Author: mookyj
Old Memories, New Memories- Good Times: 2014 New York Spring Turkey Youth Hunt
What started out as a plan ‘B’ turned out to be a memorable hunt for a very nice young man and two of us old well seasoned hunters. It would be memorable for a host of reasons which I’ll explain further.Since the inception of the New York Spring Youth Turkey Hunt, there have been plenty of memories made, and lots of pictures of young adults with smiling faces. For my hunting partner Paul Walling and I this has been our experience, and something we look forward to. Although my children were grown adults before the inception of the special youth season, I would take out a young hunter as the opportunities presented themselves. Like many of you, we would take out young hunters in regular season as well.
For this particular hunt, Paul and I would be taking Keller Pai out for this morning’s hunt. Keller has taken several gobblers in prior hunts, and has a few seasons under his belt. As much as Paul and I enjoy each other’s company while hunting, we would agree that taking out a young hunter is the highlight of the season. Paul grew up learning how to hunt while taught by his father, and that is something I appreciate very much as I did not hunt until my mid 20″s. My father was an Adirondack deer hunter, but gave that up after joining the Navy. The experience for us to take out Keller is especially rewarding as the morning would be full of lessons of the turkey woods, and recounting of past experiences of our escapades and that of Paul and his father.
Our plan ‘A’ for the morning was to visit one of our favorite haunts that we affectionately call “Shorties.” There is a lengthy story behind the name, and technically there are two possibly three separate stories depending how one parses it. A chapter in my first book “Hills of Truxton” was dedicated to this “special” gobbler and so named. Disclosing the exact location is of course misleading on purpose but I can tell you that it is a piece of state game lands south of Cortland, or was that northeast of Truxton? I arrived ahead of Paul and Keller at 5:16AM, only to find another truck parked there, and they had already headed in. As good as the place is, we very seldom run into other hunters there. I let Paul know that we needed to go elsewhere as we would not intrude on purpose, and would give them the courtesy that is due. We would regroup and try our luck at another favored spot a little more than a mile from where we were. We would find our plan “B” choice to be unencumbered, and appeared to had little vehicle traffic nor any one parking there recently. As a side note, we saw no other vehicles parked at the side of the road or at trail heads the remainder of the morning. In some respects the 2nd location and the logging trail along the bottom of a hill would provide an area shielded from the predominate wind that morning, allowing us to hear a ways off. Rain had tapered off long before daylight, although cool temps greeted us, it was much more comfortable being out of the wind. The morning would remained overcast and cloudy, no bright sunny day to warm things up today. A base layer, and light hunting jacket would suffice.
We would slowly work our way into the woods as the regrouping had us going in as the sky began to change and was getting light out. Paul knew the traditional roosting areas very well,and we could cover some ground without disrupting the birds as they waited to fly down. We quickly called up an owl, which did elicit a gobble from parts unknown in distance and only a general direction. The owl favored Paul’s rendition of an owl more so this morning, and would occasionally answer my efforts. Paul and I learned long ago, that with two callers, favored responses will switch back and forth over the course of the morning. It mattered little, as long as we got a response. For the first 30 minutes we would occasionally hear a gobbler, not at all close but in a direction that we figured to be where Plan “A’ would have taken place. I personally thought we would hear a shot come from there. Something that we never heard during our time there this morning. A slow start to be sure.
