Author: mookyj
2021 Spring Turkey Hunting & Fishing COVID-19 Restrictions
2020 was bad enough on squashing the best made plans for all of us, As with the fall seasons, stay at home orders, quarantines are still subjected to partisan politics, an agenda filled with fear whether it be based in science, a rational view of probability and statistics, or based on less noble and uncaring intentions. There are a lot of scared and fearful people among us. We all know of those horribly afflicted and or have passed on from it. It is however for us to view it as to be taken seriously and in respect of others.
The following update of currently impacted state hunting and fishing seasons is an unfortunate reality as they were this past year… I will continue to update this when states ease and or rescind restrictions entirely. Instead of season shutdowns, many states have opted for 10 to 14-day quarantines with options of 72 hour testing to forgo the quarantine which modifies our plans at the least, or ends the possibilities of taking the trip in the worst scenario. 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.
Please review your home state for return restrictions as you would for your next hunting or fishing destination as 23 of the 50 states are currently subjected to restrictions
Alaska– all non-residents must arrive with confirmed negative Covid test results taken within prior 72 hours. Pending test results are a non starter.
Non-residents must do one of tfollowing:
- submit a travel declaration and self-isolation plan AND arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 test;
- follow the work plan that your employer filed with the state; or
- buy a Covid-19 test upon arrival at a cost of $250 and quarantine until results come through.
California: Regional stay-at-home orders issued in January have been lifted. restrictions exist in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Santa Clara County- travelers arriving from over 150 miles away must quarantine for 10 days. In most counties, hotels can welcome travelers and restaurants can serve outdoors. Los Angeles, all travelers over the age of 16 who are entering from another state or country must submit this online form Form must be filled in when arriving into an airport or Union station.
Connecticut: Travelers must quarantine for 10 days except from New Jersey, New York or Rhode Island. All must submit online health form $500 fine for non-compliance. Second option: Covid-19 test taken in the past 72 hours or to take a test upon arrival and quarantine until the results come through.
District of Columbia: visiting from high risk states for more than 24 hours must show a negative Covid-19 test no more than 72 hours prior. If longer than a three day stay, another test must be done three to five days after arrival. High-risk states are categorized as those having more than 10 daily Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people. An interactive map complied by The New York Times shows which districts and regions meet this threshold. Travelers from Maryland and Virginia are exempt.
Hawaii: 10-day quarantine unless a negative nucleic acid amplification test results (NAAT)–taken at an approved site–in hand upon arrival or uploaded – health form online. A QR code rquired to be given to airport screeners upon arrival. At least 25% of arriving passengers will be randomly selected for a free, second, rapid Covid-19 test at the airport. Travelers must stay for results to come through before they leave.
Kauai County, must go into quarantine for 10 days unless heading into a “resort bubble”; those staying at specific hotels can arrive with a negative PCR test, head directly to their resort upon arrival, tested onsite, two to three days later. They will remain in quarantine during their stay.
Illinois: no statewide quarantine orders. Chicago has a 10 day quarantine mandate or COVID test within 72 hours of traveling for Non-residents, arrivals into Chicago are categorized into two groups, orange and yellow, based on the infection rates in the home states.
Kansas: mandatory 10 day quarantine is needed for anyone who has:
- taken a sea/river cruise since 3/25/2020
- attended out-of-state mass gathering >500 people (masks not worn and unable to keep further than 6 feet apart).
One can ‘test out’ of a 10-day quarantine on day 6 of quarantine and released on day 8 with a negative result (instead of day 11).
Kentucky: 14-day quarantine is recommended for visitors and returning residents.
Maine: 10-day quarantine or negative Covid-19 test in the past 72 hours. Arrivals w/ pending tests must isolate until results obtained. All types of Covid-19 tests accepted. Arrivals must sign a Certificate of Compliance.
Maryland: quarantine for 10 days or negative Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours before arrival. Visitors advised to re-test 72 hours later. Travelers arriving from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. are exempt. Those failing to conform will face a $5,000 fine or a year in prison.
Massachusetts: arrivals must fill in a travel form. Arrivals from high-risk states- quarantine for 10 days or produce a negative Covid-19 test taken within the last 72 hours. The fine for non-compliance is $500. Hawaii remains the only low-risk state.
