Fishing
Spring , Summer, “and” Fall Fishing Chautauqua County, a “Must Do” Destination
With all the competition for our recreational time in the fall, with all the available seasons, fall sports, and school activities for our children, there is precious little time left for fall fishing. This is especially true here at the “J Ranch” in McGraw New York with fall turkey season, archery and firearm seasons for whitetails, and upland game. Personally, I love to fish, and should I ever engage the same in reckless abandon as I chase gobblers, I would not be able to hold down a full-time job simultaneously.
As I continue, this is a fantastic companion to spring and summer fishing the great resources of Chautauqua County. I write of fantastic outings here in past spring/summer camps and as you plan your fishing vacations and book charters, guide services, it is under strong recommendation you start right here in Chautauqua County
I was fortunate to attend the Chautauqua County Media Fall Fish Camp the first week in October this past fall. This media fish camp is one of several held in the spring, summer, and fall, sponsored by the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, and hosted by Dave Barus. The initial plan was for a few of us to spend time fishing “Steelhead Alley” for the annual spawning run, bass, perch, walleye, and muskies on Chautauqua Lake, We would also spend time on Lake Erie for walleye. Like any well-laid-out itinerary involving the outdoors, the weather would be impactful, and we would adapt to the less ideal conditions.
Before I indulge your fishing interest further, I nearly titled this article “It’s all about people.” It is not enough to just say this as the camaraderie, the dynamics of personalities, and the chemistry between our group and our host struck us all as a big takeaway for each of us. I will intertwine this theme as I continue.
The abundant natural resources of Chautauqua County, world-class fishing, and over-the-top hospitality of our host do much to embed a fantastic time at fish camp. As you read further, it is evident that the area itself, and easily accessed resources create a “Must Do” destination that I would urge you to explore with a strong recommendation.
Back to fishing…
As we arrived at our cottage along the eastern shore of Chautauqua Lake, we learned the unseasonably warm and dry weather would impact our fishing choices and strategies. The fish would be found deeper than expected, and the streams would be at unseasonably low levels that the steelhead fishing would not come into play until well past our time there. With the smooth planning and capabilities of Dave Barus, our host, a quick regroup and arraigning of trip schedules was easily agreed upon.
Pro angler and guide Don Staszczyk would take fellow outdoor writer Megan Plete Postol and myself out on Chautauqua Lake for a morning of walleye fishing. We would be snap jigging for them with Rapala Jigging Raps and Snap Raps. Despite loads of fish easily found, they were not in a feeding mood. We would boat a few walleyes for the cooler, and experience more than a few bumps and hits on the lures from fish that were just not feeling the need to feed. It was a fantastic outing, full of great conversation, and bright sunny weather. We were treated to Megan’s high speed boat handling skills on the way back to the dock, a first for her at the helm of a very capable bass boat.
On Lake Erie that same morning, outdoor writers Dave Figura and Jerrod Vila were trolling for walleye with Tom Yetzer of Reel Time Charters. The fish were a bit more hungry out on the great lake and they would land more walleye to help make a grand dinner that evening.
With plenty of fish to clean, we got to put the Smith knives from our camp sponsors to good use! Vila, along with outdoor writer John Childs started the prep work as our master chefs. The culinary result was a delicious dinner of crab-filled walleyes, wrapped and baked, and topped with a creamy, lemon sauce. As fresh as a shore lunch, the walleye were rod to the plate in just a few hours and it is as good as it gets. It is a meal that you can recall in an instant where you close your eyes, and can taste and smell vividly, possible only when it is that fresh, and prepared brilliantly. Making me a bit hungry as I type this…
John Childs, an outdoor writer from Texas, spent the morning on the southern section of Chautauqua lake with Captain Frank Shoenacker (Infinity Charters,) caught perch and silver bass, and experienced the same conditions with walleye without an appetite. Having fished with Frank in recent years, I can attest to the great fishing experience and comradery you can expect.
The following day, Megan, John, and I would head out to Lake Erie with Tom Yetzer. I can assure you, you’ll have fun on his boat. A great story teller and is quick to dial in the right lures to make it happen. We would be heading into some rain, and with Tom’s mastery of how to best navigate to calmer waters. we would go from sluggish hits while trolling with bottom-bouncing spinners tipped with worms to plenty of “fish on” declarations. We would enjoy a great morning of fishing, and lots of storytelling across many topics. We would catch nice sized yellow perch, white fish and of course walleyes!
I would head out before the last morning due to work obligations and I knew just how much I was missing out on. That is the problem with responsible adulting sometimes. The evening before the last day we all came to similar opinions as to how great the conversations were, the bonding as friends, and as fellow writers the importance of our roles to communicate how grand the outdoors experience in Chautauqua County truly is!
The combination of natural resources, the natural beauty of the area, and a region complete with fantastic eateries, historic sites, breweries and wineries has something very special to offer dedicated fishermen, and families alike. I might suggest that you will find yourself to enjoy your time here as we have. As you plan your next fishing trip this spring, over the summer, and the fall seasons, it is well worth your attention and a great destination to bring your spouse and entire family!
© 2024 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, #Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association,
A New Collection of Outdoor Journals
The initial collection is live and available on Amazon. The collection may grow based on demand. A nicely sized day journal for the Hunter or Huntress who desires to record each day afield. grouped as a details page, two lined notes pages, and a blank page to draw, doodle, or affix a photograph. there are thirty sets to cover your season afield or possibly several seasons depending on whether a daily participant, or a weekend warrior.
