Tag: spurs
2018 NY Wild Turkey Records
It’s that time of year here in New York, If you tag a gobbler that meets the criteria listed below, we would love to interview you for inclusion into the project. It has been a long time coming and in the works and still ongoing / active project.
The main issues with keeping it all legit is typically weight as most of the small scales are typically used to weigh fish can very +/- 1 to 2 lbs or more. A weight coupon from a certified scale ensures accuracy and proof of measurement. Otherwise it can be legitimately challenged. Needs to be suitable for produce or goods for sale.
Pics with tape measurement in the pics are best to show scale for beards and spurs. Anecdotal evidence unfortunately cannot be used to substantiate record book entries no matter how good the stories are. Best bet if you think you have one for the books, get a weight coupon, and take plenty of photos. NWTF requires witness signatures that also have to be a NWTF member if you wish to participate in their records program. Safari Club also has a program but is not viewable unless a member. I may include them if details can be worked out.
The book project has been on hiatus for a long period while I started a tech company. some things are getting normalized and now getting back to original efforts.
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.
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. I am cutting off interviews this fall as it needs to get on a schedule for completion
The placings have shifted some, as the D.D. Adams biography will come out first, possible end of summer 2018, more news to come by the first week in July as to release date.
I am working toward a Fall winter 2018 book release. There will be future editions as records are broken and those I attempted to include, catch up with the project. The more hunters that come on board that I originally sought to interview, the better. Records are made to be broken and eclipsed and is expected.
If you have harvested a legally tagged wild turkey with one or more of the following attributes in NY during the 2017-2018 spring/fall seasons, or years prior, registered or not registered w/NWTF records, We 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 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, Hens with spurs
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Empire-State-Limb-Hangers/139342609441424?v=info
http://empirestatelimbhangers.com/
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
. #turkeyhunting #nywildturkeyrecords #wildturkey #nyturkeyrecords #recordbookgobblers
Joyner Outdoor Media, State of the Union, Book Projects
Now that spring turkey season is officially over in the northern hemisphere, I thought it was high time to update the mega fan base, facebook followers, and especial those awaiting a few titles that are long overdue. Joyner Outdoor Media (named for the obvious origins of heritage) in short form is the business umbrella that is used to publish and promote my books, blogs, writings, and occasionally other like minded authors that wish to join us.
Many projects on the back burner since the winter of 2012-2013 At the tender young age of 52, I found myself out on the street the 18th of December, making a worrisome Christmas. The company I was a founding partner in, later acquired and later sold to our VP of Sales. After a fourteen year stint, given the politics with the new owner, It was an impossibility to work together. Fate, Karma is a cruel master at times and there is a tragic story that follows. I’ll not divulge further. Only days after being put out to pasture I formed Town Line Technologies, LLC on what was a very quiet Sunday morning looking at office spaces. I had an offer for contract work for the US Navy through the old company, cashed in my 401K, no safety net, no benefits. Five years of working hard and still going. It is the primary reason why projects slowed, put on hold and accelerated my aging.
With some things freeing up, I am bringing to the fore front the existing on-going projects that I am all too happy to get back to. ‘Grand Days in the Turkey Woods’ was a bit of an unexpected event in my timeline as an author. As it is common for me to write up or at least outline memorable stories as they occur each season, I found back in 2014 that I have more than enough memories/stories stored off in a future projects file that I was able to quickly publish as a story book which is in keeping with ‘Hills of Truxton: Stories & Travels of a Turkey Hunter’, and ‘Tales from the Turkey Woods: Mornings of My Better Days’
I will update in order- books currently available, current projects, and intentions of future works which will not march full steam ahead until my current projects are out in print.