Minnesota: 14 day quarantine upon entry (or re-entry), out-of-state travel is discouraged.
New Hampshire: If arriving from other than a New England state (Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island), travelers are asked to quarantine for 10 days. After seven days, travelers can ‘test out’ with a negative PCR test. Exemption for anyone who has had the second Covid-19 vaccine more than 14 days prior to travel–no need to get tested or quarantine. Those who had Covid-19 more than 90 days prior to travel and are recovered (and have proof) are also exempt.
New Jersey: currently advising against all non-essential interstate travel. Visitors and returning travelers must quarantine for 10 days if not tested. Those with a negative test are asked to isolate for 7 days. Travel from New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware is exempt. All other travelers must complete an online survey.
New Mexico: quarantine for 14 days or the entire length of stay.
New York: arriving from a non-bordering state (New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware exempted) 14-day quarantine, visitors can ‘test out’ to a 3 day quarantine with a negative test taken 72 hours before arrival. Travelers with negative results from second test taken on day four may leave quarantine.
All visitors must fill out a Traveler Health Form, non compliance with regulations, face a fine of up to $10,000 Those who leave New York for less than 24 hours do not need to get a test before returning, nor do they need to quarantine. They must get a Covid-19 test on the fourth day back.
Ohio: restricting travel from states with a 15% positive testing rate, requires self-quarantine for 14 days; this currently includes–Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Texas.
Oregon: 14-day quarantine Non-essential travel and tourism is ill-advised.
Pennsylvania: All travelers above the age of 11, 10 day quarantine or proof of a negative Covid-19 test, taken within 72 hours. Non compliance may result in a $300 fine
Rhode Island: 14 day quarantine if arriving from states with a >5% positive testing rate. Exemption for negative Covid-19 test taken in the last 72 hours. Exception doesn’t apply to international travelers. Travelers must complete a certificate of compliance and a travel screening form. Travelers may take a test upon arrival and quarantine until negative Covid-19 test result is obtained.
The updated spreadsheet currently lists Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
No exemption for those having Covid-19 vaccination. Those that have had Covid-19 in the past 90 days and completed isolation periods, are exempted.
Vermont: 14 day quarantine Visitors can end the quarantine after 7 days with proof of a negative Covid-19 test. Those arriving by car or plane (as well as rental cars) can complete quarantine and testing in another state before arriving. Those staying in short-term rental or lodging and campsites must submit a certificate of compliance or an online compliance statement when they check-in.
States that currently have no travel restrictions: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado (Pitkin County requires a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival), Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana (although visitors to the seven Indian reservations should check), Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota (some roads through Native American reservations are closed), Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Washington State: 14-day quarantine
Canada– US Border currently closed to all non-essential travel https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/covid/non-canadians-canadiens-eng.html#er1
Turkey Fanning & Reaping, Banned In Six States
If you engage the fanning/reaping technique to convince wary gobblers to come your way, it would be solid advice to check up to date state regulations where you’ll be hunting. You’ll find that I repeat prior musings in part or in whole that are worthy of repeating from past reports on fanning and Reaping.
The controversial tactic is discouraged in hunter safety courses taught across the country. Since then six states now have an outright ban on the practice with corresponding violation statutes and penalties. Almost half of all US states either ban or strongly warn against stalking which encompasses fanning and reaping methods. The states are listed at the end of this.
The NWTF and hunter safety education curriculums promote hunter safety in their published materials in all states which cautions specifically against the practice of stalking (fanning/reaping.) It can be claimed in all states but I have not confirmed that. As hunting regulations are governed by each state, the list is based on the premise of what is officially published.
It is popular among YouTube hunters and prominently shown on some TV hunting shows. For calling it out, having any criticism of it, one can expect the push back, attacks and trash talk. As a valid criticism of a practice laden with foreseeable risk, none of us should apologize…
It is understandable that some see it as exciting and possibly the only thing that might work for gobblers that won’t leave a field, won’t budge. Those that espouse outwitting a gobbler on its own terms as a noble pursuit can be observed being disparaged and accused of “elitism” by those that promote this tactic. In my view it is wrong headed and self serving at the risk of others that we share the turkey woods with. Exceptions of wide open terrain without rifles is noted.
