Records

Father and Son Top 10 NY Turkey Records

A query into the possible record book gobbler taken by Cullen Fennessy this past April during the youth spring turkey hunt would lead to the discovery of four more record book gobblers taken by Cullen’s father, Michael Fennessy. Unlike so many of the stories I cover, I would have the opportunity to visit Cullen and his father en route to a planned trip to Maine this past week.

I would travel north to St. Lawrence County on a beautiful spring day to meet with them, conduct interviews for the Empire Limb Hangers book project, have a look-see at the gobblers, and check measurements and confirm the scales. I would notice with great interest the walls of Mike’s massive garage lined with trophy displays of gobblers, With that, I knew I might be there for a while. I would confirm Cullen’s first gobbler along with four more that Mike presented to me. The tasks were made easier as both, the father and son were concise in their stories and recollection of details. Lots of pictures helped document and confirm the record book entries.

As there are several good stories of the hunts, and will be published in full in the book project, I will outline the top record entries first and continue from there.

Cullen’s gobbler taken in April 2024 during the special youth season, ties at #5 with NWTF Typical Score of 81.1250 (SBP Typical Score 172,2500) in New York. Weighing in at 26 lbs 12 oz. becomes the 11th heaviest bird, vetted, and recorded. The beard taped out at 11.8750 and ties with several others as 13th longest beard makes for a grand gobbler in the Empire State. There is a wonderful back story to the hunt, one of father and son, the help of Steve VanPatten , and the chance encounters of a red Cardinal with a heartwarming connection to his great-grandmother. With the backdrop of a warm and inviting experience of a North County hunt camp, it is the start of a lifetime of memories to be made. Given the impressive qualities as a young adult that I discovered in interviewing Cullen, and the mentorship he is receiving as a young hunter, It would be little surprise to see him make a father proud in a path well taken and have his own collection of memories of the great turkey woods.

Michael’s gobbler taken in May 2017 comes in at the new #6 with NWTF Typical Score of 80.8750 (SBP Typical Score 168,5000) in New York. Weighing in at 30 lbs. 0 oz. this boss gobbler becomes the new 1st heaviest bird, vetted, and recorded. Beard measured at 10.1250, and sported 1-9/16″ and 1-1/2″ spurs to complete a grand father-son entry in New York Wild Turkey Records. It is the first to have found where a father and son have pulled a hat trick in the record books.

Michael has also entered three additional gobblers that place:

@ 14th with a NWTF Typical Score of 76.1250, (SBP Typical Score 159,0000,) #10 for weight of 27.0000.

@ 28th with a NWTF Typical Score of 73.7500, (SBP Typical Score 155,0000,) #10 for weight of 27.0000.

@ 32nd with a NWTF Non-Typical Score of 91.1250, (SBP Non-Typical Score 185,0000,) #5 for weight of 28.0000.

Several potential records are being looked into and hopefully vetted. One in particular would topple #1 Typical in NY and one I hope to verify soon. A thank you goes out to Keven Lothridge for the heads up on coming across these incredible stories!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Empire-State-Limb-Hangers/139342609441424?v=info

http://empirestatelimbhangers.com/

© 2024 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media

.  #turkeyhunting #nywildturkeyrecords #wildturkey #nyturkeyrecords #recordbookgobblers

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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,

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A Must Have Book on the Era of Wild Turkey Restoration and Call Making Boom.

The latest book from turkey hunting historian, book and call collector Brent Rogers, is a fantastic addition to your turkey hunting library. Brent’s second book- Yelp & Gobble, Inc: How Restoring the Wild Turkey Spurred on a Game Call Innovation Boom, is a wonderfully written book. Brent offers his latest with quality color printing in a hard cover offering.  A forward by Jim Casada starts off the friendly tone of the book and for those that collect turkey hunting books, you would be familiar with Jim’s musings and his turkey hunting book business.

I can attest to the fact Brent writes and speaks in the same warm and friendly voice that well conveys turkey hunting stories as well as making often dry historical facts much more interesting and engaging for the reader. If you started hunting turkeys before the turn of the century, you will recognize some of what he covers in the book. Coverage of these influential call makers are well captured in depth and there is something for all turkey hunters to enjoy. A golden era of exploding turkey populations and a call making industry that followed on the coattails of it. The author’s love and genuine interest in the time honored past time shines through in his writings, making this offering a most enjoyable read!

https://www.amazon.com/Yelp-Gobble-Inc-Restoring-Innovation/dp/B0CTSZHGRV/

© 2024 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media

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New Audiobook- Reapercide- Fatalism Defined by Mike Joyner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2022

New Audiobook- Reapercide- Fatalism Defined by Mike Joyner 

Joyner Outdoor Media Proudly Announces the Audiobook release of

Reapercide- Fatalism Defined by Mike Joyner

Cortland, NEW YORK – Joyner Outdoor Media announces the audiobook release of Reapercide- Fatalism Defined , by McGraw resident Mike Joyner 

A new audiobook version rounds out the offerings of the 2024 release in paperback, hardcover, and kindle book offerings. The author is very pleased to provide the title in the audiobook format which is an ideal format for the the title. The author, Mike Joyner recruited the narrating talent of Tim Carper from Lexington, Kentucky as a great fit for the project.

