Fishing
Hook, Line and Gobble Safari In Oswego County, New York
Sixteen outdoor writers from the New York Outdoor Writers Association trekked to Selkirk Shores State Park in Oswego County to attend the 2018 Spring Safari May 17th-20th. The area is well known for the annual salmon run each fall which brings tens of thousands of anglers to the area. If you are at all familiar with Oswego County, spent time there as we all did during the safari we would agree that the area offers so much more in outdoor pursuits, attractions, eateries and is a ‘must do’ destination for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
Our accommodations were modern cabins within the state park which served us well and doubled as a base of operations. Thursday night was a meet and greet hosted by the Oswego County Tourism Office where we all got to meet up and connect personally with all those we converse with on a frequent basis . After enjoying a great spread of appetizers, and getting to finally meet everyone, we do as we always do and draw up the battle plans for the first full day of fishing, turkey hunting, and hiking. Our get-togethers are always fun as being writers we all can tell some great stories as expected.
Friday morning we paired up to embark on an assault on Deer Creek game lands and see what gobblers we could get on to. There were guides to be on hand for Saturday’s hunt for some of the writers. We would be hunting on our own. NYSOWA members Ed Noonan and Steve Zahurak would pair up and go after birds they had heard gobble back at them while roosting Thursday night. Fellow member Dan Ladd and I would start out on the other side of the game lands about a mile north of Ed and Steve. We were greeted with a beautiful sunny morning with calm winds and with a well-animated conversation with two owls. Nothing gobbled or hen talked on the roost, even after fly down time and the crows raising a ruckus, no wild turkeys would reveal their presence to us. We were too far away to hear Ed or Steve call despite it being very calm. The foliage was fully out by then. We were confident we could hear either of them shoot, and fully expected they would as Ed is known to make quick work of it and if he had his way, so would Steve. The first hour passed and a shot never rang out although we expected otherwise. We would learn later that a pair of jakes did come in, and they passed them up as they were looking for adult gobblers.
Dan who is an ardent and accomplished Adirondack deer hunter is slowly being challenged at my bidding to become a solely devoted turkey hunter, at least to a measurable degree. Dan’s instincts apply well to the spring season and rather than march back to the truck and run off to the next spot, we took our time to walk more of it and survey the place on foot rather than relying on what we had looked at with google earth. It is a fantastic tool for previewing a new territory to hunt. We sat down in the woods off from the fields at a spot that screamed out to the both of us as being a perfect place set tree stands for the fall archery season. We sat down on a log and got to talking for a bit. We had made a few calls as we trolled to the spot we were at and it paid off as our conversation was abruptly cut off by a raucous gobble not more than a hundred and fifty to two hundred yards away.
With a quick scramble Dan sat up just a bit from where we sat facing where the gobbler was coming from, and I dropped back twenty-five yards in the hope of drawing him in. While the gobbler might hang up on my calling as they instinctively do, it would be well within range for Dan. A few soft calls indicated the bird would be headed to an open area in front of Dan and his gobble was loud and impressive. I thought Dan would have him in his lap until I saw a bright flash along the edge of the field to my right. The gobbler decided to sneak around and flank us. Once I saw the flash of the top of the gobbler’s head, I positioned my barrel as he went behind some brush while heading to the next opening. Once he cleared that he would have a full view of us, and making a move would be an alarm put and exit stage right. Didn’t go as planned but the report of my 12 gauge stopped him from a hasty exit. A dandy three-year gobbler and tipped the scales just shy of twenty-two pounds.
Once we got some nice pictures taken we headed out to two other state game lands towards Pulaski. At our third setup another gobbler came in by me, but a full sixty yards behind Dan. Never gobbled, but strutted and drummed. Well within my range but my turkey gun was packed snuggly in its case. The bird taken early that morning was the second tag for me which had both of my gobblers taken on state game lands this season, with the first tagged on the 13th. New York allows only one per day. The mission at hand was to get Dan onto a willing gobbler. Close but no cigar as the gobbler walked off without incident and the clock ran out.