Recommended to be carried in a waterproof pouch. A fantastic tool for organizing your capture of a grand day in the outdoors!
In capturing your daily excursions in the great outdoors, there is no set rule, just write down what are your unique observations of your surroundings, and the events of your time there while afield.
Nine journals total in the collection, and tailored to your favored seasons. All journals are available for $7.59 on Amazon
The following are direct links
Turkey Woods Journal https://www.joyneroutdoormedia.com/twj.html
Turkey Doggin’ Journal https://www.joyneroutdoormedia.com/tdj.html
Whitetail Journal https://www.joyneroutdoormedia.com/wtj.html
Elk Hunter Journal https://www.joyneroutdoormedia.com/ehj.html
Upland Game Journal https://www.joyneroutdoormedia.com/ugj.html
Fishing Journal https://www.joyneroutdoormedia.com/fj.html
Waterfowler’s Journal https://www.joyneroutdoormedia.com/wfj.html
Predator Hunter Journal https://www.joyneroutdoormedia.com/phj.html
Trapper’s Journal https://www.joyneroutdoormedia.com/tj.html
For a consolidated set of links to purchase on Amazon, click on: https://www.joyneroutdoorme dia.com/journals_promo.html.
Turkey Hunter Privacy Primer
While working through hunter stories and interviews in both book projects (D.D. Adams, Empire Limb Hangers,) I comb through the details, mindful of what is useful in telling the stories, story of the hunt vs what might be a privacy issue or reveal too much information. What I hope to convey is some useful tips that you may find helpful.
Privacy issues arise from those looking to move in on our honey holes, either to thwart future hunting efforts or those underway in current season. It may be of those wanting in on great hunting or a big gobbler on your hunting grounds they found out about, the lesser human traits of jealousy, or just a rotten SOB. Over the years I’ve learned of or experienced more than a few instances of it. Other issues come by way of hunter harassment by non hunters or anti-hunters and being deluged with aggressive online marketing that looks at every detail you might disclose or mouse click you make.
Just as we track movements and location of deer and turkey for example, we are also tracked by others in our movements and locations where suspected trophy pursuits take place. There are several tactics we can employ to mitigate this.
Total data blackout- No Disclosure, No Online Postings, Only what is legally required for tagging. Cell Phone only powered on during an emergency.
Diversionary Actions, as executed by astute fishermen- GPS coordinates freely published as decoy coordinates with no discernable displacement or pattern. Post pictures with replaced backgrounds or pics taken on vacation where you never fish or hunt. Take lots of suitable pics in parks, public lands. Ever take a hero pic on your buddies hunting spot to mess with them? Yep, the concept works. I know of hunters that leave at all different times in the morning or get picked up at different times to throw off those following or trying to pin point their hunting spots. Far too competitive in my opinion. Social media is ideal for setting out your logistical decoys.
One thing that many of us do is share their pics of the hunt. It is immediate and is all kinds of fun for story telling and smack talk. However, what some may not know is that a bulk of shared pics are taken with modern smart phones and very convenient. Unless you are diligent in your settings or understand metadata, EXIF exchange data, you are literally providing time , date, GPS coordinates, and all photo exposure settings. Game wardens know this, law enforcement, and your jealous followers may also know this. You can turn off location data on your phone for each photo app you may have, photo files can be stripped of the data on your laptop or desktop computer. Some social media platforms also strip the data. I routinely strip/delete the EXIF GPS data in my projects as I assume that nobody wants that disclosed without an intended purpose. Personally, disclosing a county or plus and minus a thousand acres on state game lands is accurate enough, although I might mix the names up 🙂
Although this reveal can be alarming if you hadn’t given any thought to it, it is an admission that for all the conveniences of modern communication that are beneficial there is some privacy that is directly given up for it, or eventually in the form of big data that is used to decern patterns and activities. It has been in recent years a useful tool in catching poachers, as law enforcement can use cell tower data to triangulate a particular cell phone, and it is even easier to narrow the investigation when in remote areas, during evening hours, and less activity.
What I have found common in the stories that I have captured in the Empire Limb Hangers project, is most successful hunters are careful in their movements and their disclosure of them. I hope this gives each of you pause to think of what you intend to share and what you hadn’t realized that you do.
-MJ
© 2023 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
A Day With the New Region 9 Director @ Walleye Mecca Destination- Dunkirk, NY
One can easily state any and all ports of access to Lake Erie as the walleye capital of the world. You would be correct, just as the counter declarations of each of your fishing partners. Rather than debate the issue, I’ll lead us into the declaration of Dunkirk as a “must experience” port of launch and a favored choice to pursue a grand fishing experience on Lake Erie. As reported in recent years by myself and the legions of the outdoor media, 2022 walleye season on Lake Erie is consistent with all the observations and claims as a “Walleye Mecca” of prior years. Yes, folks, it’s that good!
This year’s VIP Fish Day, held annually every August, would great us with the mixed clouds, moderate temperatures, and the calmest waters I have ever experienced on the great lake. This year’s event was coordinated by Jim and Diane Steel of the Innovative Outdoors team. A well-organized and super friendly event. Lots of familiar faces and many new ones. The event pairs Charter Captains with outdoor writers, local legislators, business leaders, and members of the NYSDEC Fisheries group. The group of outdoor writers present would hail from Indiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Rhode Island and New York.
