fall turkey
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 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
Turkey Hunters Shot in Two Separate Events
Two unfortunate events that were being tracked have been reported by reliable sources. This brings the 2021 Spring turkey season up to nine hunters and one hiker shot. More details on prior reported incidents: http://www.turkey-talk.com/tblog/?p=2008 http://www.turkey-talk.com/tblog/?p=2051
It should be noted that the first incident reported below is single sourced from a local town police department facebook page. No search conducted thus far show the event picked up by local/regional/state/national news outlets. The second incident appeared in two legitimate news sources. Should you come across additional relevant sources and would like to share, send an email to mjoyner@joyneroutdoormedia.com It is also important to note that several anti-hunting blogs that I come across also scan and search the internet for any fodder that supports their agenda to abolish hunting. It is an observation that they search daily as coverage of hunting mishaps often appear there before showing up in resources I routinely use. I will have commentary on that in a future post.
It is initially reported that a male hunter was shot in the face in Sterling State Forest Park. Tuxedo Police Detective Stefan Christian’s initial investigation also reports that a second hunter was also shot in the leg, by a hunting partner. The incident is being further investigated by NYSDEC Police. https://www.facebook.com/TuxedoPolice/posts/1652794211776262
Chad Steven Henneman, 45, from Las Cruces, New Mexico died on April 25, 2021, while turkey hunting with friends in the Lincoln National Forest. Henneman, along with his fiancée, Marcena Flynn, and a friend were hunting in the national forest near New Mexico Highway 37 when the incident occurred. The hunting trip was his time away of service as active-duty with Department of Homeland Security Customs and as a Border Protection agent. From Leah Romero @ Las Cruces Sun News- “According to documents released by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office June 21, Flynn said the couple returned to their truck while the other friend remained on a mountain to hunt, but Henneman reportedly started back toward his friend. Flynn heard a turkey gobble, followed soon after by a gunshot. She told authorities that when she walked back to the pair, Henneman was on the ground receiving chest compressions from the friend.” As of this post, there are no further details nor any charges have been filed…
Obituary: https://www.gazette-tribune.com/obituaries/chad-steven-henneman/81238/
We can do better as zero incidents is the only acceptable number by following the most basic safety protocols. Each time I go afield I know that I owe myself, each of you to clearly identify my target, what is in front and beyond the target, to be be safe, to employ strict and safe firearm handling. I also owe each of you to pause if anything is not quite right, or by chance what is in front of me is not 100% as it appears. Take the time to be 100% sure…
I will update as more details are published. We continue to 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
Four More Turkey Hunting Incidents, One Fatality. Tracking Two more…
Sadly this is in addition to: “Spring 2021- Three Turkey Hunting Incidents, Two Fatalities.” We are into the final few weeks of the 2021 spring season, many southern states have seen their seasons completed. It is expected that we return home safely from a day afield. This season, three hunters will not return and three hunters and a hiker taken to local hospitals. The very low statistics does little to comfort their families, or to avoid the awful feeling in our guts when we think of it. A eighth and ninth turkey hunting incident victim is being researched for more info, and is lacking crucial details.
Arcadia man dies, Fall from hunting blind proves fatal
FOUNTAIN COUNTY, Ind. — Indiana Conservation Officers report an Arcadia man died in a hunting mishap in Fountain County.
Hunter wounded as shooter flees in Mason County incident
CHARLESTON. W.Va. — Investigators are looking for a shooter who remains at large in a hunting incident in Mason County.
Turkey hunter shot by another hunter in Pulaski County,
PULASKI COUNTY, Va. —The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is requesting help from the public for any information on the hunting accident. Accident occurred in Pulaski County
Missouri hiker shot by turkey hunter
A hiker in was injured after being shot by a turkey hunter who mistook him for a turkey…
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 ensure we all get to come back home safely to our families and to return the next season to spend time in the great turkey woods.
I will update as more details are published. We pray for those injured, that have succumbed to their injuries and for their families. May those injured heal well, Godspeed.