Books in print:
Hills of Truxton: Stories & Travels of a Turkey Hunter Currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, hardcover, and kindle format. Hills Of Truxton Paperbacks and hardcovers are also available from me, signed with bookmarks and post cards tipped in. Author’s Online Store
A 2.0 version is coming with a new cover, a few updated pictures and the typical text corrections and small edits in the effort to follow in some semblance of the Queen’s English. A hardcover w/ dust cover will also follow in the 2.0 version and will mark the end of the laminated hardcover edition. Release of 2.0 will be announced later this summer
Tales from the Turkey Woods: Mornings of My Better Days Currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, hardcover, and kindle format. Tales From The Turkey Woods Paperbacks and hardcovers are also available from me, signed with bookmarks and post cards tipped in. Author’s Online Store
A 2.0 version is also coming with a new cover, a few updated pictures and the typical text corrections and small edits as with my first title. A hardcover w/ dust cover will also follow in the 2.0 version Release of 2.0 will be announced later this fall.
Grand Days in the Turkey Woods: Currently available online at Amazon and other online book stores in paperback, hardcover, and kindle format. Grand Days In The Turkey Woods Paperbacks and hardcovers are also available from me, signed with bookmarks and post cards tipped in. Author’s Online Store
Current Book Projects:
D.D. Adams, Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer: For those that I have contacted or attempted to contact at the beginning of the project: I will complete interviews this summer. I have just a few very key interviews to complete so time is short as I need to commit to a writing schedule.
If you knew DD personally and have insights or a great story to share I would love to interview you for the project. I have a lot of pictures, more than enough to show a comprehensive view of his call creations.
Empire State Limb Hangers- New York Wild Turkey Records: 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.
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. The placings have shifted some, however I am still going by my original list as what was unique and noteworthy then still is of course. There will be future editions as records are broken and those I attempted to include, catch up with the project. The more hunters that come on board that I originally sought to interview, the better.
Any record book gobblers bagged in NY during the 2016-2017 spring/fall seasons? or years prior? If your bird meets the following scoring criteria, I would love to talk to you about being included in the book!
Typical score > 75.0000 (weight x1 + beard x 2 + spur(s) x 10)
Non-Typical score > 105.0000 (weight x1 + beard(s) x 2 + spur(s) x 10)
Weight > 26.5000 lbs. (verified certified weight)
Beard > 12.0000″ (verified length)
Spurs> 1.6250″ (verified length)
Future Projects: Other than some very preliminary housekeeping, outlines etc, future projects are on low priority until completion of the current Que. In all fairness to the hunters I interviewed some time ago, my efforts are focused on completing these anticipated works. There are several ideas for a scifi novel and a hunting themed novel. Very far out there, but possibility’s for a time not as hectic at the moment.
Roost ‘n Time Tales: Will be a continuation of stories as told around camp, the local diners and the back of pickup trucks parked at the gate. It is expected to take any number of years, dependent on travel plans, funds, and a 55 gallon drum of good-luck and fortune to capture another memorable collection of experiences in the great turkey woods.
Old Turkey Tree: A collection of my favorite stories from current titles and future ones. Expect additional perspectives, additional photo’s and other surprises to those following my previous works. May include other unpublished stories worthy of inclusion with such grand memories.
Forever Roost: An introspective view of why I hunt, deeper meanings and how it is much more significant in modern times as well as my later years if a full and meaningful life.
I would be remiss if I neglected to appeal to those contemplating your own works as self published or assisted publishing. If interested in engaging Joyner Outdoor Media to help your project get off the ground or hire us to work up graphics, covers for your book give me a shout at: mjoyner@joyneroutdoormedia.com
I would also encourage you to check out the New York Outdoor Writer Association or on facebook as a writing professional or inspired up and coming author.
-MJ
© 2017 Joyner Outdoor Media
A Grand Spring Safari Weekend @ 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel -Clayton, NY
The New York State Outdoor Writers Association held its annual Spring Safari this past May in Clayton, NY. Our base camp would be the newly built 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel located along the St. Lawrence River front in town. Our small army of hunters and fishermen descended on the town the second weekend of May, 7th-10th. Located in Jefferson County, the safari would take us to some of the most picturesque and breathtaking scenery in our great state. With abundant resources at hand there would be plenty of diverse activities and pursuits for us to enjoy. Before going on to the events of a Grande safari weekend, it was abundantly clear that the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce & 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, Otis Technology, and Lucky Star Ranch went out of their way to welcome us, roll out the red carpet, and give a firsthand experience of the best there is to offer of their slice of paradise. A paradise it is. There are so many more to thank as I further describe the event.