We were then treated to a luncheon at Douglaston Salmon Run and a presentation on the history and current programs implemented there. The afternoon had multiple offerings of a guided mushroom foraging/edible plant outdoor class, canoeing, hiking to the scenic Salmon River Falls, fishing at Douglaston Salmon Run with a guide, and a tour of the DEC’s fish hatchery / Salmon River Fishing Museum in Altmar. Something for everyone in our group.
Our evening function was held at Tailwater Lodge in Altmar. A world-class facility and perfect accommodations for those visiting the region not only for the internationally known fisheries and fishing opportunities but also for weddings and corporate events. Along with a great meal that we enjoyed there, they also feature a tasting room with a wide selection of microbrewery offerings as well as New York wines which my wife and I both are great fans of. A great destination for anniversaries and other special family events as well.
Saturday’s morning excursion had me joining fellow outdoor writer David Barus and local reporter Matthew Reitz from the Palladium Times. We would head out and fish from the Harbor in Oswego with Capt. Chad Gehrig, Son of a Gun charter service. We would be fishing for Brown Trout on Lake Ontario. A fantastic morning of fishing! With the rains creeping in, the fishing only got more intense and we would limit out on Brown’s by 7:45 AM. At times we had three fish on at once! We were landing Brown’s in the three to five pound range. Excellent table fare as my wife will attest to.
Our experience is very much the same as other writers had on Friday. I do plan to enjoy more fishing with Chad this summer. It is a unanimous opinion amongst our group that all the guides we had over the course of the event were outstanding and made for a very memorable safari. I have each of them listed at the bottom and wouldn’t hesitate to book a trip with any of them.
Several gobblers were tagged on Saturday, and despite the inclement weather they all had turkeys in view making for a great morning the turkey woods. Saturday afternoon also had multiple offerings of canoeing, kayaking. fishing at Douglaston Salmon Run, and a tour of the DEC’s fish hatchery / Salmon River Fishing Museum in Altmar. Plenty of fun activities. The evening event was held back at our base of operations and included a great BBQ meal to top off a great two days of hunting and fishing. Sunday was open for those that wanted to turkey hunt or fish on their own. I headed out early for a long car trip to Maine for a three day turkey hunt.
The Safari was organized by Dave Figrura, our Safari Chairman, in conjunction with the Oswego County Tourism Office. With a lot of activities planned over the course of several days, it was made to look flawless and easy despite so many moving parts to keep track of. A big thank you goes out to Dave, and to Janet Clerkin, Tourism & Public Information Coordinator; Dave Turner, Director, and the rest of the staff at the Oswego County Tourism Office for a great effort in putting it all together.
A big round of thank you’s is in order for so many that went above and beyond to make for a great event and a memorable weekend in a destination spot that confirms my opinion of New York being one of the best states in the union for hunting, fishing and a wide range of outdoor recreation. I personally recommend visiting or booking an event or outing with all of these folks as they are top notch at what they do, and you’ll be glad you did. My wife and I will be returning in the near future for just that reason.
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Sponsors:
* Oswego County Federation of Sportsman Clubs, http://www.oswegocountysportsmen.com
* Oswego County Department of Community Development & Tourism, http://www.visitoswegocounty.com (315) 349-8322
* Douglaston Salmon Run, http://www.douglastonsalmonrun.com (315) 298-6672
* Liberty Vinyards & Winery, http://libertywinery.com/ (716) 672-4520
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Hosts:
*Selkirk Shores State Park, https://parks.ny.gov/parks/84/details.aspx (315) 298-5737
*Tailwater Lodge, https://tailwaterlodge.com (315) 298-3434
*Salmon River International Sportfishing Museum, http://www.pulaskifishingmuseum.org/
*NYS DEC Salmon River Fish Hatchery, http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/21663.html (315) 298-5051
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Turkey Hunting Guides:
*Stanley Ouellette, Deer Creek Outfitters, http://www.deercreekny.com/fishing-and-hunting-guides/ (315) 298-3730
*Ryan Gilbert, Deer Creek Outfitters, http://www.deercreekny.com/fishing-and-hunting-guides/ (315) 298-3730
*Bill Wilbur, president, Salmon River chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation, http://www.nynwtf.org/salmon-river (315) 963-3368
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Fishing Charters:
*Capt. Dave Silver, Reel Silver Charters: http://www.reelsilvercharters.com/; reelsilver@twcny.rr.com; (315) 271-8773