-MJ
© 2021 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
TSS, Reaping, Fanning VS Fishing with Dynamite
With the evolution of turkey hunting being as it is, one can draw many parallels to the human trait of wanting the next best mouse trap, the ultimate state of the art product, 100% guaranteed success method, and so on. The turkey hunting industry and the associated marketing of products thrives on this observation as it does for deer hunting and fishing. I’ll throw out the opinion that marketing methods are implemented equally, but I’ll temper that with what I’d expect will be strong opinions from the peanut gallery of each time honored pursuit and it’s enthusiastic participants.
With advancements in methods, product offerings we get a barrage of marketing campaigns, and the bible speak absolutes of hunters from the entire spectrum of abilities and experience levels. It is damn near impossible not to get caught up in it to some level. My weakness would be new calls and without naming names I would like my money back for my dog whistle and damn glad I got to hear the carbonator call in the hands of the maker first while I scoured the countryside trying to buy one. I digress…
Nearly thirty years since I tagged my first gobbler on my very first hunt, I can with the utmost humility claim that it was possible due to the fact I managed to find the most absolute dumbest gobbler in all of upstate NY on that fateful day. Despite walking in as it was getting light out, far too much movement, far too much noise, pulled out and overcalled with every call I had in my overstuffed vest, yet managed to shoot a kamikaze gobbler at sixteen paces that was roosted sixty yards in front of me. Never should have come together as it did whether you are of amateur or professional opinion. This is a stake in the ground to illustrate that any and especially poor methods on the right day, with the dumbest bird can get it done. As each season passed I learned, and more importantly learned not to continue with some foolishness I got lucky with.
With the popularity of hunting shows, and a golden age of turkey chasing that followed the explosion of turkey populations, the demand for instant results drives the market and attitudes of modern day turkey hunters. With the likes of Hevishot, TSS, came the “wisdom” of longer shots, smaller gauges. One can find prostaff on TV shows proclaiming 80-100 yard smack downs while sitting on big open fields, even out through a set of woods. Facebook experts claiming 60 yard shots with 410’s and recommend it to anyone willing to listen.
As a rep for hevishot for a number of years I came across many dedicated hunters that had hours of bench time honing their turkey rigs for the most consistent and tight patterns for every shotgun they owned. I have little doubt of the capability of the setups, and the perforated patterning targets backed up their claimed efforts. Yet most them were about massive knock down performance, not longer shots. I walked away from the gig when the campaign for 75+ yards came out. It was the wrong direction for my sensibilities. The wrong direction for having a turkey up close and nearly in your lap. I was in it to hunt turkeys. Not interested in gathering, sniping them. As I don’t fish with dynamite as a declaration behind this line of thinking, I was not about to go more overkill with TSS to pay $10 a shell at forty yards, when I thought hevishot was a bit much for the task as well. There is enough that can go wrong at forty yards, and having margin to cover range estimation error is reassuring, but that is as far as I’ll buy into it. As a clarification, I do like smaller gauge shotguns becoming more capable at the same close and personal distances as it makes for a good solution for those that can’t take the recoil of stout 12 or 10 gauge rounds.
I have written on reaping and fanning in the past and won’t dwell much on it here. If interested you can read them by clicking the links: reaping update to the original post. If your best setups, best calling, and best tried and true strategies leave you to wanting to dress up as the target of interest, then the term “turkey gathering” is a more accurate label for your activity. I’ll take sitting at an big old maple with a small rise thirty yards out between me and a gobbler all morning long.
While the push back is to label us old school turkey hunters as “boomers,” “elitists,” etc. it sidesteps the entire experience that made turkey hunting the glorious pursuit that is has been for generations. The sport of it is to fool the gobbler to forgo his defenses, have a great setup where he marchs in to appear well within a range that you can use an old shotgun with low brass 6’s to handedly get the job done. The art of woodsmanship, the collection of scouting details all make it routine and a consistent recipe for success. It does not guarantee it, but offers a sporting chance and a level playing field for the quarry at hand.
As turkey hunters do we need a tag filled on every trip afield, to be guaranteed that we would draw the equivalent to use dynamite to insure a legal limit of our catch?
MJ
© 2021
Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Turkey Fanning & Reaping, Banned In Six States
If you engage the fanning/reaping technique to convince wary gobblers to come your way, it would be solid advice to check up to date state regulations where you’ll be hunting. You’ll find that I repeat prior musings in part or in whole that are worthy of repeating from past reports on fanning and Reaping.