My family (both my mother’s and father’s) hail from Alexandria Bay. I spent many summers there as well as many other times of the year. I have so many fond memories from my youthful days in the Bay, out along the river, even rainy days spent listening to my father and grandfather tell stories over many cups of coffee at the local diner when we didn’t go fishing. My grandfather “Booty Joyner” operated the bait shops at the village docks and was a character in his own right. For me there is a strong bond to the area. One would think that the novelty would wear off with such familiarity. Just the opposite, I was excited and anticipated the trip up to my old stomping grounds.
A reception was held at the hotel on Thursday evening. These gatherings are more of a family event as many of us are accompanied by their spouses, and many of the friendships extend back several decades if not more. I personally enjoyed the house wines, and they were a great sampling of the great wines produced here in NY. The hotel took it upon themselves to make sure us turkey hunters had a meal to take with us for an early breakfast. Although breakfast is my main, most favored meal I rarely indulge in the middle of turkey chasing wars know as spring season. I can be easily talked into a stop at the local diner during the morning lull. The hotel and its staff attention to the little niceties and details would be apparent throughout our stay there. Very nice rooms, and a touch of elegance adds to the luxury feel of the place. We thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of their well trained staff.
We were left to our own debauchery that evening and with that, a few of us derelict hunters went out upon the town. We settled on a light meal of gourmet pizza and freshly brewed craft beer at Wood Boat Brewery a few blocks walk from the hotel. We polished off two tasty pizzas, and the freshly brewed beer was a fine example of craft beer excellence we have here in NY. To add to the experience of a bunch of crusty old turkey chasers we had a great waitress, above and beyond in service, friendly, was quick to show us pics from her successful turkey hunting trip the previous weekend. We left her a very nice tip!
The first full day of the safari had plenty of activities for everyone. Ed Noonan, Dan Ladd, and myself would be hosted by Lucky Star ranch for a morning of chasing gobblers. Myrle Bauer-Net Result Charters, Rich Clarke-Signman Charters, Keith Dasno, Gotta Have it Fishing, 1000 Islands Fishing Charters would be taking out the fishermen of our group over the next two days. For spouses and those of us that were not hunting or fishing there would be a variety of activities while we were out chasing gobblers. A big thank you goes out to Antique Boat Museum, Boldt Castle, Clayton Island Tours, Coyote Moon Winery, Gold Cup Farms River Rat Cheese, Thousand Islands Winery, and White Water Challengers Rafting. A good time to be had by all.
First morning we were met at the ranch by Jody Garrett, Don Patchen and Mike Haferty. Jody and Doreen Garrett (founder of Otis Technology) owners of Lucky Star Ranch gave us the good guy treatment during our visit there and made us all feel very welcome. We were in the company of very warm and genuinely nice people. Certainly my pleasure. With daylight soon approaching, Ed would head out with Don, Dan would pair up with Jody, and I would head out to the far end of the pond with Mike. With all of us being able to call up a gobbler, having duo calling pairs spelled trouble for a few birds that morning. With 2000 acres to roam, we had access to multiple roost sites, and strategic places to start. The ranch has a diverse mix of ponds, woodlots, fields, transition zones, quality managed forests. Ideal habitat for all kinds of wildlife and waterfowl. During our hunt I would spot several whitetails and red stag, but they were wary, and not about to put up with us being there. Gobbling started out slowly at day break, but quickly turned on once they came off their roost. We had toms gobbling on three sides of us, and my gun was up more than a few times. After making several moves, we nearly got caught moving the third time. With a hasty setup, two gobblers marched on in, only one left! Less than an hour later Ed’s gun would roar, and another gobbler would ride back in the truck.