Outwitting a stubborn gobbler by having the right set up, convincing the gobbler to forgo his natural instincts, and making calls that the bird wants to hear is a satisfaction you long remember. It has been my experience and it is driving motivation season after season in my view.
As a fraternity of turkey hunters we abide by the ideal that any and all turkey hunting incidents are 100% preventable an that one is far too many. 2020 was a bad year in comparison to years prior. Zero incidents is the acceptable number.
In covering such topics I have come to learn that most folks that are involved in these events are not inclined to interview much, and those I had direct knowledge and contact with were not up for followups. I did offer to cover their stories but at their comfort and convenience. Understandable as I see it and I fully respect that.
List of States, Provinces
In a review on the various DNR’s, DEC’s, DWR’s etc, the following States enacted a ban on the practice of stalking, fanning, reaping, and specifically stated in their turkey hunting regulations:
Alabama, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
South Carolina (WMA’s only), Rhode Island
The following States, and one Canadian Province issue a statement of caution specifically in their hunting regs and or species specific guides against the practice of stalking as a matter of safety:
Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Idaho
Kentucky (specifically fanning/reaping), Maine, Maryland, Missouri.
New York, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon.
Ontario, Canada. Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin
There may be more that publish separately as safe hunting tips, and hunting education courses. For my research I used the published hunting regulations for each state or province. I will edit the list as others become known.
I would not expect states with predominantly wide open spaces to adopt such restrictions. Should there be an uptick in reckless events, fatalities, I would expect more states to take a more conservative position.
-MJ
© 2021
Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Sportsmen & Gun owners- CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS Matter to you on Nov 3rd 2020?
Let’s Start with: HELL YES…
A ‘Yes’ response serves no one as lip service when it comes down to making a real difference. Core principles put to action is the only action that matters in your voices and your participation in the election process. We are learning first hand in real time with the supreme court that who wins elections has far reaching impact. The reaffirmation of the second and even the first amendment may be rightfully corrected in my lifetime.
Voting has started in some states, and if you are of legal age, eligible to vote you need to be registered and cast your ballot. To check deadlines to register click on the following: https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-deadlines/
I will not tell you what party to affiliate with, or whom you should vote for. I strongly suggest you look up each candidate, each party, and research their platform, their positions, and most importantly their past voting records and history. Too many change and flip flop to gain votes. We need steadfast constitutionalists, representing us as stewards of our constitution and champions of the first and second amendment rights we hold dear
The mainstream media, Facebook, Google, Twitter, youtube, and other social media actively steer your feeds and searches and what is presented to you on the first pages of your searches, Be mindful that others will forcefully tell you what is fact and what is not. It is evident the fact-checkers are also suspect. There is too much at stake and all the stops are being pulled. As opponents of our positions are happy in the adoption of the ends justify the means to gut the first and second amendments, disarm us, and to end hunting and fishing as dictated by special interest groups.
As a whole, gun owners, hunters, archers, trappers competition shooters, and sportsmen in our grand union and especially in New York State fail miserably in casting ballots, despite a large demographic and cross-section of the population in the nation and the Empire State. If it is not our responsibility who then should this be assigned to,? Leftest Democrats bent on a single-party rule, Marxists, Socialists, Radical Facisists? Political parties make strategic calculations based on mediocre participation and furthers the lack of respect of us by those we send to Washington to represent our concerns and core values.
To be fair, there are those among us that vote with firm conviction, educated on the issues, and especially on those candidates professed to protect our first and second amendment rights. You know who you are and it is not intended to disparage your good efforts.
We are being browbeaten and dictated to by those that have no understanding or working knowledge of history, the second amendment, sustainable wildlife conservation, and yet allow us to pay our way while putting a virtual knee on our necks in every aspect of our activities and inalienable rights.
The same folks that are quick to assert their first amendment rights are the very same that are bent on removing the first and second amendments for conservatives, those who refuse to kneel in front of them.
As a group, we allow this as we decry downstate and national politics. Sorry, but it’s total bullshit. We failed to see it through. Do we allow by the stroke of a pen to declare firearm owners felons by merely owning a legally purchased firearm? It can be argued that treason is being committed against the citizens of our country and entirely unconstitutional on its face.
The framers intended that the second amendment be written purposely to defend against a tyrannical government and acts of treason upon us. It is that plain and simple.
