fall turkey

Standard / by mookyj / November 22, 2022 / No Comments

What It Means to Celebrate Thanksgiving At The ‘J’ Ranch

As a holiday celebration that prominently features a turkey dinner feast, it is front and center in this author’s thoughts. Having had several medical “Hard Resets” in the past fourteen months, a celebration of “What am I thankful for,” has my undivided attention. Here at the ‘J’ Ranch, Joyner Outdoor Media, there is a long list of things to be thankful for. The shortlist for this grumpy old turkey hunter includes a good supply of gobblers to chase next season.

I am literally thankful to wake up each morning. Thankful for the love of a good woman, my children, grandchildren, family, and friends. I am thankful for a career that is peaking in years when most are retiring out. I am also thankful to be able to walk again under the stars of a Texas sky this past spring. Gaining back the stength to climb a ridge to be on the same level with a bird in the turkey woods is something I am so grateful for. I was nearly denied temporarily or could have turned out worse had my medical issues resolved differently. Those are just highlighted ones; the list could run through several pages and my ability to recall them all.

This Thanksgiving will be observed in its full meaning here as I hope it will be at your home. Most years, a jake or jenny taken in the fall is featured as an essential part of our feast. My fall birds this year were taken in Missouri. The bounty will be enjoyed at Squaw Creek Lodge in Northwestern Missouri. It is a milestone as the first harvested gobblers taken there since the opening of the new outfitting business. At the “J’ Ranch we may use a bird taken this Spring in New York. It is our tradition to use a wild turkey for the thanksgiving feast or Christmas meal. Some years it is done for both holiday festivities.

This Thanksgiving, every holiday, truthfully every day, we rise to take on the day. We have much to be thankful for. Our lives are not perfect reflections of bedtime stories, romantic-themed movies, lofty ideals. It is seldom the fast-paced living on the edge, amps on 11 lifestyles. It sure looks good in a video and especially looks good on paper. Our lives twist and turn, we lose those we love. We are at times disappointed in ourselves. We can be discouraged by events. Sometimes let down in our expectations of others. It happens to all of us in varying degrees. It occurs at different times and places without regard to our stations in life.

We dust ourselves off from the imperfections, disappointments. We resolve the intentional or unintentional offensives and we take it on again the next day. That is the American spirit that we are proud to say. It is our common connection to others no matter where they come from. We celebrate the good in our lives, in others, the special moments, and the successes.

Your crazy deranged relatives at the Thanksgiving dinner table are actually human by birth. You might be surprised to know they live, love, lose, worry, and suffer for the same reasons yourself. They take joy in spending a day with you in it. Having the company of others on this holiday is no more complicated than that. Some of you may accept the challenge.

With many followers and friends here on social media, there is a continual list of those to pray for. Some, for the most tragic of circumstances. There are those passed unexpectedly, afflicted by disease, severe medical issues or addictions. There are many reaching out, struggling with divorce, and those with broken or dysfunctional families. I am one of many who include you in our collective thoughts and prayers. It is a stark reminder of what blessings I may have and to not take them for granted. We can for at least a few brief moments be of comfort in our responses and our actions. Not facing your strife alone, to know others are rooting for you is the upside of being human.

It is my sincere wish that all of you enjoy a day with family and close friends. May your joy and love of others leave no room for/cast away the things that divide us. We can surely do without the hateful politics, and contrived drama far from our homes and hearts.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-MJ

NY Counties Est. Wild Turkey Harvest Reports

Standard / by mookyj / August 23, 2022 / No Comments

In further examination of NY State wide harvest reports, https://www.turkey-talk.com/tblog/?p=2368 we’ll look at this by the county-wide macro, all the way back before the observable peaks and what is considered by many to be the heyday of turkeys in nearly every place you might look for them. I ask that you consider this carefully from the larger view, rather than looking at widely varying micro-ecosystems. There is a list of precepts, assumptions, and points to make to take notice of and pay heed to before coming to any conclusions. In comparision to the state wide view, pay particular attention to the numbers as the lower estimated numbers appear to vary widely and can be attributed to many factors that tend to null each other out in a larger, macro scale.

