducing the season to a staggered two weeks in a given region why not make it gobbler or bearded turkeys only, and that would have a huge impact in reducing the fall take.
It is baffling why the NYSDEC has done a bang-up job of ignoring the hunter satisfaction aspect of the dedicated fall turkey hunter, turkey dogger. Even though the fall season at one time was “The Season” it is now the spring season that captures most of everyone’s attention. In just a few short years the NYSDEC choices made to reduce harvest take numbers has negatively impacted much of a fall turkey hunters time afield to enjoy the great turkey woods in NY. In light of this observation, I assert they could have made better choices and served the great past time of the traditional fall turkey hunter, turkey dogger in a much better fashion.
© 2015 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Coming Soon: Reviews- Hunting Products, Destinations & Outfitters, and Hunting Related Services
Something that you will be seeing in very near future will be blog posts that include reviews of hunting related products, hunting destinations/outfitters and hunting related services. What you wont see here is infomercial propaganda or paid for opinions (paid to only be positive is what you end up with). In general I’ll review products or services that I personal use or have tried. I will state any personal biases as to give the reader a clear picture of what drives my opinion and the tone of my review. As a writer I do receive products to try every now and then and comment on. I will let that be known too. Most of my reviews will be positive as I want to spread the word on products or services that have been a big help in my experiences. There will be some that will have a buyer beware or avoid under most circumstances feel to it. We all work hard to earn enough to support our favored passions. With the vast landscape of products out there, it is difficult to know what to not waste your hard earned cash on.
For those in the industry that would like me to consider their product or services contact me at I’ll ask that you’ll give me time to get out there during the appropriate season to get familiar and properly evaluate it.
Outdoor Writers-The Power, Reach of Our Voices, the Words We Write
I received a personal email from one of my readers about a week ago. I am just now bringing myself around to writing about this. The subject matter, what I wrote in my latest book, and my involuntary response was very emotional. It is much so that it is difficult to talk about it out loud. Before I dive in, and divulge the content of the email in my usual style I would like to layout out the pretext, the precepts should you agree and accept them as my deeply honest perspective.
- I am not schooled in the literary arts. Like other things I seem to do, I prefer seat of the pants method, out of necessity to catapult my way into doing whatever I set out to do.
- I can butcher the spelling and pronunciation of nearly all the words found in a modern dictionary. Not to mention I routinely violate rules of proper grammar and modern writing.
- It is not probable that I be nominated for book awards,grand literary award, or find my titles in the NY times best seller list
- I write books to capture my experiences, my thoughts and to revisit them as I age and my memory becomes less than ideal
As a member of the outdoor writer community I enjoy and share with my fellow writers the ability to easily connect with my followers who also spend time in the turkey woods as I do. It is not terribly hard to find common ground and to paint a vivid picture of our time there while chasing narly old gobblers. In my most recent book “Grand Days in the Turkey Woods,” and near the end of the book I wrote a chapter titled “Gates of Forever Roost- Traditions & Passings.” This was a collection of several interconnected stories involving the passing of my mother in-law Susanne Harrision, her several battles with cancer, her heroic fight, opening day traditions, and a very reflective, and very personal hunt. I felt that it would not be possible to do justice to my memory of that period in time unless I included those emotions, and the depth of experiences that came from it. It was in keeping with how I wrote the other chapters. I felt it made sense, and made for an accurate and introspective capture of that particular spring season. If anything I felt that those who read that particular chapter might gain a little more insight of all those involved, maybe reminisce about their loved ones that have passed. I never consider it may reach further and impact some one in a positive and profound way.
My reader (I’ll not disclose his name to respect his privacy) sent me a note that he had been reading my book while undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic. Yes, he is fighting his own battle for survival. He went on to say that the story inspired him to the point he needed to get out there this spring season, fight his way through it,and make a go of it. I don’t know the exact details, but he would have to switch and shoot off hand, and go later in the morning, as he has difficulty first thing when he wakes up. When I got this, I could not verbalize this to my wife, and instead had her read it. This was overwhelming to learn of this, and a humbling experience. I replied saying this and a bit more.
Yesterday I got another email from him, and he did just what he said he would do, even with the season starting off as a windy, rainy one.He felt that my mother in-law’s divine intervention through inspiration resulted in him toting out a monstrous old gobbler with ivory 1-1/2′” hooks. Made me kinda hope that some of that might rub off on me… It is our time in the great turkey woods that we so love. Toting out a gobbler is a welcomed result, but it is the time spent there that we cherish. In this case he would enjoy both.
My focus in my writings has been to put you at the tree next to me while chasing gobblers, to paint the picture as I see it, and hopefully have you the reader enjoy it as I experienced it. To have anything I publish as an author to do another person some good by way of inspiration, renewed perspective, warms my heart in many ways, leaving me feeling very humbled, very blessed. I will make the chapter available to my fans and those that follow my writings. As soon as a I get a night to get at it, I will make that chapter available on the book’s website. I will republish it here on the blog momentarily. It is my hope that it may be inspiring to others as it did for my new friend.
an old Celtic blessing to part with….