None of us alive today were born into servitude or as serfs to kings whom we broke away from in our founding. If you give a damn about your rights and freedoms and that of your loved ones, your neighbors, your brethren, the passive response, sitting out elections is not a responsible choice, and you must exercise your rights as a citizen.
We cannot afford to sit back and continue letting others do our bidding…
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Have We Forgotten 9/11? Those Who Serve us?
Have you Forgotten? Your families? Your neighbors? Your friends? Your ideological opponents? Is this just an annoyance to your daily routine?
Despite my incessant repetition for which I will not apologize: No I have not forgotten, hell no…
Each day, every day on every news channel, news website, social media we get “fuck the pigs”, “defund the police” and more colorful vulgar chants or disparaging language. The narrative that the men and women in blue are chasing down and murdering blacks as some perversion of sick folly driven by hundreds of years of racism. .
With 800K+ LEO’s in the US and a number between ten and twenty unarmed blacks killed annually (number has declined for the past decade) it is not a plague nor an all out assault due to racism.
We have a narrative that labels all those in blue as murderous, racist, unnecessary, unneeded, to have wholesale support withdrawn for political gains. Have we forgotten that those who serve us, see a burning building, a crime in progress, innocents being assaulted and their first instinct is to go towards the danger, to save as many as possible even though they may never see their loved ones ever again?
Of the 2,977 victims killed in the September 11 attacks, 412 were emergency workers in New York City who responded. Out of the 125 that perished at the pentagon no first responders were lost:
343 firefighters, a chaplain and 2 paramedics of the NYC Fire Department
37 police officers -Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Dept.
23 police officers of the NYC Police Dept.
8 emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
1 patrolman from the NY Fire Patrol
Do we fail to honor the lives lost on this fateful day, those lost while serving us each and every day? We hate each other by party affiliation, by whom we vote for, align ourselves with. We are uncivil without cause. We are better than this. I can remember a time…
Are we so entrenched that we forgo living the American Dream and all that it stands for? That we take on the daily challenges, for us to live well and in service to each other as it is tribute to those who sacrificed for us?
For those of you that are polar opposite to my conservative thoughts, that we might not share a strong Irish Stout together, I can toast to our betterment in life and the hope we return to the land of united bloody Americans (as the Brits would call us.)
I have not forgotten:
The memories, the feelings from that day have not faded, nor diminished. It was to be a perfect blue bird day in September.
The near perfect September day morphed, shattered for thousands of victims in mere seconds for many, some in agonizing, terror filled minutes, hours yet for others.
In the ripples of life, our greatest loss is to never know or benefit from what great deeds and accomplishments from all those lost.
That we came together as Americans.We were united as Americans. We still are Americans. Many have forgotten this very fact in recent times.
Those that perished on this fateful day of September 11th, 2001.
Those that gave all in order to save lives. Heroes that walk among us to this day.
Those who survived only to succumb to it days, months, and years later.
That we are all equal by way of our maker
This is republish each year as I find it so important to include:
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts return 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.
© 2020 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
2020 NY Spring Season is now closed, Fat lady has sung!
Turkey hunters, times up, lay down your shotguns and bows.. Who got it done today?
It was and odd season for me in Cortland County this spring. As usual work commitments limited the number of days I could hunt, and even then only until 8-9 AM To attend to business. This season will rank near the top for the least amount of gobbling heard.
There were no shortages of beautiful mornings, and one could hear insects out to 600 yards on many of them. If there was a peak for gobbling it came long before May 1st. Never the lest, there were noteworthy highlights.
Several encounters with the Dueling Aces that we have been after for three years now, the last one was interrupted by a bald eagle. After chasing the gobblers off, he presented a side back profile to inspire the patriot in all of us, just as I reached for the camera. Picture of a lifetime I messed up. I did learn that an eagle scream is good for about six gobbles in a sequence.
I met a feathered box call above our place one morning, I could have laid down a paycheck that not only was it a box call, that I could hear the lid, and swore it was a red cedar body with a walnut lid. The hen flew up into a tree and gave it all she had for nearly twenty minutes. Not something you come across often. Despite all her sweet talk, not a single gobble in response.
We called in a very vocal gobbler for Billy Heselden on a very fun hunt, and straight across a fairly steep ridge. All on camera, and one last gobble for the money shot.
