Tag: takes from the turkey woods
How To Improve Every Turkey Hunt You’ll Ever Have
You can vastly improve every turkey hunt you have ever been on or will ever have…
Once you get out on your first turkey hunt and unless you absolutely cannot deal with getting up very early, you’ll be hooked and addicted. A life sentence for most of us. It is a given that it is just a short period of time before those that pursue wild turkeys become lifelong members of the Tenth Legion. If your fate has brought you to this place then my musings may ring true for you.
As a self-professed grumpy old turkey hunter, it has become evident in the seasons that have marched on and the many pairs of boots worn out, that unless you possess the rare skill of an ironclad memory you will at some point fail to remember the lesser details of times afield in the turkey woods. Remembering the highlights of many great hunts is something even us old turkey hunters do well enough. The exact places and times, weather, important events of the times, thoughts, things you notice while afield become harder to recollect as time marches on.
Turkey hunters, in general, can tell great stories as there is so much to recall and so many interactions to add to the depth of each story. Fishermen are well known for storytelling abilities, especially some whoppers of questionable origin. They have nothing on turkey hunters as we can spin tales for days on end. Never underestimate the value of time spent at the tailgate of a pickup truck, or at the local diner. The conversations, the stories are priceless in my opinion.
As an author and what I wish to share with each of you: I cannot recommend it strongly enough the value of capturing your days afield in any of the mediums available within a short period of time after the hunt or during your time at camp. Whether you have inklings of publishing your stories someday, posting to your friends on social media, or as a keepsake for yourself and your family, you can take it on good advice you will not regret capturing your experiences. If you are a poacher, maybe not so much. That aside, as the decades roll by, the value of this effort grows with each passing season. If you are at all like me, each season adds many days of grand experiences worthy of remembering, worthy of being captured as a keepsake.
You can improve every hunt you have had or ever will embark on with the use of a daily journal, a blog, a camera, even your smartphone. It has never been easier in my lifetime to capture the essentials of a great experience in the turkey woods. It is not a requirement to be a schooled writer, a professional photographer, recording engineer, or a movie director. A handwritten journal is something your family will cherish for generations. Although a handwritten journal is something more common from my generation, modern day office programs do the job well. The apps on your smartphone can also do much of that for you.
Along with capturing the moment, anyone who uses a daily journal will be quick to tell you how useful the daily capture of data, tidbits, observations that can be gone over later that reveal trends, little secrets which you can use to your full advantage in future seasons.
By utilizing easily accessible tools you can capture the little details that jog your memory, paint a picture as you saw it, as you experienced it. A smartphone is a tool that tends to be with you most of the time, and the one you can use at a given moment is a most useful tool. Some models take decent pictures, record video, and audio, and allows for note taking, even word processing. I do carry a professional camera for essential shots, even then the smartphone is a go to as it is easily accessed. I have in the past written entire stories, blog posts, even a movie trailer on my smartphone while on a plane or passenger in a truck on a road trip. I find it handy when my thoughts come together and capture them in the moment. Unlike my daughter, I do not possess the skill or have small enough fingers to be masterful of the smartphone interface for typing. If I could only master that tiny screen keyboard…
Take the time to take lots of pictures. Learn the basics of how to frame a good photo, set up proper exposure and focus points. Take notes as you go. Save them off on your home desktop or laptop, and back up the files. These captures are your digital keepsakes. Just as in shorthand, worry about making it perfect or the way you want later, Get it captured first and foremost.
Just as you direct your attention to display tail fans, beards, and spurs, you can go back and edit, and print your pictures, clean up your notes or fully write out your stories. If inclined as some might be, organize and edit your audio and video files. The ever growing use of social media promotes this to a large degree and the skills used in posting events are directly applicable in capturing your days afield.
The best hunts are those that you can remember well and as you add to those each and every season I am confident you’ll be glad that you took the time to write it down, type it out, photograph it, and or record it. Today is the day if you haven’t done so to write down any and all details from hunts of the past, gather photographs, and organize each of them. Your memory tomorrow may not be as sharp as it is today.
To the many memories made in the great turkey woods and to the many more great memories to be made in the seasons to come.
