Re: South Dakota Merriams
[Re: Jc Fitzy]
#7255853
05/01/21 03:04 PM
05/01/21 03:04 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,751 Central, SD
Law Dog
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,751
Central, SD
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Been out to the Hills 3X was snowed out the first 2 times just got back worked birds both days it’s tough the hens are still in the trees here at night, they are sitting on nests in MO what a difference. I’m in the higher country so things are behind up there, the roads are a mess ruts in the snow packed trails with runoff flowing down the roads, some spots impassable. Did not see 10 hunters the first 2 trips just yesterday I seen TX, MN, MS, FL, MO hunters all looking for their Merriam birds, so pick a window before the fair weather hunters pile in or hunt lower elevations early. Seen a bunch of birds in the snow trips did not see many when it was nicer. Heading back tomorrow for a few days I have some located to work on if the weather holds, the trick is to get close in the AM before the hens fly down to work the gobblers once the hens fly down they will follow them. You want a true Merriam stay away from the towns or you could end up with a hybrid in some places. This looks to be a true Merriam.
Last edited by Law Dog; 05/02/21 08:30 AM.
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: South Dakota Merriams
[Re: Jc Fitzy]
#7255913
05/01/21 05:50 PM
05/01/21 05:50 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,751 Central, SD
Law Dog
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,751
Central, SD
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Prairie tags are different in some counties some of the bigger ones with public lands set a percentage aside for NR hunters, if not the leftovers are up for grabs to anyone in the later drawings.
The only thing you have a better chance of getting hybrids in the flatlands and Missouri River breaks, I read that we have 3 species of turkeys here in SD but in the farmlands hybrids are very common here. The true Merriam species are found in the Hills in places.
You decide to come out drop me a PM we will go over the options.
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: South Dakota Merriams
[Re: Jc Fitzy]
#7255947
05/01/21 07:01 PM
05/01/21 07:01 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,833 Michigan
Michigander
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Posts: 1,833
Michigan
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Law Dogs observations mirrored mine 2 weeks ago. We ran into hunters from Oregon, Iowa, Idaho, Mississippi, Louisiana and other Michiganders. On my flight back there was at least 15 other turkey hunters and it was still pretty early . There is plenty of land to escape pressure though. The jake population was very strong this year so next year there should be no shortage of toms around.
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Re: South Dakota Merriams
[Re: Jc Fitzy]
#7255958
05/01/21 07:19 PM
05/01/21 07:19 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,751 Central, SD
Law Dog
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trapper
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Posts: 34,751
Central, SD
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Yep seeing a lot of jakes they just need to make it through the winter, not sure how they survive that harsh winter weather.
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: South Dakota Merriams
[Re: Jc Fitzy]
#7256077
05/01/21 10:32 PM
05/01/21 10:32 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,751 Central, SD
Law Dog
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,751
Central, SD
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WI Eastern my buddy last year.
Last edited by Law Dog; 05/01/21 10:34 PM.
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: South Dakota Merriams
[Re: Jc Fitzy]
#7256208
05/02/21 08:48 AM
05/02/21 08:48 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,751 Central, SD
Law Dog
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trapper
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Posts: 34,751
Central, SD
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Thanks Lawdog .If you’re referring to the Black hills ,I’d have no problem going there if need be . Yes the Black Hills NF areas at the West end of the State that is where you find the true Merriam turkeys, fly into Rapid City rent what you can for a 4X4 and try to get good tires to get around it’s not a issue in the lower elevations but a game changer in the high country. Pulled out 2 guys that were stuck the night of that full moon they were stuck in some snow pack with a 4WD Suburban with highway tires that was high centered. Found them the next day the Toy pulled them right out no problem more about the tires then anything else really. That icy snow is like grease once your stuck into it rocks are your friends then for traction.
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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