*Capt. Troy Creasy, High Adventure Charters: https://www.highadventurefishing.com/ (315) 243-2389
*Capt. Zack Rayno, Cold Steel Sportfishing: http://coldsteelsportfishing.com/ (315) 243-2389
*Capt. Chad Gehrig, Son of a Gun charter: https://www.kgsportfishing.com/ (315) 343-8171
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Hiking, Foraging Guide:
*Roy Reehil, author, forager 315-675-3625; roy@reehil.com
-MJ
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#turkeyhunting #fishing #Oswego #NYSOWA #lakeontario
Maytom Wood Works Spur Display
At the conclusion of any successful turkey hunt there are many ways to memorialize a grand day in the turkey woods and create a fitting tribute in honor and respect of the monarchs we match wits with. If you happen to regard wild turkey spurs as I do and as one might as a deer hunter in awe of a massive rack of a trophy buck, then I have a product in front of me that you might be keenly interested in. As the fat lady has sung across the country for the 2018 spring turkey season, the current offerings of Maytom Woodworks display products for your trophy gobbler are a perfect solution for your man cave, office, or trophy room
A new updated version of the “Turkey Spur Display Board” is now being offered by Maytom Woodworks of Lake View, NY. The latest version features Red Oak with nicely figured grain, brass rods and colored beads as holders/separators between spurs. Also featured is a custom silk screen brass plate, a brass hanger embedded on the back side, and a shell brass with real turkey breast feathers adornment. There are many ways you can display this coveted trophy part of our favoured game bird, and this spur board is a fantastic way to display many successful hunts in the turkey woods.
Once you have your spurs prepared (typically with borax or other suitable substitute), cleaned, polished or clear coated, you can mount four pairs in each row easily assuming you trim the leg bone somewhat close to each spur. You have some leeway there not to fret about being exact as you can see in the original version spur board I have shown below. With four rows you can mount 16 pairs of spurs which should cover many of you for a season or two that hunt multiple states each spring.
Loading up the spur display board is super easy, you simply need to place your display board on a soft non scratching surface, and remove two screws holding one of the side pieces that the brass rods insert to. Place your first bead then each spur with another bead until you place the last spur followed with an end bead. Repeat for each row or until you have loaded all the ones you have. You can easily come back later each season to add more. You can substitute these beads with your own, those made of bone or exoctic woods for example. The ones included in the kit work nicely and look great.
The final verdict of this review is a two thumbs up and a must for every turkey hunters home. With father’s day just a few weeks away, it would make a perfect gift for your turkey hunting patriarch of the family. In full disclosure I’ve known Paul Klima, the owner of Maytom Wood Works far back to the mid 1990’s when he first started making these fine products. To know Paul is to like him and he applies a fine hand craftsmanship to everything he makes as you would expect from any well regarded call maker. I would encourage you to contact him and you’ll find my remarks to be spot on. Below, I have a slideshow of other products he also offers. The Turkey Spur display board sells for $85.00 plus S&H & NYS Tax.
Maytom Woodworks- Contact Info
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#turkeyhunting #maytomwoodworks #wildturkey #spurs #beards
Jerry Antley- Legendary Call Maker Inducted In The Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame
Some time ago, in fact, a little over a year I was contacted by Peyton Mckinnie hailing from Marion, Louisiana about possibly doing a story on a gentleman from his home state known by many turkey hunters as Jerry Antley. As I lay out a few known facts attributed to Jerry you will come to a similar conclusion as I, that he is a family man, man of faith, an outdoorsman with a firm dedication to his passions and his craft. Steadfast is a term that came to me while reviewing and researching materials to write this story worthy of a man of his stature.
As I briefly review a partial list of Jerry’s history and noteworthy accomplishments, he will be newly inducted into The Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame, class of 2017.
A lifelong resident of Downsville, Louisiana Jerry continues to make calls at Cedar Hill Game Calls (which he founded) to this day. Although he does not publicly list his age, it is known he was married to Vicki Allen for nearly fifty four years until her passing in 2013. With four children now grown, along with nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren it is a wonder when he has the time to make all these calls.