We eventually got out to a spot that overlooked a large drop off along the state land border. A few calls got a round house of gobbling and hen talk from a flock we figured to be a good quarter mile or further down the bottom of the overlook on private property. We sat down and decided to see what if anything the flock would do. By auditory appearances my guess would be several mature gobblers, a few jakes and at least a hen or two willing to talk. Most likely more hens than what we would like. They would gobble at any call we made, so we decided to wait a bit, and see if their feet were moving or just their beaks. Probably less than ten minutes, I did a short sequence on a mouth call that Paul makes for me, and got an immediate response, not more than a few hundred yards below us. We got an answer we were happy about. Wasting no time I moved back and over some from Paul and Keller. A few calls later the gobbles in response to our calls ceased and I figure either they were coming or working out the steep bank. After making a call with no response, I decided to hold off and see what they do. Paul and I read each other’s next moves pretty well, and when he called shortly after I had stopped it surprised me, even more so, the call was a very soft first yelp and finished just as soft. That is when I notice Keller’s shoulders tighten up. The game was on and target was in sight. The gun came up, and a moment later it roared. I was far enough back that I could not see the approaching bird.
We all got up, with Keller reaching the bird in mere seconds. It was a good sized jake, and he had wasted no time coming up the steep bank to get to us. Paul’s last call turned the bird enough to bring his path in front of them and within 30 yards. With the woods wide open which is typical for early season, it was great to not have the bird hangup 50-60-70 yards below our location. After tagging the bird and taking pictures we walked back only a little faster than we came in, listening for other gobblers as any intel is welcomed for the opener on May 1st. We did hear a few gobbles, but nothing close. Given our location, we were surprised to hear no other shotgun blasts, although Keller thought he heard one, far off and early.
Keller got a quick lesson as to how fast things can go from a gobble way over yonder to fast action with an even faster conclusion that can occur in the turkey woods. Something Paul and I have experienced many times and I would suspect that goes the same for many of you.
We concluded the hunt with a great breakfast at the local diner (location not disclosed) and then parted ways, headed for home. A short nap later that morning was most welcomed. Big congrats to Keller and a big thank you to Paul for what continues to be one of many great and memorable hunts.
© 2014 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
2014 NYS NWTF Turkey Calling Contest @ Auburn Bass Pro
Being a year round student of wild turkeys, seasonal pursuer (AKA- turkey hunter), and passionate writer of nearly anything related to my favored bird, I find any opportunity to participate in a wild turkey related event a welcomed one. One of my favorite things is to participate as a judge at a turkey calling contest. Being a certified and self described turkey obsessed individual, judging a calling contest is right up my alley. I have been honored to judge contests going back to 1996. Contests include: Great Outdoor Sportsmen’s Show at the NY fairgrounds, State Chapter championships, and whole bunch of local NWTF chapter contests.Before going further -to those not intimate with these vocalization affairs it is a ton of work and dedicated practice among the call competitors. The difference among the top callers is subtle many times with merely a point or two separating 1st and 2nd place. After months of practice, preparation and many times a very long drive to the event it comes down to very fine details, and subjective reckoning as to whom is the best on a given day. Add to that that each caller is keyed up at the event and performs his best in front of friends, fellow competitors, and a roomful of hard core turkey hunters, call makers and other industry professionals. Believe me, each and ever note of each call is scrutinized under very critical ears.
As judges we have to contend with room acoustics, differences of one side of the curtains/table verses the other, hard reflections from a wall we are typically close to, back ground noise, etc., Most of us who serve as contest judges have many years of chasing turkeys under our belts with plenty of experience with vocal combat engaging wild turkey hens in the spring, and mass hysteria of flocks in the fall. Some of us have competed at some level in contests, so we have an appreciation of the task at hand. As conscientious individuals we strive to be fair, and not end up wishing we could go back and change our scores after hearing the last caller of the event. It is not easy to fairly score callers whom are very close in talent and in their delivery of the required call. It is very common to hear turkey calls on a stage that are superior and more consistent than anything we ever hear in the turkey woods. In my own personal view of things, if you nail a call and impress me, I will give you an 18. 19 or even a 20 (max score on a single call), on the other hand if you choke, over blow a call, unable to give the call requested, or just lock up on stage, I am hard pressed to give a 1, or a single digit score (calls are scored from 1-20). It takes significant intestinal fortitude to get up there and strut your stuff in front of a very critical audience. To those unfamiliar, in open, friction and resident divisions calls are scored 1-20 with 20 being perfect, the best score possible. Each caller is required to deliver five calls in a particular order (youth divisions is usual 3 or 4), each call is scored by five judges and the results of the five calls are then totaled according to NWTF Sanctioned calling contest rules. High and low scores are tossed and the remaining middle three scores are used as to help null personal preferences (we each have our personal preferences) and result in a median score from the judges.