Source data used:
The data from 1999 thru 2021 is sourced from NYSDEC webpages https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30420.html, https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30412.html Both pages are captured from previously published versions of the same links. Currently, active published links only go back to 2012.

NYSDEC data from 2006 thru 2021 is estimated harvest data.
https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30420.html 2008 version published spring harvest data included both reported harvest and estimated harvest for 1999 thru 2005 no such comparison for the fall harvest is found in the search.

NYSDEC data from 1999 thru 2005 is estimated harvest data.
https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30420.html 2008 version published spring harvest data included both reported harvest and estimated harvest for 1999 thru 2005 no such comparison for the fall harvest is found in the search.

The data from 1990 thru 1998 is sourced from NYSDEC webpages https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30420.html, https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30412.html Both pages are captured from previously published versions of the same links.

Precepts:

All data used to create this is from NYSDEC published reports. All comments made here are not as a representative or authority of the NYSDEC or reviewed. Corrections, and or clarifications are sincerely welcomed to make this as accurate as feasibly possible.
Estimation factors applied to reported harvest numbers are targeted to realistically represent poaching estimates, harvest reporting participation, and other factors identified by the NYSDEC.
This is a sub-macro county-wide view. Anecdotally, each of us can cite absolute conclusions from our honey holes, the trash talk at the diners, conversations at the trail heads, etc. Managing the wildlife resource by region is the current method.
Very few of us hunt more than a few counties any given season and even less are afield throughout the entire year. The extenuating factors to list by towns. public game lands, much less by individual parcels, tracts of land are too many, too varied to digest well enough to rationally get a handle of the widespread landscape of decline.
The factors derived by the years 1999 through 2005 were averaged out by county and applied to estimate numbers for 1990 thru 1998. NYSDEC has not provided or published factors for these years. The peak factor numbers were not used in my calculations so as to not overstate the peak years. If such factoring data exists it would be much preferred

Observations:

As the peak years are based only on derived averaged factoring, (1999-2005 Spring Season) it is a conservative estimate that the population is now roughly 20-25% of the peak population year. Some individual counties at first glance appear to be further declined. It will require correlation with license sales in those counties to validate that. What is sustainable year to year is not submitted or asserted here. It is far more complex than the harvest data thus far can suggest.
The factoring spread among all NY counties (1999-2005 Spring Seasons) ranges from 2.65 to 7.40.
The average spread among all NY counties (1999-2005 Spring Seasons) ranges from 4.06 to 5.71.
The averaged factor among all NY counties = 4.57 (1999-2005 Spring Seasons)
Translation- for every harvest reported. 3.57 turkeys across the Empire State were not reported or taken illegally. It is unclear as to what percentages or other contributors.

Comments:

I invite the NYDEC to comment to participate in communicating to New York Sportsmen as to what goes into the statistical modeling and factoring of yearly game harvest number estimates.

I will conclude by asking each of you to view this as trending data, not absolute. Hopefully, the folks at the NYSDEC will provide much more clarity to this and further explain the modeling and factoring that makes this a monitoring tool for the wild turkey resource we are so passionate about.

-MJ

Estimated Wild Turkey Harvest Reports NY

Standard / by mookyj / August 21, 2022 / 3 Comments

With the ongoing concerns about the observable decline of wild turkey populations in the great Empire State, it is a timely exercise to take a look at the estimated harvest numbers. We’ll look at this by the statewide macro, all the way back before the observable peaks and what is considered by many to be the heyday of turkeys in nearly every place you might look for them. As a geeky engineer personality, I follow such statistics concerning our favored nemesis, including measurable trophy records. I ask that you consider this carefully from the macro view, as estimations rely on statistical modeling that bears true overall from large volumes of data rather than looking at widely varying micro-ecosystems. Before I dive into this further there is a list of precepts, assumptions, and points to make to take notice of and pay heed to before coming to any conclusions. The current topic of population decline is an emotional and often heated discussion full of finger-pointing and rife with blame and quick fixes. The purpose of this is to show how severe the decline is estimated to be.