Our trip out into the harbor was inspirational for all its beauty and the lake’s calmness. We would be heading out to 60′ – 90′ depths to troll for walleyes that had been, in recent days, hanging near the bottom. Just 30 minutes into setting up the lines, we were already into fish as we started our first trolling run. Although we ran a pattern of depths, those we had out deep with dipsy divers and worm spinner jigs made it happen. The fish-catching started off with Julie landing the first walleye. We both would catch our limit for the day and release others back to the lake. To this day, in my humble opinion, walleye is one of the best fish to eat and is a welcomed treat in our home.
The fishing was fantastic, and the conversation during our trip was even better! Julie comes into her new role as Region 9 Director with an impressive resume. She is as passionate about the resource as any of us. Julie is incredibly excited about the outlook for Lake Sturgeon, which is making significant progress in the North American conservation story. Having a Director that is hands-on and very comfortable with fishing tackle is a good thing for us sportsmen. As I have, you’ll find her very approachable, friendly and knowledgeable. I would also learn that Hans is just as passionate about fishing for muskies and very involved as a board member of the Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association. I can tell you Hans runs an efficient setup and is directly dialed in on walleyes. I can easily envision how he takes his ‘A’ game to muskies. I found Hans to be a great boat captain and super friendly. They are genuinely great people to enjoy time out on the water with. We would discuss many topics concerning the fisheries, future development, and the current issues with proposed windmills. In a few hours on a beautiful morning, all the essential goals of the VIP event were being met on a 21′ boat. The future for Eastern Lake Erie has a bright future, in my view.
The event concluded with a great lunch at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club. As in the past, we got updates on issues concerning the lake, the latest research, and the fishery outlook.
It is a beautiful format to promote not only the great fishery and recreational opportunities of the area but also puts the significant stakeholders together in the same room, the same boat, to further the communication needed for developing the resource. The event is fully supported by the following organizations: Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, Erie County Fisheries Advisory Board and the Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association.
https://www3.erie.gov/environment/fisheries-advisory-board
www.easternlakeeriecharters.com
www.buffaloharboroutfitters.com
-MJ
© 2022 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#Buffalo Harbor Outfitters, #Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, #Diane Steel, #Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, #Hans Mann, #Innovative Outdoors, #Jim Steel, #Julie Barrett O’Neill, #Northern Chautauqua County Conservation Club, #Warrior Boats
Turkey Hunting Viral Neurosis
With several weeks of reprieve, most of us should now be on the mend! I dare say most of us that spend more than a weekend or two chasing pea brain sized fowl suffer some level of this viral affliction. Like many of you, I can pin point with military GPS precision when, where, and how the infection took hold. On a very cold late deer season hunt in December 1992, I became witness to a flock of gobblers being busted off the roost by incoming deer hunters below the property I was hunting. Hunting at the edge of a very large bowl on a pristine and very quiet morning, at day break, I was blown away by the voracious gobbling that ensued from the break. As it echoed out through the bowl below my position, it was larger than life and in an instant I was infected, mesmerized beyond recovery…
Each season we willing violate most tenets of healthy living with the exception of daily moderate exercise. Caffeine consumption increases dramatically. Nominal six to eight hour sleep reduces to three or four hours on a good night. The consumption of Debbie’s Oatmeal Cream Pies is enough to propel the company to have their best months of sales from March thru May. Damn fool for not buying their stock years ago. I will put it out there that we give fishermen a run for their money in boosting the local economy at the small town diners, bars, and last but not least for the consumption of gas station food.
As a member of the infamous Tenth Legion, I pamper my affliction with no intention of ever being cured of it. As I age, I may slow in my movements, fight the girth that aims to overtake my idea of how long it takes to go from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’. Yet, I’ll get there come hell or high water. We are all familiar with the quote by author Tom Kelly that captures the adrenaline, the beating of our hearts so loudly the gobbler should hear it. My experience of that peaks just before the gobbler appears. Once in sight my response is more absolute with checklists of shot mechanics. I fully agree that the day that ceases to happen, I will have concluded my time in the turkey woods. May that be well past my final days.
As our neurosis peaks each spring, and fall I wish each of my brethren in solidarity, and in common ailment a recuperative summer, and that your best scheming and planning come to fruition in your obligations to return to the turkey woods next season.
MJ
© 2021 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
2021 NYSOWA Spring Safari @ Sacandaga Lake
Photo: Ann Boles
NYSOWA Spring Safari at Sacandaga Lake
A long overdue and highly anticipated Spring Safari took place the second week in May in the town of Broadalbin. The Broadalbin Hotel would be our base of operations for outings on Lake Sacandaga, and gobbler chasing in secret locations in and around Fulton County. Originally scheduled to have taken place in 2020, it was canceled due to the pandemic lock-downs that we are all too familiar with.
From a most personal perspective, the safari was a heartfelt reunion for those of us that could attend. We do enjoy each other’s company and especially enjoyed a well ran safari by so many that I will thank here shorty. It was an outstanding spring safari. It was clear to this author that a year and a half is far too long for us as a group to not spend time together enjoying the outdoors. With the passing of beloved members over the the course of this down time, the loss of spending time together is ever so poignant. I will provide links at the end to those who helped make this a most memorable event.
