Being born and raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Ive been fortunate to guide others on their quest for the prestigious Black Hills Merriams turkey, as well as personally chase after birds in the Hills and several units throughout the state.One thing most hunters dont know, our state offers opportunities to hunt several species of turkeys including Merriams, easterns, and Rios. Spring 2018 Turkey Hunt at Trophy Ridge LOOKING FOR TROPHY ARCHERY MULE DEER, I have 1 for Rifle and 2 for Archery, Semi Guided on 6000 acres of alfalfa, river bottom, Wheat, cover, 100% success with Hunting these birds all come with their own challenges, so if youre new to the area I suggest you fill up your truck with a full tank of gas, grab the binos, and get ready to put on the miles. Montana has an abundance of different habitat types in which you can find turkeys. Also, the higher pitch will carry further and you will be amazed at how far you will strike a gobble on a calm day., Take a closer look at Wyoming:WY Turkey Regs. You would then have 3 full days to hunt. It is a beautiful thick forest and turkeys use the logging roads as their highways to navigate this thick landscape. |. However, there are several areas of the state that are river valleys with open landscapes. Nevertheless, the large expanses of the West mean you have a chance to find pockets of birds that may have felt little or no hunting pressure. If hunters do not take a bird early in the mornings, then late afternoon and evenings can be a turkey hunters dream in this area. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Wheaton Creek has a thriving Merriam Turkey population. Its features include excellent conformation, high meat quality, natural fat layering, and beautiful bronze feathering. Yet, afternoon tactics can be some of the most effective hunting times. 100% opportunity, lodging and meals included. | Privacy Policy Top 5 Merriam's Turkey Hunting States By Steve Hickoff author of Turkey Blog with Steve Hickoff April 12, 2022 Where to go to tag your Western bird Some turkey hunters say Merriam's are easy. The rolling hills and pockets of timber hold elk, mule deer, whitetails, and antelope and as the coulees turn green with fresh grass we typically find birds moving off the river bottoms and up into the valleys and mountains. Females finish out at 23 lbs. These birds clearly found the habitat suitable for success as South Dakota now has well established turkey populations across much of the state. The thin mountain air made it seem like I should be able to hear every gobbling Merriams within a 50-mile radius. If you study the pictures, you will notice that all these areas have steep, rugged terrain. {{b}}**MINIMUM ORDER IS 10 TURKEYS - SHIPS SEPARATELY FROM OTHER TURKEYS**{{/b}}. Shockingly, three more toms raced to pounce on the fallen patriarch. and ships separately from other turkeys. That's fine. Homes listings include vacation homes, apartments, penthouses, luxury retreats, lake homes, ski chalets, villas, and many more lifestyle options. 12,717 spring turkey licenses were issued in 2020. We have a great population of true Merriam's turkey in our area and you can take 1 or 2 birds in the spring. {{/b}} When snow covers the landscape, they oftentimes depend on ranchers and farmers for handouts while these folks feed their livestock. For more about Mark Kayser and ways to follow him on social media, visit www.markkayser.com. Photos. Merriams are notorious for coming to the calls in gobbler packs and I overlooked that aspect on a past spring hunt with my daughter. Its the only place Ive ever turkey hunted where GLASSING plays a big role. Because of conditions beyond our control during incubation, we are unable to guarantee hatchability. This makes hunting them, at times, a physical challenge. You are using an out of date browser. Many clients tell us that the Merriam's here are the most beautiful birds they have ever seen. If youre interested in hunting South Dakota for Merriams, visit https://gfp.sd.gov/turkey for more information. You can hear them crank up at any time of the day to keep you on the track of a fanned, white-tipped trophy. Today, you will find some of the highest turkey population densities in this area of the state. or $100 for a dozen. Most of our turkeys are available to ship this summer. During this season, hunters are limited to one bearded turkey on an over-the-counter tag and one on a limited license (if they are able to acquire one). $2500 - 1 hunter per guide Many clients tell us that the Merriam's here are the most beautiful birds they have ever seen. You must log in or register to reply here. Subsequent trapping and relocating distributed turkeys through numerous sites in Montana.". Turkey densities seem to dwindle the further west you go in Wyoming with the entire western fifth of the state not even open to turkey hunting. If there is one mistake I find among novice hunters calling Merriams is that they give up too easily. New Mexico is a unique turkey state in that it boasts being home to at least three different subspecies: Merriams, Rios, hybrids, and Goulds. Hunters find turkeys in Idaho, boasting an approximate 50% success rate every season. The mature female weight at 20 weeks is 25 pounds, and the males will mature at about 45 pounds. 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