The reason for the lengthy background pretext before diving into today’s event, was that today we as judges had our work cut out for us. the 2014 NYS Championship would be remembered as a well ran event with very close competition. The low scores were not at all low, and the spread between 1st and 3 rd places were ridiculously close, in some cases only a point or two apart. Amazingly no ties or call offs for spots on the podium. As judges we were tasked to score a very talented field of callers. I can assure you the entire field of callers we had before us would get the job done in any turkey woods I ever stepped foot in. A big thank you and congrats to all the callers that made for a challenging day in determining the winners.
Youth Division
1st Aidan Pollack- Rock Stream, NY 2nd Riley Scott- Mohawk, NY 3rd Jacksun Scott- Mohawk, NY
Friction Division
1st Lawrence Scartozzi- Sparta, NJ 2nd Jason Pollack- Rock Stream, NY 3rd Ken Jones- Proctor, VT
Open Division
1st Jason Pollack- Rock Stream, 2nd Lawrence Scartozzi- Sparta, NJ 3rd Mike Mettler- Niagara Falls, NY
NY Resident Division
1st Michael Pollack- Dundee, NY 2nd Steve Scott Jr.- Mohawk, NY 3rd Jason Pollack- Rock Stream, NY
© 2014 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Wild Turkey Full Arm Sleeve Tattoo
Turkey Sleeve Project is nearly all healed up. A few more touch ups to be done. Decided to give it a little more finished look by adding a little old school touches tying everything all together on upper part of the turkey sleeve. Scot Clark (pinpoint tattoo) did the strutting gobbler, From Ascend Gallery, Sean Price did the new school turkey skull & the ghost gobbler. Adam Golden did the Weims, flying turkeys, and dogwood flowers,Josh Payne did the gentleman gobbler (upper inside bicep), gobbler head, stone turkey tracks,and all the glue tying it all together. Thanks to everyone for the great experience putting this together, and especially Josh for making it look like a grand plan.- Adam Golden, Josh Payne, Scot Clark, Sean Price
© 2014 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
New!! Joyner Outdoor Media website launch and contest
Launch Day! Rolling out the new Joyner Outdoor Media website! A new responsive style site. One by one the individual book sites will be updated. Current ongoing book project sites will be updated from a place holder or requests for info to full content websites as well.
We’ll be kicking the tries over next few weeks to correct any goofs or make improvements. As we grow so to will the main site. The online stores are just now up, and will be expanded shortly.
To celebrate the launch, we’ll be giving away a signed set of books “Hills of Truxton” and “Tales From The Turkey Woods” at 1000 likes, 2500 likes, 5000 likes, and 7500 likes. At 10,000 likes a lucky winner will be invited on an all expense paid hunt with author Mike Joyner and a story of the experience to be included in “Grand Days In The Turkey Woods” currently being written. The winner may choose New York, or winner’s home state, or possibly others. Winner responsible for travel to and from the event, and license. Further details on additional incentives will be forthcoming.
Winners will be pick at random, and announced on facebook. Hunt trip winner will also be announced on facebook, and the resulting story will be reviewed with the winner before publication
© 2014 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Solidarity & Peaceful Protest With Our 2nd amendment Brothers and Sisters against NY Safe ACT
What should have sounded the same as opening day of deerseason sounded very different today. For certain much more is at stake with the erosion of our constitution, our fundamental rights in the name of public safety and the common good. This is a falsehood that has been wrought upon good people repeatedly throughout history.