A big thank you for setting up the event and doing the heavy lifting to make it happen goes out to Safari Chairman Stephen George from our group, Ann Boles, director for tourism for both Fulton and Montgomery counties and last but not least, Dan Ladd who is indispensable for making things come together and pitching in wherever needed. Flawless execution of many moving parts and for herding cats which we are world renown in a casual observation.
The Broadalbin Hotel was an ideal base camp for us, as it is steeped in rich history, and provided all we could ever ask for in warm hospitality, comfortable rooms, and wonderful table fare! We took advantage of a great 2nd-floor balcony for our impromptu get-togethers and a back area fire pit which we thoroughly enjoyed. The hotel provided easy access to all our activities and I might add a perfect place to stay for any outing you might want to pursue in the area. Highly recommended and there are many from our group that will be looking to return for overnight stays in our gateway to the Adirondack outings.
The outings for our safari included fishing, turkey hunting, hiking, canoeing, shopping, museum/historic site tours, and visiting craft beer breweries. Ann was our liaison with the bureau of tourism, and provided support throughout our safari and did an outstanding job in representing the county in all that it has to offer. There were so many places to see and activities to enjoy it would take far more than a few extended weekends to partake in them all.
Turkey hunting was my natural choice for both mornings, and it did not disappoint. I stepped foot in some of the best turkey woods I ever had the privileged to hunt in. Hunting beautiful dairy farms with well-managed forests was a treat I particularly enjoyed. The birds did not gobble much in the piece I hunted, but I did manage to call up jakes on both days in addition to a hen on the second. Other fellow writers drawn to the turkey woods had close encounters and there was a swing and a clean miss. A trail cam revealed a few weeks later that a few tail feathers were trimmed, nothing more than hurt pride to report. A big thank you to Jerrod Vila and his crew for putting this together.
After seeing up close the Great Sacandaga Lake for the first time during this trip, I might opt for fishing when I return. Brian Hurst who owns Fish Attractor Guide Service hosted writers from our group on the lake both days and they had action both days. A good time had by all as reported.
Our afternoon events would include a tour of Slipstream Canoes along with a live demo at the lake and a stop for a pizza party, a tour at the Adirondack Sports & Educational Museum / New York Outdoorsman Hall of Fame, and a preview of a large expansion currently under construction. A big thank you to Mike Hauser for sponsoring the visit to Great Sacandaga Brewing! We would enjoy excellent tastings at Great Sacandaga Brewing and Stump City Brewing in the afternoons, Meeting the owners and getting the rundown on their respective histories along with first-hand descriptions of each offering topped off great afternoons on both days while taking in what the area has to offer for visiting sportsmen and tourists.
Our first lunchtime presentation featured special guest Robert Smullen, NYS Assemblyman for the 118th District who took many questions and responded very candidly as a supporter of sportsman’s issues and second amendment rights. We had a zoom meeting with the NYSDEC and many questions and answers took place. We welcome the opportunity to have a direct audience and hope for more direct dialog in the future. A big thank you to Adirondack Outdoorsman Show (Mike Hauser) & Allwater Guide Services (Capt. Stephen George) for sponsoring a great lunch at the Broadalbin Hotel. The craft hamburger was outstanding in case you may inquire…
Saturday lunch was a special treat at the Pine Tree Rifle club which is steeped in history and has an impressive outlay of ranges and activities. We got a rundown of the lengthy and impressive history of the club, followed by a presentation and product demos from Black Street Archery.
Our main dinner event was held at the Broadalbin Hotel, followed by a member zoom meeting lead by president Chris Paparo. A big thank you goes out to Capital Region Pheasants Forever chapter, Franks Gun Shop, and Pine Tree Rifle Club for sponsoring the event. Our sponsors were in attendance and I personally enjoyed their comments and meeting them at our safari. On a side note, Dan Ladd and I made a quick stop at Franks Gun Shop and it is very impressive how much they carry in stock and the team of knowledgeable and friendly employees they have on hand.
Randy Gardinier, chairman of the Great Sacandaga Lake Fisheries Federation (GSLFF) gave us a rundown of the history of Great Sacandaga Lake, and a new hiking challenge: Fulton County Five, that includes a patch and certificate for completing all five trails. The trails are ideal for those new to hiking the Adirondacks. The trails that comprise the series are Indian/Stewart Lake, Kane Mountain Fire Tower, Mud Lake, Nine Corner Lake, and Willie Wildlife Marsh.
The event concluded Sunday with a few of us staying for breakfast at the hotel which I highly recommend. With a beautiful sunny day to greet us, the ride home was worth taking the more scenic route and worth the price of admission. The year’s spring safari was one I’ll long remember, and I encourage our members to come spend a long weekend with us in the future. I was duly impressed with my time here and will return in the future to enjoy it further!
