Tag: spurs
New York Wild Turkey Records
The Empire State Limb Hangers book project is in the final phase of collecting the last few interviews, and getting the stories finalized. All current and known data and record listings per category is formatted and awaiting proofreading. It has grown past 400 pages in a 10×7 format This post will be reposted each pre season as 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, eclipsed, and is expected.
If you tag a gobbler that meets the criteria listed below near the end of this post, 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 rights to your photo’s and your story. Should you wish to have the story I write up used for other uses. Copyright permissions can be granted as needed.
The main issue with keeping it all legit for the project is typically weight as most of the small scales that are used to weigh fish can vary +/- 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. The scale should be suitable for products or goods for sale that are taxed in the state. I live in Cortland County and own several scales suitable for trade with a 25lb calibration weight with certification tracible to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, formerly National Bureau of Standards,) and can also provide a video of calibration and the actual weighing of your gobbler. I will be glad to do so, and there is no fee.
Pics with tape measurement in the pics are required to show scale and accuracy for beards and spurs. There are several handy products to help measure spurs (including the curved outside edge) but as of this writing, none aside from a tape measure cover the spur measurements that have been described going back decades as published by the NWTF http://turkey-talk.com/scoresbpmeasure.html#spus As the decades long description covers the entire exposed spur that can occur below the outer edge of the leg, it is more often that the exposed spur is even with the leg edge. Anecdotal, as such, the differences observed have not exceeded 1/8″. As the calculation is x10 or x32 for each spur it is a detail to be aware of.
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: weigh the gobbler on a certified scale and be sure to get a weight coupon. Take plenty of photos including those with a tape measure. 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 member. I may include them if details can be worked out in the future.
Record entries not included in the NWTF system once verified can be accepted. You will note that the NWTF requires verifications that I have mentioned and I 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.
If you have harvested a legally tagged wild turkey with one or more of the following attributes in NY during the 2023-2024 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
http://empirestatelimbhangers.com/
© 2024 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
. #turkeyhunting #nywildturkeyrecords #wildturkey #nyturkeyrecords #recordbookgobblers
The Dilemma of Wild Turkey Records
Early on while conducting research for New York State Wild Turkey Records, it became evident that collecting the necessary data, tracking down possible records, and weeding out ghost stories of monster gobblers would not be a small task or an exact science. The abilities of turkey hunters to spin tall tales are as legendary as that of any fisherman.
The common issue in vetting any prospective entry; the weight of trophy gobblers is seldom accurate and is suspect in many unvetted circumstances. In most cases, spurs and beards can be retrieved, and a ruler applied. In pursuit of gathering an accurate as possible representation of trophy gobblers in the empire state, there are several hurdles to overcome, and I’ll have a request for your help in gathering additional data. The following describes some of the difficulties:
- Many hunters do not enter their birds into the NWTF system.
- Submission fee, not an NWTF member.Do not take the time to enter, or unless the gobbler is ranked high.
- Simply not interested in records
- NYSDEC does not maintain a database for recognizing trophy gobblers. They do log coarse data from required tag reporting. Unfortunately, the data is collected in broad increments, honor system only.
- Possible records are word of mouth and unverifiable.
- Overestimated and unverifiable body weights
- No definitive records are found prior to 1969.
- Prior to modern hunting seasons establish after the successes of conservation restoration efforts, post-market hunting era, very little distinction was given to the differences between jakes and gobblers with both referred to as gobblers.
Without a statewide system or database available that records trophy gobblers, one can only chase down reported stories, and contest results, and look to a national database for data. Currently, the NWTF record system for accessing trophy gobblers and merged data collated at turkey-talk.com are the only databases available.
During the exercise of parsing records by county, Cayuga, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Hamilton, Lewis, Niagara, Rockland, Warren, and Westchester have very few record entries or none thus far. In reviewing data that spans over three decades, the overall estimated harvest number in the state surpasses 1.4 million birds, with over twelve hundred records known, It is desired to have all the counties well represented and assume with good reason that many high-scoring gobblers can be found in all the huntable counties within the state. It is requested that if so inclined, register your gobbler with the NWTF or directly with the book project “Empire State Limb Hangers”. Although the NWTF database is duly recognized, it is not a requirement for inclusion in this records book project and future updated editions.