Publisher’s Summary – It is a grand experience roosting a gobbler, having an ideal setup, calling him in strutting, and outsmarting the bird for one last time. There are folks that promote fanning and reaping to be just as alluring as the old ways.

ReaperCide, Fatalism Defined- focuses on the discussion of common sense hunting safety, covering the shooter’s responsibility, the compromised actions of those who use these methods, and the plausibility of mistaken-for-game incidents. A case is made for not standing in line for a Darwin Award participation trophy.

When it comes to hunting safety, we do not apologize. Hunting methods and ethics may vary among us, but it is reasonable to assert common ground in these matters. We have a legal, and moral obligation to ourselves and our fellow hunters to return home safe from a grand day afield in the turkey woods.

The audiobook is now available on Audible/Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Reapercide-Fatalism-Defined/dp/B0CW7QDJGM/

The audiobook is now available on Apple iTunes

https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/reapercide-fatalism-defined-unabridged/id1732775081

Hardcover, paperback books, and Kindle – available now on Amazon    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTQH91XT

Joyner can be made available for media requests by emailing: info@joynerourdoormedia.com

For more information on the author visit his personal website: www.mikejoyner.com

© 2024 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media

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PR Book Release: ReaperCide- Fatalism Defined by Mike Joyner

Joyner Outdoor Media Proudly Announces the Book Release of ReaperCide- Fatalism Defined by Mike Joyner  

Cortland, NEW YORK – Joyner Outdoor Media announces the Joyner Outdoor Media Proudly Announces the Book Release of ReaperCide- Fatalism Defined by Mike Joyner 

The author’s latest book release dives straight in, headlong into the discussion of the controversial subject of reaping, fanning, and stalking wild turkeys. The author makes a sound and well-reasoned case against the methods that are currently banned in eight states during spring and fall wild turkey hunting seasons. It is currently available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle.

Publisher’s Summary – It is a grand experience roosting a gobbler, having an ideal setup, calling him in strutting, and outsmarting the bird for one last time. There are folks that promote fanning and reaping to be just as alluring as the old ways.

ReaperCide, Fatalism Defined- focuses on the discussion of common sense hunting safety, covering the shooter’s responsibility, the compromised actions of those who use these methods, and the plausibility of mistaken-for-game incidents. A case is made for not standing in line for a Darwin Award participation trophy.

When it comes to hunting safety, we do not apologize. Hunting methods and personal ethics may vary among us, but it is reasonable to assert common ground in these matters. We have a legal, and moral obligation to ourselves and our fellow hunters to return home safe from a grand day afield in the turkey woods.

Hardcover, paperback books, and Kindle – available now on Amazon     https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTQH91XT

Joyner can be made available for media requests by emailing: info@joynerourdoormedia.com

For further information on the author: www.mikejoyner.com

-MJ

© 2024 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media

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BOOK PROJECTS- 2024 UPDATE

Book Project Update-The following two projects have been long-term works in progress and very different efforts than the storybooks that I write one chapter at a time, at random throughout the years. Some just appear to be at random as a eureka moments once enough material is collected, and put aside to publish without any particular schedule. As these two large projects require large swaths of time to keep it all straight, with far too many moving parts, it is a much slower workflow.

D.D. Adams- Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer, a long-awaited title. scheduled to be released this past summer had been pushed back after a snafu in source material permissions. Regrouped on pictures and may have to do one more photo shoot to fill a few gaps. Expect editing and finishing chapters through the winter. Aside from proof reading there will be a period of review for any gaps.

Empire State Limb Hangers– New York Wild Turkey Records, another long-awaited title, is on track for this year. Weekly progress on this. The entire database has been gone through and grown the records two fold. The project expanded dramatically. All data is up to date and locked down as of July 2023. All but a last push on interviews and finalizing each story included in the book. Those that have responded with interest of inclusion will be interviewed.

Books Scheduled For Release:

ReaperCideFatalism Defined– tackles a controversial topic and includes musings collected for some time. Will be released 2/13/24. This was a formatting effort as it is a collection of commentary over the past decade. Much like the Random Musings series and a few other titles that will spring up unscheduled, it is mostly consolidating prior musings with a little polish and organizing.