The controversial tactic is discouraged in hunter safety courses taught across the country. Since then six states now have an outright ban on the practice with corresponding violation statutes and penalties. Almost 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.) 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 YouTube hunters and prominently shown on some TV hunting shows. For calling it out, having any criticism of it, one can expect the push back, attacks and trash talk. As a valid criticism of a practice laden with foreseeable risk, none of us should apologize…
It is understandable 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. Those that espouse outwitting a gobbler on its own terms as a noble pursuit can be observed being disparaged and accused of “elitism” by those that promote this tactic. In my view it is wrong headed and self serving at the risk of others that we share the turkey woods with. Exceptions of wide open terrain without rifles is noted.
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. It has been my experience and it is driving motivation season after season in my view.
As a fraternity of turkey hunters we abide by the ideal that any and all turkey hunting incidents are 100% preventable an that one is far too many. 2020 was a bad year in comparison to years prior. Zero incidents is the acceptable number.
In covering such topics I have come to learn that most folks that are involved in these events are not inclined to interview much, and those I had direct knowledge and contact with were not up for followups. I did offer to cover their stories but at their comfort and convenience. Understandable as I see it and I fully respect that.
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
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.
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.
-MJ
© 2021
Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Eleven Turkey Hunters Shot During The 2nd Half Of April, The First Week In May.
This is an update to the previous blog post Seven Turkey Hunters Shot in the 2nd Half of April… As mentioned before our hunting community has no tolerance for one much less eleven fellow turkey hunting brethren being loaded up in an ambulance or worse… None of us want to be there…
I’ll repeat for those that missed the first post: 2.5 million turkey hunters are afield in any given year, the incident rate hovers below 0.003% in an average year. Not to minimize the impact on the victims, the context is that 99.997% of us do the right things and hunt safely. The families and friends would have a very different perspective, and we pray for their families and swift recoveries.
Having said this, indulge me here… once you squeeze that trigger, release your arrow, it cannot be undone, you cannot put the shot load back in the shell, no more than the arrow back on it’s rest. It is 100% avoidable by our own due diligence and commitment to hunting safety. We owe this to each other. Please review common safety tips at the bottom of this.
I have a few updates on the first seven I covered, and now an eight and ninth injured in a shooting incident (archery tackle, making it the second one this season) where the hunter survived, but with gruesome results. It’s not pretty. I’ll refrain from posting the picture. Trust me for not crossing the line with gore as I’ll not stoop to tabloid sensationalism. His partner was hit after a bolt made a pass thru, luckily it did not penetrate. Sadden to report two more shot where an 11-year-old boy has died. His father was also wounded and is recovering.
Turkey Hunter Survives Being Shot in Face; Virginia Game & Inland Fisheries Investigating https://www.outdoorsrambler.com/post/turkey-hunter-survives-being-shot-in-face-virginia-game-inland-fisheries-investigating By Ken Perrotte Update- Shooter has been charged with a misdemeanor for reckless handling of firearms. I will have a story on this in the coming days– MJ
Hunter Killed In Wednesday Accident At Young County Line (TX) https://www.grahamleader.com/news/hunter-killed-wednesday-accident-young-county-line By Brian Smith No incident details or charges have been announced at this time, it is reported that the incident took place while three life long friends were turkey hunting. A foundation has been created in his memory https://www.facebook.com/SethKeenerFoundation/
Kansas Boy Airlifted to Hospital After Hunting Accident https://hayspost.com/posts/5ea6ce33eb7f1705360383cd Hays Post The victim has moved out of ICU after sustaining a shotgun blast to the head. Details are sparse with the mention of a decoy closed to the victim and the failure of the shooter to identify the target is given as a factor for the incident. No details on type of decoy, movement, fanning or reaping is currently available. Individuals involved are reported to be cooperative and the incident is still under investigation. No charges have been announced at this time.
Hunter Lucky To Be Alive After Being Shot, Mistaken For Turkey In Shannon County, Mo. https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Hunter-lucky-to-be-alive-after-being-shot-mistaken-for-turkey-569940291.html By Michael Deene No further details or charges have been announced at this time.
A 14-Year-Old Boy Shot In Jones County Hunting Accident (NC) https://www.jdnews.com/news/20200421/14-year-old-boy-shot-in-jones-county-hunting-accident By Trevor Dunnell Reported to be recovering from face and neck injuries. No investigation findings have been announced at this time.