-MJ
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#turkeyhunting #oldturkeyhunter #wildturkey #turkeywoods #respect
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
Press Release- Grand Days in the Turkey Woods of Cortland
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 19, 2014
Grand Days in the Turkey Woods of Cortland
Joyner Outdoor Media Proudly Announces the Publication of Grand Days in the Turkey Woods, By Mike Joyner
Cortland, NEW YORK – Joyner Outdoor Media announces the publication of Grand Days In The Turkey Woods, by Mike Joyner
Book release event and book signing is scheduled for September 10th 2014, at the Cortland Beer Company from 5PM to 8PM. Hard and soft cover books will be available for sale and signing. Copies of his prior works will also be available at the event. There will be a reveal and tastings of ‘Fall Gobbler Ale’ custom brew by Cortland Beer courtesy of Joyner Outdoor Media.
In his third book, Grand Days in the Turkey Woods, acclaimed nature author and outdoorsman Mike Joyner continues on his journey in pursuit of the wild turkey. From preparation to the hunt, Joyner shares a first-hand account of each adventure in the turkey woods. Each chapter weaves personal experiences with tips and strategies for a successful hunt. Grand Days in the Turkey Woods will appeal to both the novice and experienced game hunter. A veteran hunter, Joyner brings the trials, tribulations, challenges, excitement, and thrill of each hunt as he travels America in search of the elusive prey. Each memorable hunt is documented with photographs and vivid descriptions, making this a must-read for those who love to hunt these magnificent birds.
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
http://joyneroutdoormedia.com/Joyner_PR081914.pdf
© 2014 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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
Gates of Forever Roost
While back at my office this afternoon working on building a successful technology company, I sometimes get a few moments to ponder things not so tech related. Setting up a computer or crunching design rule checks on a sensor or pcb layout, there are periods of waiting for the computer to do the tasks that it does best.
The morning routine today which happens to be mid war spring turkey season was a bit different. With the big storm that blew in last night, and out early morning I got to enjoy three luxurious hours of extra sleep. With no success the prior evening in roosting gobblers, I would opt to start the hunt mid-morning, and hoped that the later arrival in the turkey woods would coincide with the birds coming around and shaking off a bad night and of course start gobbling in earnest.
I would hook up with a long time hunting partner and go about the business of filling another New York spring season tag. We got in the woods before 9AM and the day had blossomed into a beautiful sunny day. As always we would chat about many things including recent events and what might be chewing at the back of our minds from time to time.
With my recent loss of my mother in-law in her battle with cancer, that conversation would be part of a slow progress along a big ridge. We would talk about who would handle our affairs when our time came, what was important to pass on and to whom. I would jokingly remark (in ways maybe more serious) that I would look out for him and his affairs but I would be teed off if he didn’t send at least another 100 gobblers to the “Gates of Forever Roost” before heading off to his own special place. Yes, even as mighty hunters we are painfully aware of our own fragile nature and mortality. That may come as a surprise to those who view us in a negative light for our love and passion of hunting.
In our quest each season, and as much as we love our great pastime, in practical terms, it’s about harvesting gobblers. From the bird’s point of view, not likely to be a favorable one. It is however our personal bond with the natural world that we come to appreciate it the way we do, and understand in a very deep and emotional way the cycle of things such as life and death. It is a perspective not gained by way of buying meat in a wrapped package at the grocery store.
One can be self-aware-close to their human existence, share the things that make us lifelong friends, and companions doing any number of favorite pastimes, activities. I would not claim what we do is better. For many of us, it is. I would submit to you, that despite the over the top marketing of hunting products, our sport of turkey hunting is not one of blood lust, or testosterone filled fantasies. It is in many ways closer to nature, and akin to the creations around us. As an outdoor writer I strive to bring my view of the turkey woods to print in such a way that you see as I do. I will flatly claim that I barely manage to bring a fraction of all the things I observe of my time in the turkey woods. In my quest to convey what I so love about turkey hunting, I can sometimes put you in the tree next to me, or at least cause you to remember a similar experience. In that I am sometimes successful, and will continue to hone my craft.
Today’s hunt was as relaxing as any meditation class one might take, and was as peaceful as my soul required today. We would hear gobbling untill almost noon, but they had plans other than granting ours. It was a morning of great friendship, great discussion of most serious matters, and as good a hunt that I had in recent memory.
I wish all of you days in the great turkey woods like the one I had today.
© 2014 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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
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