It is stated that he began hunting in 1963 for whitetails, and added turkey hunting to his pursuits in 1972. Nearing a hundred wild turkeys carried back home over his shoulder it is reported that the local bachelor groups of longbeards are plotting/planning for his early retirement from the sport. As you begin to notice, a pattern emerges as to his dedication to matters at hand. Jerry extended his passions for the forests of his home state, the pursuit of whitetails, wild turkeys and turned it to vibrant and healthy game call business. This would be the beginning of Cedar Hill Game Calls, LLC which he founded in 1981, He would later expand his company with the acquisition of CamoCord, LLC in 2003.
The most well known call that Jerry produces was also the first entry into the market. The Legendary “Little Scratch Box!”. They have sold over 50,000 all of which are hand-made here in the U.S.A.. Being constructed of cedar which is well known among turkey hunters and call makers alike to produce clucks, purrs, and yelps that not only please our calling sensibilities but more importantly fools a gobbler to take one step too many in your direction. With a little bit of instruction even I could have you clucking and purring before you left the room, yelping with a little bit of practice. The clucks are done the best on this cedar scratch box, more convincing than by use of other styles of calls in my opinion. You could close your eyes and swear you could hear the hen’s beak snapping shut as she clucked. Yes, it is that good in the turkey woods. The company also offers deer calls, duck calls, elk calls, predator calls. a variety of other turkey calls, and a host of hunter accessories that would be ‘must have’ for your trips afield.
Joining the NWTF in 1977, Jerry would become a charter member and served as president of the North Central Louisiana NWTF Chapter. He would later become a charter member of his local chapter , the Union Long Spurs, served as President for the first three years. Currently serving on the Board of Directors. His volunteer service has spanned so far an impressive thirty seven consecutive years. In that time Jerry would also serve as Louisiana State Chapter President, and VP, serving Louisiana State NWTF Board of Directors. for twelve years. Jerry was elected to the National Board of Directors for the NWTF in 1984 serving for six years,
Other notable history with the NWTF:
• Silver Life Member of NWTF •Runner-Up 1983 Louisiana State Turkey Calling Championship. •“Grand Champion” 1984 Louisiana State Turkey Calling Championship.
• Grand National Calling Contest Judge for NWTF the past 20 years.
Along with his call making business, and what has to be a busy time with family, Jerry is a Southern Baptist by faith, serving as a Deacon at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Downsville, La. Since 1978. In addition to his role as Deacon, he has also served as Chairman of the Deacon Board for the past twenty years.
We congratulate Jerry on a stellar career, dedicated volunteer service, and a well deserved award of recognitions for all that you have done and contributed for our natural resources and to our greater benefit.
http://www.cedarhillgamecalls.com
-MJ
© 2017 Joyner Outdoor Media
Trespass In NY- Turkey Hunter? Deer Hunter? Fisherman?
For those of you that are not familiar with the great Empire State, it is a very short drive from one of the largest cities in the world, even shorter drive from the lesser known cities to find yourself amongst the great farmlands, forests, mountains and fisheries of New York where I call home. Despite bizarre politics, stifling regulations, punitive taxation (#1, highest in the Nation) that has driven out industry and the prosperity that goes with it, it is one of the most resource diverse states when you come to appreciate the four million-plus acres of public lands, nearly another million more acres under conservation easements, the raw natural beauty, and recreational opportunities we have here. I reside with my bride in one of the seven valleys of Cortland County which I am more than fond of. The topic at hand actually applies across our great nation and not solely unique to New York. As I truly love what I have here as my little piece of paradise, I’ll refer to my beloved state as my frame of reference.
With such highly coveted resources, much of which is available to everyone as public lands and public waterways, the subject of trespass, destruction of property, theft and other criminal behavior appears to be more common even in the off seasons, despite numerous large tracts of state and federal lands for all to share. My comments are aimed specifically towards sportsmen and sportswomen. Criminals, common thieves, polluters are not likely to be moved or swayed by any opinions you, or I may have or convey. As a landowner and as a member on a hunting lease from time to time I have that set of perspectives. I also hunt and fish on a mix of state game lands, waterways, and a fair amount of private holdings that have granted me the right to spend time on and enjoy. I’ll break down my thoughts in lists for each viewpoint.
