As a long-time outdoor writer, my paths have crossed with many others in the same profession. Before outdoor writing organizations ceased to exist, my membership in the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) and the more regional group, the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA), were extremely valuable to me.
Not only was I able to learn from more experienced writers and broadcasters, the lifelong friendships that resulted were, to me, more important.
Although our annual conventions are now only memorable events of the past, I still get phone calls, text messages or rare visits from some of these special people. When I ponder over the list of some who have remained extra special to me, one name seems to have a way of working its way to the top.
Jim Spencer.
I know I’m not nor have I ever been what I consider in his class as far as accomplishments not only in the turkey woods but behind the keyboard of the computer. I can’t touch him or his level of passion in chasing, occasionally mastering and often being beaten by wild turkey gobblers. When it comes to sitting down and writing about turkey hunting exploits, I sit and marvel at his level of expertise at telling just what happened, why it happened, how he messed up or succeeded and just spilling his guts in ways only Jim can do.
While singing his praises to the heights, there is one fly in the ointment when it comes to just who this special guy is. That fly?
He lies. Oh, I don’t mean intentionally but I have caught him into telling at least half a dozen fibs that have been proven to be just that – outright lies.
I think the first time I caught him in a lie was after he wrote and published his book “Bad Birds” in 2010. He said “This will be the last turkey book I’ll ever write; I’m done”, or something like that. Well, guess what – in 2020, he wrote “Bad Birds 2”. Again, I heard the same comment about it being his last one. So what does he do in 2023 but come up with “Bad Birds 3”.
Since then, Spencer has come out with two or three more books about turkey hunting, proving that the man is absolutely obsessed by wild turkeys, and as much as he’d like to say he’s done with writing turkey books, he just can’t put a lid on it; he has to keep writing about these birds, although he is prone to lie and say it’s his last one. It’s like turkeys have control of his brain and just won’t let go.
Last week, I received a book in the mail, and it didn’t surprise me one bit to open the package, and there was the latest of Jim Spencer’s books, “A Turkey Runs Through It”. As much as I have enjoyed all his previous books about wild turkeys, this one may be my favorite. He pours his heart and soul into this one.
In the book’s Foreword, written by friend and fellow outdoor scribe, Jim Casada, I found this paragraph…”Spencer has sort of hinted that this might be his last book. Never mind that he’s a bit long in the tooth and gray of hackle, I doubt that’s the case.”
Interested in getting your hands on a copy of Spencer’s last (cough…cough) book, “A Turkey Runs Through It”, write to him at Treble Hook Unlimited, P.O. Box 758, Calico Rock, AR 72519. I have all of his previous books and like all the others, I can’t wait to be able to take a comfortable seat in sit in my recliner, cup of java at hand and this last book by the master of the printed word as well as a wild turkey junkie if I ever knew one.
If he says it’s his last one, don’t believe him. He lies. Frankly, I’m already looking forward to the next one, and the one after that.
Glynn Harris photo
FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE – Bass are fair around the grass early on topwaters. Later if you can stand the heat, they’re around deep drops. Soft plastics and cranks baits are working fair. Crappie are around the deeper tops and are hitting jigs and shiners. Bream are slow. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Crappie are deep and are fair on shiners or jigs. Some bass are being caught early on topwaters and not many anglers are trying it later because of the excessive heat. Fishing overall has slowed because of air and water temps being so warm. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Bass are fair on crank baits and soft plastics. Crappie are fair in the river lakes. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are overall slow but best on topwaters early. Crappie are in deep water in the channel and fair on jigs and shiners. The bream are slow. Catfish are fair on red wigglers and night crawlers fished just off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie are suspended around and above the thermocline where there is more oxygen. Bass are in the shallows early hitting topwaters. Not many are trying them later because of excessive heat. Night fishing is best now that the weather is turning hot. Bream are slow. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water level is still falling. Catfish are being caught on trotlines and buffalo caught in nets. Nobody is trying the crappie and bass because it’s too hot. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.