Tag: Turkey
Turkey Reaping & Decoying- Unsafe? Irresponsible Danger? A Review…
Three years ago I penned my thoughts on Turkey Fanning, Turkey Reaping which has gained popularity by hunters and prominently shown on many Outdoor TV shows. The list includes some long-time veterans of the outdoor industry which I find surprising as most of those labeled with such a moniker have gotten there by being careful, conservative in their actions. Here’s a link to my original blog post: http://www.turkey-talk.com/tblog/?p=126
Back then I stepped up on one big soapbox and said my peace. No apologies, no retractions as my thoughts have not softened or changed much on the subject. I sure rattled a few cages and there was plenty of pushback and claims that I had no proof, no such foul play has ever occurred, totally safe, an elitist, and so on… I’ll step back up again…
Writing from a perspective of firm conviction, without conflicts of interests, or other detracting voices along comes the unfortunate truth of what I believed would be the inevitable outcome. Not against decoy use in general, but I find myself using them less as I find better ways to set up on an approaching gobbler. If there was ever something I would be all too happy to be wrong about, it would be this subject. I ran across several stories offering evidence of how unsafe it is, which sadly I’ll get to shortly.
It is not the perspective of “my way” is better than your way. Personally, I absolutely love roosting a gobbler on a big ridge, figure him out, call him in strutting to 30 paces and outsmart him for one single last time. Lots of hunters prefer hunting the edges of fields, I generally do not, but on occasion, I will if it is on the menu that day. Hunting with different people at times, the menu and properties change. You have some hunters that find Turkey Fanning, Turkey Reaping just as alluring as I find going about it the old time-honored ways of matching wits on the gobbler’s terms. In my last remark, It is not one way is better than the other. Very easy to imagine how much you would be on edge, your heart pounding in your throat while fanning up a big old gobbler. It has to be exciting, I get that. In all that excitement, and the snap shooting judgment that goes with it, how brief is the time to safely assess your sight picture, foreground, and background while the gobbler is making a hasty exit? In my opinion, it’s not worth the risk that comes with it.
Turkey Fanning, Turkey Reaping is absolutely effective and a high percentage way to kill wild turkeys. Plenty of outdoor hunt footage can be found on Youtube with one gobbler fooled after another using this approach. One is labeled as an elitist (bullying tactic) for decrying this method as foolhardy and unsafe for both the practitioner and unfortunate hunter who may come upon it. Is it worth that either may shoot each other or be shot inadvertently? It is reasonable to have disdain for the unsafe scenario it sets up. Since it’s resurgence has any gun safety instructors announced their endorsement of this practice? In the rolling terrain of upstate New York, you are at risk. Should you be out in the middle of a flat 200-acre corn field yet to be planted, not a concern. There are a few states that now ban this method, I suspect the more wide open terrain states will not, and would not view it as problematic there.
Propping up a turkey fan affixed to your barrel, worn on your head, or out in front while moving towards a strutting gobbler triggers him to dominate everything in the field. They come a running. Is this much different than going out on the first day of deer season wearing a deer costume with a pair of 140 class antlers on your head or as an attractive doe? I’ll buy you more than a few adult beverages if you allow me to take out an insurance policy on you with my name listed as a beneficiary.
Sure I have my preferred methods of how I hunt gobblers, I am not crazy about the choices of some hunters no more than they may of mine. But where legal, ethical, and in different places in the world where one can pursue wild turkeys, it is how it’s done, take it or leave it. I have no quarrel with that. When it comes to Turkey Fanning, Turkey Reaping it is my opinion that it is entirely unsafe with the exception of wide open fields and where rifles are illegal to use. Keep in mind we have hunters boasting of shotguns shooting effective patterns at eighty and ninety yards which is something not seen in a positive light in my view. I’ll leave that for another discussion.