Precepts:

All data used to create this is from NYSDEC published reports. All comments made here are not as a representative or authority of the NYSDEC or reviewed. Corrections, and or clarifications are sincerely welcomed to make this as accurate as feasibly possible.
Estimation factors applied to reported harvest numbers are targeted to realistically represent poaching estimates, harvest reporting participation, and other factors identified by the NYSDEC. I would invite them to comment on what is involved in reaching estimation factors applied to each county.
This is a macro statewide view. Anecdotally, each of us can cite absolute conclusions from our honey holes, the trash talk at the diners, conversations at the trail heads, etc. Managing the wildlife resource by region is the current method.
Very few of us hunt more than a few counties any given season and even less are afield throughout the entire year. The extenuating factors to list by county much less by individual parcels, tracts of land are too many, too varied to digest well enough to rationally get a handle of the widespread landscape of decline. Such studies on micro ecosystems would take decades to complete and reach any consensus or actionable conclusions.
The factors derived by the years 1999 through 2005 were averaged out by county and applied to estimate numbers for 1990 thru 1998. NYSDEC has not provided or published factors for these years. The peak factor numbers were not used in my calculations so as to not overstate the peak years. If such factoring data exists it would be much preferred

Observations:

As the peak years are based only on derived averaged factoring, (1999-2005 Spring Season) it is a conservative estimate that the population is now roughly 20-25% of the peak population year. Some individual counties at first glance appear to be further declined. It will require correlation with license sales in those counties to validate that. What is sustainable year to year is not submitted or asserted here. It is far more complex than the harvest data thus far can suggest.
The factoring spread among all NY counties (1999-2005 Spring Seasons) ranges from 2.65 to 7.40.
The average spread among all NY counties (1999-2005 Spring Seasons) ranges from 4.06 to 5.71.
The averaged factor among all NY counties = 4.57 (1999-2005 Spring Seasons)
Translation- for every harvest reported. 3.57 turkeys across the Empire State were not reported or taken illegally. It is unclear as to what percentages or other contributors.

Comments:

I invite the NYDEC to comment to participate in communicating to New York Sportsmen as to what goes into the statistical modeling and factoring of yearly game harvest number estimates. Poaching of course is already illegal, over-harvest, etc. One thing each of us can control and improve as a group is the harvest reporting participation. 90-100% is possible. I can recall from NYSDEC -NY NWTF meetings during the change over from raw harvest data reporting to estimated harvest reporting, how low the harvest reporting participation was thought to be. I am a big fan of removing as much guessing as possible to improve the statistical modeling. With the population severely declining, how well does it bode to turn a blind eye to those we know that pile up a half dozen gobblers season after season before filling the first tag? It is not the primary reason for the decline but a contributing factor and hinders the ability to accurately model population trends, or stability.

We can do better. If we are to get a handle on the low-hanging fruit of root causes causing the population to decline, we need to get past this, what we can directly, and immediately control. This is a friendly reminder that as sportsmen, we do not require a state agency to self-regulate our own actions. I won’t implore that any of you adopt my personal ethics, but I would ask each of you to give pause/reservation to squeezing the trigger at your favored stomping grounds where you now only see one or two birds whereas you use to see fifteen or twenty in the spring. In far too many locations across the state, we make that choice on what may be the last remaining turkeys, in the field, on the hill. It may be some time to see them rebound, and there are too many places on my list that I’ll check on, but I am no longer willing to fill a tag there. This includes my own property. It is a most disheartening thing.

I will conclude by asking each of you to view this as trending data, not absolute, and is in a broad view of the entire New York wild turkey population. Hopefully, the folks at the NYSDEC will provide much more clarity to this and further explain the modeling and factoring that makes this a monitoring tool for the wild turkey resource we are so passionate about.

-MJ

This Old Turkey Hunter Remembers

Standard / by mookyj / May 28, 2022 / 1 Comment

A bit of a melancholy kind of Memorial Day as we remember those fallen while engaged in battle, in service to our country. I am fortunate for those family members that have served, eventually came home to continue life onward with us, beyond service to our country. Each time my father returned home from a tour at sea I was too young to know or worry. He was our hero and assumed he always would. We are grateful that was the case.