As a hunter:
- Do we show ourselves as being fortunate and privileged to be granted access to private lands that another pay taxes on, farms, maintain for their business or homestead, manages for wildlife? Do we show respect for them and their property? Do we fundamentally understand that landowner rights take priority over any right or desire we may feel to hunt or fish?
- On lands that are commonly known for open access do we make it a point to learn of the owner’s name as a courtesy to thank them or to learn of any concerns they may have? It helps to avoid future problems. Do we take for granted these lands and treat them as a free for all, our personal playgrounds?
- On state lands do we treat it as if we own it? In a roundabout reasoning we do via the income taxes that are paid. Being respectful, having regard for our resources should not be a conditional thought or action.
- Challenging a landowner or another hunter, in general, is not the smartest idea, nor a step in improving hunter/landowner relations. The exception is the arrogant slob hunter who is not authorized to patrol a property or trespassing themselves and falsely claiming a spot. Too many stories of others trying to throw people off that have permission including landowners off their own property.
- Items we may come across while hunting without regard to who owns the land, do we leave undisturbed, unmolested unless clearly lost (such as a jacket, wallet, personal camera, game call). Stealing or destroying treestands, game cameras, blinds, traps, etc. is a despicable, lowly act to inflict on a fellow hunter. Even when we find such items on our own places that are not supposed to be there, do we attempt to find out whom they belong to first and get the word out? If that fails to produce a result in instances I have come across, I bring it back to the house and attempt to find the owner while notifying the county Sheriff’s/ NYSDEC ECO, and they can retrieve their items after an intimate chat with law enforcement. Charges may apply if egregious, or not your first time trespassing. In principle do we take another’s property while not knowing fully the circumstances.?
- While being respectful of the lands hunted, it is good practice to extend that to fellow hunters. Having someone purposely interfering with your time in the woods is greatly unappreciated. A common occurrence with the mentality of having to get your gobbler or buck before the other hunter does. As sportsmen, sportswomen we are better than that.
- Access to hunting properties has dropped while the behavior of some fellow hunters deters hunter recruitment or makes the hunting experience on state lands or private lands less desirable for the recreational hunter, fisherman. The same foolishness, monkey business that is assumed all too common on public grounds in known to be just as much a problem on private holdings. Private land is not immune to breaches in ethical or sportsmanlike conduct. There is no legitimate excuse for treating fellow hunters and fishermen in a poor manner that occurs. Trespass shows disrespect for the landowners and fellow hunters alike
- Of our sport, the passions we so dearly love. are we humbled and appreciative of the great forests and waterways? Are we humbled and appreciative of our fellow hunters and fishermen that we share these great resources with?
As a landowner or lease/club member:
- Vast amounts of money are involved to purchase, pay county & school taxes, or fees to lease. Land taxes have risen well ahead of inflation to the tune of 2X-3X over other states in the union. It can be viewed as legalized theft in some lines of thought. As a landowner, it is a thought process quickly learned and a reality. Leases have risen due to taxes, and the popularity of outdoor-focused leasing /realty companies. The continual loss of farms and the increase in development further increase the cost and demand for recreational properties. Maintaining a property for wildlife involves plenty of funds and sweat equity.
- Because your past three generations of family hunted there, it does not trump or replace courtesy, respect, or asking permission. Your ignorant boasting of entitlement to hunt wherever you want is a false premise. It is all too common a complaint about local hunters. Your family or those that passed on are not maintaining, nor paying taxes on the property. You can easily change that, be a great neighbor.
- Fishermen do not get a pass on self-granted rights to trespass as access to private honey holes is not an entitled right of way. In New York, navigable waters have a separate set of laws that apply.
- Poor behavior, trespass, destruction of property, theft, infighting between hunting parties, poaching, ignoring specific instructions, or requests are all legitimate reasons why landowners say no or rescind your permissions. As a landowner saying no is their right that may or may not come with an explanation.
- It is a major irritation to expend time and money to thwart, report and or prosecute trespassers only to see them given a slap on the wrist or a minor fine. $50 to$250 fines are not enough to deter the disrespect, the ignorance that exists in the hunting community.