Boy Shot In Hunting Accident Airlifted, 2nd sustained gunshot injuries (W.Va) https://wvva.com/2020/04/28/boy-shot-in-hunting-accident-airlifted/ By Bailey Pace Update- Both are reported to be recovering, no further details. The cause is also reported to be a lack of proper target ID, shooting at movement thru dense cover. No changes have been announced as the investigation continues.
Turkey Hunter shot with cross bow (IL) – Eric Rheude survives a horrific broad head pass thru from a crossbow @ 8 yards, also striking his hunting partner in the boot. Shooter was targeting the head of a hen decoy that was sticking out of his turkey vest. DNR Investigation findings have been sent on to the attorney general for possible charges. A full story forthcoming in a few days- MJ
Father and 11-year old son shot while turkey hunting, Son succumbed to his injuries. The shooter has been charged with Reckless Manslaughter. The father sustained minor injuries and treated at the scene. https://mynbc15.com/news/local/mobile-man-charged-in-hunting-accident-that-left-11-year-old-boy-dead
I will repeat here for those just picking up on the story… 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 continue to pray for those injured, that those that have succumbed to their injuries and for their families. May they heal well Godspeed.
-MJ
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Seven Turkey Hunters Shot in the 2nd Half of April…
As a general opinion, our hunting community has little tolerance for one much less seven fellow turkey hunting brethren making that awful trip to the hospital. One of them has been fatally shot. None of us want to be there… In that position… that scenario…
I feel a mighty big soapbox coming along to climb up on. It is a gut reaction, three of those shot were very young, one young hunter shot an adult, and one adult hunter was shot by an old-timer (for clarity of perspective, I am targeted by AARP these days), the 6th is not disclosed as of yet. The seventh hunter was fatally shot, a young man just 23 years old. Tragic, and heartbreaking.
The truth is, most everyone I know that chases gobblers know exactly what I would have to say. We all get it, right? I will spare the sermon as the lessons taught and preached among ourselves is a universal truth taught in every hunting safety class in every state.
Despite two and half million turkey hunters that engage in our beloved past time each year, the incident rate is so far down in the mud that you have to use negative powers of ten to express the unfortunate statistic. 0.003% in an average year is a victim of an errant shooting while afield. Not to lessen the impact of what has just taken place, the context is that 99.997% of us camo warriors manage to abide by safety rules, code of conduct, and do so without incident. That is all well and good and the actuaries and statisticians will be pleased in that. The families and friends of these three boys and four men will have far less appreciation of it.
Rather than detail each of these, I have their news stories linked below. One of the seven is very detailed by my good friend and fellow writer Ken Perrotte from Virginia. I am scheduled to interview the young man in the near future. As updates are released I will update.
Turkey Hunter Survives Being Shot in Face; Virginia Game & Inland Fisheries Investigating https://www.outdoorsrambler.com/post/turkey-hunter-survives-being-shot-in-face-virginia-game-inland-fisheries-investigating By Ken Perrotte
Hunter Killed In Wednesday Accident At Young County Line (TX) https://www.grahamleader.com/news/hunter-killed-wednesday-accident-young-county-line By Brian Smith
Kansas Boy Airlifted to Hospital After Hunting Accident https://hayspost.com/posts/5ea6ce33eb7f1705360383cd Hays Post
Hunter Lucky To Be Alive After Being Shot, Mistaken For Turkey In Shannon County, Mo. https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Hunter-lucky-to-be-alive-after-being-shot-mistaken-for-turkey-569940291.html By Michael Deene
A 14-Year-Old Boy Shot In Jones County Hunting Accident (NC) https://www.jdnews.com/news/20200421/14-year-old-boy-shot-in-jones-county-hunting-accident By Trevor Dunnell
Boy Shot In Hunting Accident Airlifted, 2nd sustained gunshot injuries (W.Va) https://wvva.com/2020/04/28/boy-shot-in-hunting-accident-airlifted/ By Bailey Pace
Some of these are titled and reported as “accidents.” It is a misuse of language and those of us in the turkey hunting community know that one hundred percent of the possibilities are preventable by following turkey hunting ethics and gun (archery implements as well) handling/safety rules.
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 all of God’s creations.
As mentioned 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
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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