After we had set out that morning to chase gobblers, a few members enjoyed fishing the ponds at Lucky Star Ranch. Reports were the fishing was very productive that morning. At noon we enjoyed a great lunch sponsored by 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, Lucky Star Ranch, Otis technologies. After lunch we had a breakout session with event sponsors, and a great presentation by Doreen and Jody on what they had going on at the ranch, and the activities they do to give back to wounded warrior programs and youth involvement. The ranch has hands on wildlife and habitat management programs in place, and it is very impressive.
Friday evening we were treated to a tour and outdoor barbeque at the Antique Boat Museum. If you are at all into boats it is a must see place to visit. Again, great food, as we hunt hard, eat, sleep, and repeat. 1000 Islands Winery had their wines to sample as well. A little side note, NY has caught on in a big way with our great wineries, and craft brewers and distillers. If you enjoy wine, beer, or distilled spirits, the Northern NY region is a great destination. After dinner I stopped by Coyote Moon to sample their current wines. After selecting a favorite, I bought a glass and enjoyed some live music before heading back to the hotel. A notable feature to enjoy at the hotel is the open patio that faces the great Saint Lawrence. With plenty of seating, patio bar, and scenic views, it was a popular meeting place during our stay. I met up with the folks from Wight-Ox Enterprises / Rush TV and stayed up entirely too late talking shop.
Saturday Morning we had an entourage of eleven hunters that was hosted by Grindstone Island Hunting Guide Service. We were all excited about the boat trip over to Grindstone Island to chase gobblers. I had lots of action early on, right up until a coyote decided to make a go at the two gobblers and two hens I was working my contrived plan of attack on. Dan Ladd connect on a good bird about an hour later, and I surmised it had been one of the gobblers as he had run off with the two hens in Dan’s direction. I headed over and helped him get some great pictures with the gobbler. We took our time getting back to the pickup spot. A leisurely walk it was. I think the whole group enjoyed the boat trip back and as much as we did hours earlier. We got a number of looks walking back through town back to the hotel all dressed in camo, and carrying shotguns.
We were treated to a luncheon sponsored by Wight-Ox Enterprises & Rush TV and FishNY & Lake Ontario Outdoors. Later that evening a great dinner put on by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Both functions show cased the hotel kitchen, and would be worth the trip alone. Again, the hotel and its staff were above and beyond in accommodating us, and of course excellent service.
In Sunday we got to decompress, and enjoy a wonderful breakfast before our general meeting. As mentioned, breakfast is my best meal of the day. A Greek omelet was my menu choice that morning. When I return for another visit, it will be my choice again! A trip is well worth it for a Sunday brunch.
A big congrats to Allen Benas for spear heading this, and speaking for all of us from NYSOWA. We commend the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council & Clayton Chamber, 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, Lucky Star Ranch, sponsors, vendors, the storefronts, guides that worked together as a team, in concert to put on a tremendous weekend long event. You meant to impress and you indeed accomplish that!
© 2015 Joyner Outdoor Media
Related Links
NYSOWA
Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce
1000 Islands International Tourism Council
1000 Islands Harbor Hotel
Otis Technology
Lucky Star Ranch
Wight-Ox Enterprises & Rush TV
FishNY & Lake Ontario Outdoors
National Shooting Sports Foundation
Antique Boat Museum
Boldt Castle
Clayton Island Tours
Coyote Moon Winery
Gold Cup Farms River Rat Cheese
Thousand Islands Winery
Wood Boat Brewery
White Water Challengers Rafting
Myrle Bauer, Net Result Charters
Grindstone Island Hunting Guide Service
Rich Clarke, Signman Charters
Keith Dasno, Gotta Have it Fishing
Mike Joyner’s “Heads Will Roll™” 2015 Book Signing Tour
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 15, 2015
Mike Joyner’s “Heads Will Roll™” 2015 Book Signing Tour
Joyner Outdoor Media Announces Book Signing Events and Show Appearances
Cortland, NEW YORK – Joyner Outdoor Media Announces Book Signing Events and Show Appearances
Cortland author, Mike Joyner will kick off his “Heads Will Roll™” 2015 book signing tour on January 16 through 18 at the New York Sportsman’s Show @ The Oncenter, Syracuse, NY. Mike will be conducting seminars: “Turkey Hunting Novice: Advancing Your Hunting Experience” Saturday @ 2PM @ 5PM, Sunday @4 PM
http://www.newyorksportsmenshow.com
New York Sportsman’s Expo @ NYS Fair Grounds January 23- 25, 2015, The author will be appearing at the New York Outdoor Writers Association (NYSOWA) Booth.