Books in print:

Hills of Truxton: Stories & Travels of a Turkey Hunter 1.2 version, available online at Amazon and other online book store in paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. Hills Of Truxton  

Tales from the Turkey Woods: Mornings of My Better Days 1.2 version, available online at Amazon and other online book stores in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. Tales From The Turkey Woods

Grand Days in the Turkey Woods is available online at Amazon and other online book stores in Hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. Grand Days In The Turkey Woods Hardcovers w/dustjacket can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Days-Turkey-Woods-Joyner/dp/1495125475

Ten To Life- Delirium Tales Of A Covid-19 Survivor is available online at Amazon and other online book stores in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B3LP45XD/

A Walk In The Turkey Woods- Wandering Thoughts and Revelations, is available online at Amazon and other online book stores in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle format. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW36MGN9

An audiobook is currently in production with a 2024 release anticipated.

Random Musings- Of The Left Hemisphere, is available online at Amazon and other online book stores in Hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. https://www.amazon.com/Random-Musings-Left-Hemisphere-Joyner-ebook/dp/B0C2WMQNHH

Random² Musings:-A Left Hemisphere Continuum, is available online at Amazon and other online book stores in Hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. https://www.amazon.com/Random%C2%B2-Musings-Left-Hemisphere-Continuum-ebook/dp/B0CK4WH86B

Personal Hunting Journals Collection. nine journals total in the collection, and tailored to your favored seasons. All journals are available for $7.59 on Amazon

For a consolidated set of links to purchase on Amazon, click on: https://www.joyneroutdoorme dia.com/journals_promo.html.

Future Projects:

Tales from The Roost, Roost ‘n Time Tales– Another turkey hunting stories book is likely to come out in the late summer of 2024 and depends on a number of things being completed prior to coming together. I rough draft stories each season, so it is not absolute in the schedule. As a fourth storybook, it may be one of the last of those efforts. The seasons and memories have been so inspirational which continues to drive these titles.

Random3 Musings:-A Left Hemisphere Continuum, last installment of random social media commentary, mostly conservative view points, some humor, and of course hunting themed commentary.

Old Turkey Tree, Stories From The Turkey Woods– will be a collection of my favorites from each storybook title and a full-color edition will be offered in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle. That will come sometime after Roost ‘n Time Tales is published.

A wild turkey cookbook is a slow cooker, a work in progress, a joint project with Lee Joyner and will come out whenever I get to road-testing my hazardous culinary skills. If I survive that experiment, it will happen…

There are more slow-rolling book projects that pique my interest in pursuing, and I add bits and pieces to each project folder as they fit or strike me to capture at the moment. There are a few novel project ideas if I ever get to it.

Websites: A redesign of the Joyner Outdoor Media website is active, integrating all the published book websites, lists current projects and future projects (mostly novels) in planning stages. the home base at turkey-talk.com is up and running, and will solicit advertising to make the indulgence self-sufficient when that final section is done.

-MJ

© 2024 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media

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NY Fall Turkey Season In Decline?

The Fat Lady has sung for the New York second season covering most of the southern tier region. Unless I get hooked up for a hunt for the 3rd season on Long Island coming up, the turkeys are safe for a few months, until May rolls around again.  The last time I filled a fall tag in New York was back in 2015.  It is most certainly not due to a lack of opportunities, in fact just the opposite. The truth of it is I had opportunities each year since, and would come up in range for a shot opportunity or could easily set up a plan on a fresh sighting and march forward with battle operations either with our beloved Weimaraners, who both have now passed over the rainbow bridge or could set up near a roost the following morning based on timely intel.

With the lack of sightings covering large areas, and many options of parcels to hunt, including fantastic state lands that have been great each spring season, I opted not to fill a tag on a jake, jenny, or a hen in flocks I did find and were no more than 5-10 birds in the flock. A flock of gobblers, say a half dozen or more would be fair game, but as witnessed, a couple here or there wasn’t rising to the occasion given how depressed the population is currently and the decline of recent years.

Before you draw any conclusions or respond hastily, my comments are at best anecdotal commentary. There is no scientific observation or proof of authority suggested, not by my intentions.  It is one data point covering a specific set of parcels, my travels, and it is assumed Murphy is riding shotgun and thwarting my best efforts to spot them at will. Not seeing much for scratching’s or scat you would find in known roost areas. I know of other hunters in different regions who report decent sightings and are successful when all is said and done. For the past nine fall seasons, the scouting has shown little promise for flocks large enough to want to take a turkey out of. I still hunt the fall turkey seasons in New York, and as of late, it is more like catch and release without the ballistic event or just wading in the stream.