- How many of you visit to help a landowner in the offseason or in season, send thank you’s or visit to thank in person? Do you invite them for a home-cooked meal, or in general conduct yourself as a good neighbor, an ethical hunter that appreciates the privilege?
With the acceptance of game cams as scouting tools, it has become an additional season of installing and checking in the summer months. With the competitive nature of some in our ranks, the quest for boon’r buck or record setting long beard or the best fishing hole in the county causes some to steal memory cards, game cams, or destroy them and any stands or blinds they come across. In the past few years, the frequency of this type of criminal activity is increasing if judged by posts on social media. Whether there is increased trespass or that we now have better tools to capture it is made far worst that it is being done in many occurrences by fellow hunters. Clicking through the various hunting groups on social media it is astounding the number of reports of tree stands stolen or rendered unusable, deer cams broke or stolen, SD memory cards stolen.
In the following list are links to NYS sites that deal specifically with trespass, regulations, posting info, etc. I have included other useful links as well as one to a prior blog on game cam strategies.
- Public Fishing Rights and the Landowner -NYSDEC
- Posting Information for Landowners, Boaters, Fishermen and Hunters -NYSDEC
- Avoiding Conflicts Between Waterfowl Hunters and Waterfront Property Owners -NYSDEC
- ASK -NYSDEC
- Dealing with Trespassers -Cornell Univ
- Recreational access and owner liability -Cornell Univ
- Post Deer Season- Time to Implement a New Game Camera Strategy
As a landowner, I can tell you first hand you will quickly expand your fan base in a less than desirable way by wanting to control your property in any configuration. Some folks feel or even insist they have a right to your place. You and I may have an adverse response to such arrogant entitlement thinking. Trust me it is out there as many are not shy about it, in fact boastful.
Diligence and willingness to press charges does pay off as it eventually reduces trespass once they learn you have a spine and will do what is needed to fully enjoy your place as the owner of the property. I can tell you that sending a certified notice against trespass or having the local sheriff deliver it in person is an effective way to get your point across. Posting, maintaining signs, the expense of cameras, batteries,and other items just to secure your place takes away from time and money otherwise spent enjoying it.
Poor behavior is not a one-way street, as we all know that one special landowner that tries to claim rights to other properties, accosts anyone that comes near their boundary or travels an adjacent road along their place. It makes for hostile or worse interactions. I have been privy to one property owner near me that claimed to own the county road that dissected her place. Unnecessary conflict and bad relations for all involved.
It is my well-learned opinion that we New Yorkers have easy access to thousands upon thousands of the best public hunting grounds to be found in our great nation. Our waterways are world-renowned and something to cherish. As ethical sportsmen and sportswomen, criminal trespass is an abhorrent act towards each other and especially landowners. As hunters, as fishermen, as landowners, there is much room to improve relationships with only a little effort and a large dose of mutual respect. We all deserve this from each other.
-MJ
© 2017 Joyner Outdoor Media
Turkey Hunters- We might just have a better take on things?
Once we get into the naturally percieved slowdown that occurs after Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, we turkey hunters are in military style planning for opening days, what states we’ll hunt, what new honey hole, which gun, new ammo, new calls, old favorite calls, new hunt surefire device, and so on… We have logistics to think about, which hunting buddies to catch up with, scouting, that nasty old bird that must die (which we’ll likely chase again another year), and all sorts of little details that occupy our preparation.
It got me to thinking as to the type of folks that seem to end up obsessed with chasing gobblers and why we have so much in common and yet squabble over the little details. We discuss and argue the various things that contribute to the hunt’s success or taking the shotgun for a walk back to the truck. This also includes methods, and the cargo bags of gear and gadgets, of course. Together we all know that we will have our days of being soundly defeated, and our butts handed to us no matter how well prepared or determined we may be. We’ll not let that gem of logic deter us.
It was this line of thinking that brings me to the thought to convey here. We as turkey hunters are active participants, keenly interested in cause and effect, and judge things mostly by what they do or how well they work. We immerse ourselves in the experience of the hunt, and should we win the day, we are elated. We do know that a pea brain sized bird can humiliated us in ways that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. It makes it no less of a great hunt. By nature we are conservative leaning, and that is not an absolute, but similar to the crowd of engineers I align myself as. In my perspective I identify myself as an engineer and a turkey hunter, and as a runner, triathlete as side interests. Of course this is behind the priorities of family, God and country in my view.