Please check out the links below:
Adirondack Outdoorsman Show (Mike Hauser) http://adkshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Adirondack-Outdoorsman-Show-79046747861/
Adirondack Sports & Educational Museum / New York Outdoorsman Hall of Fame https://wildlifesportsmuseum.com/ https://nysohof.org/
Allwater Guide Services (Capt. Stephen George) www.allwaterguideny.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AllwaterGuideNY
Ann Boles, director of tourism:Fulton and Montgomery Counties https://www.fultonmontgomeryny.org/staff/
Black Street Archery https://www.blackstreetarchery.com/ https://www.facebook.com/BlackStreetArchery/ https://www.yelp.com/biz/black-street-archery-johnstown
Capital Region Pheasants Forever chapter https://pheasantsforever.org/
The Broadalbin Hotel https://www.historicbroadalbinhotel.com/ https://www.facebook.com/hotelbroadalbin/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/historic-hotel-broadalbin-broadalbin
Franks Gun Shop http://www.franksgunshops.com/
Fish Attractor Guide Service https://www.facebook.com/Fish-Attractor-Guide-Service-1984435795130312/
Fulton County. https://www.fultonmontgomeryny.org/ http://www.44lakes.com/
Fulton County Five Hiking Challenge http://www.44lakes.com/fulton-county-5-hiking-challenge/
Great Sacandaga Brewing https://greatsacandagabrewing.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GreatSacandagaBrewing/ https://www.yelp.com/biz/great-sacandaga-brewing-broadalbin
Great Sacandaga Lake Fisheries Federation (GSLFF) http://www.gslff.com/
New York State Outdoor Writers Association (NYSOWA) www.nysowa.org
Pine Tree Rifle Club http://www.pinetreerifleclub.org/ https://www.facebook.com/pinetreerifleclub
Robert Smullen, NYS Assemblyman for the 118th https://www.nyassembly.gov/mem/Robert-Smullen https://www.facebook.com/SmullenForAssembly
Ann Boles, director of tourism:Fulton and Montgomery Counties https://www.fultonmontgomeryny.org/staff/
Slipstream Canoes http://slipstreamwatercraft.com/Slipstream_Watercraft_2/Welcome.html
Stump City Brewing https://www.stumpcitybrewery.com/ https://www.facebook.com/StumpCityBrewery/ https://www.yelp.com/biz/stump-city-brewery-gloversville
-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
2020 Fall Hunting & Fishing COVID-19 Restrictions
As spring seasons were bad enough with stay at home orders, quarantines we have a solid injection of partisan politics, an election cycle, and a lot of scared and fearful people among us. The following update of currently impacted state hunting and fishing seasons is an unfortunate reality as they were this past spring… I will continue to update this as more states follow suit and when states ease and or rescind restrictions entirely. Instead of season shutdowns, it is in the way of 14-day quarantines which ends the possibilities for most of us unless you can afford the cost of an additional two weeks and get the time off to do so. In general most of the restrictions will affect all travel without regard to purpose. Canada is currently shut down for all recreational activities for non-residents.
Alaska– all non-residents must arrive with confirmed negative Covid test results taken within prior 72 hours. Pending test results are a non starter. No option to test on site at the arrival airport or quarantine for 14 days no longer permitted. See Health Declaration form for further info on what must be completed when you arrive at the first Alaska airport.
Many towns and villages have additional requirements for non-residents, check with the local government or borough. Ravn Alaska airlines closed their doors, all their flights canceled Find more at ADFG.gov or State of Alaska Response Page
Penalties: fines of up to $25,000.
Connecticut: Non-residents, residents traveling to or from states and territories with high COVID-19 rates must comply with two-week quarantine or show a negative result from a COVID-19 test. https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel
Penalties: a $1,000 fine for each violation.
District of Columbia: Non-residents, residents traveling to or from 29+ states and territories. Virginia and Maryland. Exempted. https://coronavirus.dc.gov/phasetwo
Hawaii: Non-residents, residents traveling to or from other states are required to self-quarantine for two weeks or show a negative result from a COVID-19 test https://health.hawaii.gov/travel/18567/state-to-provide-updated-quarantine-guidelines/
Penalties: Violating the quarantine order is a criminal offense, up to a $5,000 fine and/or a year imprisonment.
Idaho: Non-residents, residents traveling to or from other states are required to self-quarantine for two weeks in effect for Ada County only. https://visitidaho.org/covid-19-travel-alert/
Illinois: no statewide quarantine orders. Chicago has a 14 day quarantine mandate for Non-residents, residents traveling to or from other states. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html
Penalties: Violators are subject to fines of $100 to $500 per day, up to $7,000.
Kansas: Non-residents, residents traveling to or from other states (AL, AZ, AR, FL, or SC) are required to self-quarantine for two weeks. https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-COVID-19-Updates
Penalties: Violating the quarantine order -class C misdemeanor, fines from $25 to $100.
Maine: Non-residents, residents traveling to or from other states are required to self-quarantine for two weeks or show a negative result from a COVID-19 test. Travelers from five states, Connecticut, Vermont, New York, New Jersey and New Hampshire, are exempt. https://www.maine.gov/covid19/restartingmaine/keepmainehealthy/faqs
Maryland: Non-residents, residents traveling to or from other states and territories required to self-quarantine for two weeks or until they receive negative test results https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Documents/07.29.2020%20-%20MDH%20Notice%20-%20Out%20of%20State%20Travel%20Advisory.pdf
Massachusetts: Non-residents, residents traveling to or from other states (Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina and Texas ) are required to self-quarantine for two weeks or show a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. They must complete the Massachusetts travel form if over age 18. Traveling from states with low rates of COVID-19 (currently Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York and New Jersey) is exempt. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order
Penalties: $500 fine per day for failure to complete the form or quarantine for 14 days.
