THPL Field Staff

Name: Joe Slaton

Location: Linden, CA

Turkey Hunting Experience: 28 Years

About: I am 49 years old, been married for 28 years and have 3 children. I have been turkey hunting for 28 years, killed 3 Grand Slams and a Royal slam of the wild turkey. I am also a 7 time turkey calling champion and 3 time CA state champion. I've killed turkeys in 15 different states and killed my 100th turkey last spring. I've taken all 3 of my children turkey hunting and all have killed turkeys. My 22 year old son is also an experienced turkey hunter and to date, has killed 37 turkeys. I have been taking him with me since he was 5. The only guided turkey hunt I’ve ever been on was my Goulds turkey hunt and I was pretty much the guide. I am the owner of Mother Lode Turkey Calls that I just started last year. I make my own mouth calls, pot calls, scratch boxes and push pins. I also dabble in taxidermy and mount turkeys for decoys. I have a domesticated game breeders license so that I am able to raise turkeys. Mostly for the decoys but I am always trying to learn more about turkeys and their vocabulary. I love introducing new hunters to the world of turkey hunting and have taken numerous new turkey hunters to kill their first gobbler. I have been a deacon at the First Baptist Church for 15 years and help lead the congregation as part of the worship team. I am a Mossy Oak camo prostaff and teach several turkey hunting seminars each spring and fall at the nearby Bass Pro Shop.

Occupation: Physical Therapist

Organizations: National Wild Turkey Federation

Advice For Novice Hunters: "Learn all you can about the Wild Turkey. The more you know about turkeys, the better off you will be."

Articles by Joe: Click Here

Contact Info: joeslaton@hotmail.com