It is not to say all turkey hunters are conservative or republicans and I know many that lean just as far to the liberal side. I would not hesitate to share a hunt with them. Yet the things I now mention are the things that we share in common, and we get along fine. In part that we are about tangible things, factual findings, not emotional drivel, not political correctness, or chant of the day. As hunters we understand the cycle of life, our mortality as well as that of our quarry, We are studies of the natural world, and how things and or actions work or do not work. We see the value of conservation efforts that improve our forests, and quality of wildlife. We witness & participate in the comeback from market hunting to vastly improved wildlife populations. All of this in stark contrast to the anti-hunting rhetoric out there. It is these personal qualities that I believe we apply in our everyday lives.
Like many of you I suspect, find it nearly intolerable to watch the news, the racism narrative being vomited on us. The anti-gun this and that, anti-hunting, this or that. If you don’t believe in God, then no one else should either. If you don’t believe in my God, I’ll cleanse you by cutting off your head. Somehow everyone is offended or civil rights violated because of my white privilege, and the nonsense goes on and on. We witness senseless revenge killings of the police, yet disregard the actions of those that basically commit suicide by cop. As if criminal behavior should just be ignored and do as one dam well pleases. My rant stops here.
A facebook post caught my attention as it sums up my response to a lot of the foolishness that is reported in the news and exploited by our political leaders. The precepts here apply well to many things, including hunting. I’ll stick my neck out and claim that for the most part we as hunters are well aware that we own each and all of our decisions we make. In the woods, ill choices send us home empty handed in game and the grand experience anticipated. This precept also is handy when it comes to safety, and being ethical as hunters and as people. I’ll share the post here:
“Everything you do is based on your choices you make. It’s not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument / conflict, or your age that is to blame. You and you alone are responsible for every decision and choice you make. Period.’
My point which may seem a bit jumbled as I find current events beyond unreasonable and frustrating is that maybe the world would be better off if more people thought more like a hunter would. I will go as far as to say a turkey hunter’s perspective. Do any of us turkey hunters care if that great box call was crafted by a black (yellow, purple, green, whatever) man? A woman? A disable person? A (name religion) person? We care how much for the call, and is there any story or history that goes along with the call. Do any of us feel that white privilege (fill in whatever absurd idea applies) when a gobbler teases us for two hours at five yards past our range limit then walks away to one lone hen after you played the game the best you ever have? Would any of us not respect a land owner because of some discriminating factor? Tell me that any of us turkey slayers would not hunt a monster gobbler on a prime spot because the land owners were black, or a gay couple? We’ll give them the respect they deserve… Duh… Moving along… Not saying that we are perfect by any stretch, or that we don’t have racists in our ranks, but in our world, this foolishness has no place in our decision making, or in our treatment of others.
The silver lining in this rash of miserable news and currently sentiment is that for us as hunters it is an opportunity. We can go about our daily lives treating others well, and with the respect we would like for ourselves. The more folks recognize us as a group that treats people well, the better off we’ll be. Be an ambassador for our sport. Apply this generously with landowners that grant you access, and to those that don’t. Those folks will observe your actions and you can change hearts and minds by living well. It will be a better day when those that exploit any and all situations to win an argument, to get out of personal responsibility or not contribute to the common good, or to claim some perceived injustice, and get back to the type of thinking we do as hunters. Doing what it takes and making good choices to make a positive goal realized. It’s optimistic, but just the same a good way to be.
© 2015 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Solidarity & Peaceful Protest With Our 2nd amendment Brothers and Sisters against NY Safe ACT
What should have sounded the same as opening day of deerseason sounded very different today. For certain much more is at stake with the erosion of our constitution, our fundamental rights in the name of public safety and the common good. This is a falsehood that has been wrought upon good people repeatedly throughout history.
Let us hope that shots fired peacefully today are heard by many and that we repeal this illegitimate law and restore our fundamental rights unimpeded and afforded us by the constitution
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