As promised, and while climbing back down my ladder, here are the links to such unfortunate events including one in 2013 resulting in the death of a fellow turkey hunter. The second link is a follow-up article that mentions the fatality.
http://www.parsonssun.com/news/article_84ea535e-1fc7-11e7-bb26-9bfd6518961e.html?mode=jqm
I would be perfectly happy if no such proof existed, ate my humble pie, and called it a day. Some things would be better on being wrong about it. I am a nonbeliever in calling such events “accidents” and nearly all of them could be avoided, rare exceptions noted. A form of “reapercide” we can do without…
My thoughts extend to any hunter injured or losing their life while chasing game in our great forests. Such events are stark contrasts to the beauty and wonderment of spending time in the great turkey woods.
You may or may not agree with my comments, but I do believe we can agree that we all want to come back home at noon or the end of the day with great memories from the fields and woods we so love. Whether or not we agree on this topic, I would much rather buy you a craft beer and discuss as loudly as we care to rather than send my condolences.
Be safe, shoot straight, and live well
-MJ
© 2017 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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
Gates of Forever Roost- Traditions & Passings
as promised…
From: “Grand Days in the Turkey Woods”
Gates of Forever Roost- Traditions & Passings
While back at my office this afternoon working on building a successful technology company, I sometimes get a few moments to ponder things not so tech related. Setting up a computer or crunching design rule checks on a sensor or pcb layout, there are periods of waiting for the computer to do the tasks that it does best.
The morning routine today which happens to be mid-war spring turkey season was a bit different. With the big storm that blew in last night, and out early morning I got to enjoy three luxurious hours of extra sleep. With no success the prior evening in roosting gobblers, I would opt to start the hunt mid-morning, and hoped that the later arrival in the turkey woods would coincide with the birds coming around and shaking off a bad night. Of course, I was counting on them to start gobbling in earnest.
I would hook up with my long time hunting partner, Paul Walling. You find his name here within these pages often, and as you may recall in each of the books I have published to date. Having let the foul weather pass, we would now go about the business of filling another New York spring season tag. We got in the woods before nine o’clock and the day had blossomed into a beautiful sunny day. As always we would chat about many things including recent events and what might be chewing at the back of our minds from time to time.
Several weeks earlier:
2014 proves to be a challenging year in many ways. The start of New York spring turkey season would support that thought in earnest.
In any typical season in the Joyner household, whether it be opening of deer season, fall turkey or especially spring turkey it is normal and expected that I enjoy the opener with my beautiful bride of fourteen years; Lee Joyner. Most years, most seasons it is a couples date for us.
For the past few years Lee’s mother (affectionately known as my mother in-law) had been battling cancer. Having beat it twice before, she was once again in a fight of and for her life. Lee’s father, Leroy Harrison, whom I have wrote about in a prior blog passed away just before PA deer season in 2008.
In all honesty we all felt she would soon follow as they had been married nearly fifty years and did everything together. She was shy, her personality low key. Despite this she put up the fight of a champion and all for her love of family. Much stronger than I would have thought, much stronger than I would myself imagine being. Round three with cancer would be her final fight and she passed on April 29th. As many of you have witnessed heroic and well fought wars with cancer, so have I, and hers was impressive in her effort and will to live. Mother in-laws are typically the subject of much humor, but as mine she was a great one, much like my father in-law was. They will both be remembered often and sorely missed.
Lee headed down the following day, and I would follow several days later. The New York opener would start as a solo act. To be truthful, I found the turkey woods to be soothing as they always do spending time in God’s creations. Just as truthful, I loathed not spending it with my wife. Never heard a bird gobbled that morning and the highlight was bumping five hens off the roost, no suitor nearby. Even hooking up with Paul Walling later that morning I felt uneasy, and it detracted from enjoying it as I would normally. As much as I love my time in the woods, I was not at peace there during this difficult time. The afternoon was spent clearing my plate of business matters before leaving for an extended weekend to attend the funeral.
Today we lay to rest Susanne Harrison, she no longer is in pain, and in our faith we believe she is in a better place.
I would return to the turkey woods soon and my thoughts of both of my in-laws will be prominent in my thoughts. For my wife it is a passing of a generation and the baton is passed on to her and her siblings. The yearly tradition is altered for this year but will go on, and no doubt the memories of our loved ones will occupy our thoughts while resting up against a majestic maple or the aptly named monarch in a set of woods. For us, we have a twisted old tree we call the turkey tree. You’ll find us there from time to time and hopefully in spirit when we too come to pass.