http://www.newyorksportsmansexpo.com/
National Capital Sportsman Show @ Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, Fredericksburg, Virginia January 30- February 1, 2015. Booth #848. Mike will be conducting seminars: Saturday @ TBA, Sunday @ TBA
WNY Sport and Travel Expo @ Fairgrounds Event Center, Hamburg NY March 5-8, 2015, Booth TBA
http://www.eriepromotions.com/Sport/Wny/default.aspx
At each of the shows, the author will have paperback and hardcover editions of the new book “Grand Days in the Turkey Woods,” matching call sets, as well as copies of his first two books “Hills of Truxton” and “Tales from the Turkey Woods” on hand. The author will be personally signing his books at each of the events. The author also encourages those that purchased editions online and would like to have them signed, to stop by the booth.
More events and appearances are anticipated this spring and through the summer. The anticipated release of the upcoming biography of the late call make D.D. Adams will be supported with a continuance of book signing events as the tour is expected to continue in to 2016, possibly 2017 dependent on two additional titles being released by the author. Tour events and updates and will be listed on the website as well as on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Joyner-Joyner-Outdoor-Media/141325565878890?ref=bookmarks
About the Author:
An avid turkey hunter for nearly a quarter century, Mike Joyner has been roaming the hills and woodlands of America stalking the elusive prey -wild turkey. Joyner is a former president of the New York State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, serving from 1996 to 2005
A new book: D.D. Adams, Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer, is set to be released later this year. Mike is currently working on a 5th book entitled: Empire State Limb Hangers, New York Wild Turkey Records.
The author is also an owner of a technology company and appears on dozens of US and Worldwide patents for video/image sensor innovations. He spends his quality time in his turkey woods sanctuary known as the “J” Ranch in McGraw, New York, where he lives with his wife Lee. For more information on the author visit his personal website: www.mikejoyner.com
About Joyner Outdoor Media:
Joyner Outdoor Media was established in 2006 by author Mike Joyner. The company publishes outdoor & hunting themed works, outdoor blogs, in addition to marketing campaigns, event scheduling etc. Joyner Outdoor Media also provides author services including cover design, content formatting, publishing, press release service, website design, and marketing materials.
Located in the hills above the seven valleys of Cortland County, NY, Joyner Outdoor Media operates from a wonderful log home situated in prime turkey woods providing much inspiration. For more information visit: www.joyneroutdoormedia.com
http://joyneroutdoormedia.com/Joyner_PR011415.pdf
Joyner Outdoor Media
5239 Town Line Rd.
McGraw, New York 13101
Press Release- Wild Turkey Adventures In Cortland; Release date and book release party for: Grand Days In The Turkey Woods
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 2, 2014
Wild Turkey Adventures In Cortland
Joyner Outdoor Media proudly announces the publication release date and book release party for: Grand Days In The Turkey Woods, by Mike Joyner
Cortland, NEW YORK – Joyner Outdoor Media announces the release date for: Grand Days In The Turkey Woods, by Mike Joyner
Book release date is scheduled for September 10th 2014, with a book release event to take place at the Cortland Beer Company from 5PM to 8PM. Hard and soft cover books we be available for sale and signing. There will be a reveal and tastings of ‘Fall Gobbler Ale’ custom brew by Cortland Beer courtesy of Joyner Outdoor Media as well as a few other special surprises from local merchants.