As I wrangle out my thinking here, It might be a thought to hunt them with a camera and satisfy my driven tradition of hunting fall turkeys. I will hold any opinion of what the past two years are looking to add up to once I do my winter scouting and hopefully will get more up-to-date data from the NYSDEC.

-MJ

© 2023 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media

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Fanning & Reaping, Banned In Eight States

If you engage the fanning/reaping technique, here’s an up-to-date change of state regulations for this fall season. You’ll find that I repeat prior musings in part or in whole from past reports on the method.

A new book due out in 2024 will cover safety issues and current bans ReaperCide, Fatalism Defined https://www.joyneroutdoormedia.com/rfd.html

New Hampshire has now adopted a ban against Fanning and Reaping within the state https://nhfishgame.com/2023/08/25/fall-turkey-season-opens-september-15/

Eight states now have an outright ban on the practice. Nearly half of all US states either ban or strongly warn against stalking which encompasses fanning and reaping methods. The states are listed below. The NWTF and hunter safety education curriculums  promote hunter safety in their published materials in all states which cautions specifically  against the practice of stalking (fanning/reaping.) The list is based on what is officially published. It is a valid criticism of foreseeable risks.

There are recorded incidents that specifically report fanning/reaping/stalking, and I’m fine with it remaining only a few. The reporting is sparse and critical details are left out as an observed and learned opinion. Hunting incident reports site use of decoys, but not the manner used. No assumption is asserted here as I know of incidents where staked decoys were shot at, decoys shot at while sticking out the back of a turkey vest. Several seasons ago, a hen decoy sticking out of a turkey vest was shot with a crossbow at 8 yards. Trust me, it is a horrific wound. Having interviewed the victim directly, I can tell you the medical team miraculously reassembled his forearm, and he regained use of it. It is a credit to the advancements in modern surgical techniques and the capable hands of well trained surgeons.

Our hunting communities are polarized in keeping with national politics, with that in mind, this topic is a hot button for more than a few hunters. I’ll not apologize for opposing the method, nor more than I would for common sense, nor put respect and courtesy on the back burner in order to kill a gobbler that is giving me fits. Turkey hunting is life to a point… Unacceptable safety concerns associated with this method is the objection, no more, no less.

As a fraternity of turkey hunters, we abide by the ideal that all turkey hunting incidents are 100% preventable, and that one is far too many. 2023 was not a spotless record. To my knowledge, none that have been reported directly involve this method this past season. There are two, that remain unclear, no further details given, I’ll repeat, I am more than fine with that idea. Zero incidents are the acceptable number in any season.

List of States, Provinces

In a review on the various DNR’s, DEC’s, DWR’s etc, the following States enacted a  ban on the practice of stalking, fanning, reaping, and specifically stated in their turkey hunting regulations:

Alabama, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania     

South Carolina (WMA’s only), Rhode Island, Tennessee (WMA’s only)

The following States, and one Canadian Province issue a statement of caution specifically in their hunting regs and or species-specific guides against the practice of stalking as a matter of safety:

Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Idahong

Kentucky (specifically fanning/reaping), Maine, Maryland, Missouri.

New York, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon.

Ontario, Canada. Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin

There may be more that publish separately as safe hunting tips, and hunting education courses. For my research, I used the published hunting regulations for each state or province. I will edit the list as others become known.

-MJ

© 2023

Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media

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Long Island Delivers a New Top Wild Turkey Record

With the inaugural fully open spring season this past May in Suffolk County, it was predicted by many of us in the turkey hunting community that gobblers tagged in Suffolk County would likely rachet the record books upward. It has not only moved the high water mark upward but delivered a new #1 Typical Score on May 10th. This follows another gobbler in the top five from this season- https://www.turkey-talk.com/tblog/?p=2694

A fall season had been in place in Suffolk since 2009, along with a spring youth hunt that began in 2011. After much deliberation and observations of plentiful and healthy flocks on Long Island, the go-ahead for an open spring season hunt was green-lighted this past May. With hunting fall gobblers a more difficult endeavor in the fall season, having an open season in the spring was expected to yield even more impressive gobblers.  It is a shift of preferences from fall to spring from over a century ago when fall season was the traditional season.