Both birds I tagged were very short hunts, last minute checking a few spots before work. Very little calling, and played out far different that the many other hunts I have participated in.
If you had a last day rally, got it done in the eleventh hour, or a great story please share. I do hope your days in the turkey woods were as memorable as I find them to be, and that you enjoy good health and circumstance to be back at it this fall and next spring.
-MJ
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Last Call For Spring Turkey Season In NY
It’s crunch time, the fat lady is warming up and she is dressed for the final curtain call. Whatever grandiose battle plans you may have, the moment of truth shall be revealed in the remaining seven hours and two minutes. Not that anyone is counting…
Apply what you have learned during the course of the past four weeks, play it old school, add in a dose of good fortune and you’ll send the fat lady packing before show time. With exceptions noted, late season is in general more about conservative tactics, having very recent sightings, and locations of birds willing to talk.
Gobblers here in CNY are acting like mid June birds with the hens long since bred off. There are pockets of hens reported back with the gobblers,. In the thousands of acres I check on frequently in Cortland County, I’m seeing bachelor groups of longbeards, bands of marauding jakes and single hens out and about later morning grabbing a quick meal before returning to their nests. I’ve been seeing bachelor groups and single gobblers without hens the entire season this year.
With a very late green up and a suppressed population of wild turkeys, running and gunning has in my opinion schooled a lot of the birds. The tactic has been less fruitful for the past several decades as the population declined in my experience. It has been a relatively quiet season in Cortland and the tendency to get antsy and move with very little cover makes for smarter birds. If you follow my musings you know I like my gobblers without an advanced education in hunter tactics and maneuvers.
You are appealing to social gatherings of less than forty yards for turkeys. Confidence calling, feeding purrs, whips and whistles light clucks, and very soft yelping. If one drowns out your call with a more than insistent gobble, get ready as they may not gobble again and come in silent. Late season encounters often conclude in minutes not hours. Both of the two birds I won over started and finished this way with minimalist calling this season. The only clue I had one coming for my second tag was a single cluck then a jake yelp when I responded with a cluck and too very soft half yelps. The jake stayed back, and longbeard came straight in.
Woodsmanship plays a big roll in late season success, the scouting you did last June may yield the clue that puts you in close to where bachelor groups hang. When chasing hens no longer overrides their need to eat and replenish their fat reserves you’ll find them at likely food sources. Creek bottoms offering shade in the increasing temps are often a place to find them late season. All the scouting you did in March and April gives you a database of choice roosting trees, dusting bowls, and strutting areas. Most of the seasoned hunters I know actively scout as they hunt through May. Weeks old Intel has limited use as they are either moving to find receptive hens or hanging with other gobblers. If you can sight a gobbler going to roost tonight you have a crucial clue for the morning. I normally would say listen for gobbling on the roost, but there has been precious little of that in the evenings this season.
If you do get a hen that challenges you, match her and if she goes all in, add one more note, it either escalates quickly or whimpers out. Girlfriend mouthing off gets the boyfriend in trouble far more often than not.
Turkeys have been chased for four weeks and any mistake you make will in most cases result in a hasty exit. Attention to details on anything you wear or carry that makes an unnatural sound, the way you walk through the woods, calling too loudly, snapping twigs underfoot, are all subject to the scrutiny of a very wary bird. It is this scrutiny that amplifies what you can employ to your advantage. Using your fingers to imitate scratching for food in the leaves, using the brim of your hat to imitate a hen stretching her wings and scratching it on the tree bark is a far more effective call than you might first think.
Should you get a bird to gobble it should be noted that what you thought was two hundred yards three weeks ago is well under a hundred yards and closing. They often won’t gobble until very close, nearly in range the last week of the season, and if you aren’t focused and ready you may miss the opportunity.
As they are not talking much now, any sightings are key tactical data. If you can get out and roost tonight, it may be the final and most useful clue for the last day. With the foliage fully out you can get in close but you’ll have to be there very early tomorrow morning. Hunt all the way to your spot, and all the way back to the truck, the entire hunt can turn around in seconds and the action can be fast and furious. Stay sharp, safe, and alert.
Best of luck the final remaining hours of the season. Now if I can get this lady off my damn shoulder…
-MJ
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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.