New Hampshire: Non-residents, residents traveling to or from other states outside of New England asked to quarantine for two weeks. https://nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/Travel_advisoryFAQs_6-25-2020.pdf
New Jersey: Non-residents, residents traveling to or from other states are asked to quarantine for two weeks. https://nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/Travel_advisoryFAQs_6-25-2020.pdf
New Mexico: Non-residents, residents traveling to or from other states and territories required to self-quarantine for two weeks or the length of their stay, with exemptions for first responders and other essential workers. Does not apply to those passing through the state and are asked to only stop for essential services for gas or food. https://www.newmexico.org/covid-19-traveler-information/
Penalties: Executive order declares that those in noncompliance “shall be subject to involuntary isolation or quarantine.”
New York: Non-residents, residents traveling to or from 36+ states and territories with high COVID-19 rates must comply with two-week quarantine ; Does not apply to those passing through the state for less than 24 hours. https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory
Penalties: a $2,000 fine for the first violation, $5,000 for the second and up to $10,000 if the person causes harm. Visitors arriving by air who refuse to fill out the health form may be fined $2,000.
Ohio: Non-residents, residents traveling to other states reporting positive COVID-19 testing rates of 15 percent or higher are asked to quarantine for two weeks. The list currently lists six states. https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/families-and-individuals/covid-19-travel-advisory/covid-19-travel-advisory
Oregon: Due to a pneumonia outbreak, all of the Lookout Mtn. Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep hunts have been cancelled for the 2020 season. https://myodfw.com/COVID-19
Pennsylvania: recommends that anyone who arrives from a state “where there are high amounts of COVID-19 cases” quarantine for two weeks upon return. The list includes 17+ states. https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Travelers.aspx
Rhode Island: Anyone arriving in Rhode Island from with a positivity rate of COVID-19 greater than 5 percent — more than 30 states, plus Puerto Rico must self-quarantine for 14 days. A recent negative COVID-19 test can offer you exemption from the quarantine rule https://health.ri.gov/covid/travel/
Vermont: Non-residents, residents traveling to other states must quarantine for two weeks if they arrive from locations with more than 400 active COVID-19 cases per million (indicated on an online map, updated every Friday), https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel
Penalties: Law enforcement may educate violators on the rule.
Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada , North Carolina , North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming: check before traveling as these states have restrictions on gatherings, some businesses restricted or closed and varying levels of mask requirements
Canada– US Border currently closed to all non-essential travel https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/covid/non-canadians-canadiens-eng.html#er1
Hunting & Fishing Restrictions Covid-19 Update
Update of currently impacted state turkey hunting and fishing seasons. Turkey season wraps up next week, with Maine closing in June. Updates may show promise for summer fishing. States with 14 Day Non Resident Quarantines are showing some progress in lifting the restriction.
Alaska– Phase 3/4 starts today, and with recommended guidelines and practices. Extended the travel restrictions on out-of-state travelers and residents returning to the state through June 2. link updated 5/22
Arkansas- Buffalo National River open to day use. link updated 5/22
California– Hunting, fishing on base is suspended until further notice. link Edwards Air Force Base -restricted to mission-essential personnel only. link Fort Hunter Liggett- All 2020 Fishing and 2019-20 Hunting permits sales have been suspended. link
Arizona– San Carlos Apache Reservation turkey hunts canceled link
Colorado– playgrounds, campgrounds, dispersed camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas are beginning to open. San Juan County-all public lands closed. Fort Carson- hunting is NOT available on Fort Carson or Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, USAF Academy “official business only”. Fishing the 5 lakes are open for all eligible users with a USAFA fishing permit linkupdated 5/22 Gunnison county banning any visitors until further notice. link
Delaware– All out-of-state residents traveling into Delaware to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days link
Florida– 30-day stay-at-home order. those who fly or drive into Florida from states with substantial community spread to self-isolate in Florida for 14 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. Some resources are closed link
Georgia– Fort Benning- Restricted to Authorized personnel only link Fort Gordon- Open to recreation if you have access link The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down all dispersed camping corridors, day-use areas, trailhead facilities and other recreation sites on the Blue Ridge Ranger District link
Hawaii– All arriving residents and visitors thru 6/20 will immediately go into a 14-day quarantines upon entering the state link Lana‘i Axis Deer Hunt Canceled link
Idaho– Idaho Fish and Game resumes the sale of all nonresident hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and tags. link updated 5/22
Illinois– DNR to Reopen Select Sites for Limited Activities May 1 link
Kansas – travel quarantine from the following: International– China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran States- California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts(new). New Jersey, New York. Rhode Island (new) Washington Massachusetts and Rhode Island are new to the list, while California, Florida and Washington have been removed link Kansas has an “explicit ” call out of quarantine of 14 days before you can hunt link
Kentucky- All Fort Campbell iSportsman activities including hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreation are now open, Spring Turkey Season has been extended through 17 May 2020 link The state’s travel ban expired. updated 5/22
Massachusetts – All travelers arriving in the Commonwealth are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days, link
Maine– all travelers coming to Maine quarantine for 14 days link Maine regular turkey season open two days early, on May 2. Turkey hunters will not be required to register their birds at tagging stations. Changes are temporary for 2020 only. link
Maryland– Recreational fishing and hunting reopened, social distancing guidelines must be followed. l link updated 5/22
Michigan– charter fishing and guide operations are now permitted link updated 5/22 State harbors and marinas are closed through at least June 9 link
Missouri– Fort Leonard Wood – Restricted to Authorized personnel only link
Montana– travelers arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes undergo a 14-day self-quarantine.