From the author of Hills of Truxton: Stories and Travels of a Turkey Hunter and Tales from the Turkey Woods: Mornings of My Better Days, comes a heartfelt inspired collection of memorable days afield and time spent hunting the great hard wood ridges, and turkey woods of Cortland County, NY, and in Ohio, Texas, and Vermont.
“Each of these experiences from the awakening in the turkey woods at daybreak, to the thrill of the chase, and those moments of reflection during the long walks back to the truck come together as my “Grand Days in the Turkey Woods”—Mike Joyner
About Joyner Outdoor Media:
Joyner Outdoor Media was established in 2006 by author Mike Joyner. The company publishes outdoor & hunting themed works, outdoor blogs, in addition to marketing campaigns, event scheduling etc. Joyner Outdoor Media also provides author services including cover design, content formatting, publishing, press release service, website design, and marketing materials.
Located in the hills above the seven valleys of Cortland County, NY, Joyner Outdoor Media operates from a wonderful log home situated in prime turkey woods providing much inspiration. For more information visit: www.joyneroutdoormedia.com
About Cortland Beer Company, LLC
Established in 2010, Cortland Beer Company, LLC is a farm based microbrewery located in downtown Cortland, New York. The renowned award winning craft beer brewery offers a wide variety of craft beers. The Cortland Beer Company has an onsite tasting room serving 15 different beers. They also offer seasonal outdoor seating, live music, special beer offerings and apparel in a friendly bright atmosphere. Bottles and growlers of beer available for purchase onsite. Local eateries also offer food delivery to your seat. Located at 16 Court St, Cortland, New York 13045, their location is easily accessible via Routes 81 & 13. For more information visit: www.cortlandbeer.com
About the Author:
An avid turkey hunter for nearly a quarter century, Mike Joyner has been roaming the hills and woodlands of America stalking the elusive prey -wild turkey. Joyner is a former president of the New York State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, serving from 1996 to 2005
A new book: D.D. Adams, Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer, is set to be released later this year. Mike is currently working on a 5th book entitled: Empire State Limb Hangers, New York Wild Turkey Records.
The author is also an owner of a technology company, and appears on dozens of US and Worldwide patents for video/image sensor innovations. He spends his quality time in his turkey woods sanctuary known as the “J” Ranch in McGraw, New York, where he lives with his wife Lee. For more information on the author visit his personal website: www.mikejoyner.com
New!! Joyner Outdoor Media website launch and contest
Launch Day! Rolling out the new Joyner Outdoor Media website! A new responsive style site. One by one the individual book sites will be updated. Current ongoing book project sites will be updated from a place holder or requests for info to full content websites as well.
We’ll be kicking the tries over next few weeks to correct any goofs or make improvements. As we grow so to will the main site. The online stores are just now up, and will be expanded shortly.
To celebrate the launch, we’ll be giving away a signed set of books “Hills of Truxton” and “Tales From The Turkey Woods” at 1000 likes, 2500 likes, 5000 likes, and 7500 likes. At 10,000 likes a lucky winner will be invited on an all expense paid hunt with author Mike Joyner and a story of the experience to be included in “Grand Days In The Turkey Woods” currently being written. The winner may choose New York, or winner’s home state, or possibly others. Winner responsible for travel to and from the event, and license. Further details on additional incentives will be forthcoming.
Winners will be pick at random, and announced on facebook. Hunt trip winner will also be announced on facebook, and the resulting story will be reviewed with the winner before publication
© 2014 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Early Season Hunting Tips
In most areas of the great Empire State, things appear to be running a little late as far as wild turkeys go. Flocks have splitt up only in past few weeks, which is what one would expect first week of April.
In Central New York from which I call my stomping grounds, the woods are wide open, affording little cover or concealment for positioning on gobblers. Expect to find sizable harems and a lot of areas with a boss bird keeping gobbling to a minimum.
Patience is key! There should be some satellite two & three year old gobblers that may peel off to come check you out. This means being in the game at all times, to and from your vehicle, and not fidgeting around when not much is happening.