We honor them on Veterans Day although it is today that we think of them also as they are our living heroes among us. Not to take away from the intent or deep meaning of this day of remembrance. The sacrifice of one’s life in service to us is a profound act that we honor today.

As a day of reflection I also reflect on a spring season of allowing me to get out and hunt which came perilously close to never happening again after a near fatal experience with Covid late summer last year. It is humbling to know that these heroes sacrificed their tomorrow’s of such days afield, time with family, and leaves me grateful to have had the time as I have had. Something very special after having so many memorable seasons over three decades in the turkey woods.

The turkey woods are by declaration my sanctuary, my church where I ponder my thoughts, engage in deep consolation with my maker. With the good fortune to do so this spring, I find my bearings, and return home grounded and in appreciation for so many things, and for so much that has been done for me and my fellow countrymen.

It is fitting for this old turkey hunter to reflect, to honor, and remember these fallen heroes on Memorial Day as it is not forgotten that all that I have come to love and enjoy came at a price that has been paid in full for our way of living.

-MJ

Fanning Reaper Bullies

Standard / by mookyj / May 11, 2022 / No Comments

Had a few comments made to me today and like clockwork repeated each time I visit this topic of Fanning, Reaping, and Stalking. I have revised a Facebook post from some years ago-

In as much accusatory tone as one might muster, apparently, I’m elitist, that I believe I am better than other hunters, and I blast those that don’t hunt as I do or see it my way. I have been told these things directly and accused of actually being an Anti-Hunter…

Sacrilegious… Fighting words… Cash Me Outside …

Seriously, please indulge me for a few moments while I shed a tear in this profound tragedy.

Delete and block are the modern tools in social media that have replaced a black eye and a sore jaw that one got for uncivil dialog back in my youth. Back then, you got real physical feedback for engaging your mouth before putting your grey matter in first gear. I digress…

To be crystal clear, we are talking about the practice of reaping, fanning, and stalking in the rolling, high grass, heavily wooded hunting grounds. This is not a point of concern in open prairies, wide-open mature forests, and large tracts of plowed farm fields in states where rifles are not legal in turkey seasons. I state this for the peanut gallery as otherwise, the village idiot could figure this out. I have friends who do this in very open areas, where the risks of incidents are not a factor. My criticism is directed at circumstances that present undue risk and defy common sense.

I am of critical opinion of those that choose to engage in risky methods in inappropriate settings in the turkey woods, potentially at others’ expense. No apologies, none forthcoming. We are expected to speak up when one displays unsafe gun handling, and engages in methods of undue risk. Is common sense no longer common? The common-sense principles used to promote defensive driving similarly apply very well to hunting. Ask any hunting safety instructor.

Turkey hunting has its inherent risks as in any form of hunting (arguably, factually low,) but why add undue risk? I do not wear antlers on my head or a deer suit during deer season. I am confident my life insurance company would cancel my policy if they were to find out I was rolling the dice on opening day with a nice set of booners on my head. Would a judge dismiss the case should I be shot for wearing a deer costume out in the woods for the opener? I guess yes. I’ll also guess the same when you crawl across a rolling meadow with a real fan and full-color neck and head decoy mounted to your gun barrel. Is the shooter to blame, you bet, are you the reaper to blame, you bet. The most incompetent lawyer across the land would get that thrown out of court. BTW not getting shot is the point.

My take? I hit a nerve and upset my counter-opinioned hunter to the point of a triggered, uncivil response. This is all over the continual debate over Fanning, Reaping, and Stalking wild turkeys. I do not stand alone in my view, nearly half of the state DNRs, DECs have explicit language, and safety information not recommending stalking wild turkeys in any manner. Alabama, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina (WMA’s only), and Rhode Island have outright deemed it illegal to use Fanning/Reaping Methods or engage in stalking turkeys.

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, and Wisconsin.

Despite the unfortunate shootings of two hunters while fanning in 2017, on private land together with a third, or that in 2013, a fellow turkey hunter suffered fatal injuries from these practices, we have the kill gobblers at all cost crowd claiming folks like me and others are full of it, have no proof, safer than driving, Indians did it, elitists telling us how to hunt and the foolishness goes on and on. There are other incidents that cannot be included at this time as the reporting is vague and one cannot separate decoy use from the topic at hand. Truthfully If I never again found cause to report a hunting incident it would be a great thing.