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
© 2015 Joyner Outdoor Media
Press Release: Wild Turkey Hunting Seminar, Youth Calling Contest @ Groton High School Auditorium April 17th, 7:00 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2015
Wild Turkey Hunting Seminar, Youth Calling Contest @ Groton High School Auditorium April 17th, 7:00 PM
Cortland, NEW YORK – Joyner Outdoor Media announces a wild turkey spring hunting seminar, and youth calling contest to benefit Groton High School Base Ball Program
A wild turkey event is scheduled for Friday evening, April 17th. 7:00 PM at the Groton High School Auditorium, located at: 400 Peru Rd, Groton, NY 13073. The seminar “Turkey Hunting-Advancing Your Hunting Experience” will be presented by: Mike Joyner, and Paul Walling. Mike is a Past NWTF NYS Chapter President, former national Pro-staff for Hevi-Shot, outdoor writer/author of three turkey hunting story books, as well as three current works in progress. Paul is a turkey call maker, and also an author of the scheduled 2015 book release: Father & Son- A Life’s Journey Together in the Turkey Woods. Both Mike and Paul are well seasoned turkey hunters that will share their experiences and lessons learned in the great turkey woods during the seminar. The seminar will be followed by a youth wild turkey calling contest. There will be a 12-15 youth division, and a 16-18 youth old division. Trophies to be awarded in each division. Calls required to performed at the contest TBA
Pre-sale tickets are available in advance for $3.00, and will be $5.00 at the door. All admission proceeds to benefit the Groton High School Baseball Program. Books and turkey mouth calls will be available at the event. $5.00 from each book, $1.00 from each call purchased will be donated to the baseball program.
For more event info, updates, tickets and contact information, go to: www.facebook.com/joyneroutdoormedia www.facebook.com/events/1575823519322305
About Mike Joyner:
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 collaboration with Paul Walling entitled: Father and Son- A Life’s Journey Together in the Turkey Woods, and a 6th 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 Paul Walling:
For nearly four decades, Paul Walling has been trekking through the hills and woodlands of Cortland County, and many other locals in New York State pursing the majestic Wild Turkey. Paul is a lifelong resident of Cortland.
Walling is also a passionate deer hunter and trout fisherman, and spends many days afield and along the banks of New York’s pristine trout streams. Walling spends many days afield with extended family and friends in and around the great woods, fields and streams of the county since childhood.
Paul is also the founder of Walling Legacy Calls specializing in mouth diaphragm turkey callers as well as friction calls. Along with his call making he is currently working on the final chapters in collaboration with fellow author Mike Joyner for his first book titled: Father & Son- A Life’s Journey Together in the Turkey Woods, scheduled for 2015 fall/winter release.
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
A Turkey Hunter’s 55
As the title calls out, yes, I’m a self proclaimed turkey hunter, and yes, I have now turned the corner on 55. AARP has me in their crosshairs.
In an earlier blog post I commented on my feelings while approaching 55. Random, almost 55……5 weeks to Opening Day those thoughts are still in play and valid for me.
As a turkey hunter, the birthday milestone passes by as do the spring and fall seasons. I truly do not fret about aging, but rather seek affirmation of a simple desire, an answer to a simple question. I care not so much about my youth, but more so about my youthfulness. Can I do, participate, enjoy the important things in my life? My family, the work that I do as an engineer, as a writer, and for purposes of this post, can I chase wild turkeys with the determination, passion, and with reckless abandon that I so love to do?
At the arrival of official senior status the answer is a resounding yes! I am blessed and spoiled to a fault with good health. No sigificant health issues or maladies so common with my age group, older and younger. I do desire to bring my weight down to get back to racing: running and triathlons, and I’ll get there. Good news, I’ll be chasing gobblers this spring, and for many more seasons, God willing. Maybe not so good for gobblers…
As a turkey hunter I am at peace with the natural order of things. My days in the great turkey woods teachs many things, life’s lessons, and gives me the quality time to ponder the what, why, how come it is this way. I for one am very grateful for my many blessings and for the 55 years I have had so far living a full life.
The day will be spent working most of it, and we’ll celebrate at home with a fine meal, and a shot or two of wild turkey whiskey. The toast in all honesty will not be in honor of my birthday. From the heart, I will raise my glass to family, and all those in my life that I have shared or crossed paths with. For it is because of all of you it has enriched my experiences and helped to make it a life worth living!
A big thank you for all the birthday wishes. To many more years, and I wish the same for all of you!
Mike Joyner’s “Heads Will Roll™” 2015 Book Signing Tour
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 15, 2015
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
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