New Hamshire– no longer issuing kid’s fishing derby permits or any bass tournament permits. Online sales only for licenses and permits link
New York– West Point, Outdoor Recreation= Round Pond Recreation Area – Permitted Fishing and Passive Recreation Only, 9AM-5PM link
North Carolina– multiple boat access, camping, public land closures see: link Dare County- restrictions lifted link updated 5/22
North Dakota– All travelers arriving to North Dakota from international locations and states with widespread coronavirus outbreaks must quarantine immediately for 14 days link
Ohio– People traveling into Ohio to self-quarantine for 14 days. link non-resident hunting and fishing licenses suspended link
Oklahoma– order requiring travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana and Washington to undergo a 14-day quarantine. link
Pennsylvania- State parks and public campgrounds remain closed. link
Rhode Island– all out-of-state travelers to quarantine for 14 days if they intend to stay in the state. Fishing system in place-staggers the days when licensed anglers can fish. Those with last names beginning with A through M can only fish on even numbered calendar days, and those with last names beginning with N through Z can only fish on odd numbered calendar days. link
South Carolina– All dates all SCDNR Lottery hunts on WMA properties have been canceled. Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge hunts remain open unless a “Stay Home” order is declared. link Fishing events link
Texas– Joint Base San Antonio – Hunting closed until further notice link 14 Day travel quarantine lifted link updated 5/22 Texas Attorney General Says Gunnison County’s Temporary Nonresident Ban Is Unconstitutional link
Utah– All recreational travel by non–residents of San Juan County is prohibited link
Vermont– 14 Day travel quarantine from any state link
Virginia– Langly AFB outdoor recreation open link updated 5/22 Marine Corps Base Quantico- outdoor recreation canceled link
West Virginia– 14 Day travel quarantine lifted updated 5/22`
Wyoming– non resident quarantine has been lifted updated 5/22
Canada– US Border currently closed to all non-essential travel
Not listed, check your state of interest as many have their park buildings and camping and restroom facilities either closed altogether or not taking reservations until later this summer. Also noted that some states are banning overnight camping on public lands or designated primitive sites.
Restrictions Ease- Hunting & Fishing Seasons Slow Roll Out, Covid-19 Update
Update of currently impacted state turkey hunting and fishing seasons. Some states are now slowly easing up restrictions. States with 14 Day Non Resident Quarantines are showing little progress in lifting the restriction at this time.
Alaska– current 14-day mandatory quarantine order is extended to May 19, 2020 link Gov. Mike Dunleavy rescinded the cancellation of all spring bear hunts in Alaska Thursday, saying that spring bear hunts will be open to Alaskan hunters, but not available to those non-residents and anyone from outside the state. link Limited Fishing Charters, Camping and Lodging link Added 5/5
Arkansas- Buffalo National River closure includes angling, turkey hunting. link added 4/18 added 5/5
California– Hunting, fishing on base is suspended until further notice. link Edwards Air Force Base -restricted to mission-essential personnel only. link Fort Hunter Liggett- All 2020 Fishing and 2019-20 Hunting permits sales have been suspended. link
Arizona– San Carlos Apache Reservation turkey hunts canceled link
Colorado– all playgrounds, campgrounds, dispersed camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas are closed. Spring turkey hunters now are able to return their license for a refund at any time before the opening day of turkey season. link San Juan County-all public lands closed Fort Carson- hunting is NOT available on Fort Carson or Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, USAF Academy “official business only”. Fishing the 5 lakes closed link Yuma County delaying spring turkey season to 5/2/20, Gunnison county banning any visitors until further notice. link
Delaware– All out-of-state residents traveling into Delaware to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days link
Florida– 30-day stay-at-home order. those who fly or drive into Florida from states with substantial community spread to self-isolate in Florida for 14 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. Some resources are closed link
Georgia– Fort Benning- Restricted to Authorized personnel only link Fort Gordon- Open to recreation if you have access link Added 5/5 The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down all dispersed camping corridors, day-use areas, trailhead facilities and other recreation sites on the Blue Ridge Ranger District link
Hawaii– All arriving residents and visitors will immediately go into a 14-day quarantines upon entering the state link Added 5/5 Lana‘i Axis Deer Hunt Canceled link
Idaho– The purchase of non-resident black bear, fishing and turkey tags is no longer available link If you already had an agreement with an outfitter for a spring black bear hunt before the April 4th suspension, you may still obtain your tags and go on the hunt.