Turkey hunters Shot This Spring Season- Commentary
With the count now at 15 shot during 2020 spring season-
Folks are jumping to a lot of conclusions with almost zero data or facts other than two were shot by an off duty wildlife officer this past weekend. We don’t know if risky techniques were in play or if it is all the fault of the shooter, In my view, what I have followed up on over the years it normally is. Just like defensive driving there are choices that perpetuate or negate the possibilities. With the scenarios possible, we have to wait to get a sense of where this all broke down.
Investigations need to conclude, court proceedings need to run their course, and then we may have a complete picture. Unlike national and local politics we still have a presumption of innocence. Is it to our benefit to vilify the shooters or the victims without facts in hand?
It is up to the shooter to determine a safe sight picture for a legit target. Ultimately it is the first and last preventive to a errant shooting, However if someone is using a real fan, or full mount taxidermy it is not so cut and dry. Do we really need to challenge the ability of others to figure it out? I know a few that will actually use a gobbler mount, wear a half mount or fan on their head or mount it on their barrel. It is not my cup of tea. I’m not known to wear a 12 point buck costume on opening day of regular deer season either, but hey I’m a bit weird that way. Sorry, but if you think its OK, stand in line for a Darwin award participation trophy.
It pays to be patient when it comes to dropping a bird if something appears odd, out of place, we verify anyway while looking over foreground and background. We would hope that someone engaged in reaping or fanning would move in such a way that would appear unnatural to us as hunters. Proponents of it exclaim that we should be able to see that it is not a real target. I would prefer that to be true. Anecdotal stories I have been told by long time friends as to their close calls is enough to raise the hair on the back of your neck. When you add in rolling terrain, woodland features, high grass, the presentation becomes partial views. You put my wide butt behind a fan, and you’ll know it’s a poor representation of a turkey. I can’t suggest the same for you narrow butt turkey hunters. Sometimes there’s a blessing in being overweight…
We don’t know what we don’t know yet. Out of the now 15 shot this spring, several have had decoys mentioned in the story without details, one I have interviewed and it was a hen decoy with the head sticking out of the back of his vest while seated, the shooter was at 8 yards with a crossbow. I am not able to comprehend that many wrong decisions in a month much less in a single moment by the shooter. I will be following up on two stories that I have direct information and once I conclude several more interviews.
What I do know, what we should all know- If we take the time to identify a proper target, clear foreground and background and refrain from unreasonable risk taking, the incident rate would hover at zero and that is where it needs to be.
We pray for healing Godspeed and their recoveries and of course for those that have passed and their families.
-MJ
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Eleven Turkey Hunters Shot During The 2nd Half Of April, The First Week In May.
This is an update to the previous blog post Seven Turkey Hunters Shot in the 2nd Half of April… As mentioned before our hunting community has no tolerance for one much less eleven fellow turkey hunting brethren being loaded up in an ambulance or worse… None of us want to be there…
I’ll repeat for those that missed the first post: 2.5 million turkey hunters are afield in any given year, the incident rate hovers below 0.003% in an average year. Not to minimize the impact on the victims, the context is that 99.997% of us do the right things and hunt safely. The families and friends would have a very different perspective, and we pray for their families and swift recoveries.
Having said this, indulge me here… once you squeeze that trigger, release your arrow, it cannot be undone, you cannot put the shot load back in the shell, no more than the arrow back on it’s rest. It is 100% avoidable by our own due diligence and commitment to hunting safety. We owe this to each other. Please review common safety tips at the bottom of this.
I have a few updates on the first seven I covered, and now an eight and ninth injured in a shooting incident (archery tackle, making it the second one this season) where the hunter survived, but with gruesome results. It’s not pretty. I’ll refrain from posting the picture. Trust me for not crossing the line with gore as I’ll not stoop to tabloid sensationalism. His partner was hit after a bolt made a pass thru, luckily it did not penetrate. Sadden to report two more shot where an 11-year-old boy has died. His father was also wounded and is recovering.