Me an Anti? Not in this lifetime. I personally don’t care if you choose other ways, or strategies other than what I might choose. Hunters make different approaches work however best it suits them. When it comes to doing things that presents a plausible incident scenario, I will speak out. Having regard for others, and some sense of logical reasoning, my viewpoint is not arrived at lightly or just to see what I might stir up.

The efficiency of the method is not in dispute, nor is the thrill of the experience. It is called reaping for a reason. It can get the job done. Snap shooting while the gobbler is trying to achieve Mach 2 in any direction but yours makes for very hurried, haphazard shots. Some of the youtube videos show this in cringe-worthy gun-handling footage. Throw into this entire mix, you have rifles legal in some states, shotguns pushing up to the 100-yard mark, actually taxidermy or dried fans for more “realism”, and my less than favorite, “I only do it on private land” as we all know those $50-$100 fines all but ensures peace, tranquility, and the ultimate of privacy on our own lands or private lands of others. The arguments for fanning and reaping are that foolhardy.

To round out my observation and comments on a revisit to this foray, do I think I am better than other hunters? I have my doubts as I remain a hopeless member of the tenth legion and I have plenty of lumps and scars from living through difficult periods, events of great loss, and “it’s reality time” moments in my past six decades. In short, hell no. Before I hoist that gobbler over my shoulder, it is pure adrenaline, heart in my throat moment up until he shows up. 30 years later it is every bit as good as my very first turkey hunt. I assume that most of you as fellow hunters have a similar experience. I sincerely hope that you do. I do enjoy other successful hunter’s postings. It pleases me as I know I will get out there as well. So no, I feel akin to my fellow hunters and enjoy as they do, not from a lofty better than thou view. I’ll be just as happy to see your hero pics. Your stories I like even better.

As long as we stay silent, afraid to “ruffle feathers” or hurt our collective reaper/fanning feelings (for some) We allow this promotion (or lack of opinion in fear of) to give a black eye to our great pastime.

Truly yours-

Not Afraid

-MJ

NY Wild Turkey Records Book Project

Standard / by mookyj / April 21, 2022 / 1 Comment

The Empire State Limb Hangers book project is coming to a final close for inclusion for the first edition. It has been a long time coming. Since a significant life event this past late summer/fall, wrapping up large works and getting them to the finish line are a concentrated effort now, I have done what I can to gain interviews, including several state wide tours. I can entertain a third tour this summer.

Any new record entries are invited to interview. If you tag or have tagged a legally harvested gobbler that meets the criteria listed at the end of this, I would love to interview you for inclusion in the project. Although your stories and photos will be captured for the book, you will retain all rights to your photo’s and your story. Should you wish to have the story I write up to be used for other uses, Copyright permissions would be normal and expected for personal uses, commercial use can be reviewed for consideration.

The deadline for interviewing for the first edition will be November 21, 2022. If you should tag a fall bird for consideration during late season this fall, contact me- mjoyner@joyneroutdoormedia.com

Book Release is slated for June 3rd, 2023.

The challenges with keeping it all legit for the project is typically weight as most of the common small scales that are used to weigh fish can vary +/- 1 lbs to 2 lbs or more. A weight coupon from a certified scale ensures accuracy and proof of measurement. Otherwise, it can be legitimately and reasonably challenged. The scale should be suitable for products or goods for sale that are taxed in the state.

Pictures with tape measurement in the pics are best to show scale for beards and spurs. There are several handy products to help measure spurs (including the curved outside edge) but as of this writing, none cover the spur measurements that have been described going back decades as published by the NWTF http://turkey-talk.com/scoresbpmeasure.html#spus

Anecdotal evidence cannot be used to substantiate record book entries. If you think you have one for the books: weigh the gobbler on a certified scale and be sure to get a weight coupon. Take plenty of photos. NWTF requires witness signatures that also have to be an NWTF member if you wish to participate in their records program. Safari Club also has a program but is not viewable unless a current member. I may include them if details can be worked out in the future. I am accepting record entries not included in the NWTF system. Please note that the NWTF requires verifications that I have mentioned and will accept their determinations for the project. I do support their system and would encourage you to enter your submission with the NWTF as well. NWTF submissions are now accepted online: www.nwtf.org/hunt/records.