It is acknowledged that there are many gobblers taken in the great empire state that are not recorded which would easily ratchet the records upward. If it were possible to track down and verify a fraction of the stories, the rankings would be significantly affected. This essentially is the dilemma.
It is important to note that this project was initially started in 2008, and in all the delays, and life changes that occurred that delayed the books’ completion, active, periodic requests for inclusion, including both individual submissions and turkey contests that could be vetted were published and kept active through websites and social media. With over a decade of open invitations to participate, it is an inevitable aspect of human nature that will have some show up a day late for the party.
For future editions of this book, updates and additions will be based on available database queries from NWTF records database as well as verified gobblers from other sources. As many sportsmen’s clubs are coming online with their websites and publish historical data, it is thought to find additional record entries of notable distinction. I do encourage you to participate and would love to hear your stories.
Useful links
http://www.joyneroutdoormedia.com/elh.html
https://www.nwtf.org/the-lifestyle/turkey-records-home
NYSDEC – Game Harvest Reporting http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html
https://www.turkey-talk.com/nyrec.html
-MJ
© 2023 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Long Island Delivers a New Top Wild Turkey Record
With the inaugural fully open spring season this past May in Suffolk County, it was predicted by many of us in the turkey hunting community that gobblers tagged in Suffolk County would likely rachet the record books upward. It has not only moved the high water mark upward but delivered a new #1 Typical Score on May 10th. This follows another gobbler in the top five from this season- https://www.turkey-talk.com/tblog/?p=2694
A fall season had been in place in Suffolk since 2009, along with a spring youth hunt that began in 2011. After much deliberation and observations of plentiful and healthy flocks on Long Island, the go-ahead for an open spring season hunt was green-lighted this past May. With hunting fall gobblers a more difficult endeavor in the fall season, having an open season in the spring was expected to yield even more impressive gobblers. It is a shift of preferences from fall to spring from over a century ago when fall season was the traditional season.
Christopher Tellone, a resident of Long Island, took his first ever wild turkey gobbler this spring and without question, a wild turkey gobbler of a lifetime. It may be his first turkey, but Christopher is no spring chicken in the woods or new to hunting. As a lifelong deer hunter, he employed many of his woodsmanship skills to help him bag the new top typical score gobbler in the Empire State. Chris, now known to his friends as “Long Spur,” tells the story of getting onto a flock of birds that morning with several gobblers courting hens. Although he is new to calling turkeys, he knew that the hens were not swayed by his calling and the gobblers were not leaving the hens they courted. After giving it ample time for the flock to come his way, he backed out to head to his truck. He spotted the flock several hundred yards in a field. Surmising where they would end up, he patiently made his way to position himself to where they would eventually cross. As the hens left the gobblers an hour later to head back to the woods, they crossed in front, and the gobblers would follow. Choosing the largest gobbler that lead the bachelor group, Chris made good on his shot.
Chris’s bird scoring 84.0000 NWTF-Score surpasses the previous record held for 24 years for the number one typical category taken by Robert Miller Jr. in 1999, with an 82.1600 NWTF-Score. The gobbler was weighed on a certified commercial scale and properly measured in accordance with NWTF guidelines. The gobbler weighed in at 28lbs, sporting 1.75” spurs on each leg, and swung a 10.5” beard.
The gobbler, currently recorded by the NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation,) also shows the bird to rank #3 in the state for spurs, and #4 for weight.
Using the SBP method of scoring, the gobbler scores 182.0000 taking over the #2 ranking in New York.