R.I.P. Susanne Harrison
Back to the turkey woods:
This would be much of what was on my mind as I met up with Paul a week later.
With my recent loss of my mother in-law in her battle with cancer, the conversation would be part of a slow progress along a big ridge. We would talk about who would handle our affairs when our time came, what was important to pass on, and to whom. I would jokingly remark (in ways maybe more serious) that I would look out for him and his affairs but I would be teed off if he didn’t send at least another hundred gobblers to the “Gates of Forever Roost” before heading off to his own special place. Yes, even as mighty hunters we are painfully aware of our own fragile nature and mortality. That may come as a surprise to those who view us in a negative light for our love and passion of hunting.
Although involved in a deep and serious discussion, we did not ignore the task at hand. Our hunt would be deliberate and patient. Given that the birds were not committing to the calls, the gobbles seemed to be even further away than they may have been. Despite that we still knew that it could change in a few very short minutes. I have recounted several stories over the years of hunts that started and ended in less than a few minutes. Our progress out along the ridge would be no faster than a hen contently feeding along a roadway…
In our quest each season, and as much as we love our great pastime, in practical terms, it’s about harvesting gobblers. From the bird’s point of view, it is not likely to be a favorable one. It is, however, our personal bond with the natural world that we come to appreciate it the way we do and understand in a very deep and emotional way the cycle of things such as life and death. It is a perspective not gained by way of conveniences that we enjoy in modern society.
One can and should be self-aware, close to their human existence. We share experiences that make us lifelong friends and companions participating in any number of favorite pastimes or activities. I would not claim what we so love to do is better. For many of us, it is. I would submit to you, that despite the over the top marketing of hunting products, our sport of turkey hunting is not one of blood lust, or testosterone filled fantasies. It is in many ways closer to nature, and akin to the creations around us.
As an outdoor writer I strive to bring my experiences of the turkey woods to print in such a way that you may see, empathize, and possibly even experience it as I do. I will flatly claim that I barely manage to bring a fraction of all the things I observe of my time in the turkey woods. In my quest to convey what I so love about turkey hunting, I can sometimes put you in the tree next to me, or at least cause you to remember a similar experience. In that, I am sometimes successful, and will continue to hone my craft.
…Paul and I would continue our way along the ridge and stop occasionally to see if those “over in the next county” gobbles might grow feet and come our way. Our conversation would continue as we worked the same ridge back which is another favorite way we have found to call up birds to the gun. Our hunt back to the truck was just as slow, and deliberate, the conversation just as priceless. Those conversations with Paul, whom I have come to know and respect over the many years, are beyond description and something I hold in high regard. We would return back to the truck without carrying the extra weight of a defeated gobbler. That would matter little to either of us.
Today’s hunt was as relaxing as any meditation or yoga class one might take, and was as peaceful as my soul required today. We would hear gobbling until almost noon, but they had plans other than granting ours. It was a morning of great friendship, great discussion of most serious matters, and as good a hunt that I had in recent memory.
I wish all of you to have days in the great turkey woods like the one I had today.
© 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
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
Turkey Hunters- We might just have a better take on things?
Once we get into the naturally percieved slowdown that occurs after Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, we turkey hunters are in military style planning for opening days, what states we’ll hunt, what new honey hole, which gun, new ammo, new calls, old favorite calls, new hunt surefire device, and so on… We have logistics to think about, which hunting buddies to catch up with, scouting, that nasty old bird that must die (which we’ll likely chase again another year), and all sorts of little details that occupy our preparation.
It got me to thinking as to the type of folks that seem to end up obsessed with chasing gobblers and why we have so much in common and yet squabble over the little details. We discuss and argue the various things that contribute to the hunt’s success or taking the shotgun for a walk back to the truck. This also includes methods, and the cargo bags of gear and gadgets, of course. Together we all know that we will have our days of being soundly defeated, and our butts handed to us no matter how well prepared or determined we may be. We’ll not let that gem of logic deter us.