Scoring tabulations for the project will include the NWTF system, and the SBP weighted system. for more info on SBP http://turkey-talk.com/scoresbp.html

For those that I have contacted or attempted to contact at the beginning of the project: Your stories will be available to review as I complete them. The book will not be published until each person reviews and provided feedback as to the accuracy and that no sensitive information that needs to be private remains so. Hunting location is often the consideration for discretion.

If you haven’t been interviewed and would like to be included, please contact me, I would love to include as many as possible that met the original score criteria.

There will be future editions as records are broken. For those I attempted to include in prior attempts, should you desire to catch up and be included in the project, that would be welcomed for future inclusion. Some hunters have passed on, and should their families or hunting partners have an interest, please contact me directly. The more turkey hunters that come on board that I originally sought to interview, the better. Records are made to be broken, eclipsed, and are expected.

If you have harvested a legally tagged wild turkey with one or more of the following attributes in NY during the 2021-2022 spring/fall seasons, or years prior, registered or not registered with NWTF records, I would love to talk to you about being included in the book!

Please contact mjoyner@joyneroutdoormedia.com

Note: Non-registered birds- measurable attributes must be verified for consideration.

Typical score greater than 75.000 (weight x1 + beard x 2 + L & R spur x 10)

Non-Typical score greater than 105.000 (weight x1 + beard(s) x 2 + L & R spur(s) x 10)

Weight greater than 26.5 lbs. (verifiable certified weight)

Beard Length greater than 12″ (verifiable length)

Spur Length greater than 1.625″ (verifiable length)

Color phase variations and Hens with beards or spurs are notable stories for inclusion.

-MJ

My Valentine is a Turkey Hunter

Standard / by mookyj / February 10, 2022 / No Comments

With the holiday of love and romance close at hand, I thought it appropriate to cover once again such a timely topic. Having returned to be among the living this past fall, each holiday, anniversary, and recognized celebration is a gift, not to be taken for granted, and Valentine’s is certainly worth such recognition. It is also a great topic, a reminder to up your game for pre-season spousal approval units. My favorite topic of course is anything and all things related to turkey hunting, with deer hunting a close second. How turkey hunting relates to Valentine’s Day is easily revealed as I reminisce about my own experiences over the past twenty five years

This year like many couples, Lee and I will celebrate the holiday with a special dinner at home. We live in a modern log home in a picturesque setting in the woods. It is a serene and private setting that lends itself to unwind from long days at work. Lee is a fabulous cook, and I can manage if I set my mind to it. Maybe we’ll cook together, or I create something worthy of the occasion. We’ll most likely open a nice bottle of wine to complement the meal.

As I think about it, this Valentine’s Day as those in the past is more akin to other days in the year. Hunting seasons as they come and go, are more days together than days apart. Much like Valentine’s Day, we celebrate and enjoy the time together, especially on opening days. Those opening days are always great experiences even though sometimes we return home with tags still in our pockets. When we first met back in 1997, Lee was not a hunter, nor all that interested in it. Over time, my passion for time spent in the turkey woods piqued her interest. The following year, Lee accompanied me on several hunts and came to learn what I enjoyed so much of my time spent there. Although I have been successful as my memories, serve me, the stories I am so fond to recall, I generally fill my tags each season. It is not the singular focus of the taking of game. It is one of the outcomes we expect from skillful strategy and accurate shooting. I am happy that I was able to convey that to her. Over time, she has become a passionate hunter in her own right.

I would submit to you to share your time in the woods with family, loved ones, and especially your spouses. There is much to be shared and learned in the forests and fields. The only downside I have yet to find is that your hunting budget might double, but I would suggest that is money well spent. I am a fortunate man to be able to share so many days that are much like Valentine’s Day or from another perspective to have Valentine’s Day be much like most other days of the year.