NWTF Typical calculation = (weight x1) + (spurs total x10) + (beard x2)
SBP Typical calculation = (weight x1) + (spurs total x32) + (beard x4)
Congratulations on an impressive first gobbler and a new record!
https://your.nwtf.org/members/records/
https://turkey-talk.com/scoresbp.html
-MJ
© 2023 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Pending #4 Typical Record NY Gobbler
After a recent query on social media several days ago, a pending new record book gobbler has been identified and it’s been suggested by many, including myself that with the inaugural spring season on Long Island this past May, that record book gobblers would likely come from there. The gobbler was hunted by Butch Janke from Long Island, in Suffolk County on public grounds on May 6th.
Butch’s gobbler weighed in at 26lbs even, on a state-certified scale, sporting 1-11/16” and 1-1/2” spurs, and a 10-3/8” beard, making the gobbler a record book entry for the typical category. The bird preliminary scores are as follows:
NWTF Typical 81.2500 (weight x1) + (spurs total x10) + (beard x2)
SBP Typical 177.7500 (weight x1) + (spurs total x32) + (beard x4)
Butch’s gobbler will be entered into the NWTF records once witnesses confirm. Two member witnesses are required as weight is over 22 lbs, and spurs are longer than 1-1/2″.
Preliminary stats, once finalized, the gobbler will be the fourth highest-scoring typical gobbler in New York State. Spurs will also tie with ten others recorded in the third-longest spur length in the empire state. Additionally, the gobbler ranks fifth in the SBP system calculation.
For others looking to record their gobbler, it is a good opportunity to point out that he used a certified weight scale, and took plenty of pictures in keeping with NWTF guidelines and those republished and supported by turkey-talk.com, Joyner Outdoor Media, and the Empire State Limb Hangers book project. Butch has agreed to participate in the book project, and I look forward to the interview and learning his story of the hunt firsthand.
-MJ
© 2023 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Pending #4 Record Beard in NY
Got the news today on a new pending record entry on an impressive gobbler taken yesterday morning by Dan Ladd of Fort Ann, NY. Dan is a well-known Adirondack deer hunter, book author, and current editor of New York Outdoor News. The gobbler was hunted in Warren County in the Adirondack Park and was actually one of two birds to come to Dan’s old Lynch World Champion box call. Dan often hunts mountain gobblers as his preferred hunting grounds and applies much of the same dedication to turkey hunting as he does for Adirondack whitetail deer.
photo credit- Dan Ladd
Dan’s mountain gobbler weighed in at 21lbs with 1” and 1-1/8” spurs. A double bearded gobbler with a 13.75” beard and a second beard coming in at 7-7/8” making it a non-typical record book entry. The bird scores as follows:
NWTF Non Typical 85.6250 (weight x1) + (spurs total x10) + (beards total x2)
NWTF Typical 69.750 (weight x1) + (spurs total x10) + (beard x2)
SBP Non Typical 175.750 (weight x1) + (spurs total x32) + (beards total x4)
SBP Typical 144.000 (weight x1) + (spurs total x32) + (beard total x4)
Longest beard of 13.7500″ ties at #4 in New York as published by NWTF.org and the current database maintained by Joyner Outdoor Media.
It is a current discussion as to protocol for measuring beards, what is considered an official entry. Those of you that have hunted for many years and taken plenty of birds will at some point come across a heavy bearded bird that has had some of the beard shot off or otherwise compromised from the outer pattern of the shot string. It is important to note that how something is stated or reported is how we get into some of these red-in-the-face discussions as often evident in scoring deer, and wild turkey records is never very far from that observation. As much as we here at Joyner Outdoor Media do deep dives into records, especially the book project, it’s fun stuff for us. Add $8 and our opinion and it will get you an almond milk pumpkin spice latte at your fav coffee shop. $2 for us regular folks at the local diner.
In my conversations with Dan, I got the rundown on the sequence of events, and is simple enough to not be a mutated and twisted story that sometimes attaches to record entries. In the case of this gobbler, Dan took pictures and measured the bird in keeping with NWTF guidelines and those republished and supported by turkey-talk.com, Joyner Outdoor Media, and the Empire State Limb Hangers book project.