These satellite gobblers are likely to come in silent, or only give you a single cluck. The 2010 spring hatch was spotty in many areas, and you may find only few jakes to stir up the action. Opportunities during early season are likely to happen quickly.
If you don’t have birds roosted, and are not waiting on them close and well before first light, you will have your work cut out for you. It will be a good week or more before there will be much green-up to conceal moving from spot to spot.
If you manage to get on to a bird early only to be defeated, it would be prudent to be back there again mid morning to see if he should return to check out that ‘mystery’ hen he heard sweet talking to him hours earlier.
With the woods being very open, there will be many spots so open, that decoys would be well advised. Just like open fields, a gobbler will come in just far enough to see what he wants to see. Open woods are no different.
As with any good set up, if you can position yourself so that the gobbler will appear at the same time within shotgun or bow range, your chances for success increase dramatically. If you are unable to judge distance, a ranger finder that archers use will help you to do this properly.
As always: safety first! Do not hide in cover, or position your decoys so that you may be compromised should an unethical hunter decide to stalk your position. Just as in defensive driving, take it upon yourself to avoid a potential mishap, and place your decoy 20-25 yards out, and where you can spot an incoming hunter. A good reminder to all: DO NOT STALK HEN CALLS!
For those that may use a gobble shaker, or other gobble call, do only in safe areas to do so. Same goes for gobbler decoys. While I am on my high horse, there is a product on the market that is essentially a decoy that mounts on your gun barrel for the purpose of stalking up on a bird. In many states the act of stalking a wild turkey while hunting is illegal. I cannot begin to describe how many safety issues and problems there are with using this product.
All I can say to those that would insist on legitimizing and using it: I would love to buy you an insurance policy with myself as the beneficiary.
Last but not least, move through your hunting grounds much like a hunter who still hunts for deer, especially with the lack of cover. Run and gun, may not be a great strategy the first week.
Another key to success during the opening week is active scouting while hunting. You may not get on to a gobbler first thing, but each bit of information, clues, and sign that you come across may be the ticket for putting a successful plan in place.
Be safe, shoot straight!
© 2011 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Last minute tips for 2011 New York Spring Turkey Season
In most areas of the great Empire State, things appear to be running a little late as far as wild turkeys go. Flocks have split up only in past few weeks, which is what one would expect first week of April. In Central New York from which I call my stomping grounds, the woods are wide open, affording little cover or concealment for positioning on gobblers. Expect to find sizable harems and a lot of areas with a boss bird keeping gobbling to a minimum. Patience is key! There should be some satellite two & three year old gobblers that may peel off to come check you out. This means being in the game at all times, to and from your vehicle, and not fidgeting around when not much is happening. These satellite gobblers are likely to come in silent, or only give you a single cluck. The 2010 spring hatch was spotty in many areas, and you may find only few jakes to stir up the action. Opportunities during early season are likely to happen quickly.
If you don’t have birds roosted, and are not waiting on them close and well before first light, you will have your work cut out for you. It will be a good week or more before there will be much green-up to conceal moving from spot to spot. If you manage to get on to a bird early only to be defeated, it would be prudent to be back there again mid morning to see if he should return to check out that ‘mystery’ hen he heard sweet talking to him hours earlier.
With the woods being very open, there will be many spots so open, that decoys would be well advised. Just like open fields, a gobbler will come in just far enough to see what he wants to see. Open woods are no different. As with any good set up, if you can position yourself so that the gobbler will appear at the same time within shotgun or bow range, your chances for success increase dramatically.
As always: safety first! Do not hide in cover, or position your decoys so that you may be compromised should an unethical hunter decide to stalk your position. Just as in defensive driving, take it upon yourself to avoid a potential mishap, and place your decoy 20-25 yards out, and where you can spot an incoming hunter. A good reminder to all: DO NOT STALK HEN CALLS! For those that may use a gobble shaker, or other gobble call, do only in safe areas to do so. Same goes for gobbler decoys.