Let us hope that shots fired peacefully today are heard by many and that we repeal this illegitimate law and restore our fundamental rights unimpeded and afforded us by the constitution
How to Cook a Turkey Like an Engineer
My inner geek just had to share this one. I am sure that with a few modifications the modeling can be properly adapted to back straps, tenderloins and neck roasts. I am sure we can find an element model for a cast iron frying pan around here somewhere 🙂
© 2013 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
9/11 – 12th Anniversary
Twelve years have passed marking the horrible events of 9/11. I have made it a point to comment each year as it passes. One would think that over time, the depth and impact of any event would soften, become more a matter of historical record, and less of an emotional response. I suspect like many of you, like myself felt the day coming on long before it got here. I woke this morning with some measure of sadness, and possibly another level of measure of anger.
Twelve years is a significant period of time to take it all in, digest it, and understand the what, whom, why’s of the matter. Despite all that, despite wanting to be a forgiving member of the human race, it boils my blood as an American that there are those that rejoice in the attack and murder of our innocents. I can understand having positive feelings towards the death of those who commit heinous acts, but to be filled with happiness over the deaths of people that were simply going about their daily lives and in varying measures contributing to the greater good is incomprehensible.
They pick Boston, Bengazi, and wherever to commit these cowardly acts. All without justification are inflicted on innocent people. This is done in the absence of honor, heroism, duty to county. It is nothing short of a religious genocide against all non-believers. It is a scourge upon the human race. It is a twisted radical view to think that you must convert all people to your beliefs or kill them.
My anger in this is rooted partly in my ignorance. I was raised by very hard working and loving parents just like many of you. It is/was a blessing, and I never forget that. I was taught to gauge people for their actions, what they choose to do or not to do. Because of my upbringing, I don’t care about your color, your slang, your religion (or no religion). I don’t buy into the race baiting, the religious campaigns, any of that. I care that as I interact with you that you are moral person, that you strive to do good, and to contribute while spending time on the wonderful rock we call planet earth. I don’t care if you are Muslin, Christian, Jew, ect. However use the suffix of radical in combination, I now have a problem.
My ignorance comes from that I cannot relate to killing, maiming someone for other political or religious views. I could opt for discussion, or even arguing, but it stops there. Would I like you to see my god as I do? Most certainly. If not, I will assume that you love yours as much as I do mine. If you are an atheist, fine as long as you believe in doing good in the world (those that I do know are as kind and good natured as you could ask for). I was taught the value of life, and how precious that gift is.
My other reasons for anger is our current administrations ineptness and the dancing around the “radical Muslim” issue. Glad that Bin Laden was taken out, glad that the effort was not dropped between Bush and Obama. Like many of you, I want things to be called as they are, and not worry about offending their sensibilities or feelings. Identify the problem and fix it, we have heard enough, and had it up to our ears with posturing, and leadership via news polls. Current events stirs up many emotions over 9/11, opening up old wounds for our country.
I freely admit, I don’t “get” the Middle East perspective. Our enemy’s there still hate us, our way of life, and the discussions about it go on forever. It is my hope that on one of these anniversaries that I can write about resolution, and healing. Given the thousands of years of conflict in the region, it may not occur in my lifetime.
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts returned to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm.
As you toe up on the start line of your favorite road race or triathlon or enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for our country.
Along with counting your blessings, say a prayer for all innocent victims, and that you do something on your part to make the world just a little bit better for those around you. We can all benefit from a little emphasis on acts of kindness.
© 2013 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Upside Downside Of Being An Outdoors Prostaffer
Original published on FB: August 8, 2013 at 10:50am
Whether it be a fishing or hunting focused position, the coveted position of “Prostaff” is banded about in many circles and generally sought after as highly desired postion. It’s no surprise as who could deny the attraction of making a living or at least a part time income doing the very things you love and would otherwise shell out your hard earned dollars for. Viewed by many as a “win-win.”