Christopher Tellone, a resident of Long Island, took his first ever wild turkey gobbler this spring and without question, a wild turkey gobbler of a lifetime. It may be his first turkey, but Christopher is no spring chicken in the woods or new to hunting. As a lifelong deer hunter, he employed many of his woodsmanship skills to help him bag the new top typical score gobbler in the Empire State. Chris, now known to his friends as “Long Spur,” tells the story of getting onto a flock of birds that morning with several gobblers courting hens. Although he is new to calling turkeys, he knew that the hens were not swayed by his calling and the gobblers were not leaving the hens they courted. After giving it ample time for the flock to come his way, he backed out to head to his truck. He spotted the flock several hundred yards in a field. Surmising where they would end up, he patiently made his way to position himself to where they would eventually cross. As the hens left the gobblers an hour later to head back to the woods, they crossed in front, and the gobblers would follow. Choosing the largest gobbler that lead the bachelor group, Chris made good on his shot. 

Chris’s bird scoring 84.0000 NWTF-Score surpasses the previous record held for 24 years for the number one typical category taken by Robert Miller Jr. in 1999, with an 82.1600 NWTF-Score.   The gobbler was weighed on a certified commercial scale and properly measured in accordance with NWTF guidelines.  The gobbler weighed in at 28lbs, sporting 1.75” spurs on each leg, and swung a 10.5” beard.

The gobbler, currently recorded by the NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation,) also shows the bird to rank #3 in the state for spurs, and #4 for weight.

Using the SBP method of scoring, the gobbler scores 182.0000 taking over the #2 ranking in New York.

NWTF Typical   calculation  = (weight x1) + (spurs total x10) + (beard x2)                        

SBP Typical calculation  = (weight x1) + (spurs total x32) + (beard x4)

Congratulations on an impressive first gobbler and a new record!

www.nwtf.org

https://your.nwtf.org/members/records/

https://turkey-talk.com

https://turkey-talk.com/scoresbp.html

-MJ

© 2023 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media

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Book Projects- 2023 Update

Book Project Update-The following two projects have been long-term works in progress and are much different efforts than the storybooks that I write one chapter at a time, at random throughout the years, especially during hunting seasons. Some just appear to be at random once it is realized enough material is collected, and put aside to publish without any particular schedule. As these two large projects require large swaths of time to keep it all straight, with far too many moving parts, it takes much longer in the workflow that I have.

D.D. Adams- Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer, a long-awaited title. scheduled to be released this past summer has been pushed back after a recent snafu in source material permissions.

Empire State Limb Hangers– New York Wild Turkey Records, another long-awaited title, is pushed to an Winter 2023 release. Weekly progress on this. Still seeking those eligible to interview for the project, but a July 31, 2023 cutoff has to be a hard stop to make this happen.

Books in print:

Hills of Truxton: Stories & Travels of a Turkey Hunter 1.2 version is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, and kindle format. Hills Of Truxton  An audiobook is in production

Tales from the Turkey Woods: Mornings of My Better Days 1.2 version is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. Tales From The Turkey Woods

Grand Days in the Turkey Woods is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in Hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. Grand Days In The Turkey Woods Hardcovers w/dustjacket can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Days-Turkey-Woods-Joyner/dp/1495125475

Ten To Life- Delirium Tales Of A Covid-19 Survivor is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle format. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B3LP45XD/

A Walk In The Turkey Woods- Wandering Thoughts and Revelations, the brand new release on 2/27/23 is currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW36MGN9

An audiobook is currently in production with a spring 2023 release anticipated.

Future Projects:

Tales from The Roost, Roost ‘n Time Tales– Another turkey hunting stories book is likely to come out in 2023 and depends on a number of things coming together. I rough draft stories each season, so it is not absolute in the schedule. As a fourth storybook, it may be one of the last of those efforts. The seasons and memories have been so inspirational which continues to drive these titles.

Old Turkey Tree, Stories From The Turkey Woods– will be a collection of my favorites from each storybook title and a full-color edition will be offered in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and kindle. That will come sometime after Roost ‘n Time Tales is published.

ReaperCide, Fatalism Defined– will tackle a controversial topic and include research materials collected for some time. This is a short effort when I ever get to it. It’s another project that will likely pop up after a few lazy weekends (rare) and I get to go back thru all the musings and edit it.

A wild turkey cookbook is a slow cooker, a work in progress, and will come out whenever I get to road-testing my hazardous culinary skills. If I survive that experiment, it will happen…

There are more slow-rolling book projects that pique my interest in pursuing, and I add bits and pieces to each project folder as they fit or strike me to capture at the moment. There are a few novel project ideas if I ever get to it.

Websites: On top of all that, a redesign of the Joyner Outdoor Media website is planned, It will integrate all the existing published books and will introduce each new book as it is released or slated for a release date. the home base at turkey-talk.com will also be completed and will solicit advertising to make the indulgence self-sufficient.

-MJ

© 2023 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media

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