While I am on my high horse, there is a product on the market that is essentially a decoy that mounts on your gun barrel for the purpose of stalking up on a bird. In many states the act of stalking a wild turkey while hunting is illegal. I cannot begin to describe how many safety issues and problems there are with using this product. All I can say to those that would insist on legitimizing and using it: I would love to buy you an insurance policy with myself as the beneficiary.
Last but not least, move through your hunting grounds much like a hunter who still hunts for deer, especially with the lack of cover. Run and gun, may not be a great strategy the first week. Another key to success during the opening week is active scouting while hunting. You may not get on to a gobbler first thing, but each bit of information, clues, and sign that you come across may be the ticket for putting a successful plan in place.
Be safe, shoot straight!
© 2011 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Record Book Boss gobbler tagged during 2010 Cortland Limb Hangers Chapter Annual Women’s Hunt
Truxton, New York, USA, Saturday, October 30th, 2010-
– A New York record book gobbler was harvested by Jenifer Zolla of Truxton, New York, during the Annual Women In The Outdoors (WITO) hosted by the Cortland Limb Hangers NWTF Chapter & Rolling Ridges Guides & Outfitters. Jen’…s gobbler sported 1-3/8” & 1-1/4” spurs, swung a 9-15/16” beard, and weighed an even 19lbs. The gobbler scored 65.1250 as a typical bird using the NWTF scoring system. Jen’s bird ties for #5 typical harvest by a female hunter in New York.
Saturday morning hunt began with Jen accompanied by Bret Eccleston (current NWTF New York State chapter president, Owner of Rolling Ridges), and Mike Joyner (past NWTF New York State chapter president, Outdoor Writer & author). After a uneventful first set up, a group of gobblers (8) were spotted along a field edge bordering a creek. The gobblers were fighting and strutting, and carrying on as they might in the spring before season. Another small group of five hens and juveniles stood back 20-30 yards watching the show. A plan was made to make a big loop and come up thru a small stand of pines to gain position on the two flocks. While executing the plan, a third flock had already moved up into the pines and spotted the approaching huntress with guides in tow. A few kee-kees from Mike stopped a few of the retreating birds (out of range), but only temporarily. The third flock ran back away from the field and did so without alarming the other two flocks. A lucky break!
Continuing on, Bret & Mike got Jen up to where she needed to be, and the flock of gobblers were spotted still fighting and chasing each other out in the field. After what seemed to be very long few minutes, the gobblers closed to within range. Jen acquired target lock on the big boy (beard was swinging as he walked), and dropped the hammer. Mike then made a pro guide move. While reacting in a lightning fast dead run to reach the downed gobbler, ran straight into a barbed wire fence. After extending the fence 4-5ft, Mike was reacquainted with the laws of physics and abruptly returned to original point of contact. Jen (much smarter) decided to go over the fence and reached the gobbler first. Mike and Bret made it there shortly after once Mike was unfasten from the fence. A little humor for the event.
Once the team regrouped it was learned what a huge gobbler Jen had harvested. A dandy bird for spring or fall season! Jen had filled her first tag the day prior with guide Jeff Sayre, and was now tagged out for the season. A big congrats to Jen for her successful outing.
Each fall season the Cortland Limb Hangers NWTF Chapter and Rolling Ridges Guides & Outfitting service host the annual WITO event providing opportunities for women to try fall turkey, bow hunting, goose, pheasant and small game hunting. The event is conducted with a family atmosphere of good food, good friends, and guides throughout the weekend.
For information on 2011 event contact Trish or Bret on the following facebook links:
http://www.facebook.com/trish.kelsey?ref=mf
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001617934527&ref=mf
NY Wild Turkey Records
If you have harvested a legally tagged wild turkey gobbler in NY (registered or not registered w/NWTF records) with one or more of the following attributes and interested in being interviewed for a book project:
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 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 variations, Hens with spurs
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Empire-State-Limb-Hangers/139342609441424?v=info
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