As Dan ran his hand along the beard, the 14.5” bristle feather (yes, turkey beards are actually feathers, mesofiloplumes,) dislodged and appeared to be much shorter. With that bit of info, Dan checked the other strands of the beard with a firm grip to determine if solidly attached. This included the 13.75” length in question. What is of some controversy is that the 13.75” length bristle feather broke lose shy of an hour later. Given the handling breakage, it is not uncommon and a different and separate issue from slipped lengths within the beard itself. I have not heard any determination of the stated position on this from NWTF headquarters and surmise we will hear back if Dan sends in the entry form. In speaking with him, he wishes to convey that it is undetermined after firmly checking fully intact lengths and having it come out 45 minutes later and after all the handling off the bird. I had something similar happen in Ohio, and for several sweet minutes I had measured a beard stretching just shy of 17″. As I went to recheck the measurement in the field . The longest length came out and matched the 11.25″ beard. A prime example of a slipped bristle feather,
Without question, this is one hell of a record entry from New York, and a mountain bird to add to it. As Dan states he is fine with however it goes and is all about the experience. Although he goes on further to say that he likes the trophy aspects as many hunters do, even holding out depending on circumstance, it’s the hunt itself that matters most to him. If you follow his musings, you can keenly get a sense of that.
We do hope Dan submits his entry, and he has an open invitation to participate in the Empire State Limb Hangers book project.
Link to the New York Outdoor News Story-
-MJ
© 2023 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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
A Grand Spring Turkey Season
With the final days of 2018 Spring Turkey season winding down, my season in NY in a quest to fill a tag concluded on the 18th. NY was a sleeper for me this year as my usual hot spots did not reveal gobbling toms at any of them. I had little hopes for prospects from all the scouting I did. With what scouting data I had, I decided not to hunt our place for the first time since we bought it in 2000. One bird gobbling on our place a week before season was as good as it got. There were years were 12-15 long beards would roost our property along with that many more jakes. Just as we deer hunt our place we would only fill a tag or two a season. It has steadily declined from a number of poor brooding seasons in succession. This spring looks to be favorable for a successful first nesting and hope we can string together a few more in a row in the coming years.
Both birds in NY were tagged on public game lands and excellent hunts. Great start in Texas and managed a double on three year old gobblers despite a massive cold front that shut things down. The season progressed to an eventful but no birds harvested the first full week in NY. Next stop was in Jackson, Ohio and had three days of hunting with David Christian. A dandy of a gobbler was taken on the last day. Super fun hunt and had a ball chasing birds there. Upon returning home, some very fun hunts in NY with a great bird tagged on mother’s day, and the second bird at the NYSOWA Safari in Oswego. Very different in NY for me this year as I parted ways with a longtime hunting partner and hunted all together differently than in past years. Far more patient style and it paid off handsomely as allowing the hunts to unfold rather than rush on to the next spot resulted in a far better outcome.
Last trip of the season was to Pittsfield, Maine with Dan Daman and we had a great time as we always do. Really enjoy returning there often. Great hunts that also took their time unfolding before us. Tagged out in one day with one bagged mid-morning and the second just about dinner time. The lay down breeding decoy did take some extreme sexual abuse, and have pics to prove it. Avian X decoys make one hell of a noise when the gobbler puts his back into it. Went out the second morning in the quest to get Dan’s wife Carrie a bird and we had a big show of gobbling first thing. Close, no cigar. We moved on and found a flock of big jakes that ended up minus one when all said and done.
My bride of nearly 18 years was not able to get out this season as she is convalescing from surgery in late April. Opening day couples date has been the norm for all these years. This fall we’ll get back out to hunt together on opening days as the seasons roll in, and as we have for so many years.
With the remaining days I have a few fellow hunters to put in front of a gobbler for their first ever birds. With a little luck and proper timing, hope to make it happen the final days before the fat lady sings Thursday at noon.
I wish all of you out in the last days of the season grand success and memorable hunts. It has been the best season for me for so many reasons, from great action packed days afield to peaceful times in the great turkey woods.
-MJ
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#turkeyhunting #oldturkeyhunter #wildturkey #turkeywoods #respect
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
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