It was this line of thinking that brings me to the thought to convey here. We as turkey hunters are active participants, keenly interested in cause and effect, and judge things mostly by what they do or how well they work. We immerse ourselves in the experience of the hunt, and should we win the day, we are elated. We do know that a pea brain sized bird can humiliated us in ways that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. It makes it no less of a great hunt. By nature we are conservative leaning, and that is not an absolute, but similar to the crowd of engineers I align myself as. In my perspective I identify myself as an engineer and a turkey hunter, and as a runner, triathlete as side interests. Of course this is behind the priorities of family, God and country in my view.
It is not to say all turkey hunters are conservative or republicans and I know many that lean just as far to the liberal side. I would not hesitate to share a hunt with them. Yet the things I now mention are the things that we share in common, and we get along fine. In part that we are about tangible things, factual findings, not emotional drivel, not political correctness, or chant of the day. As hunters we understand the cycle of life, our mortality as well as that of our quarry, We are studies of the natural world, and how things and or actions work or do not work. We see the value of conservation efforts that improve our forests, and quality of wildlife. We witness & participate in the comeback from market hunting to vastly improved wildlife populations. All of this in stark contrast to the anti-hunting rhetoric out there. It is these personal qualities that I believe we apply in our everyday lives.
Like many of you I suspect, find it nearly intolerable to watch the news, the racism narrative being vomited on us. The anti-gun this and that, anti-hunting, this or that. If you don’t believe in God, then no one else should either. If you don’t believe in my God, I’ll cleanse you by cutting off your head. Somehow everyone is offended or civil rights violated because of my white privilege, and the nonsense goes on and on. We witness senseless revenge killings of the police, yet disregard the actions of those that basically commit suicide by cop. As if criminal behavior should just be ignored and do as one dam well pleases. My rant stops here.
A facebook post caught my attention as it sums up my response to a lot of the foolishness that is reported in the news and exploited by our political leaders. The precepts here apply well to many things, including hunting. I’ll stick my neck out and claim that for the most part we as hunters are well aware that we own each and all of our decisions we make. In the woods, ill choices send us home empty handed in game and the grand experience anticipated. This precept also is handy when it comes to safety, and being ethical as hunters and as people. I’ll share the post here:
“Everything you do is based on your choices you make. It’s not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument / conflict, or your age that is to blame. You and you alone are responsible for every decision and choice you make. Period.’
My point which may seem a bit jumbled as I find current events beyond unreasonable and frustrating is that maybe the world would be better off if more people thought more like a hunter would. I will go as far as to say a turkey hunter’s perspective. Do any of us turkey hunters care if that great box call was crafted by a black (yellow, purple, green, whatever) man? A woman? A disable person? A (name religion) person? We care how much for the call, and is there any story or history that goes along with the call. Do any of us feel that white privilege (fill in whatever absurd idea applies) when a gobbler teases us for two hours at five yards past our range limit then walks away to one lone hen after you played the game the best you ever have? Would any of us not respect a land owner because of some discriminating factor? Tell me that any of us turkey slayers would not hunt a monster gobbler on a prime spot because the land owners were black, or a gay couple? We’ll give them the respect they deserve… Duh… Moving along… Not saying that we are perfect by any stretch, or that we don’t have racists in our ranks, but in our world, this foolishness has no place in our decision making, or in our treatment of others.
The silver lining in this rash of miserable news and currently sentiment is that for us as hunters it is an opportunity. We can go about our daily lives treating others well, and with the respect we would like for ourselves. The more folks recognize us as a group that treats people well, the better off we’ll be. Be an ambassador for our sport. Apply this generously with landowners that grant you access, and to those that don’t. Those folks will observe your actions and you can change hearts and minds by living well. It will be a better day when those that exploit any and all situations to win an argument, to get out of personal responsibility or not contribute to the common good, or to claim some perceived injustice, and get back to the type of thinking we do as hunters. Doing what it takes and making good choices to make a positive goal realized. It’s optimistic, but just the same a good way to be.
© 2015 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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