Turkey Hunter Survives Being Shot in Face; Virginia Game & Inland Fisheries Investigating https://www.outdoorsrambler.com/post/turkey-hunter-survives-being-shot-in-face-virginia-game-inland-fisheries-investigating By Ken Perrotte Update- Shooter has been charged with a misdemeanor for reckless handling of firearms. I will have a story on this in the coming days– MJ
Hunter Killed In Wednesday Accident At Young County Line (TX) https://www.grahamleader.com/news/hunter-killed-wednesday-accident-young-county-line By Brian Smith No incident details or charges have been announced at this time, it is reported that the incident took place while three life long friends were turkey hunting. A foundation has been created in his memory https://www.facebook.com/SethKeenerFoundation/
Kansas Boy Airlifted to Hospital After Hunting Accident https://hayspost.com/posts/5ea6ce33eb7f1705360383cd Hays Post The victim has moved out of ICU after sustaining a shotgun blast to the head. Details are sparse with the mention of a decoy closed to the victim and the failure of the shooter to identify the target is given as a factor for the incident. No details on type of decoy, movement, fanning or reaping is currently available. Individuals involved are reported to be cooperative and the incident is still under investigation. No charges have been announced at this time.
Hunter Lucky To Be Alive After Being Shot, Mistaken For Turkey In Shannon County, Mo. https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Hunter-lucky-to-be-alive-after-being-shot-mistaken-for-turkey-569940291.html By Michael Deene No further details or charges have been announced at this time.
A 14-Year-Old Boy Shot In Jones County Hunting Accident (NC) https://www.jdnews.com/news/20200421/14-year-old-boy-shot-in-jones-county-hunting-accident By Trevor Dunnell Reported to be recovering from face and neck injuries. No investigation findings have been announced at this time.
Boy Shot In Hunting Accident Airlifted, 2nd sustained gunshot injuries (W.Va) https://wvva.com/2020/04/28/boy-shot-in-hunting-accident-airlifted/ By Bailey Pace Update- Both are reported to be recovering, no further details. The cause is also reported to be a lack of proper target ID, shooting at movement thru dense cover. No changes have been announced as the investigation continues.
Turkey Hunter shot with cross bow (IL) – Eric Rheude survives a horrific broad head pass thru from a crossbow @ 8 yards, also striking his hunting partner in the boot. Shooter was targeting the head of a hen decoy that was sticking out of his turkey vest. DNR Investigation findings have been sent on to the attorney general for possible charges. A full story forthcoming in a few days- MJ
Father and 11-year old son shot while turkey hunting, Son succumbed to his injuries. The shooter has been charged with Reckless Manslaughter. The father sustained minor injuries and treated at the scene. https://mynbc15.com/news/local/mobile-man-charged-in-hunting-accident-that-left-11-year-old-boy-dead
I will repeat here for those just picking up on the story… The following tips, good practices are well advised for your safety and that of others:
- Avoid wearing the bright colors of a gobbler’s head, red, white, or blue. Large areas of black may resemble the body of a turkey. These are turkey colors, and another hunter may mistake you for a bird.
- Be 100% sure of your target. Check your foreground and your background. Those extra seconds of making sure can save a life!
- Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Don’t rely on your gun’s safety. Treat every gun as loaded.
- If you see another hunter, don’t move- any motion can be mistaken for a turkey. Instead, call out to alert the other hunter that you are there. Do not wave or attempt to get up, or use a turkey call to alert the incoming hunter.
- Do not stalk turkey sounds; it could be another hunter. Find a good setup with your back to a tree, rock, or other large natural barriers wider than your shoulders. Then go about working to call the birds to you. Stalking is illegal in many states.
- You may consider placing a hunter orange ribbon high on a tree to help other hunters identify your location, or wear on your person entering or leaving. It is a legal requirement by some states, do not assume orange to be an end-all for safety. Always identify your quarry and what may be in front of, behind, or to either side. You have no guarantee that others are wearing orange…
- Reconsider the assumed risks of using “tail-fanning” or “reaping’ techniques (using gobbler decoys, a synthetic fan, or real tail feathers) out immediately in front of you, mounted on your gun barrel or a head/hat mounted product while crawling or stalking. A fan may be large enough to hide you from view from other hunters and you may falsely assume they will properly identify you vs. a real gobbler.
- Always let someone else know where you will be and when expected to be back via text, email, or phone message. In an emergency, precious minutes can make all the difference for someone to direct first responders to your location or for someone to know when you are late returning.
We continue to pray for those injured, that those that have succumbed to their injuries and for their families. May they heal well Godspeed.
-MJ
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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