-MJ

Update-Maine Woman Shot By Fall Turkey Hunter

Standard / by mookyj / February 2, 2022 / No Comments

Update From Sept. 27, 2021 Story- A fall turkey hunter from Leeds, Maine while hunting, now faces multiple felony charges and one misdemeanor stemming from last September’s shooting incident which left Katherine Brennan requiring medical services.

Brennan was transported to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston and later reported in stable condition. It is reported that on the day of the shooting, Jacobs called 911 and remained with her until emergency services arrived.

Timothy Jacobs, 61, Jacobs has been indicted for aggravated assault, reckless conduct with a firearm, both of which are felonies, and assault while hunting, a misdemeanor. If convicted, Jacobs faces up to a 10-year prison sentence and a possible maximum fine of $20,000.

source: https://www.argus-press.com/news/state_news/article_94f24485-684f-5ff8-971e-157684e02917.html

http://www.turkey-talk.com/tblog/?p=218 0

Repeated from prior posts: We can do better as zero incidents is the only acceptable number by following the most basic safety protocols. Each time I go afield I know that I owe myself, each of you to clearly identify my target, what is in front and beyond the target, to be safe, to employ strict and safe firearm handling. I also owe each of you to pause if anything is not quite right, or by chance what is in front of me is not 100% as it appears. Take the time to be 100% sure…

I will update as more details are published. As with any incidents like this we pray for those injured, that have succumbed to their injuries and for their families. May they heal well Godspeed.

-MJ

Rules to Live by for a Turkey Hunter

Standard / by mookyj / January 27, 2022 / No Comments

Never return to a place without the host that you were invited to as a guest.
Always be a graceful and grateful guest

Never leave a sit or a blind without a gun “just to take look, answer a call of nature.”
Always be observant and alert, as the action can change instantly.

Never stalk a turkey sound, shoot at sounds, or movement in the brush.
Always be 110% sure of your quarry. Always be safe in the turkey woods.

Never be late on an invite. Bring extra coffee and appropriate rations of Little Debbie’s.
Always arrive early at your hunting grounds. Have a plan B and C. Come back later after they leave.

Never knowingly intrude on another hunter’s setup.
Always first assume that turkey calls may be another hunter.

Never argue with an uncivil jackass in the turkey woods. You’re not the “Ass whisperer”
Always be the better person as the turkey woods are too magnificent not to enjoy.

Never think you are invisible. The best camo in the world is rendered useless by “can’t sit still.”
Always be still, Always be patient.

Never ask someone how many gobblers they kill.
Always, if asked, lie like a fisherman.

Never run turkey calls like you would hawking products at a sports show
Always use turkey calls as a tool in your hunting strategy

Never compromise your ethics or safety in your methods and actions.
Always respect your fellow hunters. You never know when you may need them.

Never be in a hurry in the turkey woods, There is far too much to enjoy,
Always slow it down a bit, it is not a race. Run and gun doesn’t always work.

Never rush a shot. Identify, acquire, clear foreground/background, and then squeeze.
Always get your head down on the stock. Make it count.

-MJ

Maine Woman Shot By Fall Turkey Hunter

Standard / by mookyj / October 1, 2021 / No Comments

A woman was shot on 9/27 by a male fall turkey hunter near Walton’s Way in Leeds, Maine. It is not disclosed if she was also hunting, or particpating in other recreational activities. It is reported that the hunter called 911 and stayed with her until emergency personnel arrived. She was later reported in stable condition at Central Maine Medical Center. Warden service evidence response team, Warden Service K9 Team, Maine State Police and the Androscoggin Sheriff’s office. were onsite, and the investigation is ongoing.

https://www.argus-press.com/news/state_news/article_94f24485-684f-5ff8-971e-157684e02917.html

This brings the 2021 Spring/Fall turkey seasons up to eleven hunters, one woman, and one hiker shot. More details on prior reported incidents:

https://www.turkey-talk.com/tblog/?p=2139

http ://www.turkey-talk.com/tblog/?p=2008

http://www.turkey-talk.com/tblog/?p=2051

I will update as more details are published. We continue to pray for those injured, that have succumbed to their injuries and for their families. May they heal well Godspeed.

-MJ

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fall turkey

NY Counties Est. Wild Turkey Harvest Reports