There are many subtleties and even more perspectives of this relationship when given the company’s side of it versus the prostaffer’s view. To complicate and muddy the waters even further you have varying degrees or levels of companies and that of prostaff. In each case, and where I assert are the pitfalls, are the compromises made to gain tangible items rather than having a “this is a business” perspective. Again, the love of the outdoors and emotional connection is what is exploited and complicates the issues of prostaffing that plague the outdoor hunting and fishing industry.
Hanging with your homies with matching hats and shirts, swapping hunt escapades, and downing adult beverages sure is memorable fun, and where many friendships are made. However unless the outdoor company you represent, whether it be a game call company, sporting goods manufacturer, TV show, or guide service is something more akin to a club, or a hobby by the owner(s), a level of commitment and professionalism is expected. On the flip side, you have companies that range from multimillion dollar conglomerates down to grossly underfunded wanna-bees with so called business plans (if they actually have one). With such love for the sport you have lots of competition in the prostaffing space. This sets up an interesting dynamic of high interest, overhype in a much diluted market. There is money to be made, but it requires good business sense, a quality product/service, and well executed marketing plan. Having been in the industry for many years I have worked for a large distributor, quality product manufactures, a few game call entities and an unfortunate wanna-be category company.
On the upside, a good company will expect you to conduct yourself as educated, well spoken, and professional. This is universally true for all walks of life. This means professional in your personal life as well as not acting poorly on the sales floor at your local Bass-Pro, Cabela’s, or local sports show. Personalities sometimes come into play, even so be the bigger person. Professionalism does not make exceptions because the other guy is a certified jerk. I left a well-known company for their tolerance of another staffer who qualified as “certified jerk.” Not something to be associated with if you want a long career. Remember as a prostaffer you are always in the critical eye of the public while you represent the company. You are assumed that you belong in your position, to be knowledgeable and professional.
There are some companies that just want a warm body in the store. Being on the other side as a customer, when I walk up to a staffer and have specific questions on their product, I would hope they could tell me more than what I can gleam off of the company website. Do what you can to value add your position. Those who make the extra effort get noticed by future employers as well as appreciative customers. Taking this approach builds your brand, adds to your marketability, and value.
Better companies will compensate you by monetary means either as a 1099 entity or as an employee, sometimes with direct value in their product. Keep in mind that the company should know what it all takes to have you standing there at a show or store, and on your end what it cost you in expenses to do the same. compensation should cover your expenses and your time providing service. If it is an internship, this can be a golden opportunity to prove yourself and gain valuable insights that you cannot learn in school. In many cases you can transition to a professional prostaff position or as a direct employee.
Pitfalls on the prostaff side- the industry is saturated with game call companies, tv-video shows, guide services, etc, that are loaded with hype, grossly underfunded, to the point that basic business practices/expenses are ignored. This is where many friendships are exploited, and where the industry fails. For all the long hours in the field, or endless road-trips, countless shows, or hours spent on the computer, spreading the word, etc., you get maybe a hat, shirt, sometimes a free meal. Taking a look at it in a neutral perspective, many of these tasks are paid positions in other vocations. Even at minimum wage, folks that get caught up in this are donating or being taken advantage of for thousands of dollars’ worth of work. Much of this is predicated on helping a friend, or promises of a piece of the company, or a free hunting trip, you get the idea. Recently I got burned on this very same situation by a long time so called friend, and the hours lost add up to thousands of dollars of professional services rendered. The warning signs were there, but because of a longtime friendship, I ignored them.
Even in the very best circumstances, as an outdoors professional you want to be professional on the business side as well, not just your conduct. If a company is worth working for, get it writing. Establish the specifics and be sure that the expectations are clear on both sides. Work agreements/contracts and non-disclosure agreements are common place among companies that have solid business practices, and look to avoid these problematic issues. In the end this approach will have you doing something that you truly love, and your business interests taken care of properly. As the saying goes: “Work at something you love, and you will truly never work a day again the rest of your life.”