Illinois– DNR to Reopen Select Sites for Limited Activities May 1 link added 4/28
Kansas – travel quarantine from the following: International– China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran States- California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts(new). New Jersey, New York. Rhode Island (new) Washington Massachusetts and Rhode Island are new to the list, while California, Florida and Washington have been removed link updated 5/5 Kansas has an “explicit ” call out of quarantine of 14 days before you can hunt link
Kentucky- All Fort Campbell iSportsman activities including hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreation are now open, Spring Turkey Season has been extended through 17 May 2020 link updated 5/5 People traveling to Kentucky from out-of-state will now be placed under quarantine for 14 days due to an executive order link suspending sale of non-resident turkey-hunting permits- 2020 spring turkey season link
Massachusetts – All travelers arriving in the Commonwealth are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days, link Joint Base Cape Cod/Camp Edwards controlled turkey hunt canceled link
Maine– all travelers coming to Maine quarantine for 14 days link Maine regular turkey season open two days early, on May 2. The youth season has also changed from May 2 to April 25 and adding a additional day, April 27. Turkey hunters will not be required to register their birds at tagging stations. Changes are temporary for 2020 only. link
Maryland– strict w/penalty stay at home directive. recreational boating is banned. Subsistence hunting and fishing — limited hunting and limited recreational fishing and crabbing for sustenance only. No permits for fishing tournaments, Commercial fishing deemed essential link
Michigan– charter fishing and guide operations are not permitted, possible opening- 5/15 link updated 5/5 DNR-managed boating access sites that were open for the season and remained open during the stay-at-home order will remain open. The addition of various amenities, such as the placement of courtesy piers and the reopening of bathrooms at boating access sites. State harbors and marinas are closed through at least June 9 link updated 5/5
Missouri– Fort Leonard Wood – Restricted to Authorized personnel only link
Montana– travelers arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes undergo a 14-day self-quarantine. The Directive follows the governor’s prior travel advisory and last week’s Stay at Home Directive link FWP has suspended all spring turkey and spring black bear seasons through at least April 24th for non-resident nonresident spring turkey and bear seasons resumed, April 25 link updated 5/5
Nebraska– suspended the sale of nonresident spring turkey hunting permits immediately. link
New Hamshire– no longer issuing kid’s fishing derby permits or any bass tournament permits. Online sales only for licenses and permits link
New Jersey: Starting May 2, All state parks and forests will re-open to “passive recreation,” that includes fishing and hunting link updated 5/5
New York– West Point, Outdoor Recreation= Round Pond Recreation Area – Permitted Fishing and Passive Recreation Only, 9AM-5PM link Boat launches, marinas allowed to open updated 5/5
North Carolina– multiple boat access, camping, public land closures see: link Dare County- Resident only travel. Non-Resident Property Owners who have a valid entry permit with matching government issued ID according to the schedule below:
- Monday, May 4 at 6:00 a.m. – Entry is ongoing for non- resident property owners whose last name begins with A – I
- Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00 a.m. – Entry begins and is ongoing for non- resident property owners whose last name begins with J – R
- Friday, May 8 at 6:00 a.m. – Entry begins for non-resident property owners whose last name begins with S – Z link updated 5/5
North Dakota– All travelers arriving to North Dakota from international locations and states with widespread coronavirus outbreaks must quarantine immediately for 14 days link
Ohio– People traveling into Ohio to self-quarantine for 14 days. link non-resident hunting and fishing licenses suspended link
Oklahoma– order requiring travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana and Washington to undergo a 14-day quarantine. link
Oregon– Washington and Oregon Departments of Fish and Wildlife open Chinook fisheries along Columbia River on limited days in May link updated 5/5 Non-residents can fish and hunt in Oregon again beginning May 5 link updated 5/5
Pennsylvania- will reopen marinas and allow guided fishing trips again. Private campgrounds will also reopen. State parks and public campgrounds remain closed. link added 4/28
Rhode Island– all out-of-state travelers will be stopped at the border and told to quarantine for 14 days if they intend to stay in the state. Order extended to all states because of the rate of infection in other areas, mentioning New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Hampshire by name link Fishing system in place-staggers the days when licensed anglers can fish. Those with last names beginning with A through M can only fish on even numbered calendar days, and those with last names beginning with N through Z can only fish on odd numbered calendar days. link
South Carolina– Exec order- self-quarantine for 14-days for travelers lifted. link All dates all SCDNR Lottery hunts on WMA properties have been canceled. Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge hunts remain open unless a “Stay Home” order is declared. link Fishing events link updated 5/5
Texas– Joint Base San Antonio – Hunting closed until further notice link 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: flying into Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the city of New Orleans, driving from the cities of Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta. Also included in the order are the states of Washington and California. link Texas Attorney General Says Gunnison County’s Temporary Nonresident Ban Is Unconstitutional link
Utah– All recreational travel by non–residents of San Juan County is prohibited link
Vermont– 14 Day travel quarantine from any state link
Virginia– Langly AFB outdoor recreation canceled link Marine Corps Base Quantico- outdoor recreation canceled link
Washington- Hunting for turkey and spring bear open on May 5. Spring turkey season will end on May 31, as originally scheduled. All freshwater fishing and some saltwater fishing and shellfishing now permitted link updated 5/5 Spring bear special permit seasons will be extended until June 30. Spring bear hunters who would normally travel outside their local areas to hunt may wait to see how travel guidance evolves, or seek a permit refund link added 4/28
West Virginia– 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Italy, and China link
Wisconsin– No Motors in Michigan Boundary Waters link Wisconsin State Parks And Forests To Reopen on May 1 link updated 5/5
Wyoming– all travelers coming to Wyoming quarantine for 14 days link nonresident fishing licenses has been suspended until April 30 link updated 5/5
Canada– inaugural New Brunswick spring turkey season canceled link US Border currently closed to all non-essential travel
Not listed, check your state of interest as many have their park buildings and camping and restroom facilities either closed altogether or not taking reservations until later this summer. Also noted that some states are banning overnight camping on public lands or designated primitive sites.
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