Another trip to New Mexico in the books. I was lucky enough to “tag out”. Birds were pretty vocal on the roost but didn’t say much after fly down. I was a little disappointed in the coloration of the first bird, I’ve killed Easterns with whiter tips than this one had. It was a very heavy bird, we didn’t have anything to weigh it with but I’d say it was one of the heaviest birds I’ve ever killed.

Dandy Merriams I guess

Nice 'uns!!!!

I'm jealous!

Congrats

Is N M better hunting than OK? Does a NM bird taste any different than other areas?

Congrats man. I don’t know why, but those NM birds were tough to kill for me. I’ve killed each time I’ve been, but you definitely work for them when it happens. First day in Montana is reminding me a lot of NM, lol.

Congrats

Nice!

Awesome ,Congratulations

Good hunt and mighty purdy country.
Public?

I wouldn’t say New Mexico is better hunting than Oklahoma, just different. It’s just neat to go places you don’t see everyday. As far as I can tell all wild turkey tastes about the same.

Definitely a lot of work, nothing easy about it. I have read countless articles about how Merriams are more vocal and easier to call than Easterns. I don’t think the birds in Lincoln National Forest have read those articles yet.

I just reread what you said about weight. I honestly didn’t think they got as big as they do. Guess they thrive during those winters.

Awesome country. I have been hunting off and on out West for 30 years now, either elk or turkey and absolutely love the high country. All public, National Forest.