© 2013 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
9/11 – 11th Anniversary
Tomorrow marks the eleventh anniversary of 9/11. A fellow triathlete, Molly English-Bowers posted something yesterday on facebook that gave me cause to think and ponder. She wrote: “Watching 9-11 specials used to just make me sad. Now they also piss me off. So many missed opportunities.” That statement can lead one’s thought in several directions. What if we had gotten Bin Laden earlier, is one direction. The direction I took, and what I found most significant in thought was the loss of “potential”, “opportunities” of each of those who perished. No doubt their families suffered this loss, Very likely the businesses that employed them suffered a significant loss of talent, and capabilities. It is true that as a society, we all suffer from this loss due to the death of all innocent victims. It is hard not to wonder eleven years later, what potential, or what great things or deeds that could have been realized had those planes never left the ground and the threat averted. All too often “the good die young”
Each year I have commented on this occasion, and I find it prudent to repeat some of it here, as it accurately describes my thoughts:
Like many of my fellow runners, triathletes, and outdoorsmen, I am immersed in preparation for another season of racing, chasing wild turkeys, whitetails, and a ruffed grouse or two. I get to worry about lessor things. I have no doubt that my little worries would be considered things to dream about while camping out in a sand bunker in the Middle East. I grew up understanding and appreciating what our military does. It is not easy for most military families. The wars continue, many are now coming home. Many have come home to their final resting place. Many that serve us remain. As with all wars, young men and women give the ultimate sacrifice to our country, and afford us the freedoms we have.
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts returned to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm.
As you toe up on the start line of your favorite road race or triathlon or enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for their country.
Along with counting your blessings, say a prayer for all innocent victims, and that you do something on your part to make the world just a little bit better for those around you. With all the buzz these days about “cloud” this, and “cloud” that, A little emphasis on acts of kindness as a function of “cloud” culture wouldn’t hurt.
© 2011 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
9/11 – A Decade of Honoring & Remembrance
Ten years………… it has passed by so quickly. Having passed the half centurion milestone, I find my perspective of time compresses more than I care to admit. Each 9/11 since that horrific event, has at least for myself, been a day of mourning for those lost that day, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the ensuing wars that followed. I am most thankful that we have not suffered from a similar event since then. I have little doubt that given the chance, there are those that label many of us as ‘infidels’ would end my life by “any means necessary.” Of course I speak of those of extreme radical beliefs. Many sins are committed in the name of an extreme religious viewpoint. Throughout history, such atrocities are well documented. Such hatred of other persons, beliefs, and religions, are obscene, and offensive. Sadly none of this has gone away. The threat remains.
During the ten year anniversary we can have a small sigh of relief in knowing Bin Laden has been dealt with, much akin to “the wicked witch is dead!” One less evil man walks the earth, and a measure of justice has been served. To our military we owe our thanks for their perseverance and professionalism, and to both administrations for seeing it through. Sadly, cutting the head of this snake will be cause to grow another. Terrorism is a reality we face.
Each year I have commented on this occasion, and I find it prudent to repeat some of it here, as it accurately describes my thoughts:
Like many of my fellow outdoorsmen, I am immersed in preparation for another season of chasing wild turkeys, whitetails, and a ruffed grouse or two. I get to worry about lessor things. I have no doubt that my little worries would be considered things to dream about while camping out in a sand bunker in the Middle East. I grew up understanding and appreciating what our military does. It is not easy for most military families. The wars continue, many are now coming home. Many have come home to their final resting place. Many that serve us remain. As with all wars, young men and women give the ultimate sacrifice to our country, and afford us the freedoms we have.
Especially while watching the coverage this past week. I found myself emotionally affected. As one of the most significant events in my lifetime, it is my hope that nothing like this or worse ever comes our way again.
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts returned to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm.
As you enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for their country.
© 2011 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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