Meet Our Turkey Hunting Expert Joy Elburn!
It's our pleasure to introduce Molly's Family member Joy Elburn, a valued employee of Molly's Place for the past 11 years. You may already recognize her friendly face from her time at the front desk, where she's been providing excellent service to our customers. At Molly's, she's affectionately known as Ms. Joy. She's not only an integral part of our team but also a passionate turkey hunter with over two decades of experience in the field. If you're curious to learn more about Ms.Joy's journey, her insights into turkey hunting, and her experiences, we invite you to click the link below to read the full interview to gain a deeper understanding of the world of these gobble creatures.
What interested you in Turkey Hunting?
I love turkey hunting the most because as the season open in the spring, the world is waking up and coming back to life. What I find even more enjoyable than hunting turkeys themselves is simply observing them in their natural habitat. There's a thrill in watching these magnificent birds as they go about their morning rituals. The excitement of having them close to you, the way they interact with each other, and the beauty of it all during a spring hunt is what makes it so special for me.
Interestingly, while turkey hunting is certainly a part of the experience, it's not always about the kill for me. Some seasons, I'm out there almost every day, soaking in the ambiance of the spring morning. However, I don't necessarily shoot a turkey every season. You see, I get so distracted in watching them, studying their behavior, and enjoying the moment that sometimes I forget to get ready to take a shot.
Do you have any advice for individuals new to turkey hunting? Are there specific pieces of equipment you'd recommend for them?
The most valuable advice I can offer is not to focus solely on bagging a big turkey. It's crucial to savor the overall experience rather than fixating on the big bird. Turkey hunting is a rich experience in itself; the array of sounds they produce, and their fascinating behaviors are a joy to observe. If you manage to take down a big one on your very first attempt, it might not truly capture the essence of the hunt. Taking your time and growing into the sport is often more rewarding because it grants you a deeper understanding of the hunt. Consistently shooting large birds can become boring.
In terms of equipment, my preference is to sit out in the open on the ground. I'm not particularly inclined toward blind hunting, and while I can manage basic calls, I don't consider myself an expert caller. I do use decoys occasionally to attract turkeys. Selecting the right clothing is crucial because turkeys have great hearing and eyesight, making them acutely aware of their surroundings. Patience is an absolute necessity in turkey hunting.
What is your favorite thing about being a part of Molly’s Family?
During my time here, what I've treasured the most is our customers. We often refer to them as part of Molly's Family, and that's exactly what they are. It's remarkable to witness their journeys, from watching their children grow to observing the transformations in their lives, whether it's on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Some customers become regulars, visiting us only during specific hunting or summer seasons, while others drop by just once a year. Being a part of a smaller business allows us to genuinely care about the customers who step into our store. On the days I'm behind the counter, I have the privilege of seeing familiar faces year after year.